Old Life of Guanzhong Encountered in the Villages Outside Chang'an

The villages near Xi'an show how people of the Guanzhong Plain have lived, slightly away from the center of ancient dynasties, along with today’s rural tourism. Puchajin highlights the culture of tea trade and Fuling tea, while Sujingli and Zhouzuisuije utilize waterways as relaxing spaces, and Donghancun focuses on peasant painting work. Yuanjiachun and Maweiyue allow for a comparison of the scale and commercialization of folk streets.

Even if a village is named Gochon, be sure to distinguish between the actual historic residences, newly created folk streets, and tourist commercial districts, as they are all quite different experiences. On weekends, expect traffic jams with long waits for parking, and very early last buses for public transport. Do not enter residents' homes or farmland without permission, and check the availability of experience programs, seasonal events, and accommodation before you set out, allowing yourself to select one or two places leisurely.

Exploring the villages nearby reveals that the same Guanzhong culture is remembered through different mediums such as tea, peasant painting, noodles, shrines, and markets. Instead of only counting how many old buildings remain, let’s observe what stories local businesses, performances, and newly created landscapes tell. The difference between overly neat streets and alleys rich with traces of life is also an important point of observation while traveling.

When trying local foods and specialties, check the price, weight, and storage methods after tasting, and buy only what you need. During the busy farming season, prioritize pathways and working vehicles, and seek consent before photographing residents' faces or their homes. In the suburbs, ride-hailing services may not be reliable, so it’s safer to secure bus schedules and driver contacts for your return trip. By embracing slower travel, the stark realities of life in Guanzhong compared to downtown Xi'an become vividly clear.