Solo Travel – Wandering Ancient Xi'an

Solo Travel

Come to Xi'an. Let's dream back to the Tang Dynasty together.

Hi, I'm Aman, a travel enthusiast. Today I'm sharing my Xi'an travel guide.

Xi'an by day, Chang'an by night. Before I came to Xi'an, I often heard people describe this ancient city that way. After arriving, I found the phrase truly fitting. So, at night, you must wander the streets and alleys of Chang'an.

Travel duration: 4 days

Total cost: 3000 RMB

One suitcase, one camera, and a spur-of-the-moment journey—enjoying my alone time.

There are still so many places we haven't been, so many things we haven't done, so many people we haven't met. We think that one day we'll be able to go, to do, to meet. But in fact, what we often end up with is—can't go, can't do, can't meet. So, every trip, I feel, needs no grand reason. Just set off. On the road, you'll gain so much!

This wasn't a long-planned carnival, just a spontaneous escape.

Solo travel is a bit lonely, but so free. No need to consider anyone else's feelings. It's wonderful.

There are too many things in life we can't control, but I still want to be good to myself.

Desperate love is such a luxury, so I only have spur-of-the-moment journeys.

What the heart yearns for, it will eventually reach.

Though I'm still single,

I believe I'll meet my other half someday.

Two years ago, Xi'an was insanely popular. When friends heard I was going to Xi'an, they'd say, 'Quick, go smash bowls!' or 'You have to eat the calligraphy brushes!'—all thanks to short-video poisoning. So my first impression of Xi'an was: a city that went viral from bowl smashing. So, without further ado, let's hit the road.

Chengdu to Xi'an by plane, just over 300 RMB! (Pretty cheap!)

One perk of solo travel is that you can stop and go as you please—depending on the weather, your mood. When it's hot, you can rest in your homestay; when you're hungry, you can head straight to the food street.

In Xi'an, the wind carries culture, and the ground you walk on is history. So sometimes, wearing earphones and listening to your favorite songs while strolling through the ancient city is really pleasant.

Initially, I planned a solo trip around the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. Xi'an wasn't on the itinerary. Choosing Xi'an was kind of accidental. (Actually, I often travel solo.)

Transportation: Xi'an's buses and metro are very convenient. Add the Xi'an electronic metro card on your Alipay card pack, scan the QR code when boarding, and you're all set.

Photography: I brought a Canon 6D2 with a 24-105mm lens (felt that lens wasn't quite right for Xi'an—too heavy, should have brought a prime lens).

For accommodation, I suggest staying between the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Xi'an's prices are reasonable, so picking a homestay or hotel at 300-400 RMB per night is very comfortable.

Both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower require tickets to climb. They offer views of Chang'an, and the night scenery is especially beautiful. I didn't go up—I found just admiring them from below beautiful enough. They're iconic Xi'an landmarks. When the lights come on at night, they're stunning.

For a new destination, everyone has different interests. For me, I still want to learn about the local culture and history. I'm most curious about how locals live, so I mostly wandered back streets and alleys. I didn't actually visit many scenic spots.

Though I'd read a lot about this city's history before coming, I didn't do much attraction-specific planning. Before departure, I only had two images in mind: first, tracing Tang Dynasty Chang'an's past and present based on my research; second, cycling aimlessly through the city's streets. I told myself, if I fulfill these two, the trip's goal is met—everything else is a bonus. Probably because I set expectations so low, I ended up receiving many bonuses. Besides those preconceived images, the streets and markets I passed, the random sights while aimlessly cycling, historical tidbits stumbled upon around corners, and a casual chat with an elderly stranger deep in an alley—so many moments filled me with unexpected joy and left lasting memories.

Attraction: Muslim Quarter

Introduction: Muslim Quarter, a must-visit in Xi'an. A food paradise made up of many interconnected streets: Huimin Street, Dapiyuan, Xiyangshi, Huajue Alley, Guangji North Street, Beiyuanmen. The roads are long—you can explore to your heart's content.

