Free things to do in Xi'an, curated by locals!

🌿 [Qinglong Temple Ruins Protection Zone] - A secret world of cherry blossoms ▪️ Take Subway Line 3 directly there, and avoid the paid scenic area by walking towards the east gate. ▪️ Red walls, bamboo forests, and mirrored hallways are perfect for taking photos in Hanfu. ✨ Tip: Arrive before 8am to have the entire flower field to yourself. 🏭 [Dahua 1935] - The beauty of industrial ruins ▪️ An art district converted from a former textile factory, featuring giant graffiti walls. ▪️ Staircases in old factory buildings and rusty pipes make for great cyberpunk photos. ▪️ Every Saturday, there's a creative market run by university students (handmade goods, cheap and fun!). Location: No. 251, Taihua South Road (Subway Line 4, Hanyuan Hall Station) ⛪ [Five Star Street Church] - A hidden gem blending Chinese and Western styles ▪️ A 300-year-old Catholic church with breathtaking stained glass windows. ▪️ Organ worship on Friday evenings (non-believers can also visit quietly). ▪️ In the small alley around the corner, you'll find the most authentic rose mirror cakes in old Xi'an. 🏞️ [Qujiang Pool Ruins Park] - The ultimate night view ▪️ A gathering place for locals to jog at night, with the lake reflecting the lights of thousands of homes. ▪️ Free shadow puppet shows every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm. 🎬 [Exterior of the Western Film Studio Museum] - A must-visit for art lovers ▪️ Giant movie poster walls and Soviet-style red brick factory buildings. ▪️ Important! Taking photos of the exterior is completely free, no need to enter the museum. 🏨 [Hotel Recommendation | Smart hotel 10 minutes from attractions] ▫️ YUE Hotel (Datang Everbright City South Square Branch) ▫️ 11th Floor, Human Resources Industrial Park, No. 1819, Cuihua Road, Yanta District 💡 Why choose this hotel? ✅ Prime location: All the above attractions are within a 3km radius (easily accessible on foot or by bike). ✅ Smart control features: Voice-activated Xiaodu smart assistant and smart toilet. ✅ Family-friendly: 1.8m bed and separate dry and wet bathroom areas. 🗺️ Actual walking times → Dahua 1935: 15 minutes by subway. → Qujiang Pool: 8 minutes by shared bike. → Datang Everbright City: 10 minutes walk through Kaiyuan Square to the core area. → Yintai Department Store: Just across the road downstairs (super convenient for storing shopping bags). ⚠️ Things to avoid: Don't take a taxi to Qinglong Temple! The morning rush hour traffic is a nightmare. During the off-season, you can stay in a smart hotel room for around 150+ per person, much cleaner and safer than a homestay.