Xi'an Travel Guide
Xi'an is located in northwest China and was called Chang'an in ancient times. It is the capital of Shaanxi Province, with more than 3,000 years of city-building history and a history of being the capital of thirteen dynasties. It is an important birthplace of Chinese civilization and the Silk Road. The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the ancient city wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Grand Tang Mall link together the glorious past of this ancient capital.
Xi'an is also a capital of gastronomy. Around the Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower, lamb paomo, roujiamo, and liangpi are endlessly memorable; climbing Mount Hua allows you to appreciate the magnificence of "the most precipitous mountain under heaven."
Must-Visit Attractions
Museum of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang — the Eighth Wonder of the World, a magnificent underground army; Xi'an City Wall — the most complete ancient city wall surviving in China, which can be toured by bicycle; Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Mall — the blend of High Tang grandeur and modern night tourism; Shaanxi History Museum — a gathering of Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang artifacts; Mount Hua — the most precipitous of the Five Great Mountains, with fantastic peaks and cliffs; Huaqing Palace — a Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring palace; Muslim Quarter — food and street life; Daming Palace National Heritage Park and Famen Temple — experience High Tang and Buddhist culture.
Specialty Foods
Lamb paomo, la zhi rou jia mo, liangpi, biangbiang noodles, soup dumplings, hulutou, youpo noodles.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) have pleasant climates and are the best seasons for visiting historical sites; summer is hot, while winter is dry and cold but has fewer tourists.
Transportation Guide
Xianyang International Airport connects domestic and international destinations; Xi'an is a railway hub in northwest China, with high-speed trains directly reaching Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, and other places; the city metro covers major attractions such as the Terracotta Army and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Suggested Itinerary
Classic three-day tour: On the first day, visit the Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, and Xi'an City Wall; on the second day, visit the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace; on the third day, visit Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Grand Tang Mall, with an extension to climb Mount Hua.
Travel Tips
Advance reservations are recommended for the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum; the ancient city wall can be toured by bicycle; those with a tight schedule can arrange the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace on the same day.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
In the early morning, go to the foot of the city wall to watch residents exercise and listen to a passage of Qinqiang opera; stroll through Shuyuanmen and the deep alleys of the Muslim Quarter in search of calligraphy, ink, and snacks; go to Yongxingfang to taste flavors from all over Shaanxi; take a night tour of Grand Tang Mall to see light installations and street performances.
One-Day Trips Around the City
Mount Hua — the most precipitous mountain under heaven, possible as a one-day round trip; Famen Temple — a thousand-year-old temple housing a Buddha's finger relic; Yuanjiacun — Guanzhong folk customs and snacks; Hancheng Ancient City — a well-preserved Ming and Qing old town.
