First Noodle Under the Sun (天下第一面)
Tiānxià Dìyī Miàn
One noodle, three metres, two soups
- Typical price
- ¥45–60
- Opening hours
- 10:30–22:30
First Noodle Under the Sun (天下第一面, Tiānxià Dìyī Miàn) is a Shaanxi noodle restaurant best known for one theatrical dish: a single noodle around three metres long, coiled into a bowl and served with two different soups — a southern-style seafood broth and a northern-style hot-and-sour saozi topping — so you taste two styles in one sitting. The main branch sits on the North Square of the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda](/en/places/big-wild-goose-pagoda), making it an easy dinner before the fountain show or a walk down [Grand Tang Ever Bright City](/en/places/grand-tang-ever-bright-city). Beyond the signature noodle, the menu covers Xi'an staples such as [biangbiang noodles](/en/dishes/biangbiang-noodles), [saozi noodles](/en/dishes/qishan-saozi-noodles), gourd chicken and lamb paomo, so a mixed group can sample several local dishes at one table. Prices are moderate at around ¥45–60 per person, and it opens late, until about 22:30.
What to order
- The signature 'First Noodle Under the Sun' — one ~3 m noodle, two soups
- Biangbiang noodles
- Qishan saozi noodles
- Gourd chicken and lamb paomo for the table
When to go
- Before or after the North Square fountain show
- Combine with an evening at Grand Tang Ever Bright City
- Open late (till ~22:30)
Is it touristy?
- Yes — but the noodle is a fun one-off and the menu covers the classics
- For a cheaper bowl of biangbiang try Aihua near the Bell Tower (see our biangbiang guide)
- Portions are generous — share the signature noodle between two
Other branches
- Another outlet is listed on Hanguang Road South (含光路南段)
- Check the map before you go
- The North Square branch is the one most guides recommend
Who it's for (and who should skip it)
Perfect for first-timers who want one theatrical dish attached to a big sightseeing evening: the three-metre noodle is the story, while biangbiang noodles, saozi noodles and gourd chicken let one table sample broadly, steps from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The house is openly touristy — if tour-bus crowds put you off, or you want the cheapest bowl in town, follow our biangbiang guide to Aihua near the Bell Tower instead. Come with family or friends and share, since portions are generous; a traveller chasing a quiet, locals-only noodle room will find it loud, but as a one-off around the fountain show it earns its place.
Getting there
Take Metro Line 3 or Line 4 to Dayanta (大雁塔) station. The restaurant is on Yanta Road at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda — orient yourself by the pagoda and the north-square fountain. By taxi, ask for 大雁塔北广场天下第一面. It is walk-in, with booking needed only for groups, and serves until about 22:30 — late enough for dinner after the fountain show or a stroll through Grand Tang Ever Bright City.
Questions, answered
What is 'First Noodle Under the Sun'?
A single noodle about three metres long served with two soups — a seafood broth and a hot-and-sour saozi topping.
How much does it cost?
Around ¥45–60 per person.
Where is it?
On the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, near Dayanta metro station.
Do I need a reservation at First Noodle Under the Sun?
No — walk-ins are the norm; book only if you are a group. Hours run from 10:30 until about 22:30 daily, so late dinners are covered.