Yongxingfang Food Street
A bustling Xi'an food street showcasing Shaanxi's diverse culinary heritage with vibrant stalls, traditional architecture, and lively evening ambiance...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical lantern glow
Yongxingfang Food Street
Best Time
Magical lantern glow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Xi'an food street showcasing Shaanxi's diverse culinary heritage with vibrant stalls, traditional architecture, and lively evening ambiance.
"It has an old bustling marketplace ambiance of ancient times with a festive atmosphere from all the visitors."
🎯 Sample Everything!
Many vendors offer small portions, perfect for trying a variety of Shaanxi's best street food. Come hungry!
🍜 Brave the Spicy Noodles
Don't miss the Chongqing Xiao Mian for an authentic, fiery taste of Sichuan. Be prepared for numbing spice!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chongqing Xiao Mian
Various stalls
Fiery, tongue-numbing spicy noodles that are a signature of Chongqing cuisine. A must-try for heat seekers!
Guo Kui (Pot Helmet)
Countryside stalls
Flaky, stuffed flatbreads with a rich history, named after ancient soldiers' helmets. Delicious and satisfying!

Leaf Noodles
Specific stalls
Chewy noodles made from corn leaves, served with a bright tomato sauce. A unique dish born from necessity.

Glutinous Rice Balls (酒酿小丸子)
Dessert stalls
Soft, chewy rice balls with various fillings, often enhanced with rice wine and sugar. A delightful sweet treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Culinary Adventure
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sample Everything!
Many vendors offer small portions, perfect for trying a variety of Shaanxi's best street food. Come hungry!
🍜 Brave the Spicy Noodles
Don't miss the Chongqing Xiao Mian for an authentic, fiery taste of Sichuan. Be prepared for numbing spice!
📸 Capture the Ambiance
The street comes alive at night with lanterns. Great for photos, especially during Chinese New Year.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
You can enjoy a wide range of delicious snacks without breaking the bank. Many dishes are very affordable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sample Everything!
Many vendors offer small portions, perfect for trying a variety of Shaanxi's best street food. Come hungry!
🍜 Brave the Spicy Noodles
Don't miss the Chongqing Xiao Mian for an authentic, fiery taste of Sichuan. Be prepared for numbing spice!
📸 Capture the Ambiance
The street comes alive at night with lanterns. Great for photos, especially during Chinese New Year.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
You can enjoy a wide range of delicious snacks without breaking the bank. Many dishes are very affordable.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
While popular, some find the main areas touristy. Venture into smaller alleys for potentially more local finds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yongxingfang is celebrated as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub, offering an authentic taste of Shaanxi's local delicacies and a lively marketplace ambiance. Visitors praise the incredible variety of affordable street food, the festive atmosphere, and the picturesque setting, especially at night. Some note that it can feel tourist-oriented, but the sheer culinary exploration makes it a must-visit.
"A fun place to try out lots of food and drinks after doing the lengthy walk of the Xi’an ancient city walls. It has an old bustling marketplace ambiance of ancient times (my knowledge from movies only naturally) with a festive atmosphere from all the visitors. I bought a couple of nut snack gifts, drank mulberry juice (nope, the silkworms only eat the leaves so it’s so nice they left the superfruit mulberry for people), ate a braised pork leg bun, and tasted for the first time a congealed lamb blood strips and crystal noodle soup. Trying to duplicate the lamb blood soup back home will not be easy. Pig’s blood sure but lamb’s blood? Where Shaun?"
Bill Yu
"Another check in@photo shoot place in Xi'An! Many things can be seen here, as well as eat for local food!
The environment become more colorful as the decorations are using the theme of Chinese new year! Do come in January if you wish to take photo for "red theme".
Beside, Lots of Handcraft and chinese cultural stuffs can be seen here!"
J-Ho S. C.
"Was introduced by my friend in China, honestly speaking I felt this has more interesting varieties compare to the Muslim Street. Must try the 酒酿小丸子, is one of the best I’ve tried so far. The glutinous rice ball is very soft and with different stuffing. We requested ask to add a bit more rice alcohol and sugar, and taste superb. There are short performance at different time and place."
