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48 Hours in China’s Oldest City! Xi'an 🇨🇳
Xi'an Exploration: Budget Travel Guide to China's Ancient City
We explored Xi’an the CHEAP way—and it turned out to be one of the most epic stops of our China trip so far. From ancient city walls to street food that costs less than a coffee back home, here’s how we did Xi’an on a backpacker budget 💸
📍 Location highlights: Muslim Quarter, City Wall, Drum...
We explored Xi’an the CHEAP way—and it turned out to be one of the most epic stops of our China trip so far. From ancient city walls to street food that costs less than a coffee back home, here’s how we did Xi’an on a backpacker budget. 📍 Location highlights: Muslim Quarter, City Wall, Drum Tower, and more. 🥟 Best street eats for under $2. 🚲 How we got around for pennies. 💰 Full day cost breakdown. We’re travelling across China by train for 30 days — on a mission to explore the culture, food, and wild beauty of this huge country on a backpacker budget.
Discover the magic of Xi'an, China's oldest city, in just 48 hours! Max and Jacqueline's budget-friendly adventure takes you through the bustling Muslim Quarter, the majestic City Wall, and the iconic Drum Tower. Experience the thrill of exploring ancient wonders and savoring delicious street food for less than the price of a coffee. This captivating journey showcases the rich culture and beauty of Xi'an, proving that unforgettable travel experiences don't require a hefty price tag.
We explored Xi’an the CHEAP way—and it turned out to be one of the most epic stops of our China trip so far. From ancient city walls to street food that costs less than a coffee back home, here’s how we did Xi’an on a backpacker budget. 📍 Location highlights: Muslim Quarter, City Wall, Drum Tower, and more. 🥟 Best street eats for under $2. 🚲 How we got around for pennies. 💰 Full day cost breakdown. We’re travelling across China by train for 30 days — on a mission to explore the culture, food, and wild beauty of this huge country on a backpacker budget.
This travelogue follows Max and Jacqueline's incredible 48-hour adventure in Xi'an, China, showcasing their budget-friendly approach to exploring this ancient city. Their journey begins with a captivating exploration of the ancient city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest, oldest, and best-preserved city wall in the world. They marvel at its impressive size and learn about its historical significance, including its role as a defense system and its construction materials, a unique blend of rammed earth, lime, and glutenous rice extract.
The exploration continues to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, where they uncover fascinating stories about their origins and the city's history. They discover that the towers were not only used for timekeeping but also to ward off earthquakes and dragons, reflecting the city's rich mythology and beliefs. The journey then leads them to the South Gate, a magnificent entrance to the city wall, and the West Gate, where they discover a unique courtyard with a bare tree that's a popular spot for photos.
Max and Jacqueline's exploration extends to the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area filled with bustling markets and delicious street food. They sample various local delicacies, including coconut chewy rolls and pork belly, and experience the unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture at the Great Mosque. The mosque's tranquil garden, featuring the stunning Ulan Magnolia tree, stands in stark contrast to the lively market streets, showcasing the diversity of Xi'an's cultural landscape.
The highlight of their trip is their visit to the Terracotta Warriors, a world-famous archaeological site. They cleverly navigate public transport to reach the site, demonstrating their resourcefulness and budget-conscious approach. The sheer scale and detail of the warriors leave them awestruck, and they spend a significant amount of time exploring the different pits and exhibition halls. They share their personal insights and emotional moments, capturing the wonder and awe they feel in the presence of these historical marvels.
Throughout their journey, Max and Jacqueline share practical travel tips, including cost-effective transportation options, affordable food choices, and the best ways to navigate the city. Their narrative is infused with personal anecdotes, highlighting the unexpected discoveries, local interactions, and authentic experiences that make their trip unique. They offer valuable insights for budget travelers, demonstrating that exploring a vibrant city like Xi'an can be both affordable and incredibly rewarding.
Max and Jacqueline's 48-hour Xi'an adventure proves that budget travel doesn't mean sacrificing epic experiences. Their exploration of Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities, seamlessly blends historical landmarks with vibrant street food encounters. From scaling the ancient city walls – the largest and best-preserved in the world – to haggling for treasures in bustling markets, their journey is filled with unexpected delights and cultural immersion. The highlight? Witnessing the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, not through a pricey tour, but via their resourcefulness and public transport.
Max and Jacqueline's budget-friendly Xi'an trip: ancient city walls, delicious street food, and the breathtaking Terracotta Warriors! An unforgettable Chinese adventure.
Xi'an Exploration: Ancient Walls, Terracotta Warriors & Budget Travel
4:27 Explore China's affordable drink options, like peach and mango tea with coconut jellies, for a refreshing and budget-friendly treat.
5:30 Purchase tickets for the city wall using the WeChat QR code or visit the tourist center for assistance. The cost is approximately 60 yuan.
7:08 Consider viewing some attractions from the outside to save on entry fees while still appreciating their grandeur. The city walls are an exception, definitely worth entering.
14:29 If traveling on a tight budget, focus on seeing the exterior of monuments as the outside views are often just as impressive as the interior. Prioritize experiences like walking the city walls.
21:17 Plan your visit to the Terracotta Warriors carefully. Check online for ticket availability and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
24:28 Use the metro and bus system for affordable and efficient transportation to the Terracotta Warriors. The route from Line 1 to Line 9 and then a bus is recommended.
26:43 Utilize public transport to reach the Terracotta Warriors for a cost-effective way to get there, costing less than $4 for two people.
4:27 Explore China's affordable drink options, like peach and mango tea with coconut jellies, for a refreshing and budget-friendly treat.
5:30 Purchase tickets for the city wall using the WeChat QR code or visit the tourist center for assistance. The cost is approximately 60 yuan.
7:08 Consider viewing some attractions from the outside to save on entry fees while still appreciating their grandeur. The city walls are an exception, definitely worth entering.
14:29 If traveling on a tight budget, focus on seeing the exterior of monuments as the outside views are often just as impressive as the interior. Prioritize experiences like walking the city walls.
21:17 Plan your visit to the Terracotta Warriors carefully. Check online for ticket availability and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
24:28 Use the metro and bus system for affordable and efficient transportation to the Terracotta Warriors. The route from Line 1 to Line 9 and then a bus is recommended.
26:43 Utilize public transport to reach the Terracotta Warriors for a cost-effective way to get there, costing less than $4 for two people.
0:00 China train journey begins
0:10 Xi'an introduction
0:30 Day 1: City walls exploration
0:43 Day 2: Terracotta Warriors
1:09 Xi'an city exploration starts
4:27 Affordable drinks along the way
5:01 Ancient city walls
10:12 Muslim Quarter exploration
11:00 Sunday craft market
18:13 Muslim Quarter food scene
20:58 Terracotta Warriors visit
24:07 Terracotta Warriors, take two
0:00 China train journey begins
0:10 Xi'an introduction
0:30 Day 1: City walls exploration
0:43 Day 2: Terracotta Warriors
1:09 Xi'an city exploration starts
4:27 Affordable drinks along the way
5:01 Ancient city walls
10:12 Muslim Quarter exploration
11:00 Sunday craft market
18:13 Muslim Quarter food scene
20:58 Terracotta Warriors visit
24:07 Terracotta Warriors, take two
How much did it cost to enter the Terracotta Warrior museum?
It was only 120 yuan to enter!
What was the best way to get to the Terracotta Warriors?
The best way was taking two metro lines and then a bus. It cost us less than $4 for two people!
What was the most surprising thing you found?
Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!
