Xi'an Two-Day and One-Night Travel Guide for College Students

Calling all carbohydrate lovers! As a senior college student who just finished getting the most out of Xi'an with my student ID, I've compiled this complete guide to eating, playing, staying, and traveling for just over ¥500 per person. Follow it to avoid the tourist traps and make the most of your weekend in Chang'an! (Save and share with your roommates!) 🏯 Day 1: Journey Through Ancient and Modern Times 7:00 AM: Arrive at Xi'an North Railway Station by high-speed train ◆ Take subway Line 2 directly to Bell Tower (remember to get an electronic subway card on Alipay) ◆ Recommended hostels near Bell Tower/South Gate (¥50-80 per person in the off-season, recommend "Backpack Ten Years" and "Silk Road Chang'an") 9:30 AM: Start eating at Sajin Bridge! ✔ Ma Er Spicy and Sour Dumplings (¥15 per person, remember to add chili) ✔ Lao Jin's Egg and Vegetable Sandwich (¥10 deluxe version) ✔ Fatty's Steamed Rice Cake (small portion ¥5, super fragrant red bean paste) 11:00 AM: Bus to the Terracotta Army (¥30/person from Bell Tower Station) ◆ Student ticket ¥60, be sure to bring your ID card + student ID! ◆ Avoid the traps: refuse all Lantian jade sales, hire a tour guide as a group (¥20 per person) 2:30 PM: Free shuttle bus to Lishan Garden ◆ See the real bronze chariots and horses here! Electric car is great value at ¥15 5:00 PM: Huaqing Palace to see "Song of Everlasting Regret" ◆ Student tickets from ¥198 (highly recommend Zone A in the middle! Book 3 days in advance) ◆ Bring a jacket for the night show, it gets cold at the foot of the mountain 10:00 PM: Bell Tower night scene photography ◆ Kaiyuan Shopping Mall 5th floor viewing platform (free) ◆ Street photographers ¥10/photo (negotiable) 🍜 Day 1 Late-Night Snack Recommendations: • Ma Hong's Fried Pita Bread in Mutton Soup (break the bread yourself for stress relief) • Grandma Hua's Sour Plum Drink (the mixed flavor is the best) 🌆 Day 2: Ancient and Modern Literary Route 7:30 AM: Xiaonanmen Morning Market ◆ Fried Dough Twist in Oil Tea (¥4) ◆ Jiangshui Fish (sour and spicy appetizer) ◆ Fennel Vegetable Pancake (¥3, bursting with flavor) 9:00 AM: Yongning Gate on the City Wall ◆ Student ticket ¥27, bike rental ¥45/3 hours ◆ Photo spots: Southwest Corner Tower, Hanguang Gate Ruins 12:00 PM: Chang'an Restaurant ◆ Writing Brush Pastries (photo prop) ◆ Imperial Concubine's Smile (shrimp balls and lychee are amazing) ◆ Xifu Small Noodles (start with 6 bowls) 2:00 PM: Shaanxi History Museum ◆ Free reservation (tickets released at 10/11/18/19:00 daily) ◆ Must-see gold-inlaid agate cup with an animal head 4:30 PM: Joy City Viewing Platform ◆ Direct shot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda from the 4th floor (free photo spot) ◆ Giant Wukong installation is super impressive 7:00 PM: Great Tang All Day Mall ◆ Performance schedule (see picture 9 for the latest version) ◆ Secret tips for meeting Lord Du in the escape room: stake out your spot 1 hour in advance 🚄 Return Trip TIPS: • Buy mung bean cakes from "Zhao Ji Vegetarian Restaurant" at the high-speed train station • Buy gold-flecked Xuan paper at Shuyuanmen (¥10/sheet) • Take free photos at the prayer wall at Guangren Temple 💡 Lessons Learned: 1️⃣ Don't eat on the main street of the Muslim Quarter! (Turn into Xiyang Market/Dapiyuan) 2️⃣ Choose Yizhou Mall for Hanfu rental (¥130 including makeup) 3️⃣ Didi is more expensive than using Gaode for taxis 4️⃣ Xi'an subway last train is at 11:50 PM, play hard! Total Expenses List (for reference): Tickets: 60+198+27=¥285 Accommodation: ¥75 Transportation: ¥50 Food: ¥150 Total: ¥560 When the morning bell and evening drum meet cyberpunk neon, and roujiamo pairs with iced sparkling orange soda, that's the right way to experience Xi'an! What are you waiting for? Tag your foodie friend and enjoy carbohydrate freedom together this weekend!