Quantcast
Channel: China Travel Guide
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

8 Amazing Things to Eat & Do in Xi’an

0
0

Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province in central China is home to over 5 million human inhabitants, and about 6000 Terracotta ones.

An illustrious city infused with deep Chinese history, Xi’an acts as the centrepiece of the country oozing with cultural delights, in particular the world-renowned ‘clay pot come weapon-holding battalion’ that guard the city! Yes, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an!

The former political capital of China and starting point for the Silk Road leading west, Xi’an has welcomed much of the gastronomic delights of the Middle East and Asia with open arms. Chefs in the city have accumulated the different styles and tastes from these places, and adjusted them to the local flavors, making Xi’an dishes so unique and tasty!

It has won a reputation all over the world as the city that has seen dynasties come and go in 3,000 years of astonishing history, which has endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage.

Without further adieu, we have listed 8 amazing things to eat & do in Xi’an!

Photo by Richard Fisher on Flickr. Using Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo by Richard Fisher on Flickr. Using Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

1.Visit the Magnificent Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an.
Widely regarded as one of the most famed archaeological sites on the planet and one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th Century, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an really don’t need much of an introduction. Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty from (221-207 BC) and the emperor who would soon unify the China under one government reigned over some of the country’s most sizable building projects – including the Great Wall and a certain mausoleum complex.

Indeed, on the preparation of the Emperor’s passing, he himself ordered the creation of a Terracotta Army to accompany him into the afterlife. Crazy right? Wrong. The funerary showing may have been emphasising the Emperor’s all empowering glory, but equally many believed that objects like statues can be animated in the afterlife. Qin was going to need some protection! Stretching out over a 20 square mile compound within 3 main pits, and constructed just outside the ancient city of Xian stands a 6000 strong life-sized Terracotta model Army complete with horses and chariots in battle array. Now that’s protection.

Amazingly, the site remained unbeknown to us until 1974 when a group of farmers uncovered some pottery while digging near the royal tomb. The preservation of the 2000 year old warriors has been immaculate, to say the least. Remarkably, each soldier differs in facial features and expression just showing the level of craftsmanship and artistry that went into the project. With the greatest respect, you really would be a fool to miss this – a must for any visitor to China!

Photo by Mitzi Young on Flickr. Using Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

2. Try out China’s Famous Hamburger – Rou-Jiamo!
Originating from the depths of the Shaanxi province comes the ‘world’s first ever hamburger’. Yep, you read correctly. Not Germany, not the United States but right here in China. It’s not quite your Big Mac or your Whopper that the lovely folk at McDonalds and Burger King offer, instead Rou-Jiamo (肉夹馍)  is more inclined to the streets. That doesn’t stop it from becoming a mouth-watering snack: quite the opposite in fact! The tasty snack literally translates as ‘meat pinched between mo’ or bread, which dates back to the Qin Dynasty from about 221-207 BC and still lives strong across all of China.

The dough for the bun, or mo, consists of a simple mixture of wheat flour, water and maybe yeast, whilst the filling can often be jam-packed with either beef, pork or even lamb. The ‘burger’ is then garnished with numerous herbs and spices like ginger or coriander to give it that extra satisfying test. We here at Jetbay love Rou-Jiamo! Perhaps the best tip we can offer you when visiting Xi’an is to buy two rather than one…as one is never enough!

Photo from wikipedia.org
Photo from wikipedia.org

3. Check-out the Big Wild Goose Pagoda!
Get yourself on over to the Da Ci’En Temple to witness a true architectural marvel – The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a structure used to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. You may have heard of this guy. He’s the inspiration behind Stephen Chow’s movie – ‘Journey to the West’ a contemporary remake of the misadventures and pilgrimage of a Buddhist monk. You should give it a watch, or better still – check out his quarters!

Perhaps the symbol of old-line Xian, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda had battled centuries of torturous weather conditions, long-winding wars, and even the small matter of a some seismic activity – the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake measuring 8.0 on the richter scale. Completed in AD 652, the hallmark of Buddhist Pagodas in China was ultimately brought to its knees – reducing the then 10 storey structure to almost ruins.

A real shame.

Constructors soon gathered and rebuilt to Pagoda to a modest 7 stories, over 64m in height. Be sure to venture to the top highest realms of the structure to gaze your eyes upon an incredible and quite frankly unforgettable panoramic view of Xi’an!

Photo by chineseculture.org
Photo by chineseculture.org

4. Tuck into Some Tasty Qishan Noodles!
This particular cuisine evokes everything there is to evoke about Chinese culture and tradition because it is consumed on all sorts of important occasions, helping it to play an important role for all families in the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi. You would often find the Qishan noodles being enjoyed or even prepared at weddings, a baby’s first month birthday, or just on a quiet Wednesday afternoon when you feel like eating something tasty and satisfying!

