Must-Try Local Drinks in Xi’an: A Guide to Drinking Like a Local
When people talk about food in Xi’an, iconic dishes like the Chinese burger (Roujiamo) and cold noodles (Liangpi) usually steal the spotlight. But to truly experience the city like a local, you need to look beyond the plates and into the cups.
From nostalgic sodas to ancient rice wine and Silk Road tea, these local drinks in Xi’an tell the story of the city just as much as its food does. This guide introduces the must-try Xi’an local drinks that locals grew up with—and still drink every day.
1. Ice Peak Soda (Bingfeng): Xi’an’s Most Iconic Local Drink
The Vibe
Ice Peak Soda, known locally as Bingfeng, is more than just a soft drink—it’s a symbol of Xi’an itself. First produced in 1953, this bright orange soda comes in a retro glass bottle and delivers a crisp, sweet flavor with strong carbonation.
For many locals, Ice Peak is the taste of childhood and summer afternoons. If you’re wondering what to drink in Xi’an, this is always the first answer.
Why It Matters
Ice Peak is an essential part of the famous “Sanqin Set”, the classic local combo of Roujiamo, Liangpi, and an Ice Peak soda. You’ll see it everywhere—from tiny street stalls to well-known local restaurants—making it one of the most recognizable traditional drinks in Xi’an.
Pro Tips
- Best pairing: Perfect with spicy or oily foods like Roujiamo or Paomo, as it cuts through the richness.
- Where to buy: Available almost everywhere in Xi’an, usually for 3–5 RMB.
- Insider tip: Always choose the glass bottle. Locals insist it tastes better than cans or plastic bottles.
2. Osmanthus Thick Rice Wine (Choujiu): A Taste of Ancient Xi’an
The Vibe
Choujiu is a traditional fermented rice drink with a thick, creamy texture and a soft milky-white color. Made from glutinous rice and scented with osmanthus flowers, it has a sweet, floral flavor that feels more like a dessert than alcohol.
Despite being called “wine,” Choujiu is nearly non-alcoholic, usually containing less than 1% alcohol. According to legend, Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai found inspiration in this drink over a thousand years ago.
Why It Matters
Drinking Choujiu feels like stepping back into the Tang Dynasty, when Xi’an was the capital of China. Once served in royal courts, it later became a comforting everyday drink for locals. Today, it remains one of the most culturally meaningful Xi’an local drinks, especially in colder months.
Pro Tips
- Best pairing: Enjoy it as a dessert drink or after a long day of sightseeing.
- Where to buy: Traditional restaurants like Lao Sun Jia or specialty shops near the Muslim Quarter.
- Insider tip: Order it warm to fully release the osmanthus aroma and enhance its smooth texture.
3. Fu Tea (Fu Cha): The “Black Gold” of the Silk Road
The Vibe
Fu Tea, or Fu Cha, is a type of fermented dark tea that originated in Shaanxi over 600 years ago. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of tiny yellow specks called “Golden Flowers” (Eurotium cristatum), which are natural probiotics formed during fermentation.
The brewed tea has a deep reddish-brown color and a mellow, earthy flavor that becomes smoother with each pour.
Why It Matters
Fu Tea played a vital role along the Silk Road, earning the nickname “Black Gold.” It was an essential trade item and daily necessity for nomadic communities, helping with digestion after meat-heavy diets. Today, Fu Tea is celebrated as both a cultural treasure and a health-focused traditional drink in Xi’an.
Pro Tips
- Best pairing: Drink it after a heavy meal to aid digestion.
- Where to buy: Tea shops and souvenir stores throughout Xi’an.
- Insider tip: Skip drinking the first pour—it’s used to rinse the tea. The second and third brews have the best flavor.
4. Rong’s Juice: A Modern Xi’an Favorite
The Vibe
Founded in 1994, Rong’s Juice is a well-known local brand that focuses on fresh, fruit-based drinks. While Ice Peak represents nostalgia and fun, Rong’s Juice appeals to health-conscious locals looking for something lighter and refreshing.
Popular flavors include apple, orange, and grape, all made from high-quality fruit.
Why It Matters
Rong’s Juice is a true household name in Xi’an. It’s commonly served at family gatherings and casual meals, reflecting the city’s modern lifestyle. Among today’s local drinks in Xi’an, it represents a shift toward freshness and wellness.
Pro Tips
- Best pairing: Ideal for breakfast or a light lunch.
- Where to buy: Supermarkets and convenience stores like Tangjiu or 7-Eleven, priced around 5–10 RMB.
- Insider tip: Drink it well chilled or over ice, especially during Xi’an’s hot summers.
Summary: What to Drink in Xi’an Like a Local
From the fizzy sweetness of Ice Peak, to the floral warmth of Choujiu, the earthy depth of Fu Tea, and the freshness of Rong’s Juice, these drinks form a unique flavor map of the city.
If you’re visiting Xi’an, skip international brands for a day. Trying these must-try local drinks in Xi’an is one of the simplest and most authentic ways to connect with the city’s history, culture, and everyday life.
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.
