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During the day, Xi'an, like all major cities, is bustling with traffic and crowds. But at night, the bustle subsides. As the crowds disperse, tense nerves begin to relax, and a relaxing nightlife begins. It's as if, as the sky darkens, the city transforms into the "Chang'an City" deeply enshrined in people's hearts.
Avoid the crowded and commercial atmosphere of popular attractions, take a different approach and tour Xi'an at night, where you can see a different scene at every step, and enjoy both delicious food and real experiences. I think you have never tried such a great experience.
Xi'an currently has four subway lines, most operating from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. In addition to the city's regular bus routes, the city has also launched a special "Night Tour of Intoxicating Xi'an" tourist shuttle bus.
For those who are traveling to Xi'an for the first time, you can take advantage of the night to change your travel route and experience the fun of a night tour!
A. Food and Culture Tour Line
A bus route specially designed for foodies, where you can check out Xi'an's special delicacies in one stop!
Departure time: 17:00-19:30 every day
Departure route: Starting from Xi'an Bus Station, Huimin Street - Yongning Gate - Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain - Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square - Dongxin Street Night Market - Xi'an Bus Station (Xi'an Railway Station)
B. Music and Culture Tour Line
This is a special line that allows you to enjoy the most beautiful night view of Xi'an along the way, and you can also go to a small bar to watch live performances by singers!
Departure time: 17:00-19:30 every day
Departure route: From Xi'an Bus Station, Yongxingfang - Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain - Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square - Yongning Gate - Che Guevara Bar - Xi'an Bus Station (Xi'an Railway Station)
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[Recommendation] This place is called "Oriental Vienna"
[Transportation] Take bus No. 22 or 41 to Dayan Pagoda South Square Station; take Metro Line 3 to Dayan Pagoda Station
Have you ever visited a city like this? Its architecture is magnificent, its markets bustling with activity, and its lights blaze like a melody of prosperity. This is Xi'an's Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps. A nighttime tour of this city begins at the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
The musical fountain in North Square is known as "Asia's largest matrix fountain." Here, you can stand at the foot of the millennial-looking Big Wild Goose Pagoda and witness the spectacular fountain soaring into the sky. The eight-tiered fountain array, with 1,024 nozzles, creates a dazzling display of color and beauty at night.
As night falls, we arrive at Xuanzang Square and Zhenguan Square, where we can witness the sculptures of Tang Dynasty heroes and experience the rich cultural atmosphere of Tang Buddhism. Looking back, we see the dazzling Shaanxi Grand Theatre and Xi'an Concert Hall, each resembling a palace of ancient charm.
Visitors flocked to the gate, snapping photos as young women in Hanfu glided past. I doubt there's another city in the world with such a beautiful scene! For those visiting from other parts of the city, be sure to visit the Tang Cultural and Creative Center on the side of the square. They sell a variety of Tang Dynasty cultural tourism and creative products, as well as hundreds of exclusive Xi'an Year, Most Chinese products. Each exquisite and adorable item is sure to captivate you. The city that never sleeps, steeped in Tang Dynasty style, is a place you won't want to leave, a spectacle that will amaze the world!
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[Recommendation] The luxurious gardens where the Tang Dynasty royal family enjoyed their vacations and entertainment
[Transportation] Take bus No. 5, 19, 21, 22, etc. to Datang Paradise Station or Datang Paradise West Gate Station. Take subway Line 4 to Datang Paradise Station.
"In the Hibiscus Garden, the Purple Cloud Tower overlooks the lotus pond and leans against a hill. Here, the beautiful lady is worshipped on Zhian, and the Tang Emperor holds a banquet on Pingzhou on Double Ninth Festival."
In this largest imitation Tang Dynasty royal architectural complex in China, there are many ancient buildings such as Ziyun Tower, Ladies' Hall, Imperial Banquet Palace, Xingyuan, Fanglin Garden, etc. The stories of Qujiang Liuyin and Xingyuan Guanyan seem to have traveled through thousands of years and reappeared before the eyes of tourists.
