Xi'an Budget Travel Guide: 3 Days of Food and Fun for ¥500!

Hey everyone! Traveling to Xi'an doesn't have to break the bank! Follow this guide to unlock the romance and charm of this ancient capital on a budget. Students and working professionals, take note! Day 1: City Wall Cycling + Old Xi'an Vibes Arrive at Xi'an Railway Station at 6:00 am🚉, and the square is already bustling! A 10-minute walk with your luggage leads you to a hostel at the foot of the city wall, with a six-bed dorm for just ¥50/night. The room is basic, but the location is unbeatable! Head to the South Gate of the city wall by 7:30 am! Flash your student ID for a half-price ticket at ¥27🎫. It's less crowded at this hour! Rent a bike for ¥45🚲 and embark on a 3-hour cycling adventure along the wall! The 13 km loop takes you to the northeast corner, where you'll witness the first rays of sunrise over the old city🌅—absolutely breathtaking! Remember to bring your own water; prices on the wall are double—a rip-off! Descend the wall at the West Gate around noon and walk to Sajinqiao! Highly recommend "Lao Mi Jia Da Yu Pao Mo"—¥28 for a bowl of delicious crumbled flatbread soup. Crumble the bread into soybean-sized pieces yourself—it's super relaxing! The owner will even offer helpful tips: "This size is perfect for absorbing the flavor!" Take the ¥3 subway Line 2 to Zhonglou Station and check out the trendy "Starbucks Xi'an Wall"📸. But the real gem is hidden in the alley behind it! For ¥15, enter Gao's Courtyard, a charming Qing Dynasty residence. The Huayin Lao Qiang performance at 3:00 pm is a must-see! In the evening, explore the depths of Muslim Street, specifically West Yangshi Street! Indulge in the chewy ¥5 honey rice cakes, the spicy and satisfying ¥8 meatball and pepper soup, and the sizzling ¥10 red willow barbecue. Enjoy dinner as you stroll, and finish with a ¥3 cup of sour plum juice at the entrance of Huajue Lane. Watch the sunset paint the mosque's dome gold—pure magic! Day 2: A Journey Through Millennia Catch the early bus! Hop on the No. 5 bus for ¥7 and head to the Terracotta Army. Be among the first to enter at 8:00 am for the best experience! The ¥120 entrance fee is worth it, but consider a ¥20 guided tour to avoid seeing the warriors as mere "clay dolls"😂. Pack your own lunch! Skip the ¥38 biangbiang noodles inside—save your money! Take the free shuttle bus to Lishan Garden at noon and prepare to be amazed by the Bronze Chariots and Horses exhibition! Return before 2:00 pm and take the No. 914 bus for ¥5 to Huaqing Palace. Not interested in Yang Guifei's bathhouse? Head straight to the Bingjian Pavilion on the back hill for stunning views of Lintong District! Return to the city before sunset! The free musical fountain show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square at 7:00 pm is a visual feast⛲! Afterward, walk south to the brightly lit Grand Tang Mall. While commercialized, the free song and dance performances are captivating! End the day with a ¥6 serving of zeng gao from a street vendor—soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying! Useful Tips ✅ Use the Alipay "Chang'an Tong Electronic Card" for buses and subways like a local! ✅ The Shaanxi History Museum is free but requires booking 3 days in advance—don't miss out! ✅ Most hostels offer luggage storage, so pack light! ✅ Xi'an experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring a light jacket. ✅ Sajinqiao, Dapuyuan, and Miaohou Street are the true havens for authentic snacks! A 3-day trip for around ¥500! Experience Xi'an's charm without emptying your wallet. Go explore the millennial magic of this ancient city!💃