Xi'an
Xi'an is a city located in Shaanxi Province in northwestern China. It is one of the oldest cities in China, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. Xi'an served as the capital for multiple dynasties, including the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, and played a vital role in shaping China's history and culture.
Best Time to Visit
Xi'an, one of China's most historic cities, can be visited year-round, but the best times to visit are generally in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most comfortable.
Spring (March-May): Spring in Xi'an sees moderate temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F - 68°F). The weather during this time is usually pleasant and suitable for outdoor sightseeing. This is also a great time to visit if you're interested in seeing the blossoming of flowers and trees in the city's many parks.
Summer (June-August): Summers in Xi'an can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is also the rainy season, which can make sightseeing a bit less comfortable. However, the evenings are usually cooler and provide a good opportunity to enjoy Xi'an's night markets and outdoor performances.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn is another ideal time to visit Xi'an. The weather is similar to spring, with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. The changing leaves in the city's parks and on the surrounding mountains add a colorful backdrop to the city's historic sites.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Xi'an can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the city usually experiences only light snowfall, and the winter season sees fewer tourists. This can be a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded attractions. Note that the Terracotta Army, one of the main attractions in Xi'an, is indoors and can be visited comfortably year-round.
How to Get There
Getting to Xi'an and getting around the city is relatively straightforward due to its well-developed transportation network. Here's a basic overview:
Getting to Xi'an:
By Air: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is the primary airport serving Xi'an. It's the largest airport in Northwest China, with numerous domestic and international flights. The airport is approximately 40 kilometers from downtown Xi'an, and you can reach the city center via airport shuttle buses, taxis, or the metro (Line 14).
By Train: Xi'an is a major rail hub in China, with several high-speed rail lines connecting it with cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and more. The city has several railway stations, but the most frequently used are Xi'an Railway Station and Xi'an North Railway Station. The latter primarily serves high-speed trains.
Getting Around in Xi'an:
Metro: Xi'an's metro system is modern and extensive, making it a convenient way to get around the city. It covers many of the city's main attractions, including the Terracotta Army (Line 1 and then change to Line 9).
Buses: Xi'an has a comprehensive bus network, including tourist buses that run routes covering most major attractions.
Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. However, be aware that traffic in Xi'an can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Rideshare apps like Didi Chuxing (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) are also commonly used.
Bicycles: With the proliferation of bike-sharing apps, cycling has become a convenient way to get around Xi'an, especially within the city walls.
Walking: Many of Xi'an's attractions, particularly within the ancient city walls, are within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot allows you to experience the city's historic charm at a leisurely pace.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Xi'an, China
Top 11 Attractions in Xi'an
Xi'an, as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, is rich in cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:
Terracotta Army: This UNESCO World Heritage site is an archeological marvel. Discovered in 1974, it contains thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Xi'an City Wall: One of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China, the Xi'an City Wall offers great views of the city. You can walk, bike, or take a sightseeing car along the wall.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower: These are iconic symbols of Xi'an. The Bell Tower was used to mark the start of the day, while the Drum Tower signaled the end.
Muslim Quarter: This bustling neighborhood is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi'an. It's packed with shops, food stalls, and historic mosques, including the Great Mosque, a beautiful blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Built in the Tang Dynasty, this Buddhist pagoda is a symbol of the city and a great place to learn about China's ancient Buddhist history.
Shaanxi History Museum: This museum houses over 370,000 exhibits and offers a comprehensive overview of Chinese history from prehistoric times through the Qing Dynasty.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Similar to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, this smaller pagoda is also set within a lovely park and offers a quiet retreat from the bustling city.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park: Once the grandest palace complex in the world, the Daming Palace was the royal residence during the Tang Dynasty. Although much of the palace is now in ruins, the park provides a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Tang Paradise: A large cultural theme park that reproduces the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, featuring beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and nightly performances.
Han Yang Ling Mausoleum: This is the tomb of Emperor Jing, the fourth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. It features a museum where you can see terracotta figures that are smaller but more detailed than the ones in the Terracotta Army.
Mount Huashan: A day trip from Xi'an, Mount Huashan is one of China's Five Great Mountains. It's known for its stunning natural beauty and precipitous cliffs.
Top 10 Activities to do in Xi'an
Apart from sightseeing, there are many other activities you can enjoy in Xi'an to enrich your travel experience. Here are some top activities:
Biking on the Ancient City Wall: Rent a bike and cycle around the ancient city wall. It offers a unique perspective of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset.
Food Tour in the Muslim Quarter: The Muslim Quarter is known for its street food. A food tour can introduce you to local specialties like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Liangpi (cold skin noodles), and Yangrou Paomo (mutton stew with bread).
Attend a Tang Dynasty Show: A cultural performance featuring music and dance from the Tang Dynasty. The show often comes with a traditional dumpling banquet.
Calligraphy Class: Learn the art of Chinese calligraphy, a traditional form of writing that is considered one of the highest forms of Chinese art.
Visit a Traditional Tea House: Experience the Chinese tea culture by visiting a traditional tea house. Some places even offer tea ceremonies where you can learn about different types of Chinese tea and how to brew them properly.
Hot Spring Bathing: Enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot spring. The Huaqing Hot Springs at the foot of Mount Li, once a royal bathing pool, are a popular choice.
Shadow Puppet Show: Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of Chinese storytelling that dates back over a thousand years. You can watch a performance in Gao's Grand Courtyard in the Muslim Quarter.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to make traditional Shaanxi dishes or Chinese dumplings in a local cooking class.
Visit a Local Market: Local markets like the Yongxingfang Intangible Cultural Heritage and Food Block offer a variety of local products and food, providing a glimpse into daily life in Xi'an.
