Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi'an, known as Chang'an in ancient times, is one of China's four ancient capitals with over 3,000 years of history. As the capital of 13 dynasties, it has witnessed the glory of Chinese civilization and left behind countless precious historical sites.

Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Terracotta Army Museum: The eighth wonder of the world, a large-scale underground army formation that showcases the powerful military strength of the Qin Dynasty. It is recommended to go early to avoid the peak crowds. The visit takes about 3 hours.
2. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Where the Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang translated scriptures. The existing seven-story brick pagoda offers a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding Grand Tang All Day Mall is brightly lit at night and has wonderful free performances.
3. Ancient City Wall: One of the most complete ancient city walls in China. You can rent a bicycle and ride around it for a week (about 2 hours) to experience the charm of the ancient city.
4. Shaanxi History Museum: Free admission, but reservations are required in advance. The museum houses more than 370,000 cultural relics, systematically displaying the ancient civilization of Shaanxi.
5. Muslim Quarter: Xi'an's famous food street, gathering all kinds of Northwest snacks, is suitable for visiting in the evening.

Featured Food:
1. Rou Jia Mo: Xi'an's signature snack, recommended brands include Lao Sun Jia and Fan Ji.
2. Lamb Paomo: It is more interesting to break the bread yourself. Lao Mi Jia Paomo is the most famous.
3. Liangpi (Cold Noodles): A great product to beat the summer heat. Wei Jia Liangpi's secret sauce has a unique flavor.
4. Biang Biang Noodles: Handmade noodles as wide as a belt, with a rich aroma of hot oil-splashed chili peppers.
5. Hulu Ji (Gourd Chicken): A traditional famous dish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Defachang Restaurant makes the most authentic version.

Useful Tips:
1. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, avoiding the high temperatures in summer and the smog in winter.
2. Convenient transportation in the city. The subway covers the main attractions. It is recommended to buy a Chang'an Tong card.
3. It is recommended to hire a guide when visiting the museum to better understand the stories behind the cultural relics.
4. Remember to bargain when shopping in the Muslim Quarter. It is recommended to buy souvenirs at the Shuyuanmen Cultural Street.
5. If you want to watch the "Song of Everlasting Regret" live performance, you need to book tickets in advance. The performance is in the Huaqing Palace Scenic Area.

Chang'an is a city that needs to be savored slowly. It is recommended to arrange at least 3 days to see the historical sites during the day and taste the food at night to experience the unique cultural charm of this ancient city.