Just got back from Xi'an, here are some hard truths

📸 Hey! Just returned from Xi'an with a fresh travel guide! This ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, nestled in the Guanzhong Plain, turns into a steamer in summer, but its charm is undeniable—the aroma of roujiamo wafts by the city walls, Hanfu-clad girls twirl near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and even subway construction occasionally unearths ancient tombs (seriously!). Below is my walking diary, complete with hard-earned tips + must-eat list!

🏰 3-Day Walking Itinerary (20,000 steps/day warning)
Day 1: Time Travel to the Tang Dynasty
🌅 7:30 AM: Rush to Shaanxi History Museum (free! but reservations are competitive). The gilded agate cup with beast-shaped head is breathtaking! Hire a guide, or everything will just look like "old relics."
🍜 Noon: Head straight to Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo. Crispy bun, savory meat, paired with Bingfeng soda—carb heaven!
🌇 Evening: Climb Xi'an City Wall (¥54 ticket), rent a bike to chase the sunset on this 600-year-old wall. Yongning Gate is perfect for photos!
🌃 Night: Immerse yourself in the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City (free!). Light shows + "Doll Lady" performances—wear Hanfu for epic shots!

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors Sunburn Warning
☀️ 7:00 AM: Take Metro Line 9 to the Terracotta Army (¥120 ticket). Pit No. 1 will give you chills! But the midday sun is brutal—bring a mini fan!
🍲 Noon: Eat Wei Family Liangpi outside the site. Their spicy, sour cold noodles are a lifesaver!
🌄 Afternoon: Escape to Huaqing Palace for the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" show (from ¥268). Lishan Mountain nightscape + water stage—the scene of Imperial Concubine Yang bathing is stunning!

Day 3: Local Flavor Day
🌯 6:00 AM: Visit Xiaonanmen Morning Market. Try youcha mahua + jiangshui yuyu—locals line up for these!
🏮 Noon: Stroll Muslim Quarter (avoid main street eats!). Turn into Xiyangshi for Lao Mi Family Paomo—hand-torn bread, the smaller the better!
🌉 Night: Free view of Bell Tower from Kaiyuan Mall’s 5th-floor deck. Ancient tower + traffic lights = magic!

🌟 Top 5 Must-Dos
1️⃣ Terracotta Army: Open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. Pit No. 1 is awe-inspiring. Skip the ¥15 shuttle—it’s a scam!
2️⃣ Tang Paradise: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM. Night visits are 10x prettier. Ziyun Tower light show justifies the ¥120 ticket!
3️⃣ Sajinqiao Food Street: Ma’er Sour Soup Dumplings + Liu Xin’s Lamb Paomo. ¥20 fills you up!
4️⃣ Guangren Temple: Free! Tibetan Buddhist temple—red walls + golden roofs = Tibet vibes!
5️⃣ Xi’an MixC 4F Deck: Free Giant Wild Goose Pagoda views. Sunset here is illegally romantic!

🏨 Hotel Picks
Westin Xi'an (Qujiang Branch), right next to Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City! Rooms feature Tang-style decor, and the executive lounge overlooks the pagoda—soaking in the tub with night views is unreal! (Budget tip: Lavande Hotel near Bell Tower Metro—super convenient!)

🚌 Transport Tips
Use Alipay’s "Xi’an Electronic Metro Card"! Bus 609 goes to the Terracotta Army, but ride-sharing (¥30/person) is better. Avoid black cabs charging ¥80—use DiDi!

😋 Foodie Hit List
1️⃣ La Zhi Roujiamo: Flaky bun soaked in meat juices!
2️⃣ You Po La Zi Mian: Sizzling chili oil poured over noodles—soul-stirring!
3️⃣ Jing Gao: Sticky rice + dates—sweet tooth heaven!
4️⃣ Huluji Chicken: Crispy skin, tender meat—dip in chili powder for bliss!
5️⃣ Bing Laozao: Iced fermented rice + osmanthus—summer savior!

💸 Cost Breakdown
Most expensive: "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (¥268). Meals ~¥50/person. Westin ~¥800/night. Total for 3 days: ~¥1500 (excl. flights).

📣 Final Notes: Xi’an’s sun could fry an egg 🥵, but when the night breeze hits the city walls, you’ll understand why it’s called "Chang’an, the eternal home." Oh, and pack Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui—don’t ask how I know...