Every evening in Furong Garden, a live performance of "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty" is performed on time, featuring the beautiful singing and dancing of Emperor Minghuang of Tang and Yang Guifei, the majestic Tang officials, the celestially beautiful concubines and ladies... The performance vividly recreates the magnificent scene of the great Tang Dynasty with singing and dancing, and the tributes from all nations.
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ăReasons to check inăSee the night scene in the center of Xi'an
[Transportation] Take bus No. 1, 12, 15, 203, 205, etc. to Zhonglou Station, or take subway Line 2 to Zhonglou Station
The heart of Xi'an lies at the Bell and Drum Tower. Climb atop the tower and experience the four main streets of Xi'an, east, west, south, and north, from all four angles, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city. With its three-story structure and gilded glazed tile roof, the Bell Tower at night exudes a grandeur unlike that of the day. Illuminated by lights, its carved beams and painted pillars appear three-dimensional and transparent, a majestic yet refined presence.
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[Recommendation] One-stop Xi'an cuisine
[Transportation] Take bus No. 32 or 502 to Shangqin Road Station, or take subway Line 1 to Chaoyangmen
If you're a foodie who loves to explore diverse cuisines, don't wander the crowded Muslim Quarter! Head to Yongxingfang in Xi'an to savor time-honored Chinese delicacies beneath the ancient city walls and experience a "one-stop Xi'an dining experience" feast.
While the popular Douyin (TikTok) video of Yongxingfang's bowl-smashing wine has become popular, there are actually many other authentic local snacks hidden here. Don't worry about which one is the best or the worst; the ones with the longest lines are guaranteed to be delicious! Yongxingfang is even more lively at night than during the day, and the owners even serve up their secret recipes, just in case you don't have a good appetite and don't feel full, hahaha! After a hearty meal, enjoy a bowl of hearty bowl-smashing wine, which will surely make you feel incredibly happy!
Tips:
Top 5 Yongxingfang Restaurants
Lao Tongguan Roujiamo
biangbiang noodles
Honey Osmanthus Jelly
Qinzhen Rice Noodles
Spicy Garlic Lamb Blood
Super authentic red willow barbecue
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ăReasons to check inăThe Royal Garden of the Tang Dynasty
[Transportation] Take bus No. 22, 224, 212, or 504 to Qujiangchi Dispatching Station, or take Metro Line 4 to Qujiangchi West
One of the most famous attractions in the Tang Dynasty city of Chang'an is Qujiang River. This body of water, located in the southeast corner of the city, is named for its winding course. During the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, Qujiang was a picturesque place. It's said that during the Shangsi and Double Ninth Festivals, Qujiang was bustling with tourists, men and women, and poets and composers, creating a truly romantic scene.
Today, Qujiang Lake is one of the most beautiful places for night view in Xi'an. When the lights come on, it is magnificent and dazzling. You can sit on the ground and chat with friends, or take a leisurely stroll in the park and enjoy the Qinqiang and shadow puppetry performances by veteran artists... The rich cultural atmosphere makes people feel trance-like, as if traveling through time and space and dreaming back to the Tang Dynasty.
The renowned W Hotel, the seventh in a series of openings worldwide, is also located on the shores of Qujiang Lake. Hailed as Asia's largest, most beautiful, and most prestigious luxury hotel, netizens jokingly call it "the most W-like W Hotel."
The W Hotel Xi'an is incredibly dazzling at night. It's said the designer wanted to recreate the splendor of Tang Dynasty Chang'an through the lens of the W! Needless to say, it's breathtakingly beautiful!
Both Zui Chang'an locations are near the Bell Tower. The main branch is located in Shuyuanmen, a historic street steeped in scholarly traditions. It specializes in study items and antique jade. Though tucked away in a rather unassuming location, this shop exudes a sense of pride amidst the vibrant foodie world.
