These Tree-Lined Avenues: Where Xi'an's Most Enchanting Charm and Timelessness Reside

As the scorching heatwave continues to dominate the headlines this August, Xi'an's streets are sizzling. But here comes Xiaoya's secret "cooling guide"! These tree-lined avenues, embraced by nature, offer an immersive experience of the poetic charm and vibrant life of this ancient city. 1. The Plane Trees of Youyi Road: A Haven of Literary Atmosphere Youyi Road, shaded by plane trees, has long been a favorite spot for those seeking a literary vibe. The canopy of French plane trees, which has graced this road for over half a century, makes it one of Xi'an's most beautiful tree-lined avenues. In 2015, these trees were temporarily relocated to a nursery in Chang'an District to make way for the construction of Metro Line 5. Five years later, with the metro line completed, the trees were returned to their original home. The stretch near the South Gate of Northwestern Polytechnical University and the North Gate of Small Wild Goose Pagoda is the highlight of Youyi Road. The intertwining trunks and crowns form a "plane tree tunnel" so picturesque that even cars slow down to take it in. In summer, the large leaves and dense branches create a cool shade over the road, while in autumn, the fallen leaves crunch underfoot, filling the air with a nostalgic melody. Whether in lush green or golden hues, these trees bring an endless sense of familiarity and poetry to the people of Xi'an. 2. The Sophistication of Plane Trees on Xianning West Road The plane trees on Xianning West Road exude a touch of "academic elegance." Planted mostly in the 1950s, these trees have grown alongside the red-brick buildings of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Now towering and lush, they stand like silent scholars, guarding the tranquility of this street. The section from the South Gate of Xi'an Jiaotong University to the East Gate of Xingqing Palace Park is the most captivating. The overlapping tree crowns form a "time tunnel" leading back to the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. In summer, the dense foliage filters sunlight into golden fragments, blending seamlessly with the park's lake and weeping willows to create a refreshing oasis. In autumn, the yellowing plane leaves fall onto the university's ginkgo-lined paths, weaving a unique tapestry of campus poetry. 3. Memories of the "Heavenly Street" Shaded by Locust Trees Zhuque Avenue, once the central axis of Tang Chang'an City and known as the "Heavenly Street," has silently witnessed the city's history for millennia. Today, walking from Zhuque Gate to Nanshao Gate, you can still see century-old locust trees standing shoulder to shoulder with plane trees. The branches of the old locust trees stretch towards the street center, harmonizing with the gray-tiled roofs of ancient residences. The shade here is unassuming yet brimming with the authentic charm of everyday life. On Xiangzimiao Street, the old locust trees embody the most leisurely moments of Xi'an. Their gnarled branches, resembling the elegance of a Taoist sage, complement the ancient temples' green tiles and red doors, exuding an ethereal aura. The section from the entrance of Xiangzimiao to the South Gate is the soul of the street. The dense shade of the locust trees extends over the rooftops of gray bricks and tiles, merging with the umbrellas of street-side tea houses and cafes to form a cool sanctuary. In the afternoon, sitting on a bamboo chair under the locust trees, watching sunlight dance through the leaves onto a tea cup, one might catch a glimpse of a young woman in traditional Hanfu attire gracefully emerging from the temple gates, as if stepping out of a painting. The greenery here carries a serene detachment from the mundane, naturally slowing one's pace and inviting a moment of pure relaxation.