Achel T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yongxingfang is easily accessible by public transport in Xi'an. You can take the metro to the Yongxingfang station (Line 6) or various bus routes that stop nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yongxingfang is located to the east of the Xi'an ancient city walls. It's a manageable distance, and many visitors combine a walk along the walls with an evening visit to the food street.
The food street is best explored on foot. It's designed for pedestrian traffic, allowing you to wander through the stalls and soak in the atmosphere.
Yes, there are parking lots available near Yongxingfang, but they can get busy, especially during peak hours. If you're driving, factor in potential parking challenges.
While they are both popular tourist spots in Xi'an, they are not within easy walking distance. It's recommended to take public transport or a taxi between the Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Yongxingfang Food Street is generally free to enter. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase from the various vendors.
Yongxingfang is typically open from late morning until late at night, with the atmosphere becoming particularly vibrant in the evening. Specific stall hours may vary.
Some short performances might be free to watch as part of the street's ambiance, while others could potentially have a small fee or be part of a larger event. It's best to check on-site for specific performance details.
Yongxingfang is primarily a street food market, so advance table bookings are generally not applicable. You typically find a spot to stand or eat at communal tables.
Yes, Yongxingfang often hosts events, especially around Chinese New Year, where the decorations become very festive and 'red-themed.'
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-tries include Chongqing Xiao Mian (spicy noodles),
Guo Kui (stuffed flatbread), leaf noodles, and various glutinous rice balls. Don't shy away from unique items like lamb blood soup!Food prices are generally very affordable, with many snacks costing just a few dollars. You can sample a wide variety without spending a lot.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can find some vegetarian options like certain types of noodles, dumplings, and snacks. It's always good to ask vendors about ingredients.
Absolutely! You'll find a wide selection of beverages, including traditional Chinese teas, fruit juices (like mulberry juice mentioned in reviews), and other refreshing drinks.
Yongxingfang is renowned for showcasing authentic Shaanxi local delicacies and other regional Chinese street foods, offering a true taste of the area's culinary heritage.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire street offers great photo opportunities, especially at night with the lantern glow. The traditional architecture and bustling food stalls provide a vibrant backdrop.
Yes, the soft lantern glow at night creates a magical and atmospheric setting, perfect for capturing the essence of the ancient city.
Evenings offer the best ambiance with the lights. During Chinese New Year, the 'red theme' decorations provide unique photographic opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the street and details of the food. A fast prime lens can be great for low-light food shots.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their food, especially if they are busy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds, which might make navigating with strollers challenging. It's a great place to let kids try new snacks in small portions. The visual appeal of the food preparation and the festive decorations, especially during holidays, can be a big hit with younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the smaller snacks and local specialties. Instead of ordering large portions, try several different items from various vendors to get a diverse culinary experience. This is the perfect place to eat like a local on a shoestring budget.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Engage with the vendors, learn about the ingredients and preparation methods. The sheer variety means you can spend hours here discovering new flavors and textures. It's a place to be adventurous and try things you might not find anywhere else.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Shaanxi and Beyond
Visitors can expect to find an incredible diversity of flavors. From the intensely spicy and numbing Chongqing Xiao Mian to the hearty and flaky Guo Kui, the street offers a true gastronomic adventure. Many vendors specialize in a single dish, perfecting their craft over years, ensuring high quality and authentic taste. The affordability of the snacks means you can embark on a culinary crawl, sampling a little bit of everything.
Beyond the food, Yongxingfang often features cultural performances, adding to the festive ambiance. It's a place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy delicious food, vibrant culture, and the unique charm of Xi'an. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Yongxingfang promises a memorable experience.
The Evening Ambiance and Photography
Photographers will find Yongxingfang to be a dream location. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant colors of the food, and the intricate details of the traditional buildings offer endless opportunities for stunning shots. The 'red theme' decorations during Chinese New Year further enhance the visual appeal, making it an ideal time for those seeking festive and colorful imagery.
Visiting at night allows you to capture the lively energy of the street, from vendors preparing their specialties to people enjoying their meals. The reflections on wet surfaces after a light rain can add an extra layer of visual interest. Remember to bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a fast prime lens to make the most of the enchanting evening atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit