On December 7th, our family embarked on a road trip from Zhengzhou, driving along the expressway toward the ancient city of Xi'an. Arriving in the afternoon, we were immediately captivated by the city's timeless charm. As dusk fell, we visited the iconic Bell Tower, its illuminated structure casting a golden glow over the bustling square below. Surrounding the tower, groups of travelers dressed in Tang Dynasty costumes posed for photos, creating a vivid tableau of history meeting modernity. For dinner, we indulged in local specialties—lamb paomo (a hearty soup with shredded bread) and spicy marinated jelly noodles, savoring the bold flavors of Shaanxi cuisine.

Xi'an Bell Tower (Night View)

 Xi'an City Wall Night View

Lamb Paomo and Marinated Cold Jelly Noodles

Duty-Free Shop in Downtown Xi'an

The next morning (December 8th), we explored Xi'an’s ancient City Wall, one of the most complete and best-preserved city walls in China. With fewer tourists in December, the scene was serene, save for a few international visitors pedaling bicycles along the 13.7-kilometer fortification, blending adventure with history. Adjacent to the wall, we wandered through Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, lined with shops selling calligraphy supplies, antiques, and handicrafts. The air hummed with creativity as artists crafted ink paintings and calligraphy scrolls, offering glimpses into China’s literary heritage.

Xi'an City Wall

Shuyuanmen Cultural Street and Stalls at Shuyuanmen

In the afternoon, we visited the Grand Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Buddhist culture, before immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the Tang Paradise Night Market. As night fell, the pedestrian street transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and performances inspired by the Tang Dynasty’s golden age. Crowds gathered to watch traditional dances and acrobatics, while street vendors tempted us with steaming bowls of rice noodles and roujiamo (Chinese-style hamburgers stuffed with seasoned meat), a perfect end to the day.

Grand Wild Goose Pagoda 

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City‌ 

rice noodles and roujiamo

On December 9th, we delved deeper into history at the Xi'an Beilin Museum, home to thousands of ancient stone steles inscribed with Confucian classics, poetry, and calligraphy. The museum’s tranquil courtyards and weathered stones whispered stories of scholars and emperors past. Afterward, we journeyed to the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing before the life-sized clay army, frozen in battle formation for over 2,200 years, we marveled at the artistry and ambition of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum—a testament to China’s imperial grandeur.

Xi'an Beilin Museum

Terracotta Warriors

On our final day, we bid farewell to Xi'an, our hearts full of memories. This trip had been more than a vacation; it was a pilgrimage through millennia of culture, where every meal, monument, and moment felt like a bridge to the past. Xi'an, with its layered history and living traditions, had left an indelible mark on us—a reminder that some stories, like the city itself, are meant to endure forever.

Yours Truly

June Zhao - Charmission Travel