Xi'an Diaries: A Whirl Through Ancient Alleyways

Renting a bike and cycling along the towering ancient city walls of Xi’an feels like gliding through time. Below, the old capital of thirteen dynasties spreads out—a mix of tranquil temples and buzzing modern life.

Riding on the top of the ancient city

Then there’s the food scene. The Muslim Quarter is a total vibe. Follow your nose to sizzling roujiamo (Chinese burgers) or dive into a bowl of steaming lamb paomo. Haggling with street vendors—using broken Chinese and hand gestures—is half the fun (even when you lose).

As dusk falls, the Golden Bell Tower lights up, echoing the distant Dayan Pagoda. For a moment, you can almost hear ancient Silk Road caravans passing by. Xi’an doesn’t just tell history—it whispers it through every brick and bite.