5 Incredible Things to Do in Xi’an, China- A City of Inspiring Antiquity

Whether its flagstone streets lined with lush trees, antique stores, and gourmet hawker stands wafting delicious aromas, vibrant fusions of multi-cultural architecture styles forming an exotic visual symphony, or exhilarating night-time tuk-tuk ride tunnelling through blazing ancient thoroughfares, Xi'an is a spellbinding enigma for the senses that you won't get enough of! If you're enthralled by the fresh mountain air, splendid sunrises or sunsets painting panoramas of the nature-kissed storybook city and bumping joyously over the ancient stonework of the graceful ramparts that was once the vision of a mighty 14th century Ming Dynasty emperor, the City Wall is an atmospheric stronghold to cycle or stroll along. If you want to sample more of the essence of Xi'an, hop on a carefully curated tour that will whisk you through the meaningful details behind old-world relics, artisan traditions, well-loved dishes, and timeless costumes.

Shaped and enriched by thirteen dynasties, China's soulful once-upon-a-time Capital exudes its own trendy brand of tradition in the form of archaised boutiques and arresting monuments, flavourful ethnic stalls specialised in secret recipes and ancient academies where you can transform into an elegant Hanfu courtesan clad in the unique national costume. If you're eager to capture the flavour of this piquant old city, take a good long roam through its rustic districts, such as Shuyuanmen street, with its surreal façades that witnessed the Ming and Qing eras interspersed with a kaleidoscopic potpourri of traditional calligraphy shops, quaint boutique hotels, atmospheric tea houses, and an outdoor gallery of vibrantly artistic antique stalls hawking anything from enchanting jade jewellery and dreamy paper-cut artwork to semi-precious heirlooms, artisan face-painting stations, and enticingly quirky souvenirs.

After an eventful day of chasing deliciously nuanced historic and cultural trails in this alluring city, whether it's discovering Instagram-worthy restaurants like Zui Chang'an hidden in mysterious alleyways, where you can polish off paintbrush appetisers dipped in inky sauce or learning the exquisite art of calligraphy at the Tangbo Art Museum, you can re-energise at the mineral-infused hot springs gracing the imperiously beautiful Huaqing Palace. If you're looking for sophisticated Xi'an apartments proffering prime access to the city's impressive enticements, venture no further than lyf Dayanta Xi'an.

Regardless of whether you're more interested in the theatrical romance of lyrical winter palaces or the adrenaline-packed splendour of hiking through the rugged Mount Hua passes, the city, caught between the serene past and tech-savvy present, possesses a happy medium in the form of two adjacent centuries-old towers. Famously dubbed the Bell and Drum Towers, these monumental structures stun the vision at night with their richly coloured lights beckoning at the passing traffic. If you can't get enough of whimsical old-time architecture, the Daxuexi Mosque is a sanctum of lush nature and intricate design, bespeaking Chinese, and Middle Eastern expertise.

Whether it's learning to masterfully cook a dumpling banquet, taking in the aromatic dreaminess of traditional tea houses, or satisfying your breakfast cravings for the tasty and picturesque at the Dongcangmen Early Market, Xi'an presents a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. However, for true gastronomic indulgence, you can't do better than the Muslim Quarter, with its iconic bluish grey flagstone streets shaded with plentiful trees, fascinating handicraft emporiums, and a myriad of roadside restaurants and stalls selling Hui delicacies like succulent lamb-stuffed buns, flavour-packed 'cold noodles', and crispy grilled tofu.