Located inside the Zhongshan Gate of Xi’an’s East City Wall, Yongxingfang is a vibrant food street with deep historical roots. Originally the residence of the famous Tang Dynasty prime minister Wei Zheng, this area has transformed into a lively culinary destination. Known for its rich variety of street food, Yongxingfang gained national fame in 2018 after being featured in the popular “broken bowl wine” (摔碗酒) trend. Today, it’s a must-visit spot for food lovers looking to experience authentic Shaanxi flavors, with local snacks from all over the province. Here’s everything you need to know about this bustling food street.
Location & How to Get There
- Address: Yongxingfang is located 100 meters northwest of the intersection between Dongxin Street (东新街) and Shuncheng East Road (顺城东路) in the Xin District of Xi’an.
- Metro:
- Line 1: Chaoyangmen Station (朝阳门站)
- Line 4: Dachashi Station (大差市站)
- Line 6: Changlemen Station (长乐门站)
- Bus:
- 263, 33, 47, 527, 702: Zhongshanmen Station (中山门站)
- 102: Dongxin Street Station (东新街站)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Admission: Free, no reservation required
Must-Try Dishes at Yongxingfang
Broken Bowl Wine (摔碗酒): This is Yongxingfang’s most famous offering. The experience involves breaking a bowl as part of a lively and traditional ritual while enjoying sweet rice wine. The atmosphere here is electric, making it a unique experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Water Bowl Lamb (水盆羊肉): Don’t miss this signature dish! The lamb is tender and lean, served in a fragrant, rich broth. The lamb soup is incredibly fresh, and the added bread for dipping makes for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Zichang Fried Pancakes (子长煎饼): This dish is always a crowd favorite, with long queues forming outside. Similar to a rice roll, but with a chewy, elastic skin, each pancake is filled with a variety of savory fillings. It’s like opening a mystery box with every bite, making it both fun and delicious!
Mutton Blood Soup (粉汤羊血): A spicy dish, the mutton blood is fresh and tender, with a smooth texture. The rich, flavorful soup is both comforting and bold in taste.
Sour Plum Soup (永兴坊酸梅汤): This refreshing drink is both sweet and tangy, making it the perfect palate cleanser. It’s particularly great for cooling down after eating too much or as a digestive aid.
Qianzhou Mahua (乾州麻花): Watch the process of these golden, crispy snacks being made right before your eyes. Freshly fried and weighing 60 grams each, these twisted pastries carry the essence of Shaanxi’s traditional flavors and culture.
Crispy Beef Pancake (香酥牛肉饼): This savory snack is made from ground beef and flour, offering a crispy texture on the outside and a flavorful, salty filling inside. It’s a perfect street food to enjoy while walking around Yongxingfang.