You’ll never guess what Xi’an is obsessed with. Yes, food, of course, but so is the rest of the country.

No, Xi’an is obsessed with traditional hànfú attire, especially Tang dynasty clothing.

The first thing we noticed in Xi’an was a couple of women in the subway wearing ruqun i.e., loose, flowing robes with wide sleeves. They even had makeup on, as well as headwear. “Cute,” we said. “Original.”

Then we realized that hànfú was a thing in Xi’an and that half of the women, as well as quite a few guys, embraced it. We even found several malls where you can buy your hànfú and have your makeup done. I only tried the clothes on, I don’t think I can look like a Tang or Ming dynasty sweetie…

I could have spent hours walking around Xi’an and observing people. In fact, I kind of did.

This city has an energy I didn’t suspect—it never sleeps!

People hang out outside and eat around the clock. It’s crazy. The 2-kilometre-long street of the Datang Everbright City is the place to be to show off your best hànfú, listen to live music and release stress in front of the screaming fountain—the louder the crowd shouts, the higher the water goes. The huge Muslim Quarter is the hub of the Chinese Hui Muslim community and the best destination for amazing street food.

And everywhere else, there are streets packed with people, restaurants, malls, street foods, bars, you name it.

I’m falling in love with this city.