Experience in Xi'an, China by Tufail

What is it like to live in Xi’an? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Xi’an (xī ān 西安) ranks first on the list of the country’s seven largest ancient capitals with a long-standing history and known for being the capital city to 13 dynasties. It marked the starting point of the world famous Silk Road. Since the 1990s, the city of Xi’an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national security and China's space exploration program.

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Now, this city harmoniously combines its ancient charm with a modern atmosphere. The city has an average temperature of 13℃, and an average precipitation of 604 mm annually. The high season of tourism falls on May to August, although the most pleasant season for visiting Xi’an is autumn. I would strongly recommend to visit this city at least once in your life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Xi’an?

I think it’s a good city for any kind of student who wants to stay here and study hard, most of Xi’an universities are very high rank school in China. It’s also a multi-regional and multi-traditional city so it doesn’t matter if you are Muslim, Christian, Buddhist or of any other religion. It is indeed very easy for you to find a place for your own peace.

How much does it cost to live in Xi’an?

It does not cost you as much as to live in Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou. Prices for food, living and else are reasonable, for me as a student, I spend 1500 rmb(250$)/month.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Xi’an? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't think it’s difficult. In fact, it is a very easy and convenient city for everyone. Hotels, apartments and youth hostels are available everywhere.

What is the food like? What are your favorite dishes?

Xi’an’s cuisine it’s known for its diversity. Thanks to the region’s (Shaanxi) geographical location in the center of China, different types of ingredients coming from both North and South China have been merged in Xi’an’s cuisine, making it rich in the northwest flavor. Salt, vinegar, capsicum and garlic are frequently used, giving its dishes athe mouthwatering flavor of sour, spicy and fragrant combined.

Honestly speaking I like nearly every kind of Muslim food in Xi'an but the following three are most special:

1. Paomo (yáng ròu pào mó )

Yangrou Paomo is a tasty specialty from Xi’an featuring mutton soup alongside with wheat flour flat bread. The hard bread is broken up into small pieces. And the smaller, the better. Then the mixture is eaten along with sweet crisp pickled garlic, coriander, and hot pepper sauce.



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2. Jiaozi (jiǎo zǐ)

Jiaozi, Chinese dumplings, consist of a large variety of ingredients wrapped in a thin dough covering. It must be a great pity if you miss enjoying the Xi'an's featured Jiaozi Banquet (xī ān jiǎo zǐ yàn). The Jiaozi served in a Jiaozi banquet are made of the finest ingredients and come in unbelievable shapes.

3. Rou Jia Mo (ròu jiá mó)

Rou Jia Mo is finely chopped pork stuffed in toasted wheat flour flat bread. A piece of good-quality bread and a bowl of mung bean flour soup will cost you less than 10 Yuan. You can find it easily in Xi’an.



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What places would you recommend visiting in Xi’an?

Situated in the middle of the Yellow River (huáng hé) reaches and at the center of the Central Shaanxi Plain (guān zhōng píng yuán ), Xi’an is the capital of the Shaanxi province (shǎn xī shěng) in China and a sub-provincial city. It is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home of the Terracotta Army (bīng mǎ yǒng).

Best places to be visit here I think would be the followings:

1. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda (xiǎo yàn tǎ)

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, is one of the two important pagodas in the city of Xi’an. The pagoda has a brick frame built in, it isuniquely and delicately shaped with a hollow interior, and its square base and shape reflect the building style of other pagodas from the same era. The pagoda was originally built to preserve Buddhist scriptures and other relics.

2. Shaanxi History Museum (shǎn xī lì shǐ bó wù guǎn )



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Shaanxi History Museum is one of the first huge state museums with modern facilities in China. The museum exhibits more than 300, 000 items including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects. Its appearance imitates the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty (táng cháo).

3. Bell Tower (zhōng lóu )

Standing at the very crossing of the East, West, South, and North avenues in the city, the Bell Tower is the symbol of Xi'an. The tower is 36 meter-high and its structure is made out of brick and timber. Musical performances are also frequently held inside.



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4. The Great Mosque of Xi'an (xī ān dà qīng zhēn sì)

The Great Mosque of Xi'an, located near the Drum Tower (gǔ lóu), is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in the country. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is entirely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations because the mosque has neither domes nor traditional-style minarets.

5. Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses (bīng mǎ yǒng)



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Around 1. 5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses were built to bury the treasures and ritual sacrifice objects that were to accompany Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of all China, into his afterlife. It is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s cultural heritages. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor in China.

Is it good to eat out in Xi’an? Can you tell us your favorite spots?

Almost all the snacks in Xi’an can be found in the Local Snacks Street (huí mín xiǎo chī jiē 回民小吃街). Local Snacks Street (Moslem Street) is near Drum Tower (gǔ lóu 鼓楼) in Muslim Square (mù sī lín guǎng chǎng 穆斯林广场). On the two sides of the 500-meter street, there are many restaurants of different cuisines along with unique snack shops. Even the mutton sticks, barbecued stuffs are different from the ones from other parts of China. Not to mention it is cheap, since the stalls are mostly catered to the locals. Do not expect posh restaurants here, but some plain, clean stretch of stalls with benches. Do expect a lot of mutton and beef and definitely no pork.

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Is the nightlife good in Xi’an? Where is good to go?

One of the great delights of Xi'an is the way in which their ancient culture blends with the new to give the visitor a memorable experience of life in the city.

A good place to start your exploration is The Bell Tower as it stands in the historical center of the city and is adjacent to the flourishing modern commercial district. In the evening both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are illuminated and provide a striking setting for the myriad of traditional Chinese restaurants and bright modern shopping malls. The whirlwind of color and movement and the neon lights altogether make up a truly magical atmosphere.

A location famous for its many and varied restaurants, each one with its own specialty dishes. Here you will be sure to find something that will appeal your taste buds thanks to the many original and captivating dishes on offer.

Close to the Drum Tower is Pang Gong Cinema, located at No. 61 Zhubashi Jie Street. In addition there is another cinema at No. 323 Dong Dajie Street. Cinema tickets in Xi’an are inexpensive. Generally speaking, it will cost you between 20 and 30 Yuan to see a film.

Your destination of first choice has to be SALSA Disco Bar, here you are guaranteed to find an endless source of fun. About a kilometer from the Bell Tower at No. 285 Dong Dajie Street, the bar is decorated in a trendy style with a hint of "heavy metal" style which is rare in similar bars in Xi’an. The lighting and acoustics at the SALSA Disco Bar are up to top class international standards and the venue offers a variety of shows as well as the opportunity to dance and hang out with your friends.

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In Xi’an many working people and students alike enjoy going to karaoke in their spare time to sing along with their friends. Not only is this a popular recreation in Xi’an but also in most other large cities in the country.

What advice would you give future students heading to Xi’an?

Xi'an is an ancient city of China and has a great value as an example of Chinas historical background and education system. People who come to study in Xi'an are able to explore Chinese culture and civilization. Moreover, Xi'an has so many international universities that they also have a great impact for international students. To put it in a few words, one should consider studying in Xi'an because of the opportunities this city gives to deepen one’s knowledge.