The food on Huimin Street is just average. The real gems are in the smaller alleys behind it. I tried Yangrou Paomo (crumbled bread in lamb soup), Sufeng, and assorted cold vegetable platters.

The street is packed. Huimin Street is all about eating and drinking, with crowds everywhere.

Every city has its loneliness. Xi'an's loneliness becomes especially profound at nightfall, when the crowds disperse and you stand alone atop the ancient city wall.

Yet, one moment it's ancient capital, history, and heaviness; the next, crossing through the city, it becomes punk, fashion, and rock. The late-night revelry at the city gate archways—that's the fusion of Xi'an's ancient and modern spirit.

Rather than cycling atop the wall as most do, I feel walking along its base lets you feel Xi'an's local life more. And compared to the daytime cycling's lively street scenes, the wall's illuminated lights at night give a more surreal sense of traveling through history and reality, making the city even more distinctive. Recommended cycling section: Yongning Gate to Yongxing Square.

Xi'an is a city of "serendipitous encounters." Give yourself a purposeless street wander—forget landmarks, forget check-ins, forget guides. An unknown alley, an unexpectedly wonderful shop, a forgotten relic—each can delight you.

Attraction: Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Da Ci'en Temple)

Introduction: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is inside Da Ci'en Temple, built by Emperor Li Zhi to commemorate his mother's kindness.

The pagoda has seven stories, equivalent to a 21-story building in height, so I didn't climb it.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a must-see in Xi'an, very famous.

Attraction: Yongxing Square

Introduction: No need to explain—it went viral on short-video platforms. The bowl-smashing wine and calligraphy-brush pastries you love are here. This street was unknown even to locals before, but those videos made it famous. Now it's not as hot. I didn't find it that interesting—just stopped by for a quick photo.

Attraction: Xi'an Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Introduction: Very close to the museum. After entering the museum, you can follow signs straight to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Free admission.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is too famous; many overlook the Small one. But it's really worth visiting—few people, a leisurely atmosphere, and it felt more peaceful than the Big Pagoda. I loved it.

Immersed in street food delights.

Introduction: Rip the bread yourself and eat it—truly experience your own labor. Coming to Xi'an without trying Yangrou Paomo is a wasted trip.

Reference: 28 RMB/bowl.

I went to Yizhen Lou—great taste.

Introduction: Tastes better than Beijing's Arctic Ocean soda. Reminiscent of Fanta but with a more Chinese feel. Xi'an locals' favorite drink.

Reference: 5 RMB/bottle.

Southeast Asian-style Zeng Gao (sticky rice cake)

Introduction: Moderately sweet, soft and chewy with a nice bite, like a date-filled zongzi. One wasn't enough—had another. Absolutely delicious. (This was Sun Li's favorite snack in the drama "The Story of Minglan" or "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Not sure, original says "那年花开月正圆里孙俪最爱吃的就是这个" which is "Nothing Gold Can Stay".)

Reference: 5 RMB/piece.

Sheng Zhiwang Liang Pi (cold skin noodles): My rating: 5/5. Loaded with sesame paste and chili oil, one bite and it's the flavor I love. Reference: 7 RMB/serving.

Grandma Hua's Sour Plum Drink: My rating: 5/5. Reason: On a scorching summer day, a cup is so refreshing. I went back three times. Reference: 6 RMB/cup.

Checking in at Xi'an's liveliest landmark (Saga International Shopping Center)

Experience Xi'an's metro.

A internet-famous restaurant that relies on looks but wins on taste.

Chang'an Da Pai Dang is incredibly popular. Many come just for the calligraphy-brush pastries.

—"Ambience":

Strong immersion in ancient Chinese decor, feeling as if you've traveled back in time.

During meals, various performances are staged: shadow puppetry, group dances, kung fu tea ceremonies, etc.

