Xi'an isn't just about ancient terracotta warriors and dusty history books. It’s also a city with a serious sense of style.
If you need a break from the solemn historical sites, or if you just want to fill your camera roll with incredible photos, you need to check out the city's modern "Wanghong" (Internet-famous) scene.
From ice cream flavored like spicy noodles (yes, really) to coffee cups designed specifically for posing with the Bell Tower, here are 5 trendy spots in Xi'an that taste as good as they look
1. Shan A Sweet Shop (Shan A Tiandian 陕A甜店), Xi'an
Location: Near the Muslim Quarter
Vibe: Colorful, Creative, Pop-Culture
While you are eating your way through the Muslim Quarter, keep an eye out for this gem. They are famous for turning Xi'an's history into edible art.
Their "3D Popsicles" are a must-buy. They are molded into the shapes of city landmarks—the Terracotta Warriors, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Stone Lions. They are almost too cute to eat, but you definitely should.
🍽️ What to Order:
- Landmark 3D Popsicles (Changan Chengshi Xingxiang Binggun / 长安城市形象3D冰棍): Pick your favorite landmark! Each shape comes in a different flavor.
- Bingfeng Americano (Changan Bingfeng Juqi Meishi / 长安冰峰桔气泡美式): A unique mix of Americano coffee and Bingfeng (Xi'an's beloved local orange soda). It sounds weird, but the bitter coffee and sweet orange soda work perfectly together.
- Grape Sparkling Water (Hutai Putao Qipaoshui / 户太葡萄气泡水): Refreshing for summer.
2. Cha Hua Nong (茶话弄), Xi'an
Location: Multiple locations (Local Chain)
Vibe: "Guochao" (China Chic), Aesthetic, Zen
If you want to try "China Chic" (Guochao) milk tea, skip the international chains and come here. This local Xi'an brand blends premium Chinese tea leaves with modern dairy.
The packaging and store design are full of Han and Tang Dynasty aesthetics, making you feel like you are drinking tea in an ancient palace—but with better air conditioning.
🍽️ What to Order:
- Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea (Gui Hua Yin / 桂花引): Oolong tea base with fresh milk. It has a rich, floral Osmanthus aroma. Tip: Ask for "No Sugar" (Wu Tang) if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Mei Zhan Yao Hong (梅占摇红): Made with premium Jinjunmei black tea. It comes with a rich cream top sprinkled with crushed nuts. Try it with "Less Ice" (Shao Bing).
- Fu Tea (Fu Sheng Ban Ri Xian / 茯生半日闲): Made with Fu Tea , a fermented tea specialty of Shaanxi. Great for digestion after a heavy meal!
3. Shan Shi San (陕拾叁), Xi'an
Location: Near the Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter
Vibe: Experimental, Quirky, "The Häagen-Dazs of Xi'an"
This shop is famous for being "weird"—in the best way possible. They take local Shaanxi ingredients and turn them into ice cream (Ice L酪). You’ll find flavors here you can't find anywhere else on earth, like Tofu, Fermented Rice Wine, and Pomegranate.
But the ultimate challenge? The Chili Oil Ice Cream. It’s spicy, savory, and cold.
🍽️ What to Order:
- Oil Spill Chili Ice Cream (Youpo Lazi Binglao / 油泼辣子冰酪): Tastes like a cold, creamy bowl of spicy noodles. Do you dare to try it?
- Tiger Tally Cookies (Hufu Binggan / 虎符饼干): Cookies shaped like the ancient military "Tiger Tally" from the history museum. Great souvenirs!
- Traditional Flavors: Try the Mash (Laozao / 醪糟) or Rich Persimmon (Fu Ping Shibing / 富平柿饼) flavors for something sweet and local.
4. Ye Coffee (Ye Jia Fei 冶珈啡), Xi'an
Location: Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Branch
Vibe: Hipster, Hidden Gem, Best Photo Op
Have you seen those photos on Instagram where someone holds a coffee cup with the word "XI'AN" in bold red letters against the backdrop of the Bell Tower? This is where you get that shot.
Hidden in a small lane, this two-story shop is cozy and rustic. But let's be honest, most people come here for the cup. Important: Make sure to ask for the "Takeaway Cup" (Waimai Bei) to get the photogenic design!
🍽️ What to Order:
- Mint Mojito (Bohe Mojituo / 薄荷莫吉托): Non-alcoholic and refreshing.
- Ice Bock Dirty (Bing Boke / 冰博客 Dirty): Rich and creamy.
- Orange Sea (Juzi Hai / 橘子海): A citrusy coffee special.
5. Starbucks Reserve (星巴克臻选), Xi'an
Location: South Avenue (Zhongda International)
Vibe: Premium, Sleek, Design-focused
I know what you are thinking: "Starbucks? Really?" But this isn't your average corner shop. The Starbucks Reserve on South Avenue is a design masterpiece. The highlight is the massive "Xi'an Card Wall" made of coffee cards—it’s stunning.
It’s a great place to rest your feet, enjoy reliable AC, and watch the baristas perform their magic at the open brewing bar.
🍽️ What to Order:
- Oat Milk Latte (Yanmai Natie / 燕麦拿铁).
- Smoked Butterscotch Latte (Yanxun Sikaoqi Natie / 烟熏司考奇拿铁).
- Dark Chocolate Mousse (Hei Qiao Musi / 黑巧慕斯): A perfect match for the coffee.
Which of these spots would you visit first? Don 't forget to tag us in your foodie photos!