Things To Do
in Leichi

Leichi is a small historic city in northern Shaanxi, perched near the Qinling Mountains and set along broad plains. It blends ancient architecture and modern, friendly neighborhoods with a pace that invites wandering and local conversations. The cuisine leans into hearty Shaanxi flavors, with handmade noodles and grilled meats a common sight on every corner.

Its surrounding landscapes offer hillside views, traditional temples, and river reflections that make a visit feel timeless.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Leichi
morning
:

Arrive in Leichi and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café where you can experience traditional Chinese tea. Explore the nearby streets, soaking in the local culture and atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit Leichi Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture and unique history. Stroll through the narrow alleys and admire the historic buildings that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stop at local shops to pick up souvenirs and locally-made crafts.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant and sample regional specialties such as Leichi-style hotpot. Engage with locals over dinner as they share stories about Leichi's rich history. End your evening with a quiet walk along the river, enjoying the illuminated views of the town.

day 2
Exploring Natural Wonders
morning
:

Embark on a hike to the scenic Wu Qi Mountain, where breathtaking views of the surrounding area await. Early morning is the perfect time to enjoy the serenity of nature and listen to the birds chirping. Capture stunning photographs as the sun rises over the peaks.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch on the mountain, enjoying local delicacies and the fresh air. Afterward, continue exploring the hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and lush forests. Take a moment to meditate and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

evening
:

Return to Leichi town and unwind at a local tea house. Savor various types of Chinese tea while relaxing after your day of adventure. Connect with fellow travelers as you share your experiences amidst the soothing ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🚇Short metro or bus ride$0.50-2
Coffee or tea at cafe$2-5
🧁Street snack or dessert$1-4
🏨Mid-range hotel room per night$40-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich Shaanxi flavors and iconic noodle dishes
  • Accessible mix of historic sights and natural scenery
  • Pleasant seasons for outdoor exploration and photography
  • Smaller city feel may limit a wide nightlife scene
  • Some English may be less common outside tourist areas
  • Public transportation can be less extensive than megacities
  • "Ni hao" - Hello
  • "Xiexie" - Thank you
  • "Duo shao qian?" - How much is this?
  • "Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān" - Please give me the menu
  • "Wǒ bù huì shuō Hànyǔ" - I don’t speak Chinese
  • "Néng bāng wǒ ma?" - Can you help me?
  • "Wǒ xiǎng yào zhège" - I want this

Places to Visit in Leichi

Visit one of these nice places.

Ancient City Wall at Sunrise

A classic vantage point to photograph the city’s silhouette and the soft light of early morning.

Temple Hill Complex

Architectural lines, courtyards, and stone stairs create compelling composition with long shadows.

Qinling Foothills Trail

Lush greenery, ridges, and distant city views offer dramatic landscape shots.

Xi’an Muslim Quarter Lantern Streets

Colorful lanterns and bustling stalls provide vibrant night photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Leichi

Leichi’s cuisine blends northern Chinese heartiness with Shaanxi specialties, emphasizing noodles, lamb, and bold spices. Expect hearty portions, sesame, pepper, garlic, and chili as common flavor notes. Street food is abundant, especially around markets, where quick bites and rustic flavors shine. In restaurants, you’ll find both home-style dishes and more refined renditions of regional classics.

Leichi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Biangbiang Noodles

Thick, wide hand-prolled noodles tossed with chili oil, garlic, sesame, and a savory soy-based sauce. Best had at local noodle shops near the old town.

Must-Try!

Yangrou Paomo

Crumbled flatbread bread soaked in lamb broth with tender shreds of mutton and aromatic herbs.

Roujiamo

A spiced meat sandwich served in a crispy flatbread, a popular snack throughout the city.

Liangpi

Chilled mung bean noodles with a tangy, chili-fueled sauce and crisp vegetables.

Lamb Skewers (Yangrou Kao)

Charred lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, a staple at night markets and street stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Xi’an Muslim Quarter Market

Vibrant night market area famous for snacks like paomo, lamb skewers, and noodles; a great place to sample iconic Shaanxi flavors.

Leichi Old Market

Local market with produce stalls, dried fruits, nuts, dates, and regional snacks; ideal for a quick bite or souvenir shopping.

Climate Guide

Weather

Leichi experiences a continental climate with strong seasonal shifts: hot, humid summers with occasional rain and cold, dry winters. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. Precipitation is most common from late spring to early summer, tapering off in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A slight nod or a handshake is common. Address elders with polite titles and avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public.

Public Behavior

Keep voices moderate in public spaces; avoid public displays of anger. Respect in temple grounds and historical sites is important.

Etiquette at Meals

Try to wait for the eldest person to begin eating; use serving utensils when sharing dishes; finish what you take.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers, with common-sense precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, watch for traffic at crossings, and stay aware of local guidelines during peak travel times. Use official taxis or ride-hailing services, especially at night, and carry a copy of your passport and local contact information.

Tipping in Leichi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most everyday services in China, but small tips are appreciated in high-end hotels or exceptional service in tourist areas. A discreet tip in restaurants or to guides is sometimes welcomed but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash is accepted widely; mobile payments are ubiquitous (WeChat Pay and Alipay). Foreign cards may be accepted at larger hotels and some tourist spots; always carry a small amount of local currency for markets and taxis.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming trees; light jackets recommended and rain is possible in late spring.

Summer

Warm to hot with humidity; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. Occasional heavy showers in the monsoon season.

Autumn

Pleasant and dry with cooler evenings; great visibility for photography and outdoor walks.

Winter

Cold and drier air; occasional frost or light snowfall. Indoor attractions and warm eateries are ideal during peak cold spells.

Nightlife Guide

Leichi at Night

The nightlife in Leichi tends toward relaxed evenings in city-center eateries, cafes, and KTV parlors. Bars and casual wine-and-dine spots are common in the main district, with late-night hot pot and noodle shops drawing locals and visitors alike. Expect a slower pace than larger metropolises, but plenty of cozy venues to enjoy tea, music, and conversation late into the night.

Hiking in Leichi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Taibai Mountain (Taibaishan)

High-altitude hiking in the Qinling range offering alpine scenery, seasonal wildflowers, and long-distance views.

Foping Nature Reserve Trails

Protected forest trails with opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna in a relatively pristine setting.

Airports

How to reach Leichi by plane.

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Primary regional airport serving Xi’an and surrounding areas; offers domestic and some international routes. About a 45-60 minute drive to central Leichi, depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Leichi is a walkable city center with compact historic districts. Narrow lanes, courtyards, and city walls are best explored on foot, though some sights require short taxi or ride-hailing rides. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is recommended for city streets and hill paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

Majority population with diverse urban and rural communities.

Hui Muslims

A recognized minority presence, contributing to the local culinary and cultural variety.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Table Tennis

Widely played in community centers and schools; casual play is common in urban parks.

Basketball

A popular city sport with local leagues in parks and gym spaces.

Badminton

Common in recreational centers and clubs; many courts are rentable by the hour.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be moderate to busy during peak hours. The city has a growing metro network and reliable bus services, with taxis and ride-hailing apps widely available. Pedestrian crossings and scooter traffic require attentive navigation in busy areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Leichi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Shaanxi dishes rely on meat, but you can find vegetable-focused options like eggplant dishes, cucumber salads, and tofu-based plates. When ordering, ask for no meat broths and request oil-free or light-oil preparations where possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through local clinics and public hospitals in the city. For non-emergency needs, pharmacies and general practitioners can assist, while more complex care may require travel to Xi’an. International travel insurance is recommended for access to English-speaking staff or quicker processes at larger facilities.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

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