The most handsome man 2000 years ago, the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, still looks handsome riding a Vespa. When you visit Xi'an, don't forget to look for it.
Xi'an, a former imperial city spanning several dynasties, is as populous and diverse as any other capital in history. Its cuisine, influenced by the nobles and officials who came with the changing dynasties, has evolved subtly over time. These influences have merged and woven together to form the Xi'an cuisine of today.
The modern Tang Dynasty Everbright City is currently striving to recreate the splendor of that bygone era.
It is said that the culinary characteristics of Xi'an's people are as follows: beyond Fengcheng Wu Road in the northern suburbs, lies the land of Northern Shaanxi, where the local customs are imbued with the rich flavors of the region, with dishes like potato cha cha and bowl tuo being favorites.
A unique Shaanxi delicacy, "Biang Biang" noodles, a dish so distinctive that its name is challenging to describe even in English, and few can write it in Chinese.
From Fengcheng Wu Road south to the North Gate, it is the domain of Henanese, whose culture and cuisine are reminiscent of their homeland, filled with the tastes of spicy soup and Henan stewed noodles.
A special type of noodle from Shaanxi, "Yang Ling Dipped Noodles", also known as "Belt Noodles", are so lengthy that each noodle resembles a belt. When enjoying this dish, it's essential to specify exactly how many "belts" you'd like.
Within the city walls, the old residents of Xi'an and the Hui Muslim community reside, where a variety of foods are available, though customs differ. Outside the South Gate to the TV tower is the territory of the old Shaanxi people, where the most authentic Shaanxi flavors and local customs can be found.
The lamb skewers and beef tripe hot pot in Shaanxi are both incredibly impressive delicacies.
From the TV tower to beyond the third ring road, the area becomes a mix of various dialects and habits. Although many newcomers have settled in Xi'an, their inherent hometown flavors have not completely changed, making the area a blend of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi, Henan, and Sichuan cultural characteristics.
If you can't find authentic gourmet eateries, you can visit the "Muslim Quarter" in the tourist area, which offers a wide variety of foods. Just remember, out of respect for the local religious beliefs, pork is not consumed here.
Xi'an's cuisine is predominantly staple foods and meats. Centuries ago, there was a saying "Nine Waters Surrounding Chang'an," so to experience the rich and diverse culinary offerings, one needs not only ample time but also a hearty appetite. Of course, what's most needed is to discover the most hidden and authentic local shops in the alleys, to find those genuine flavors.
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