Ulaanbaatar , Cheap stuff:
6/10

Local "black" markets have much to offer. Language barrier is an issue, so bartering can be problematic. Best to have a local as a guide and don't be surprised at the practice of Mongols being charged far less than tourist.

Cashmire is a reasonable purchase. A cashmire or camelhair blanket will be a purchase you will enjoy for decades.

Ulaanbaatar , Don't miss:
10/10

Milk Vodka...

Ulaanbaatar , Food:
5/10

International cuisine can be found. No McDonalds yet. Traditional Mongol food can be found and if you like mutton you will be in heaven.

Ulaanbaatar , Hotels:
2/10

There are only really 2 to chose from.

Ulaanbaatar , Safety:
5/10

Be very careful of traffic. Pickpockets. Being out at night might be a problem, yet doesn't seem to bother residents, but much of the city's once operational street lighting doesn't work.

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.