Shaanxi is a land of surprises, where bold flavors meet rich history and stunning landscapes. This guide presents four “eat & explore” routes:
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Xi’an 2-Day : Taste local breakfast, snacks, and iconic dishes while visiting Bell & Drum Towers, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and bustling food streets.
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Shaanbei 5-Day : Discover Hukou Waterfall, Wave Valley, Tongwan City, and enjoy hearty lamb dishes and rustic local snacks.
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Shaan’nan 5-Day : Explore ancient towns like Dihua, Zhashui Phoenix, Shuhe, and Hanzhong, sampling acorn jelly, walnut buns, and regional specialties.
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Guanzhong 3-Day : Visit Yuanjia Village, Famen Temple, Mount Taibai, and savor traditional noodles, vinegar noodles, and Douhua Paomo.
This itinerary blends cultural landmarks and authentic cuisine, perfect for travelers seeking a full-flavor Shaanxi experience.
Xi’an 2-Day Trip · Eat, Walk, Repeat in Chang’an
Xi’an is famous for its comforting carbs and hearty meat dishes.
One meal can keep you full for hours.
Even if you discover more snacks afterward, your stomach may surrender before your curiosity does.
So this 2-day route focuses on classic local flavors.
Eat well, walk it off at a nearby landmark, and get ready for your next feast.
DAY 1 · Drum Tower → Bell Tower → Muslim Quarter → Gaojia Courtyard → City Wall → Sajinqiao
Start with a Xi’an-style breakfast
Begin your morning with a warm bowl of húlàtāng , a classic Xi’an breakfast.
Don’t overeat — you still have a whole day ahead.
Clock in at the Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Spend the morning exploring the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Then walk to the nearby Muslim Quarter for snacks like local ice cream from Shaan A, zhēngāo rice cake, and persimmon pastries.
The Muslim Quarter is full of ethnic charm.
You can also visit the Great Mosque to get a closer look at Hui Muslim culture and architecture.
Lunch + A short performance
For lunch, try local classics like Dingjia Crispy Pork or Laomijia Beef Paomo.
After eating, stop by Gaojia Dayuan (Gao Family Courtyard) for a 10-minute shadow puppet show — a fun way to digest.
Walk or cycle the Xi’an City Wall
Then climb up to the City Wall.
Walk or cycle along the top to enjoy the views and burn a few calories.
Dinner at Sajinqiao
End your day at Sajinqiao , one of Xi’an’s most beloved food streets.
Recommended Restaurants
• Ma’er Sour Soup Dumplings
• Lu Zhi Liangfen
• Old Li’s Meatball Hulatang
• Pangzi Zenggao
• Flower Granny Sour Plum Juice
DAY 2 · Shaanxi History Museum → Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → Yongxingfang
Breakfast: soup dumplings
Start your day with Zhiliang Soup Dumplings , soft and juicy.
A walk through Tang-dynasty history
Head to the Shaanxi History Museum in the morning.
It’s the perfect place to feel the grandeur of ancient Chang’an.
Lunch near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Walk toward the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area for lunch.
Chang’an Da Paidang is a great pick — it gathers many regional specialties, including the famous Shaanxi dish Gourd Chicken.
Explore the Pagoda area
Spend the afternoon around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda , enjoying its historic atmosphere.
If you feel tired, stop at MAANUO COFFEE inside Joy City Mall.
You can enjoy a rooftop view of the pagoda — relaxing and very photogenic.
Dinner at Yongxingfang
End your day at Yongxingfang.
This lively food street has so many options that choosing becomes the hardest part.
Recommended Restaurants
• Zhiliang Soup Dumplings
• Chang’an Da Paidang
• Meet Chang’an
Where to Stay
Stay in the Bell Tower area of Lianhu District.
There are many guesthouses and chain hotels, and the value is excellent.
More importantly, you can walk to the Muslim Quarter , Sajinqiao , and Damaishi Street — perfect for anyone who wants to eat their way through the city.
Shaanbei 5-Day Trip: A Bold Journey Through Northwestern Flavors
This five-day route takes you past the roaring Hukou Waterfall and the dramatic Danxia landforms. The colors of “yellow earth and vast skies” define the entire journey. They also mirror the bold flavors of Shaanbei cuisine, shaped by life on the Loess Plateau.
DAY 1: Yichuan — Hukou Waterfall
Yichuan sits at the eastern edge of Shaanxi, right next to Shanxi Province. Most travelers come here for one reason: to witness the power of Hukou Waterfall , the spot where the Yellow River seems to drop straight from the heavens.
After returning to Yichuan for the night, don’t miss the region’s most classic snack: Yangyu Chacha（洋芋擦擦, Yángyù Chāchā）. It’s made by shredding potatoes, dusting them with dry flour, and steaming them. The texture feels like rustic potato fries, topped with minced meat and peppers for extra aroma.
