Yongxing Fang (永兴坊, Yǒngxīng Fāng) is Xi’an’s ultimate food and culture street, where tradition meets modern trends. Here, you can try the famous Bowl-Smashing Liquor (摔碗酒, Shuāi Wǎn Jiǔ) , sample viral TikTok snacks like Brush Pen Pastry and Edible Mahjong , and enjoy local specialties from across Shaanxi Province. Beyond food, Yongxing Fang offers traditional performances, shadow puppetry, folk songs, and intangible cultural experiences , making it a must-visit destination for both your taste buds and cultural curiosity.
How to Explore the Viral Hotspot — Yongxing Fang
Smash Bowls and Go Viral
You’ve probably seen it in countless travel videos — people shouting excitedly as they drink, shout a blessing, and smash their bowls to the ground. That’s the famous Bowl-Smashing Liquor (摔碗酒, Shuāi Wǎn Jiǔ) , a viral sensation that’s been trending online for years.
This lively tradition isn’t just an internet stunt — it’s a real local experience you can enjoy right in Yongxing Fang (永兴坊, Yǒngxīng Fāng) , one of Xi’an’s most popular food and culture streets. Here, tourists and locals alike line up to take a sip of strong liquor, toss the bowl with a cheer, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
What to Do at Yongxing Fang
A Foodie’s Paradise
Compared to the famous Muslim Quarter (回民街, Huímín Jiē) , Yongxing Fang (永兴坊, Yǒngxīng Fāng) offers newer facilities and a more vibrant night scene. For travelers who don’t have time to hunt down local eateries across the city, Yongxing Fang is the perfect one-stop destination to sample Xi’an’s culinary delights.
While the Muslim Quarter mainly showcases Halal dishes centered on beef and lamb , Yongxing Fang brings together snacks and specialties from across Shaanxi Province — including Yulin, Yan’an, Baoji, Xianyang, Hanzhong, and Ankang. Some stalls even feature live demonstrations of how the food is made, offering visitors an interactive, hands-on experience that’s both fun and educational.
Bowl-Smashing Liquor (摔碗酒, Shuāi Wǎn Jiǔ)
The lively atmosphere here is unforgettable. Guests drink sweet rice wine and smash their bowls on the ground for a sense of excitement. Using any map app to search for “Shuai Wan Jiu” will guide you right to the experience spot. Each bowl costs about ¥5.
Thanks to Douyin (China’s TikTok), Bowl-Smashing Liquor has become an online sensation. Don’t miss the chance to join in — the ritual involves smashing the bowl with gusto , leaving behind a striking display of broken bowls. The wine is light, so there’s no need to worry about getting too tipsy.
Must-Try Local Snacks
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Xianyang Biangbiang Noodles (咸阳biangbiang面, Xiányáng Biángbiáng Miàn): Just next to the bowl-smashing stall, try the “three-in-one” combo — rich flavors at a great price.
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Zhashui Potato Ciba (柞水洋芋糍粑, Zuòshuǐ Yángyù Cíbā): A provincial-level intangible cultural heritage snack; potato lovers must try it. Approx. ¥6 per serving.
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Sanyuan Thousand-Layer Oil Cake (三原千层油塔, Sānyuán Qiāncéng Yóutǎ): A century-old snack, served torn into noodle-like strips with pickles. Only ¥3 each.
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Chengcheng Lamb Soup (澄城羊肉泡, Chéngchéng Yángròu Pào): Famous Chengcheng Water Basin Lamb , served hot with crescent-shaped bread — perfect for chilly days.
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Qinzhen Hot Rice Noodles (秦镇热米皮, Qínzhèn Rè Mǐpí): A must in the “Sanqin” set; now you don’t need to travel to Qinzhen — it’s available right in Yongxing Fang. Approx. ¥6.
Beyond these, nearly every Shaanxi snack you can imagine is here — from mirror cakes, fermented rice wine (醪糟, láozāo), to roujiamo (肉夹馍, ròujiāmó). Pace yourself, and save room to explore slowly!
Traditional Performances and Cultural Experiences
Yongxing Fang is built on the site of the Tang Dynasty Yongxing Fang and is said to have been the residence of Wei Zheng (魏征). At the entrance, a bronze mirror reflects Tang Taizong’s famous saying about using people as mirrors — a nod to local history.
The streets are dotted with traditional candy painting stalls, dough figurine artists, and straw-weaving craftsmen , instantly taking visitors back to childhood. You can also watch Huaxian shadow puppetry, Huayin old tunes, and Shaanbei folk songs , alongside various intangible cultural heritage experiences — combining food, culture, and entertainment in one lively street.
Practical Information
Address:
Northwest of the intersection of Dongxin Street (东新街, Dōngxīn Jiē) and the northern section of Shuncheng East Road (顺城东路, Shùnchéng Dōng Lù) , Xincheng District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province.
How to Get There:
Take buses No. 32, 33, 47, 263 , or other local routes, and get off at Zhongshan Gate (中山门, Zhōngshān Mén). From there, it’s just a short walk to Yongxing Fang (永兴坊, Yǒngxīng Fāng).
💡 Tip: Using a map app can make navigation easier, especially if you’re combining Yongxing Fang with other nearby attractions.
Viral TikTok Foods at Yongxing Fang
Brush Pen Pastry (毛笔酥, Máobǐ Sū)
You’ve probably seen this TikTok sensation in countless short videos. Shaped exactly like a Chinese calligraphy brush , it’s served on a “pen holder” and meant to be dipped in “ink” sauce before eating. The taste might not be the main attraction — it’s the creativity and photo appeal that makes it so popular.
Where to Try:
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Chang’an Dapaidang (长安大排档, Chain)
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Yujian Chang’an (遇见长安, Chain)
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Yongxing Fang (永兴坊, Yǒngxīng Fāng)
Red Dust Concubine Smile (红尘妃子笑, Hóngchén Fēizǐ Xiào)
Inspired by the classic idiom “A horse ride in red dust, the concubine smiles,” this new viral dish looks like bright red lychees but is actually made of shrimp paste. It’s a delicious and visually striking snack that’s worth trying.
Where to Try:
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Chang’an Dapaidang (Chain)
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Yujian Chang’an (Chain)
Edible Mahjong (麻将十三幺, Májiàng Shísān Yāo)
Following the brush pen pastry trend, now even mahjong tiles are edible! This inventive dish looks uncannily realistic but is actually a slightly sweet cake — a fun little snack for adventurous eaters.
Where to Try:
- Chang’an Dapaidang (Chain)
Sweet-tooth Favorite: Fermented Rice Wine Ice Cream (醪糟冰淇淋, Láozāo Bīngqílín)
This adorable dessert with a traditional twist has captured the hearts of sweet lovers. Variations are found across Xi’an snack streets and restaurants. For example:
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Shan Shisan (陕拾叁, Chain) serves fermented rice flavored ice cream.
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Chang’an Dapaidang started with ice cream scoops topped with fermented rice wine dessert.
The ice cream is subtly flavored with láozāo , creamy yet not too sweet, with a sorbet-like texture — a must-try for dessert fans.
Where to Try:
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Shan Shisan (Chain)
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Yongxing Fang
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Chang’an Dapaidang (Chain)
Edible Cosmetics?
Xi’an’s viral food scene gets even wilder — cosmetic-inspired desserts let you “open and eat” items like lipstick or powder compacts. It’s playful, fun, and surprisingly tasty!
Where to Try:
- Donghe Yuejie Concept Chinese Restaurant (东合悦界, Qujiang Haigangcheng)