Chicago , General info:
7/10

Two airports -Midway or OHare (ORD).OHare is major airport; both convenient to downtown (called The Loop)

Chicago , Different stuff:
6/10

flee market - great fun!

Chicago , Don't miss:
5/10

sambucca

Chicago , Food:
9/10

Food in Chicago is excellent! There is so much variety. There are many places for steak (Carmine's, Wildfire). There is also great Italian (Sappori Trattoria). Many ethnic restaurants if you want tasty affordable alternatives. My advice - go to a BYOB with a bottle or two of wine and you'll save.

Chicago , Hotels:
7/10

Hotels along Michigan Avenue are fun yet expensive. For a cheaper place in a great location, try Congress Plaza hotel.

Chicago , Safety:
6/10

OK for the most part. Just plan out your route in advance. Take cabs, buses, or trains.

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.