Recommended Places: Shanye Renjia, Luo Jianwei Fen Tang Laobing, Yangrou Yijue
DAY 2: Yichuan → Yan’an — Baota Mountain, Revolution Memorial, Erdao Street Night Market
The drive from Yichuan to Yan’an takes around two hours. Make your first stop at the iconic Baota Mountain（宝塔山, Bǎotǎ Shān） , a symbol of China’s revolutionary history.
At night, wander through the lively Erdao Street Night Market. Grab a spicy Yangti（羊蹄, yángtí） , and your fatigue from the day will disappear instantly. Yan’an also has many “red-themed” restaurants inspired by its revolutionary past, blending Northwest flavors with nostalgic storytelling. It adds a fun layer to the travel experience.
Recommended Places: Lao Yan’an · Yan’an Food · “Millet & Rifle”, Old Village Chief Iron Pot Lamb, Eye-glasses Family Dipping Hotpot
DAY 3: Yan’an → Jingbian — One-Day Trip to Wave Valley
The drive from Yan’an to Jingbian also takes about two hours. Here lies the stunning Wave Valley（波浪谷, Bōlàng Gǔ） , often compared to Antelope Canyon in the U.S. You can walk right up to the red sandstone curves carved by wind and time.
Local food is equally impressive. Jingbian is famous for its lamb. Try a bowl of Lamb Noodle Geda（羊肉面疙瘩, yángròu miàn gēda） , and you’ll immediately feel at home with the local flavors.
Recommended Places: Old Shaanbei Minjie, Duan Baosheng Lamb House
DAY 4: Jingbian → Yulin — Tongwan City
Head north from Jingbian to visit the Tongwan City Ruins（统万城, Tǒngwàn Chéng）. Built by the Xiongnu, this once-white fortress still shows traces of its former grandeur despite centuries of wind and sand.
By evening, you’ll arrive in Yulin—the tastiest stop of this entire journey. Here you can enjoy Sanxian Platter（拼三鲜） , Suide Lamb Noodles , and Zhenchuan Wantuo , all unique local specialties.
Recommended Places: Yuwei Sanxian, Lao Tian Family Lamb Noodles, Zhang Ji Zhenchuan Mala Liver Wantuo
DAY 5: Yulin — Zhenbeitai & Return
Start the morning with true Yulin flavors: the soft and sweet Yulin Sugar Qizi（糖棋子, táng qízǐ） , or the savory Suide Youxuan（绥德油旋, SuíDé Yóuxuàn）.
Then visit Zhenbeitai（镇北台, Zhènběi Tái） , the largest surviving beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall. It stands alongside Shanhai Pass and Jiayu Pass as one of the “Three Great Marvels of the Great Wall.”
Recommended Places: Master Feng Sugar Qizi, Suide Youxuan Roujiabing
Shaan’nan 5-Day Food Journey: Eat Your Way Through Ancient Towns
Welcome to Shaan’nan（陕南, Shǎnnán） —a region defined by rolling mountains, lush vegetation, a mild southern-style climate, and ancient towns untouched by “internet fame tourism.” As you explore its unique landscapes and rich culture, you’ll also find a blend of northern and southern flavors waiting on every corner.
DAY 1: Shangluo — Dihua Ancient Town
Travel from Xi’an to Shangluo and visit Dihua Ancient Town（棣花古镇, Dìhuā Gǔzhèn）. It’s the setting of Jia Pingwa’s novel Qinqiang , and you can still see old residences linked to writers such as Bai Juyi and Jia Pingwa.
For lunch, try a bowl of smooth Acorn Jelly（橡子凉粉, xiàngzǐ liángfěn） or Black Rice Noodles（黑米擀面皮, hēimǐ gǎnmiànpí）. And be sure to taste the famous Zhashui Cured Pork（柞水腊肉, Zhàs huǐ Làròu）.
Recommended Places: Ye Family Ganmianpi, Sha’nan Renjia, Shangzhou Shanyang Traditional Huicai
DAY 2: Shangluo → Zhashui — Zhashui Phoenix Ancient Town
Head to Zhashui, home to some of the region’s best-known flavors—Zhashui Cured Pork , Zhashui Three Delicacies , Walnut Cakes , and Sour Soup Fish Noodles（浆水鱼儿, jiāngshuǐ yú’er）.
After eating well, stroll through Phoenix Ancient Town（凤凰古镇, Fènghuáng Gǔzhèn） —not the famous one in Hunan, but a quieter trading town once known as a hub between north and south. Many traditional courtyards from the Ming and Qing eras remain. Some old houses are now modern restaurants with great atmosphere.