"Recommended dishes":

1: Guanzhong Six Small Bowls (assorted specialty snacks).

2: Calligraphy Brush Pastry (looks great in photos; in my opinion, tastes just okay).

3: Consort's Smile (lychee-shaped, crispy outer shell, shrimp balls inside with cashew nuts).

4: Fermented Rice Ice Cream (rice wine flavored ice cream with mango and dragon fruit—fresh sensation).

5: Mahjong Thirteen Orphans, Roujiamo (meat burger), and Bingfeng soda are also great.

Nice atmosphere, high food presentation, taste is decent. Dishes are representative of Shaanxi, generous portions, affordable. Highly recommended.

Overall, the food is full of pleasant surprises—tasty, photogenic, fun. After eating, you can browse the mall.

Restaurant name: Xi'an Chang'an Da Pai Dang (Saga Flagship Store)

Address: 6F, Saga International Shopping Center, Xiaozhai East Road.

Transport: Metro Line 2/3 Xiaozhai Station, Exit D northeast, 300m walk.

Business hours: 10:00–22:00.

Accommodation balcony view

A favorite shot

Vehicles speeding past the Bell Tower, like time flying—a thousand years in a blink. A chance encounter with a warm song. Chance encounters with people in the streets.

The Bell Tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty.

Everyone has their own Xi'an. It might be the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum; the perilous Mount Hua; the weighty Ming Dynasty city walls; the Bell Tower announced on time-lapse videos daily; the viral bowl-smashing wine; or the national hub city that's aggressively attracted 700,000 newcomers since 2017. For me, it's the bustling Chang'an of a thousand years ago. Coming here for a few days is less tourism, more dream-seeking—a dream of the Tang Dynasty.

The archery tower on Yongning Gate. Allegedly, the original was destroyed during the Xi'an Defense Battle (also called "Two Tigers Defend Chang'an"). What we see now is a modern reconstruction.

In Xi'an, every piece of land you step on is history (a bit of an exaggeration). But as the capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi'an truly is a city where you can stumble upon history everywhere!

34 degrees north latitude, stepping into Yuanjiacun Guanzhong Impression Experience Village

This is a legendary village. Many come for its 300-plus food stalls, all non-repetitive, claiming you can taste every Guanzhong snack here.

And every shop in the village sources ingredients collectively through the village company, ensuring consistent quality for decades, so you can eat with peace of mind.

The food in Yuanjiacun is simply amazing. So delicious.

Call it a mini Wuzhen. Besides famous food, the guesthouses are also great. I recommend a one-day self-guided trip and staying overnight.

The guesthouses are very peaceful and cozy. There are many small shops to explore, all with distinctive character, where you can bring back meaningful souvenirs.

Yuanjiacun overall has a Jiangnan (Yangtze River Delta) charm. The village's location is unique, blending scenery with mountains and water.

Yuanjiacun is a treasure village: eat, wander, and stay in a folk village. Truly fantastic. Bring your friends and check it out.

A paragraph I noticed when sending postcards, so I snapped a photo.

1: Hand-rolled Oil-splashed Noodles (with spinach, minced meat, carrots, bean sprouts—like mixed noodles, very chewy and tasty)

2: Yuanjiacun Yogurt (must-try)

3: Potato Ciba (delicious)

4: Lotus Root Starch Jelly (texture like beef tendon liangpi, but different flavor—sour and spicy, refreshing, good)

5: Vermicelli Soup with Sheep Blood (authentic sheep blood, chewy tofu, with glass noodles—simply perfect)

Too much good food to list—go and try for yourself. "Eat through Yuanjiacun with 100 RMB."

Location: Yuanjiacun Guanzhong Folk Experience Village, Liquan County, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province.

Transport: About an hour's drive from downtown Xi'an. There's a parking lot, no entrance ticket, just walk in.

It's a folk village focused on food.

Every trip's end signals the start of a new journey.

For me, the longest journey is life.