Their signature dishes are Shaanxi's most famous gourd chicken and the traditional Chang'an bangbang pork. The tender, glutinous pig intestines, paired with slices of raw garlic, are incredibly pungent and satisfying! I doubt you'll find anything like this outside of Xi'an. I also recommend trying their squirrel fish, Chang'an thick wine, and jujube paste.
Tips:
Price: 60-80 yuan/person
Address: The main store is located at No. 56 Shuyuanmen
Tongshengxiang was founded in 1920. As one of the time-honored Chinese brands in Xi'an, Tongshengxiang carries the memories of Pao Mo for generations.
There are countless Pao Mo in the world, but this one is the real deal! Tong Shengxiang's Pao Mo is known to everyone. The broth is rich and flavorful, the meat is tender and the broth is thick, the pancakes are chewy and smooth, and the side dishes are refreshing and fragrant. Freshly served Pao Mo should be eaten with pickled garlic, chili sauce, and side dishes (note!).
The most authentic way for locals to eat it is to break the steamed bun into pieces the size of soybeans, which requires some skill. Then pick up the chopsticks, slurp the soft and flexible vermicelli, take a sip of soup and a bite of steamed bun. This is the delicacy of the world!
Tips:
Price: 20-30 yuan/person
Address: No. 5 Xidajie, Lianhu District, Xi'an, next to the Drum Tower
Xi'an Restaurant has a long history. From the very beginning, there has been a folk song singing "East bells and west drums, blue dragon and white tiger, coriander hot soup, Xi'an Restaurant" ~ Even the name of the restaurant was written by the master Mr. Guo Moruo!
Today, this restaurant has a new label - a new internet celebrity. That's because Xi'an Restaurant keeps up with fashion trends and has improved and innovated many classic Shaanxi dishes.
The most famous dish here is the gourd chicken. While every Shaanxi restaurant has a gourd chicken, the one at Xi'an Restaurant is exceptional! Deboned and stuffed, the chicken thigh is even filled with mushrooms and diced pork. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the insideâit's absolutely mouthwatering!
I also recommend friends who are visiting Xi'an for the first time to try the interesting and delicious creative dishes, such as the tea-flavored wheat rice and cigar crisps, which are really highly praised.
Tips:
Price: 80-90 yuan/person
Address: Southwest corner of Qingsong Road intersection, Zhuque Street, Xi'an
Ever since Xi'an's brush-fried pastries became a national sensation, the Chang'an food stalls have been packed daily. If you line up at 10 a.m., you'll have to wait until 3 or 4 p.m. to get your meal. So, as a local foodie, I recommend avoiding the Chang'an food stalls and heading up a notch to the Gujin Chang'an Old Teahouse!
The famous brush pastry, mahjong thirteen Yao, etc. are all his original creations. They look lifelike, with exquisite workmanship and solid ingredients. They are delicious. Of course, the best thing about this store is the environment. The waiter at the door shouts to welcome customers warmly. The decoration style of the small bridge and flowing water is simple and peaceful. There are also special shadow puppet shows performed on the stage. It really deserves five-star praise!
Tips:
Price: 70-90 yuan/person
Address: 7th Floor, SEG International Shopping Center, Xi'an
"Dream of Chang'an - The Welcoming Ceremony of the Tang Dynasty" is the only tourism cultural performance in the world with the theme of the etiquette culture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and it is also the only state-level welcoming performance in China!
For those visiting Xi'an, be sure to take time out to experience this welcoming ceremony at night. The performance blends the history of this ancient capital of 13 dynasties with the customs and cultures of the various ethnic groups along the Silk Road. It's majestic and impressive, truly the "world's finest ceremony"!
Tips:
Performance location: Xi'an City Wall South Gate Cultural Etiquette Square
Performance time: Tuesday to Sunday, 20:00-21:00
Ticket sales location: Ticket sales office for the "Dream of Chang'an" performance at the North Exit of South Gate and South Gate Cultural Etiquette Square
Defu Lane is the heart of Xi'an's nightlife. Although it's a bar street, it's not overly noisy or bustling. The 300-meter-long alley is lined with pubs and coffee shops, and there are so many beautiful and handsome girls and boys. Only after visiting here will you discover the wonderful nightlife of Xi'an, which is really enviable in many other places.