Recommended Restaurants: Tongxinghe, Meng Family Courtyard, Changshengxiang (Century-old Shop)
DAY 3: Zhashui → Ankang — Shuhe Ancient Town
Your next stop is Ankang, a city blessed with fish and rice for over 2,000 years. Naturally, fish dishes are everywhere.
Just one hour away is Shuhe Ancient Town（蜀河古镇, Shǔhé Gǔzhèn） , a riverside settlement with real everyday charm. It sits beside the Han River, surrounded by hills, blue bricks, and grey tiles—perfect for a slow afternoon walk.
Recommended Restaurants: Zheng Laowu Steamed Noodles, Origin Stone-Pot Fish, Old Drum Tower Spicy Skewers & Roujiamo
DAY 4: Ankang → Hanzhong — Liuba Old Street, Hanzhong Museum, Qianjin Road Night Market
On the way to Hanzhong, stop by Liuba Old Street（留坝老街, Liúbà Lǎojiē） , a peaceful historic town hidden deep in the Qinling Mountains. Few tourists come here, so the century-old streets feel untouched.
After arriving in Hanzhong, visit the Hanzhong Museum , then explore Qianjin Road Night Market. Try local favorites like Hanzhong Rice Noodles（汉中米皮, Hànzhōng mǐpí） , Vegetable Tofu（菜豆腐, càidòufu） , and Walnut Pastry Buns（核桃馍, hétaomó）.
Recommended Places: Zhang Mingfu Mipi, Jiangjia Bingdou Mianpi, Liu Manager’s Local Hanzhong Cuisine
DAY 5: Hanzhong — Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area → Return to Xi’an
On the way to Hanzhong, stop by Liuba Old Street（留坝老街, Liúbà Lǎojiē） , a peaceful historic town hidden deep in the Qinling Mountains. Few tourists come here, so the century-old streets feel untouched.
After arriving in Hanzhong, visit the Hanzhong Museum , then explore Qianjin Road Night Market. Try local favorites like Hanzhong Rice Noodles（汉中米皮, Hànzhōng mǐpí） , Vegetable Tofu（菜豆腐, càidòufu） , and Walnut Pastry Buns（核桃馍, hétaomó）.
Recommended Places: Zhang Mingfu Mipi, Jiangjia Bingdou Mianpi, Liu Manager’s Local Hanzhong Cuisine
Guanzhong 3-Day Trip · A Feast of Local Snacks
The central Guanzhong region（关中, Guānzhōng） includes Xi’an, Baoji, Xianyang, and Weinan.
Historically rich and full of local produce, Guanzhong cuisine is often seen as the most representative of Shaanxi flavors.
DAY 1: Xi’an → Xianyang — Yuanjia Village
Just an hour’s drive from Xi’an, Yuanjia Village（袁家村, Yuánjiā Cūn） is a traditional settlement.
Here you’ll find abundant intangible cultural heritage , countless local snacks, and opportunities to watch traditional handcrafts in action. It’s a favorite day-trip spot for locals.
Recommended Restaurants:
• Yuanjia Village Guanzhong Impression Experience Store
• Yuanjia Village Donkey Hoof Noodles（驴蹄子面, lǘtízi miàn）
• Hot Pot Oil Cakes（涮锅油饼, shuànguō yóubǐng）
• Old Lü Fen Tang Lamb Blood Soup（老吕粉汤羊血, Lǎo Lǚ fěntāng yángxiě）
DAY 2: Xianyang → Baoji — Famen Temple & Bronze Museum
Start the day traveling from Xianyang to Baoji. Stop by Famen Temple（法门寺, Fǎmén Sì） , one of China’s most famous Buddhist sites.
It houses relics of Sakyamuni Buddha , attracting devotees year-round.
Next, visit the Baoji Bronze Museum , home to China’s richest collection of bronze artifacts—a must-see for history buffs.
Baoji cuisine blends flavors from nearby Gansu. Don’t miss Vinegar Noodles（醋粉, cù fěn） and Sàozi Noodles（臊子面, sàozi miàn）.
Recommended Restaurants:
• Lingshi Family Zhouli Restaurant
• Chen Wangshi Braided Noodles（陈王氏大辫子擀面皮, Chén Wángshì dàbiànzi gǎnmiànpí）
• Chencang Old Street Food Plaza
DAY 3: Baoji — Mount Taibai
On the last day in Guanzhong, head to Mount Taibai（太白山, Tàibái Shān） , the highest peak of the Qinling Mountains.
Hike to admire snow-capped peaks and cloud seas.
The area is rich in natural resources and rare species, worthy of a full-day exploration.
Before departure, enjoy a hearty Douhua Paomo（豆花泡馍, dòuhuā pàomó） breakfast.
The scenic area also offers several refined Shaanxi-style restaurants to satisfy your appetite.
Recommended Restaurants:
• Laofengfu Fengxiang Douhua Paomo
• Banshan Yunwei
• Nongjin Hotel