As a major tourist destination, Xi’an has always been open to new trends. "Craft beer has been on the rise for the past few years, and youths are more than willing to try something new," says Jiong Ze, the owner of Wuben Taproom. Along with his wife Xiao Rui, he promotes craft beer culture in the city by taking part in beer festivals.

Meanwhile, STA Food has made its mark by serving traditional noodles with non-traditional ingredients, in a shop that takes its design cues from street style. It’s meeting a demand for greater innovation and depth in the city’s lifestyle offerings. "People are more educated now, and they enjoy tasting something they’ve experienced while travelling," says Ben Ji, owner of Thai spot It’s Thai and several Japanese restaurants around the city.