Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The Muslim Quarter is a must-visit for its chaotic energy, diverse street food, and bustling atmosphere. Be prepared for crowds and motorbikes. (1:06)
- Tip 2Don't be afraid to try local dishes even without prior research. Sometimes, the best culinary discoveries are spontaneous and surprising. (2:38)
- Tip 3Embrace the attention you might receive as a foreigner. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, try to see it as a sign of curiosity and openness. (3:18)
- Tip 4Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an to experience its unique blend of architectural styles and gain a deeper understanding of local culture. (7:47)
- Tip 5Look for affordable and modern accommodation options; Xi'an offers great value, with comfortable rooms available for around $23 per night. (10:46)
- Tip 6When visiting the Terracotta Soldiers, take time to learn about their history to fully appreciate the scale and significance of this ancient wonder. (11:14)
- Tip 7Engage in discussions about favorite cuisines with your travel companions to share perspectives and learn about different culinary traditions. (13:32)
- Tip 8Explore large Asian malls not just for shopping, but also to observe local trends, fashion, and the modern urban lifestyle. (15:10)
- Tip 9Consider staying in trendy neighborhoods like the one near Woolly beer bar for a more local and vibrant experience. (16:54)
- Tip 10Be open to trying traditional spirits like baijiu; it's a significant part of Chinese culture and offers a unique taste experience. (20:01)
Embark on a 48-hour food and culture journey through Xi'an, China's vibrant food capital! Rhea and Nick explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, savoring unique street foods like shredded beef burgers and spicy noodles. They marvel at the Great Mosque's stunning architecture and reflect on the historical significance of the Terracotta Soldiers. From trendy malls to cozy beer bars and trying potent baijiu, this trip offers a taste of Xi'an's diverse attractions and local hospitality.
More about the current video:
This video takes viewers on a 48-hour culinary and cultural adventure in Xi'an, a city hailed as China's food capital. Rhea and Nick dive headfirst into the vibrant chaos of the Muslim Quarter, sampling local delicacies like shredded beef burgers with mala chili oil and delicious, unresearched noodles with a peanut butter and sesame sauce. The duo notes the increased attention they receive as foreigners, attributing it to their distinctly American style, complete with iced lattes and Starbucks bags.
Their exploration continues with a taste of spicy potatoes seasoned with cumin, reminiscent of lamb chop spices, and a refreshing pomegranate juice. They also visit Chagi Tea, a popular chain, for their jasmine lemon tea. A unique encounter leads them to a hidden bookstore behind a Thai tea shop, where they meet Michael, a local with global studies experience who recommends the Great Mosque of Xi'an.
The Great Mosque surprises them with its architectural beauty, blending Islamic and traditional Chinese styles, a stark contrast to their preconceived notions. For dinner, they indulge in stewed croaker, spicy chicken reminiscent of Kung Pao, and bao buns with black pork belly and mala sauce, sparking a discussion about their top Asian cuisines. Rhea champions Japanese curry, while Nick prefers coconut curry from Chiang Mai.
The journey includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Soldiers, a testament to ancient Chinese history, which leaves them feeling small in the grand timeline of human existence. They also experience the modern side of Xi'an, marveling at the scale and style of the Caoyuan Mall, despite the pushy sales associates. The travel experience takes a turn towards nightlife with a visit to Woolly Taproom, a cozy beer bar, where they engage in a game of 'would you rather' and enjoy local brews.
Their Xi'an adventure culminates with a bar hop, trying baijiu, a potent traditional Chinese spirit, at Sanpo Cocktail Bar. The evening is filled with unexpected generosity from the bar staff, including free spirits, custom coasters, stickers, and cookies, highlighting the warmth of local hospitality despite language barriers. The travelers also share a candid reflection on the challenges of public restrooms in China, particularly the squat toilets, and discuss their evolving journey as content creators, celebrating their first YouTube AdSense earnings and the prospect of extending their travels.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What were the shredded beef burgers like?
- A: They were juicy, tender, and peppery with a cracker-like coating, featuring delicious mala chili oil.
- Q: What made the noodles so special?
- A: They were bouncy, spicy, and coated in a delicious peanut butter and sesame sauce, with fresh cucumbers.
- Q: What was surprising about the Great Mosque?
- A: It looked nothing like expected, resembling a Buddhist temple rather than a typical mosque, and felt like stepping into another world.
- Q: How did the Terracotta Soldiers make you feel?
- A: They made us feel small in time, emphasizing the vastness of history and the incredible fact of their existence.
- Q: What was the experience at Woolly Taproom like?
- A: It was an adorable beer bar on the cute side of town, with a friendly owner who loved 'Friends' and New York.
- Q: What is baijiu?
- A: Baijiu is a traditional Chinese spirit, often made from rice or wheat, known for its very high alcohol content.
- Q: What was the most memorable part of the Sanpo Cocktail Bar visit?
- A: The incredible generosity, including free spirits, hand-knitted coasters, stickers, and a box of Chinese cookies, despite a language barrier.
- Q: What's the deal with public bathrooms in China?
- A: They can be challenging, often featuring squat toilets that are sometimes covered in urine, making them a memorable (and not always pleasant) part of the experience.