Xi'an | Day 2

Today we switched hotels to be closer to the heart of Xi’an, making it easier to explore the city’s major sites. Once we’d settled in, we grabbed lunch from a street vendor nearby and enjoyed some dumplings.

Our first stop after lunch was the Bell Tower, a stunning piece of Ming Dynasty architecture that marks the center of Xi’an. With its traditional wooden structure and intricate green and red paintwork, it’s a striking reminder of the city’s long history. We walked around the tower, appreciating the view from the outside. It’s fascinating to see how ancient and modern Xi’an blend together in this area, with historic sites right alongside bustling urban streets.

Next, we made our way to the nearby Drum Tower. Similar in design to the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower once served to mark the time of day for residents of ancient Xi’an.

In the afternoon, we wandered through Beiyuanmen Food Street, a lively area filled with vendors selling local snacks and street food. The aromas of grilled skewers, spiced noodles, and baked pastries filled the air. We sampled a few items, including a persimmon cake, sugar-coated walnuts, and an assortment of local traditional biscuits.

After a day of exploring, we headed back to the new hotel to rest and recharge for tomorrow.