A Xi'an Getaway for May Day: A Local's Guide

Freshly back from Xi'an, a friend has compiled this guide to help you experience the charm of this ancient capital.

🗺️ A Four-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: First Encounter with Chang'an
• Afternoon Arrival: Check in to your hotel and head to Sajinqiao (Lao Majia Rou Jia Mo is highly recommended).
• Evening: Listen to the evening drums at the Drum Tower (bianzhong performance at 6 p.m.).
• As Night Falls: Capture the Bell Tower at night (the fifth-floor viewing platform at Kaiyuan Shopping Mall offers the best view).

DAY 2: Elegance of the Tang Dynasty
• Morning Exploration: Shaanxi History Museum (reservations for the 10 a.m. entry are recommended).
• Afternoon Tranquility: Take a photo with the Xuanzang statue at the south square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (side backlighting adds a touch of solemnity).
• Evening Charm: Stroll through the Grand Tang Mall (arrive before 7 p.m. to watch the lights gradually illuminate).

DAY 3: Legacy of the Qin Dynasty
• Morning Antiquities: Terracotta Army (fewer crowds when it opens at 8:30 a.m.).
• Afternoon Entertainment: "The 12.12" live-action show at Huaqing Palace (a more engaging experience than the usual route).
• Night Spectacle: The Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance (seats in mid-section A offer the best viewing experience).

DAY 4: Literary Chang'an
• Stele Forest Exploration: Join a free guided tour (daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.).
• Shuyuanmen Treasure Hunt: Experience handmade paper-cutting and rubbing from stone tablets (look for the time-honored shop next to Yu Youren's Former Residence).

🏡 Accommodation Tips
▫️ Around the Bell and Drum Towers: Yixi Hostel (renovated from a Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard) is recommended.
▫️ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area: The Westin Xi'an provides direct access to the Grand Tang Mall pedestrian walkway.
▫️ Qujiang Family Fun: Furongge Hotel (includes free children's Hanfu experience).
▫️ North Railway Station Transit: JI Hotel (8-minute walk to the high-speed rail entrance).

🚌 Transportation Reminders
• Airport to City Center: Take Line 14 to North Railway Station and transfer to Line 2 (¥7 total).
• City Transportation: Get a Changan Tong E-Card on Alipay for subway access.
• Bike Sharing Tip: Retro Ding Ding bikes are recommended within the city walls.

🍜 Food Recommendations
▫️ No. 13 Shaanxi Restaurant on Fen Lane: Hulu Chicken with sweet osmanthus wine (half portions available).
▫️ Lao Li Jia Biang Biang Noodles: Classic combo of chili oil and Bingfeng soda.
▫️ Yu Ze Gai Jiao Mian: Double Pepper Chicken Noodles with sweet garlic (expect lines after 2 p.m.).
▫️ Ma Bo Kao Rou: Grilled beef kidney with hawthorn soup to cut through the richness (minimum order of 20 skewers).

💡 Five Important Notes
1️⃣ Shaanxi History Museum Reservations: Book tickets three days in advance on the official WeChat account (tickets released at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. daily).
2️⃣ Song of Everlasting Sorrow Seating: Prioritize center seats; east and west sections have partially obstructed views.
3️⃣ City Wall Cycling: Rent bikes from Yongning Gate (newer bikes available).
4️⃣ Muslim Quarter Purchases: Opt for freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from vendors who cut and squeeze on the spot.
5️⃣ Holiday Crowds: Performance times at the Grand Tang Mall may be adjusted due to large crowds.