Founded in 2015, Midie Livehouse is located at No. 1 Defu Lane. It is the ideal "utopia" in the hearts of Xi'an rock fans. If you have the opportunity, remember to come and see a live performance. I believe you will not be disappointed.
Tips:
Address: No. 1 Defu Lane, Xi'an
Opening hours: Evening to early morning
Fire pit bars are popular in Lijiang, Yunnan, and this small bar originated from faraway Yunnan. Friends who have seen Da Bing's "Be Good, Pat Your Head" may be familiar with the story of "That's Lijiang".
This is a deeply moving true love story. The heroine in the story passed away due to illness many years ago. To commemorate her and their unforgettable love, her boyfriend built an exact replica of Da Bing's cottage in Xi'an, her hometown. The girl is called Dou Dou and the boy is called Da Shu.
Now it is the Lijiang Fire Pond, quietly hidden in Shuncheng Lane beside the city wall. When it is late at night and everyone is asleep, wandering singers sing folk songs. You can order a glass of plum wine or a cup of warm milk tea, and your tired soul can probably find temporary peace here.
Tips:
Address: No. 3 Shuncheng South Road, Xi'an
Opening hours: 13:00 - 23:00
The English name of "Niwowo" is nearwall, which is both a homonym of the English word and a distinctive name for the "cave dwelling" in northern Shaanxi. There is a group of young people at the foot of the ancient city wall of Xi'an. They brewed a magical drink that you will love once you try it!
This is Niwowoâs âXianmaiâ beer~ Two years ago, independent musician Zhao Lei came to Xiâan for a tour, and secretly ran to Niwowo to drink and listen to songs. Unexpectedly, the resident singer that night happened to sing âChengduâ, and Lei Zi suddenly came on stage to sing a song together. This scene was really a surprise!
Tips:
Address: West Section of Shuncheng South Road, Xi'an (Xiangzimen Youth Hostel)
Opening hours: Evening to early morning
If you don't know Guangquan, then you don't understand Xi'an independent music! From folk to rock, from electronic music to metal, in the early days when livehouses were scarce, Guangquan Club was the must-go venue for all bands and independent musicians visiting Xi'an.
The performance venue is located underground, and the walls on both sides of the staircase are covered with posters of various music performances. Fans of independent music will definitely find what they love. Dazzling lights, beautiful sound, and a stage that feels like a seamless distance â in this small space, fully enjoy the wonderful feeling that music brings us.
Tips:
Address: Horse Drinking Pond, Juhua Garden, East Street, Xi'an
Opening hours: Evening to early morning
MAO, a livehouse cinema chain spread across first-tier cities across the country, has finally arrived in Xi'an!
Hailed by music fans as "China's No. 1 Live Music Venue," MAO is a secret favorite of mine. MAO Livehouse has hosted bands like Caodong, Mourning Worship, Xie Tianxiao, Ershoumeigui, Houhai Great Sharks, Wanqing, Hanggai, and Wangwen. The opening night at the Xi'an venue featured Ershoumeigui's 2018 "I Want to Bloom" tour, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric! Indie music fans, come and join me in Xi'an for a performance!
Tips:
Address: 1st Floor, South Street, Creative Valley Plaza, East Yanxiang Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an
Opening hours: Evening to early morning
People say, "At night, it's Chang'an." Today, Xi'an boasts an ancient city, skyscrapers, history, and modern trends; it boasts bustling traffic during the day and vibrant lights at night.
The spring breeze is blowing and the horses are galloping. You can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day. I am waiting for you to come and take a night tour of Xi'an together. Let's fall in love with every beautiful night when it is late and quiet, and fall in love with this old capital and new city.
