Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi’an is the capital of the Shaanxi province situated in northwest China. It is the economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the northwest region. With more than 3,100 years of history, Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in China. The city is also one of the “Four Great Ancient Capitals in China” and it was once the capital of 13 dynasties such as Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang dynasties.
 

History

Historically, Xian is known as Chang'an and it is one of the four ancient civilization capitals in the world. The area is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization. When Emperor Qin Shihuang united China for the first time in 221 BC, Xian was made the capital and the world famous Terracotta Army was built at that period. The Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) also took Xian as its capital and made it the starting point of Silk Road. 

In Tang Dynasty Tang (618AD – 908AD), Xian became an international metropolis like Rome and played a role of Political, economic, cultural and foreign exchange center in China. The glory of this city was continued to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The famous Xi’an City Wall was constructed at that time. Today, Xi’an is the historical and cultural base of China and people can understand Chinese History by reading this living history book.
 

Attractions

As the saying goes, if you have not been to Xi'an, you have not been to China! Xian is worth visiting for the famed Terracotta Army alone. Of course, the city offers much more than Terracotta Army. Shaanxi Provincial History Museum is a showcase of ancient civilizations in China. Xi’an City Wall, a symbol of great significance of the famous historic cultural city, is the best-preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China. Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a holy place for Buddhists and the symbol of the old-line Xian.

                       Bell Tower                                                             Xi’an City Wall

Huaqing Pool, Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show and Tang Paradise display the grandness of Tang Dynasty. Bell Tower and Drum Tower located at the city's central axis are witnesses of Xian’s glory. Small Wild Goose Pagoda dedicated to protect Buddhist writings in the past is over 1,000 years old and has survived great earthquakes. Moslem Street is a must for tourists to taste delicious local snacks. Great Mosque located near the Moslem Street is worth a trip to see not only for its centuries-old history but also for its particular design of mixed architecture. Mt. Huashan, reputed as the most precipitous mountain under heaven, is historically known as a centre for the practice of traditional Chinese Kungfu.

           Shaanxi Provincial History Museum                    Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

More Xi’an Attractions>>
Xi'an Banpo Museum, Ba Xian An Temple, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Xi'an Antique Market, Shuyuanmen Street
 

Transportation

Xian is a transportation hub linking of Southwest, Northwest, and East China, which is easily reachable by bus, train and air. The urban public transportation system of Xi'an is also among the most advanced and convenient in China. The city is the second largest highway transportation hub in China with five national highways, so it's rather easy to visit Xi'an from other parts of China by long-distance bus. More about Xi’an Transportation>>
 

Weather

Xian has a temperate and continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summer is torrid and wet while winter is dry and cold. The rainy season is from July to September. The all-year average temperature is 13.5°C (56.3°F). The pleasant April and May as well as the cool September and October are the ideal time to visit Xi’an. More about Xi’an Weather>>
 

Food

Xi’an is legendary as 'the capital of table delicacies'. The local food is very famed at home and abroad for its tartness and spicy. Noodles, Rou Jia Mo and Liangpi are traditional local dishes. Xi'an specialties include Yang Rou Pao Mo, Biang Biang Mian, Shi Zi Bing, Dumplings Banquet, Jing Gao, Guan Tang bao-zi and Fen Zheng Rou. More about Xi’an Food>>
 

Restaurants

It’s easy to find a restaurant in Xi'an and Some of these restaurants are very special and have their own features. The Moslem Street is the first choice for people who want to taste local snacks. Liang Pi and Rou Jia Mo are more common and popular in people’s daily life that you must not be hard to find them in the street. There are also many Sichuan, Cantonese and western food restaurants catering the need for different people. More about Xi’an Restaurants>>
 

Shopping

Xi'an is famous for its fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping. You can buy Chinese calligraphy, Tricolored Pottery, Terracotta Warrior, Folk Painting and Paper cutting as special types of souvenirs. Many tourists like to take some Dry-Cured Beef or walnut home. Shuyuanmen Street and Moslem Street are good places for shopping. Bell Tower and Xiaozhai are famous shopping area in Xian, More about Xi’an Shopping>>
 

Nightlife

Xian won't disappoint you on nighttime entertainment. Xian’s nightlife is a blend of ancient civilization with new culture. It is vibrant enough to satisfy a whole range of taste. Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show and Fountain and Music Show at North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda are must-sees. You are also recommended to taste local snacks at Moslem Street at night after visiting the attractions in daytime. Dafuxiang Bar Street is a good place for bar lovers. More about Xian Nightlife>>