The dish features long, thin hand-made noodles that show signs of culinary artistry and expertise, rather than a menial cheffing assignment. Served best with pork shreds, wood fungus and egg – we would recommend stopping by the Yong Ming Qishan Mian in the heart of Xi’an, where we’re sure you’ll get the Qinshan noodles you crave!

Photo by Luke Kwaitkowski on Flickr. Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo by Luke Kwaitkowski on Flickr. Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

5. Conquer Mt. Huashan
Situated in Huayin city, Mt. Huashan is the perfect place for those who dare to live on the edge – literally. This high mountain range is notoriously famous for its long-winding steep narrow paths and sharp crags. In the past Monks, and pilgrims carved a system of stairs and trails leading to the mountain’s peaks and several Taoist temples.

To tackle the mountain, you can ascend by walking and descend by cable-car route. During the actual walk you are walking across a narrow plank walkway nearly 5,000 ft up, stepping on iron rods protruding from the mountain, small cut-outs in the actual rock and grabbing chains to keep yourself close to the mountainside. All the nerves will be worth the uplifting views one is blessed with on the sanctified peaks!

Did you know that emperors of past dynasties took part in Taoist activities and sacrificed to the God of mountain, making it a very holy land of Taoism!

Blood soup

6. Indulge in some Sheep Blood Soaked in Vermicelli Soup.
Xi’an’s Fen Tang Yang Xie dish which can be literally translated a ‘Sheep blood soaked in Vermicelli soup’, is a favourite amongst the old and young locals and is a must-try for many reasons. The idea of a blood soup can be quite alarming- but it is surprisingly tasty!

The dish is remarkably simple; Vermicelli is served in a bowl of Sheep’s blood, which has been prepared with a unique blend of special seasonings and topped off with Chinese parsley. This flavourful and colourful dish is served with pita bread that you just break with your hands, dip and eat! You’ll find this local favourite being served in the top restaurants to the street vendors. It is a perfect winter-warmer, which rejuvenates and refreshes! You’ll be amazed to experience lip-smacking flavour with every bite.

Did you know in traditional Chinese medical practices, blood offers many health benefits and overall longevity?

Photo by Jenny Mackness on Flickr. Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo by Jenny Mackness on Flickr. Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

7. Explore the Islamic Heritage in the Muslim Quarter.
Xi’an, being the easternmost point on the ancient Silk Road trading route, brought many traders from other parts of Asia and the Middle East. This is illustrated by the dynamic cultural and ethnic makeup in the Muslim quarter!

You’ll find a goldmine of shops, restaurants and intriguing taste experiences for all the foodie connoisseurs out there! You can barter for Islamic silks and ornaments, as well as Chinese curios and historical replicas. And likewise, you can get some terracotta army ornaments at a good price to take back home. The area is well worth exploring, if not for all the astounding blend of colours, aromas spices, sights and noises, then for the intriguing window into Chinese Muslim culture it offers.

At the core of the Muslim Quarter lies the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China built in 742 AD during the Tang Dynasty. You can find this treasure in the middle of the alley, and provides for a sense of calm in the surrounding bustling streets!

Yangrou Paomo

8. Lick Your Lips at the Thought of Yangrou Paomo!
Undoubtedly one of the most famous local dishes in Xian which relishes in its own time-honoured history – we give you Yangrou Paomo. This mouth-watering dish is made with mutton that is boiled slowly with a plethora of special seasonings and served with fresh pita-bread that you break into bite-sized pieces. You soak the pita bread in thick lamb soup and eat! The dish is customarily served with sesame oil, sugared garlic and a spicy sauce for those who want a little extra heat! It is suitable for eating all year round; as it’s filling, nutritious and satisfyingly good. Making it a perfect lunchtime choice to give you an energy boost so you can keep exploring wonderful Xi’an.

Legend says the Song Dynasty Emperor, Zhao Kuangyin actually invented and relished this dish!

So there you have it. Case closed. The end. Fin. We here at Jetbay hope you enjoyed our conclusive list of the 8 Amazing things to eat & do in Xi’an! Backpacking through China and need some reading material for the road? With Chengdu only around the corner make sure you cast your eyes over this little snippet of some fun things to do whilst you’re there!

This article first appeared on Jetbay.com, the world’s largest travel research and booking platform for China.

The post 8 Amazing Things to Eat & Do in Xi’an appeared first on China Travel Guide.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images