Vibrant Atmosphere at Xi'an Township Market: Bursting with Popcorn, a Place to Whet Your Appetite

In this episode, I visit a small town in the eastern part of Xi'an, China. The first rays of sunlight illuminate the town's market in the early morning. Absent are skyscrapers, replaced by a strong sense of rustic charm. Instead of modern high-end malls, there's a simple yet vibrant atmosphere.
On the streets of the market, vendors sell traditional Xi'an noodles and buckwheat noodles. With their large knives, they skillfully slice uniform noodles. Traditional popcorn makers blow whistles, infusing the market with energy. Many of them are elderly with over 20 years of popcorn-making experience.
In the central open area of the market, there's an open-air food section offering a variety of noodles that tempt the taste buds. Steaming pork buns, chewy beef soup, refreshing cold noodles, uniquely flavored buckwheat noodles, and savory leek pancakes make one eager to taste.
Here, you rarely see employers, yet there seems to be no unemployment. The people in the market are hardworking, optimistic, and kind-hearted. Everyone has skills to make a living, creating a good life with their own hands.
00:00 Overview
01:06 Freshly Sliced Noodles
03:10 Freshly Baked Cakes
07:05 Popcorn Making (Part 1)
13:47 Making Pork Buns
16:24 Buckwheat and Cold Noodles
21:32 Shredded Beef Soup with Bread
24:53 Popcorn Making (Part 2)
29:48 Fruits, Vegetables, and Farm Tools
31:30 Fried Cakes and Pancakes
38:02 Large Knife Slicing Noodles
38:43 Leek-filled Pancakes
40:21 Seamstress