Forget defining Xi’an merely as an “ancient city” — it is the birthplace of Chinese civilization, with a history of more than 3,100 years and once serving as the capital of 13 dynasties. The awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, the grand glory of the Tang Dynasty, the profound ancient city wall, the rich aroma of Guanzhong cuisine, and the vibrant local life blend perfectly here.
Imagine this: in the early morning, you enjoy a refreshing bowl of cold noodles at a street stall; you stand amazed in front of the Terracotta Army that guarded an emperor’s mausoleum two thousand years ago; you stroll along the ancient city wall at sunset, watching the city lights turn on one by one; at night, you wander into the fragrant Muslim Quarter, savoring delicious food and experiencing the most authentic northwest China lifestyle.
This is Xi’an: history is within reach, Tang poetry hides in every alley, and every bite of food tells the story of Shaanxi. Calm, profound, warm and sincere, this city allows you to truly touch the soul of ancient China.
Getting There & Getting Around
Arriving in Xi’an
- By Air: Fly into Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), with routes connecting major Chinese cities and many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. Metro Line 14 goes directly to the city center in about 40 minutes; airport shuttles and taxis are also available.
- By High‑Speed Train: The most convenient way to reach Xi’an, with an extensive high‑speed rail network.
- From Beijing: about 4.5 hours
- From Shanghai: about 6 hours
- From Chengdu: about 4 hours
- From Zhengzhou: about 1.5 hoursTickets can be booked on Ctrip, Trip.com, or at self-service ticket machines with English interfaces at railway stations.
Getting Around the City
- Metro & Bus: Metro Lines 1–9 cover all major attractions including the Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter, with clear English signs. Alipay/WeChat Pay transport cards can be used for both metro and buses, which are cheap and convenient.
- Ride‑hailing & Bicycles: Didi supports English interface, suitable for trips to the Terracotta Army (about 1 hour from downtown), night travel or traveling with luggage. Renting a bicycle to ride on the Xi’an Ancient City Wall is the most relaxing way to experience the ancient city.
- Day Trips: For Huaqing Palace, Lishan Mountain and Famen Temple, you can join small group tours or take direct tourist shuttles. The Terracotta Army can be reached by tourist bus or high‑speed train (15 minutes to Lintong Station).
Must‑See Attractions
- Museum of the Terracotta Army and Mausoleum of Qin Shi HuangA UNESCO World Heritage Site and must‑visit landmark in Xi’an. More than 8,000 life‑sized terracotta warriors, each with a unique face, plus chariots and horses, witness the glory of the Qin Dynasty. Don’t miss Pit 1 and the Bronze Chariots Exhibition Hall.Pro Tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds; an English guide is highly recommended; book tickets online in advance.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & North Square Musical FountainA landmark of Xi’an, built in the Tang Dynasty for Monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. At night, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain (the largest in Asia) dances with lights and music, creating a spectacular scene.Pro Tip: Fountain shows at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00. Arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot.
- Xi’an Ancient City WallThe best‑preserved ancient city wall from the Ming Dynasty in China, stretching 13.7 kilometers. You can cycle or walk to enjoy the beautiful mix of ancient architecture and modern city.Pro Tip: Sunset and night views are the most beautiful; the atmosphere is amazing when the lights are on.
- Muslim QuarterThe liveliest food street in Xi’an, full of northwest Hui style, with the aroma of barbecue, noodles and snacks everywhere.Pro Tip: The main street is more touristy; side alleys offer more authentic and affordable food. Respect local Hui customs — no pork or alcohol in shops.
- Huaqing Palace & Lishan MountainFamous for the romantic story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan in the Tang Dynasty, featuring Tang‑style palaces, hot springs and gardens. The night show Song of Everlasting Sorrow is breathtaking.Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance if you plan to watch the performance.
Local Food You Must Try
- Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger): Xi’an’s signature snack, with tender braised pork and crispy bread.
- Cold noodles: Refreshing, chewy, sour and spicy — a favorite for locals in summer.
- Lamb Pita Bread Soup: A classic Xi’an dish. You crumble the bread yourself before it’s cooked in rich soup.
- Lamb skewers: A must‑eat in the Muslim Quarter, charcoal‑grilled with fragrant cumin.
- Qishan minced noodles: Sour, spicy and savory, with chewy noodles full of flavor.
- Spicy crispy tofu：a popular street food from Xi’an, also known as iron plate tofu or pan-fried tofu. It is a common specialty snack in food districts like Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang in Xi’an.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: March–May (warm spring with blooming flowers) and September–November (clear and pleasant autumn), perfect for visiting historical sites and cycling on the wall.
- Food Tip: Northwest flavors are strong and slightly spicy. Say “less spicy” or “no spicy” if you don’t eat chili.
- Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. A small amount of cash is for backup only.
- Etiquette: Ask for permission before taking photos of people in the Muslim Quarter; keep quiet in museums and historical sites; respect ethnic customs.
- Language: Mandarin is widely used. Basic English is available at attractions and hotels. A translation app is recommended for street food stalls.
- Emergency Numbers: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119.
Ready to step into Xi’an’s thousand‑year history, Tang Dynasty splendor and lively Guanzhong life? Save this guide, bring an empty stomach and a curious mind, and let this former center of the world give you an unforgettable journey.
Follow us for more authentic travel guides to Chinese cities — skip tourist traps and experience the real local culture.
Image sourced from the internet
Copyright Disclaimer for Images
Some images displayed on this website are sourced from the internet and are used for informational and reference purposes only.
We respect the intellectual property rights of all creators. The use of these images is not intended to infringe upon any owner’s copyright.
If you are the copyright holder of any image used on this site and believe it is being used without appropriate permission, please contact us. Upon verification of your ownership claim, we will promptly take the necessary action, which may include removing the image or providing proper attribution as per your request.
Please reach out to us at: [email protected]
