Xian Local Life Style

Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in the world with a vivid and rich history and culture. It is not only the birthplace of the Chinese Nation, but also the birthplace of human civilization in Asia and the cultural center of prehistoric civilization. One of China’s most historically important cities, and most famous for its army of Terracotta Warriors, Xi' an has now begun to attract attention as a viable home-away-from-home for foreign nationals. This culturally-rich city, home of such monuments as the Da Yan (''Big Wild Goose'') Pagoda and the Great Mosque of Xi' an, is located on a plain among the foothills of the Qinling Mountains, south of the Wei River. Xi' an' s population of 3.7 million people is split among various ethnic groups, including some 50,000 Muslims.
As far as dining goes, a moderate range of international food is available in Xi'an, and local treats are in abundance.  Muslims and vegetarians will enjoy the wide selection of pork-less eateries.  Without a doubt, Golden Hans BBQ and Highfly Pizza have become favorites among foreigners in Xi'an, while the city's only Indian restaurant, CACAJA, will have you coming back again and again for the reasonable prices, savory curries and English-speaking waiters.  Sicilly Coffee is a nice place to relax with a book on Sunday afternoon, but when night falls, head out to 2008-98 Bar for some live adolescent rock 'n' roll, or Durty Nellie's Irish Pub for a more pint-friendly atmosphere. Locals and expats alike also stroll around the Bell Tower entertainment district for a wider range of bar-
hopping options.
The local cuisine doesn’t feature on the list of China’s eight great cooking styles, but don’t let that put you off. Head for Tong Sheng Xiang restaurant for a plate of yangrou paomo, a hearty dish of mutton stock, noodle pieces and vegetables that is one of Xi' an' s many gifts to the rest of China. And if you like dumplings, you’ll love Xi' an: the Xi' an dumpling feast is a jiaozi-lover’s dream. Xi' an' s Muslim community give the city a special flavor, both historically and gastronomically, as you will find out if you visit Damaishi Street to sample some of the superb pork-free delicacies on offer.
The shopping in Xi' an is rewarding for those who aren' t snobbish about quality replicas of art treasures and antiques. High-quality calligraphy rubbings and Tang pottery replicas abound. Try the Xi' an antique market or the Xi' an Wuji Antique Market, where you will find the odd piece of Tibetan art as well. Expats living in Xi' an are well-served by shopping malls and department stores and supermarkets.
Xi'an's expatriate community is not particularly developed. Though there are indeed foreigners that live in Xi'an, they tend to be fairly spread out, making the number seem smaller than it actually is.  One benefit of this, however, is the cheap housing.  If you go through a Chinese realtor (recommended), you may find yourself with a 130sqm home in an older building for RMB2, 500/month.  In fact, RMB2, 500 is considered expensive in Xi'an, whereas in Beijing, it is near the bottom of the housing ladder.  Most Xi'an apartments range around RMB1,000 for a single room. If you're looking to live in an area with a high concentration of foreigners, check out the flats located around the Xi'an International Studies University, or in the High Tech Industrial Park, which houses many of Xi'an's foreign professionals.