Xi'an | Day 1

We started the day early with a quick breakfast at the hotel buffet before catching a cab to the Hanzhong high-speed train station.

The high-speed train to Xi’an took about an hour and a half. Xi’an, once the ancient capital of China, is best known for its rich history and as the home of the Terracotta Warriors. It’s also famous for the ancient city wall, the Bell Tower, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter, which showcases the city’s cultural blend of Chinese and Islamic influences.

After a quick stop at the hotel to drop off our bags, we took the metro into the city for lunch at a local lamb soup restaurant.

Next, we headed to the city wall, one of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks. The wall, which is remarkably well-preserved, is massive in scale and provides great views of both the ancient and modern parts of the city. We climbed up and explored the top, enjoying the history that surrounded us.

Later, we treated ourselves to a quick pick-me-up from Luckin Coffee, a popular Chinese coffee chain. Luckin has rapidly grown in popularity for its high-quality coffee at affordable prices, and it’s a go-to spot for both locals and tourists alike.

We stayed around the city wall until nightfall to see it illuminated under the city lights.

Afterwards, we took the metro back to the hotel, grabbing a quick dinner along the way: a savory meat bun and a bowl of warm congee, perfect to wrap up a long day.