Hiking on Mount Huashan: If you're up for an adventure, take a day trip to Mount Huashan and hike its trails for breathtaking views. The mountain is famous for its steep and narrow paths, so it's not for the faint of heart.
Best Shopping
Shopping in Xi'an offers a wide range of options, from bustling markets to modern malls. Here are some top places to check out:
Muslim Quarter: This bustling area is not only great for street food but also for shopping. You'll find a variety of stalls selling souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, tea, spices, and more.
Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street: This pedestrian street near the south gate of the City Wall is an excellent place to shop for traditional Chinese art supplies, calligraphy, antiques, and cultural relics.
Xi'an Antique Market: Located on Zhuque Street, this market is the place to go for antiques and vintage items, including porcelain, jade, old coins, and scrolls.
Luomashi Pedestrian Street: One of the oldest commercial streets in Xi'an, it offers a variety of stores selling clothes, shoes, electronics, and more.
Century Ginwa Shopping Mall: If you're looking for luxury shopping, this mall, located near the Bell Tower, hosts many high-end international brands.
Xi'an SKP: Another luxury shopping mall, Xi'an SKP offers a range of international luxury brands, trendy fashions, and high-quality cosmetics.
Minsheng Department Store: This large shopping mall offers a variety of international and domestic brands. It also has a supermarket and food court.
Wanda Plaza: Located in the high-tech development zone, Wanda Plaza is a modern shopping complex with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
In terms of local products, Xi'an is famous for its terracotta replicas, Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed pottery, hand-carved jade items, and lacquerware. Don't forget to try the local snacks like dried persimmon, Biang Biang noodles, and Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, which you can also buy packaged to take home. Always remember to bargain in markets to get the best price.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Xi'an offers a vibrant nightlife with diverse entertainment options. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just want to relax, there's something for everyone. Here are some popular nightlife and entertainment options in Xi'an:
Night Tour on the Ancient City Wall: The city wall of Xi'an is beautifully lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. You can rent a bike or simply walk along the wall to enjoy the night views of the city.
Tang Paradise: In addition to its day attractions, Tang Paradise puts on spectacular night performances with lights, music, and dance, recreating the grandeur and splendor of the Tang Dynasty.
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show: This is a must-see cultural performance in Xi'an. It offers a feast for the eyes and ears with traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes of the Tang Dynasty.
Defu Lane: This is the most famous bar street in Xi'an. Located near the south gate of the city wall, Defu Lane offers a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink, live music or DJs, and mingle with locals and tourists alike.
Muslim Quarter Night Market: At night, the Muslim Quarter becomes a lively food market. Walking along the street, you can sample a variety of local snacks and dishes.
Performances at Shaanxi Grand Opera House: If you're interested in traditional Chinese opera, you can catch a performance at the Shaanxi Grand Opera House. They offer various shows including the famous Qinqiang Opera.
Xi'an Concert Hall: For classical music lovers, the Xi'an Concert Hall offers regular symphony concerts.
Karaoke Bars: Karaoke, or KTV as it's known in China, is a popular form of entertainment. Sing your heart out at one of the many karaoke bars in the city.
Local Cuisine
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is known for its rich culinary tradition. The cuisine here is unique and is part of what's known as the "Eight Great Traditions" of Chinese cuisine. Here are some of the local dishes you must try:
Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Often referred to as the Chinese hamburger, Roujiamo consists of chopped meat (usually pork, but also beef or lamb) stewed in a flavorful broth and then stuffed into a freshly baked flatbread.
Yangrou Paomo (Mutton Stew with Bread): This is a classic Xi'an dish where a piece of unleavened bread is broken up into small pieces and then soaked in a rich mutton broth.
Biang Biang Noodles: These are thick, hand-pulled noodles that are often served with a spicy and tangy sauce. The character for "Biang" is one of the most complex in Chinese, and you'll often see it on signs in noodle shops.
Guan Tang Baozi (Soup-filled Dumplings): These are steamed buns filled with meat and a savory broth. They're typically served with a straw so you can drink the soup before eating the dumpling.
Xi'an Cold Noodles (Liangpi): These are cold, slippery wheat noodles often served with cucumber, bean sprouts, chili oil, vinegar, and sesame paste. They're a popular street food, especially in summer.
Qishan Sour Soup Noodles: This dish consists of handmade noodles served in a sour and spicy soup, topped with ingredients like eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and various meats.
Fried persimmon cakes: These sweet treats are made by stuffing persimmon pulp with black sesame, walnut, and osmanthus flower syrup, then deep-frying them.
Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup: This dish consists of pita bread soaked in a rich and delicious lamb soup.
Accommodations
Choosing where to stay in Xi'an depends largely on your interests and travel itinerary. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
City Center (Near Bell and Drum Towers): The city center is an excellent base for first-time visitors. It's close to many historical attractions, shopping malls, restaurants, and the Muslim Quarter. The area around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower is particularly popular.
Around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This area, in the southern part of the city, is another good option. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is surrounded by several attractions, including the Shaanxi History Museum, Tang Paradise, and Qujiang Pool Park. There are also plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in this area.
East Street Area: East Street, one of the oldest commercial areas in Xi'an, offers a mix of traditional Chinese buildings and modern amenities. It's also near the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the Muslim Quarter.
High-Tech Zone (Gaoxin): This is a newer, more modern part of the city with many high-end hotels and serviced apartments. If you prefer quieter surroundings and modern conveniences, this could be a good choice. The area also has many restaurants, bars, and shopping malls.
Xi'an North Railway Station Area: If you're planning to take a lot of day trips or continue traveling by train, staying near the North Railway Station might be convenient. The area has a range of accommodations, and it's also close to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
Qujiang New District: This area, located in the southeast part of the city, is known for its cultural sites, including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, and Qujiang Pool Ruins Park. The district also boasts modern shopping malls and a wide range of accommodation options.
