Xi'an

西安 (Xī'ān)

Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties

Northwest China3-4 days for major attractions, 5-7 days including surrounding areaseasy

"Walk through 3,000 years of Chinese history in the eternal city where emperors ruled and the Silk Road began its legendary journey to the West."

Overview & History

Overview

Xi'an stands as one of China's greatest historical treasures, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties over 1,100 years. Home to the world-famous Terracotta Army and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, this city offers an unparalleled window into China's imperial past while embracing modernity.

Historical Significance

As Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty, Xi'an was the world's largest city and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. From the first Qin Emperor who unified China to the golden age of Tang cosmopolitanism, Xi'an witnessed and shaped the most pivotal moments in Chinese civilization.

Culture & Character

Xi'an culture reflects its position as the crossroads of ancient civilizations - a blend of Han Chinese traditions with influences from Central Asia and the Silk Road. The city's Islamic Quarter, Buddhist temples, and Confucian traditions create a unique multicultural tapestry.

Must-See Attractions

Terracotta Army

兵马俑 (Bīngmǎyǒng) • historical

8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers buried with China's first emperor over 2,000 years ago

Highlights:

Pit 1 with main army formationPit 2 with cavalry and infantryBronze Chariot ExhibitionMuseum with high-ranking officers

Visit Duration: 4-6 hours including travel time

Tickets: 120 RMB (peak), 90 RMB (off-season), includes all pits and museum

Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds, spring and autumn for comfortable weather

Ancient City Wall

古城墙 (Gǔ Chéngqiáng) • historical

Best-preserved ancient city fortification in China, built during Ming Dynasty

Highlights:

14km wall circumferenceBike rental on wallFour ancient gatesEvening illumination

Visit Duration: 2-4 hours (full circuit by bike: 1.5 hours)

Tickets: 54 RMB wall access + 45 RMB bike rental (2 hours)

Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour, evening for illuminated wall experience

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

大雁塔 (Dàyàn Tǎ) • religious

1,300-year-old Buddhist pagoda built to house sutras brought from India

Highlights:

Seven-story pagoda climbDa Ci'en Temple complexMusical fountain showBuddhist artifact collection

Visit Duration: 2-3 hours

Tickets: 40 RMB temple + 30 RMB pagoda climb

Best Time: Morning for temple serenity, evening for fountain show (8:30 PM)

Muslim Quarter

回民街 (Huímín Jiē) • cultural

Historic Islamic district with 1,000 years of Muslim culture and street food

Highlights:

Great Mosque of Xi'anTraditional Islamic architectureStreet food paradiseAntique shops

Visit Duration: 3-4 hours

Best Time: Evening when street food vendors are most active and atmospheric

Shaanxi History Museum

陕西历史博物馆 (Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn) • cultural

Comprehensive collection showcasing 1 million years of Shaanxi history

Highlights:

Tang Dynasty treasuresSilk Road artifactsAncient potteryImperial jade collection

Visit Duration: 3-4 hours

Tickets: Free admission (advance booking required) or 30 RMB for special exhibitions

Best Time: Morning when less crowded, allow full morning or afternoon

Local Cuisine

Biangbiang Noodles

Biángbiáng面 (Biángbiáng Miàn) • 15-30 RMB

Hand-pulled wide belt noodles with spicy sauce, Xi'an's most famous dish

Where to Try:

Yongxingfang Food StreetDefachang RestaurantLocal noodle shops in Muslim Quarter

Dietary Notes:

Contains glutenUsually spicyCan be made vegetarian upon request

Roujiamo

肉夹馍 (Ròujiāmò) • 8-15 RMB each

Chinese hamburger with tender braised pork in crispy flatbread, often called 'Chinese burger'

Where to Try:

Wang Kui RoujiamoQin Yu RoujiamoMuslim Quarter vendors

Dietary Notes:

Contains pork (traditional) or beef/lamb (halal versions available)Bread contains gluten

Yang Rou Pao Mo

羊肉泡馍 (Yángròu Pàomó) • 25-45 RMB

Lamb stew served over torn bread pieces, signature comfort food of Xi'an

Where to Try:

Tongshengxiang RestaurantMuslim Quarter restaurantsLocal family restaurants

Dietary Notes:

Contains lambHalal preparationVery filling and hearty

Liang Pi

凉皮 (Liángpí) • 8-15 RMB

Cold wheat noodles with spicy and sour dressing, popular summer dish

Where to Try:

Street vendorsMuslim QuarterLocal restaurants

Dietary Notes:

Contains glutenUsually vegetarianSpicy and refreshing

Transportation

Getting There

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Main airport serving Xi'an, 50km northwest of city center

Cost: Airport Bus: 25 RMB, Metro + Bus: 15 RMB, Taxi: 100-150 RMB

Duration: Airport Bus: 60-90 minutes, Taxi: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic

Tips:

• Airport bus stops at major hotels and train stations
• Metro Line 14 connects to North Railway Station
• Book transfers in advance during peak travel times

High-Speed Rail

Xi'an North Station connects to major cities via high-speed rail

Cost: Beijing: 515 RMB (4.5 hours), Shanghai: 516 RMB (6 hours), Chengdu: 263 RMB (3 hours)

Duration: Varies by destination

Tips:

• Xi'an North Station is outside city center but connected by metro
• Xi'an Railway Station downtown for slower trains
• Book tickets in advance during holidays

Getting Around

Xi'an Metro

Growing metro system covering main tourist areas and transportation hubs

Cost: 2-7 RMB per ride depending on distance

Duration: Most efficient way to travel between major attractions

Tips:

• Line 2 covers most tourist attractions
• English announcements available
• Download Xi'an Metro app
• Rush hours can be crowded

Public Bus

Extensive bus network covering entire city and suburbs

Cost: 1-2 RMB with transport card

Duration: Slower than metro but reaches more destinations

Tips:

• Bus to Terracotta Army: Line 306 from railway station
• Have exact change ready
• Limited English signage
• Can be very crowded

Taxi & Didi

Convenient for destinations not covered by metro

Cost: Starting fee: 9 RMB, then 1.8 RMB per km

Duration: Varies with traffic, generally less congested than Beijing/Shanghai

Tips:

• Have destination written in Chinese
• Didi app works well
• Negotiate price for day trips
• Some drivers speak basic English

Plan Your Journey

Rest in the Ancient Capital

Sleep within the same walls that protected 13 dynasties, where the Silk Road began its journey across continents.

From traditional courtyard hotels within the city walls to modern accommodations near the Terracotta Warriors, find your perfect Xi'an base.

Book Xi'an Hotels →

Fly to the Silk Road's Beginning

Land in the city that launched a thousand caravans, where merchants carried silk, spices, and stories across the ancient world.

Arrive in Xi'an where Marco Polo began his legendary journey, and where East met West for over 1,000 years.

Find Flights to Xi'an →

Follow the Ancient Routes

Modern rails follow paths worn smooth by centuries of traders, pilgrims, and adventurers seeking the treasures of the Silk Road.

Travel China's high-speed rail network to Xi'an, continuing the tradition of long-distance travel that made this city the heart of Asia.

Book Train Tickets →

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

April-May and September-October for ideal weather and manageable crowds

Budget Estimates

Budget: 150-250 RMB per day (budget accommodation, local food, public transport)

Mid-Range: 300-500 RMB per day (mid-range hotel, mixed dining, some taxis)

Luxury: 800+ RMB per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private tours)

Climate & Weather

Semi-arid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Essential Info

Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8

Electrical: 220V, 50Hz, Type A, C, and I plugs

Internet: Good WiFi in hotels and restaurants, mobile data available, some international sites blocked