How To Experience The Local Lifestyle Of Xi'An

Ever wondered how Xi’an’s residents truly live? Beyond the Terracotta Army and ancient walls lies a city buzzing with everyday life. To scratch below the touristy surface, immerse yourself in local routines, from morning markets to neighborhood parks. Here’s your guide to living—not just visiting—like a Xi’an local.

Want to live like a Xi’an local? Start with a homestay.

Skip hotels and book a stay in a traditional hutong courtyard or modern apartment. Platforms like Airbnb connect you with hosts eager to share their world. Wake up to the aroma of huìr mápiàn (lamb burgers) frying in the alley, chat with neighbors over tea, and ask your host to teach you phrases in Shaanxi dialect. For an authentic touch, choose a place near the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter—but opt for less-touristy streets like Dongda Street for quieter vibes. Pro tip: Bring small gifts (local snacks work!) for your host family—it’s a cherished gesture here.

How do Xi’an residents shop for groceries? Visit the morning markets.

At Shifeng Road Morning Market, locals haggle over fresh liangpi (wheat noodles) and cage-free eggs before 8 AM. Wander aisles piled with mountain-grown mushrooms, hand-pulled chengdu noodles, and steaming vats of doujiang (fermented soybean paste). Don’t miss Muslim Market (not just for tourists!), where vendors sell spices by the bundle and grandmas knead dough for sǎn ròu (crumbled flatbread) beside their stalls. Pro Tip: Sample everything! Vendors often offer free tastes—just nod and smile.

What’s a typical Xi’an breakfast? Try these street food staples.

Forget hotel buffets. Head to backstreet carts for yangrou paomo (shredded pork bread soup) at places like Lao Sunjia, a 30-year institution. Locals line up before dawn for the broth-soaked bun. Prefer something quick? Grab liangpi from a pushcart—cold noodles doused in vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. Wash it down with a glass of bīng fēidòu (mung bean milk), sold by vendors shouting “Lùbian!” (roadside!). Budget tip: Most dishes cost under ¥20 ($3), so order extra to taste everything.

How do Xi’an families spend weekends? Parks, square dances, and more.

Join retirees practicing tài jí quán (Tai Chi) at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square at dawn. By afternoon, families flock to Xi’an City Wall Park, where kids chase bubbles and grandparents fly kites shaped like phoenixes. For a quirky treat, stumble upon impromptu square dance parties in residential areas—feel free to join the line-up (no rhythm required!). Culture buffs: Look for free calligraphy classes in old quarters; locals love teaching foreigners to write “lì mào” (good manners) in brushstrokes.

What’s the best way to get around like a local? Master public transport.

Avoid taxis and ride-shares. Hop on the metro lines 1-6 (use Alipay’s English mode for tickets) or rent a blue “Xi’an Tong” bike from street docks. For a true local experience, take the Public Bicycle System: Unlock a bike with your phone, weave through alleys, and return it anywhere. Just watch for e-bikes zooming by—Xi’an’s traffic is fierce but friendly. Bus hack: Lines 221 and 611 hit hidden gems like Ganjiazhuang Village, a Qiang-style architecture spot off most tourist radars.

Table: Local Market Highlights

From sharing meals with hosts to dancing in parks, Xi’an’s soul is in its streets. Slow down, ask questions (locals love showing off their city!), and remember: The most memorable moments often happen off the script. Ready to dive in? Xi’an de rénmín hěn rèqíng (Xi’an people are very warm)—they’re waiting to welcome you.