Astana , General info:
5/10

Formerly Tselinograd, later Akmola. Nowadays it is called Astana. Previously Astana was the oblast's center (administrative unit in Kazakhstan). Now it is a capital since 1997. The capital was transferred from Almaty. Since that time Astana is growing fast. It is situated on both sides of Esil river. The right bank is called old town, whilst the left bank is a new administrative center of the new capital.

Astana , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Astana is one the most expenssive cities in Kazakhstan along with Almaty (financial and cultural center), Atyrau (oil and gas capital) and Aktau (sea port on Caspian). Cheap stuff can be found in bazaars and large markets like "Eurasia", "Arman" and etc.

Astana , Food:
4/10

Eating is a problem in Astana though there are lots of cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately, most of them can not be considered to be cheap or good. Usually, food is expenssive and fairly good. A usual lunch for a person might cost starting from 1500 tenge (13 USD). And it is not a good lunch at all.

Astana , Hotels:
5/10

There are many hotels and lots are being built. Astana can boast Intercontinental hotel, Rixos President hotel and a few more 5* hotels. There are also 2-3 hotels with 4* grading. And lots of 2* hotels. But prices usually high inspite of fair service. A single room in 2-3* hotel might cost 40-50 usd. 6* hotels cost from 200 Usd.

Astana , Safety:
5/10

It is quite safe to walk in the downtown in midnight. Though it is highly not advised to walk somewhere in the suburbs. There lots of police cams and police booths all over the city.

Xi An , General info:
5/10

The Capital of Shanxi(Qin) province. The city has more than 2600 years history, use to be the capital of Qin Dynasty,Han Dynasty,Tang Dynasty and so on. Since The emperor of Han Wu Di developed the Silk Road, Xi An became the center of the ancient world.

Xi An , Cheap stuff:
1/10

curio

Xi An , Different stuff:
1/10

many curio

Xi An , Don't miss:
2/10

The "terracotta warriors and horses" of Qin Shi Huang

The Castle and the Wall(Ming Dynasty)

Tombs of many great emperor

Xi An , Food:
1/10

lamb soup with Nang

Xi An , Safety:
5/10

Chinese cities are much safer than the westerners imagination. At least much better than the cities with same size in the USA. But beware of the bilkers who sell the counterfeit products.