Ancient Charm Under the Lamplight: A Night Visit to the Gao Family Courtyard in Xi'an and the Huayin Laoqiang Opera

If you're looking for tranquility amidst the bustling Muslim Quarter of Xi'an, a nighttime visit to the Gao Family Courtyard is the perfect choice. Built during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, this ancient residence sheds its daytime hustle and bustle after nightfall, leaving only the soft glow of red lanterns that gently outlines the eaves and brackets, exuding a classical and serene charm. The Gao Family Courtyard is a typical Guanzhong residential building, its multi-layered courtyards ingeniously laid out, showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy family in the past. The courtyard is especially deep and captivating at night, each carved window seemingly a gaze into history. The essence of a nighttime visit lies not in the architecture itself, but in the intangible cultural heritage performed here. The climax of the nighttime visit is undoubtedly enjoying Huayin Laoqiang, hailed as the "grandfather of Chinese rock music." When several elderly artists, holding stools and wooden blocks, belt out their songs with raw vocals and powerful instruments (such as the yueqin and banhu), the rugged, vigorous, and powerful melodies instantly transcend time and space. The high-pitched and passionate tune of Laoqiang opera, imbued with the rich atmosphere of the Loess Plateau, offers not only a dual impact on the senses but also a profound and fervent appreciation of the cultural heritage of Shaanxi. Hearing such a stirring and poignant song in an ancient courtyard evokes a unique emotion that no modern stage play can match. Location: No. 144 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xi'an (Inside the Muslim Quarter) Ticket Information: Gao Family Courtyard Admission: Approximately 15 RMB. Combined Ticket (Admission + Huayin Laoqiang Performance): Approximately 45 RMB. (It is recommended to purchase the combined ticket to enjoy the dual charm of the ancient courtyard and intangible cultural heritage.) Ending the night at Gao Family Courtyard with a performance of Laoqiang opera, capturing the elegance and grandeur of the ancient city in your heart, is an unforgettable cultural experience during your Xi'an trip.