Experience in Xian, China by Xiao

What is it like to live in Xian? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

As people know that Xian is a famous historical city in the World, is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capital. Since the 1990s, the city of Xi'an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational centre of the central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national security and China's space exploration program. Due to so, it is really a good city to live in.

What is the student lifestyle like in Xian?

As part of the China Western Development policy, and also a rich and culturally significant history. There are several famous universities here, such as Xi'an Jiaotong University (西安交通大学)
Northwestern Polytechnical University (西北工业大学)
Xidian University (西安电子科技大学)
and also lots of other important ones. So, the number of students in Xian is almost the highest in China, Being here, you could join any clubs which you want, there are many kinds of organizations serves for students in each universities.

How much does it cost to live in Xian?

I would say, the life cost here is really lower that compare to other bigger cities. However, it also depends on how you use the money. The price of food, clothes and others are really cheap. such as the public transport, Hotel.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Xian? Is there any advice you can give?

Not at all. it is so easy to get a accommodation here. For students, each university will supply the student apartment, and this will be done when you are accepted as a student, you do not need to do it by yourself. And for people who wants to work there, and you could also find it online, most of the room are furnished, and is cheap.

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

this i could really talk a lot. I am a big fan of food here. such as Roujiamo Chinese Hamburger (肉夹馍）
Liangpi (凉皮）
Paomo Mutton, beef, and Bread Pieces in Soup (羊肉泡馍）
Biang Biang Noodles
Jinggao Steamed rice cake stuffed with honey dates and black beans (甑糕）
The favorite food for me is the Paomo Mutton and many kinds of Noodles, they are really tasty and healthy, there are thousands of restaurants here, likely you could eat at any time and at any positions. once you have try the food , you will love the city.

What places would you recommend visiting in Xian?

Xi'an, an old city with more than 5000 years, became a cultural and political centre of China in the 11th century BC with the founding of the Zhou dynasty. So how can you image the historical monuments and a plethora of ancient ruins and tombs in the city.
The famous of course is The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and his Terracotta Army are located 40 km (25 mi) to the east of the city centre, in the city's suburbs .
and also The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, both are located at the city's central axis.
and The city is surrounded by a well-preserved city wall which was re-constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming dynasty and was based on the inner imperial palace of Tang dynasty.

Is it good to eat out in Xian? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

yes, such as the Haidilao Hot Pot Cheng (Jiefang Road) and Fan Ji La Zhi RouJiaMo (ZhuBaShi).
For this, you could also go to the Huimin street, everyone knows it is famous for the food. especially in summer night, you could have the barbecue outside the street, and with some fresh beer, it is really cool

Is the nightlife good in Xian? Where is good to go?

Recent years, the nightlife become more and more colorful and fascinating. Especially for the young people, they go the KTV and Bars with their friends to celebrate birthday or graduate for the university or watching the world champion all night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Xian?

Above all. Xian is really a good city to study and live in. Due to the economic and culture, i think this city will become more open to the world. Lots of people will contribute to this city in the future. So many famous universities( 3 are 985 project and 7 are 211 project universities, ) the education here is full of knowledge. I am sure that people could not only get the things from the books that they learned but also from the people they meet, especially the culture here, after all thousands years history could make something, isn't it?