Xicang Flower, Bird, Fish, and Insect Market
Every Thursday and Sunday in Xicang Alley, there is the famous flower, bird, fish, and insect market in Xi'an. Locals in Huifang call this kind of market the 'Flower and Bird Market.' When the market opens, people selling birds, flowers, crickets, fish, rabbits, pigeons, dogs, and various snacks gather here, forming a bustling market that radiates within a two-kilometer radius. It vividly resembles a scene from the 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' painting, but belongs to Xi'an. Walking through Xicang Alley, the image of old Xi'an from the 1980s reappears faintly, offering an open landscape to experience the life of old Xi'an.
Hui Fang
Hui Min Street is the most concentrated area for Xi'an's special snacks and a must-visit place for both domestic and foreign tourists. The streets are crowded with people, all squeezing into this bustling street. However, it often feels like a commercial street with a fleeting experience. If you want to experience the most authentic Xi'an flavors, the 'fly restaurants' in the backstreets and alleys of Hui Fang are the best choice. This area is also a gathering place for Xi'an residents.
Yongxingfang is a unified production and standardized management area for Shaanxi snacks. Although it is called a street, it can actually be considered a market. It is divided into Guanzhong Street, Southern Shaanxi Street, and Northern Shaanxi Street. To make purchases at Yongxingfang, you need to get a dining card at the Yongxingfang card office. There are 7 locations where you can get the card. A deposit of 10 yuan is required, with a minimum top-up of 20 yuan, and each person typically spends around 50 yuan. Any unused balance can be refunded (cash card balances can be refunded, but WeChat and Alipay balances cannot be refunded).
The Muslim Snack Street on the North Courtyard Gate is completely different from the bustling atmosphere of the main street. The Gao Family Courtyard is more like a recluse hidden in the city. This is the best-preserved Han residential courtyard in Xi'an, with a deep cultural heritage. The four large characters '榜眼及第' on the doorplate exude a sense of scholarly pride. The ancient wooden furniture, traditional residential couplets, brick carvings, and other artworks on the doorplate fully restore the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In addition, folk paper-cutting, old photos, porcelain, and other artworks are also framed. The Gao Family Courtyard occasionally hosts shadow puppet shows or Qin opera performances. The dim light bulbs and rectangular white screens, accompanied by the 'ding-dong' music, showcase the unique bowl cavity of Guanzhong, which is light and delicate. The high-pitched, rough, and gentle tones of Qin opera reveal the straightforward and simple nature of the people of Shaanxi.
Every event that happens in the city of Xi'an revolves rapidly around the Bell Tower, making it a landmark of Xi'an. In the past, the large bell was used to tell time, but now it has become a genuine tourist attraction. Some of its original functions no longer exist, but the bell still rings during festivals and holidays, praying for peace. Of course, the Bell Tower is also a favorite among art enthusiasts, especially at night when the scenery is spectacular.