From this perspective, I'm always on the road,

never knowing when or where counts as a starting point, nor what lies ahead on the path.

So this isn't the end~

Xi'an city transport: self-drive or metro.

For daily metro travel, get a metro code and bus card on Alipay for scanning.

Accommodation recommendation: near Bell Tower or Big Wild Goose Pagoda (close to attractions, convenient for night views).

Near Saga Square: (many malls, lots of food, many homestays).

1: Muslim Quarter (Introduction: Muslim Quarter, a must-visit in Xi'an. A food paradise made up of many interconnected streets: Huimin Street, Dapiyuan, Xiyangshi, Huajue Alley, Guangji North Street, Beiyuanmen. Roads are long—explore to your heart's content. The food on Huimin Street is just average; the real gems are in the smaller alleys behind it.)

2: Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Da Ci'en Temple) Introduction: Inside Da Ci'en Temple, built by Emperor Li Zhi to commemorate his mother's kindness. Seven stories high, equivalent to a 21-story building. A must-see in Xi'an, very famous. Recommendation: At night, watch the musical fountain show—scheduled times.

3: Yongxing Square (Introduction: No need to explain—it went viral on short-video platforms. The bowl-smashing wine and calligraphy-brush pastries you love are here. This street was unknown even to locals before, but those videos made it famous. Now not as hot. I didn't find it that interesting—just stopped by for a quick photo.)

4: Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda Introduction: Very close to the museum. After entering the museum, follow signs straight to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Free admission. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is too famous; many overlook the Small one. But it's really worth visiting—few people, leisurely atmosphere, felt more peaceful than the Big Pagoda. I loved it.)

5: Bell Tower/Drum Tower/Yongning Gate. (The Bell Tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty. Both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower require tickets to climb. They offer views of Chang'an, and the night scenery is especially beautiful. I didn't go up—just admiring from below was beautiful enough. They're iconic Xi'an landmarks. Especially when the lights come on at night, they're stunning.)

In Xi'an, every land you step on is history. As the capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi'an truly is a city where you can stumble upon history everywhere!

Roujiamo, Liangpi, pomegranate juice (summer favorite), red-label skewers (beef, lamb, pork—usually lamb is better), Yangrou Paomo, the iconic biangbiang noodles (must-try, character is too complex to type, you'll see it everywhere in the Muslim Quarter), Bingfeng soda, Zeng Gao, sour plum drink, Chang'an Da Pai Dang, fried dough twists, persimmon cakes, mung bean cakes, etc. Choose based on your taste.

If you have extra time, I recommend visiting Yuanjiacun in Xianyang. You can plan your route according to your travel style. Follow me—I'll share travel guides from time to time. See you next time. 88

Xi'an travel | Xi'an food | Xi'an surrounding trips | Xi'an great nearby destinations | Xi'an restaurant reviews | Xi'an internet-famous restaurants | Ancient Xi'an Charm

Because I was traveling solo, I didn't fully explore Xi'an. Many attractions were left unseen. Leaving some regrets for next time.

I hope my travel diary helps you. Any questions, you can contact the author @Aman the Traveler

Travel diary contents: 1. Foreword 2. Rambles 3. Muslim Quarter 4. Xi'an attractions 5. Xi'an food 6. Check-in at Xi'an's liveliest landmark - Saga International Shopping Center 7. Fantastic night views 8. Yongning Gate 9. Xianyang - exploring Guanzhong ancient town Yuanjiacun 10. Xi'an night scenes 11. Travel info by Aman ~ Hotels index, Guides index, Flights index, Website navigation, Travel index, Cruises index, Business travel index, Affiliates, Distribution partnership, Friendly links, Corporate gift cards, Insurance agents, Cooperative agents, Hotel partnerships, Destination & attraction partnerships, More about Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip highlights, Contact us, Careers, User agreement, Privacy policy, Business license, Security center, Ctrip content center, Intellectual property, Trip.com Group, Algorithm disclosure