Trendy Drinks in Xi’an: Modern Sips in an Ancient City
Xi’an is famous for its ancient history, but its drink culture tells a very different story. Beyond museums and city walls, a new generation of cafés, tea shops, and street vendors is shaping the city’s contemporary lifestyle.
From nationally popular milk tea brands to freshly pressed street juices and immersive themed drinks, these trendy drinks in Xi’an reveal how tradition and modern taste come together. If you’re curious about modern drinks in Xi’an or wondering what young locals like to drink, this guide is for you.
1. Cha Hua Nong (Tea Talk): A Trendy Tea Brand Born in Xi’an
The Vibe
Founded in Xi’an in 2016, Cha Hua Nong is one of the city’s biggest success stories in modern tea culture. The brand focuses on “Guofeng” (Traditional Chinese Style) milk tea, combining premium tea leaves, fresh milk, and subtle floral notes.
Their best-selling drink, Osmanthus Oolong (Gui Hua Yin), has sold tens of millions of cups nationwide. Light, fragrant, and never overly sweet, it perfectly matches today’s preference for balanced flavors.
Why It’s Trendy
Cha Hua Nong stands out among modern drinks in Xi’an because it turns culture into an everyday experience. Drink names are inspired by Tang Dynasty poetry, and the cup designs feature the famous “Eight Views of Chang’an.”
What started as a local brand has now expanded internationally, with stores in cities like New York and London, making it a true ambassador of Xi’an’s modern tea culture.
Pro Tips
- Where to buy: Widely available across Xi’an, including near the Muslim Quarter and Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City.
- What to order:
- Gui Hua Yin (Osmanthus Oolong) for first-timers
- Changan Lychee for a fruity option
- Fu Sheng Ban Ri Xian for a local twist using Fu Tea
- Insider tip: Order 50% sugar to enjoy the natural aroma of the tea.
2. Fresh Pomegranate Juice: A Street Favorite Among Trendy Drinks in Xi’an
The Vibe
Xi’an’s Lintong District is known for producing some of China’s best pomegranates. On the city’s busy food streets, vendors press the fruit on the spot, creating a vibrant red juice with no added sugar or water.
The flavor is a refreshing balance of tart and sweet, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
The Street Experience
Among all trendy drinks in Xi’an, fresh pomegranate juice offers the most authentic street experience. Sipping it while walking through the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) or Sajingqiao is a common sight, especially during warmer months.
It’s also a perfect palate cleanser after savory snacks like lamb skewers or Roujiamo.
Pro Tips
- Where to buy: Street stalls near the Drum Tower or inside the Muslim Quarter.
- Price: Around 10–20 RMB per cup.
- Insider tip: Drink it immediately after pressing—freshness makes all the difference.
3. “The Longest Day in Chang’an” Themed Drinks: Modern Drinks with a Tang Dynasty Twist
The Vibe
Inside “The Longest Day in Chang’an” immersive theme park, drinks are part of a full time-travel experience. The themed beverage shop combines ancient ingredients with modern techniques, creating unique options like Rice Wine Coffee and the refreshing Plum Soup (Wangmei Zhike).
The Immersive Experience
These themed beverages are among the most visually striking modern drinks in Xi’an. With poetic names, elegant cups, and surroundings filled with Tang-style architecture and visitors dressed in Hanfu, every drink becomes a photo opportunity.
It’s not just about flavor—it’s about experiencing history in a contemporary way.
Pro Tips
- Where to buy: Tang Shi Liang Yin, located inside the “Longest Day in Chang’an” theme park.
- What to order:
- Rice Wine Coffee for adventurous drinkers
- Yao Tiao Shu Nü for a light, floral tea
- Wangmei Zhike for a classic sour plum drink
- Insider tip: Walk toward the pavilions after getting your drink for the best photos.
Summary: Discovering Modern and Trendy Drinks in Xi’an
From the elegant tea culture of Cha Hua Nong, to freshly pressed pomegranate juice, and immersive themed drinks, Xi’an’s modern beverage scene is full of surprises.
These trendy drinks in Xi’an show how the city blends ancient heritage with contemporary lifestyle. On your next visit, explore beyond the history sites and taste the modern side of this timeless capital.
For a deeper taste of the city, visit our Xi’an Local Food Trails guide to explore traditional snacks, street food, and the everyday dishes locals truly love.
