The people of Xi’an like to participate in several activities involved in recreating the past, like holding contests to find women who resemble Yang Guifei, the beautiful imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty. Some people say that the people of Xi’an are closest to the spirit of ancient China. They need only dress in ancient clothes and they would be just like their forebears without the need to act. XI’an gives you an ancient feel. This kind of historic air emanates largely from the huge fortress wall that surrounds the inner city. At twilight, the deep and mournful voices of people singing operatic folk songs carry and resound from the wall.

Other performers play the ancient wind instrument called the “xun”. This music can take you back to a time before civilization and history. Xi’an dialect preserves many characteristics of Classic Chinese. The people of Xi’an still live the life of ancient Chinese in many ways. They enjoy practicing calligraphy, playing Chinese chess, singing folk opera and playing traditional Chinese musical instruments. Every household displays paintings, currency, pottery and jade from ancient times. The names of the stores around Xi’an resemble those of ancient times and are written in beautiful calligraphy. Even the sign of a little snack stand seems to be done by a famous calligrapher. The snacks of Xi’an are also made with traditional recipes.