Xi'an
About Xi'an
Xi'an is China's ancient heart: 3,100 years of imperial capitals, 13 dynasties, and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Once called Chang'an ('Eternal Peace'), it was the world's largest city when Rome was still a village, and the only place where emperors could claim the Mandate of Heaven. Today it's a living museum where Tang-dynasty pagodas rise above noodle shops, Muslim bazaars sell Persian carpets beside biang-biang stalls, and the Terracotta Army still guards secrets underground. The city's rhythm is slow and savory: morning prayers echo from the Great Mosque, afternoon tea steams in courtyard gardens, and night markets sizzle with cumin lamb and roujiamo. Local food is wheat-based and hearty: hand-pulled noodles wider than belts, lamb soup with torn bread, and the iconic 'Chinese hamburger' that fueled the Silk Road caravans.
兵马俑 | Terracotta Warriors
8,000 clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin's tomb; discovered in 1974 by farmers. One of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
西安城墙 | Ancient City Wall
14-km Ming-dynasty fortification with bike rental and panoramic city views. The best-preserved ancient city wall in China.
回民街 | Muslim Quarter
1,300-year-old bazaar with Great Mosque, Persian carpets, and endless food stalls. The heart of Xi'an's Muslim community.
钟楼 | Bell Tower
Ming-dynasty landmark marking the exact center of ancient Chang'an. Beautifully illuminated at night.
大雁塔 | Wild Goose Pagoda
Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda with evening fountain show and cultural square. Built to store Buddhist scriptures from India.
华清宫 | Huaqing Palace
Hot springs where Emperor Xuanzong met Yang Guifei; Tang-dynasty love story site. Famous for its natural hot springs.
陕西历史博物馆 | Shaanxi History Museum
370,000 artifacts from 13 dynasties; Tang-dynasty gold and silver treasures. One of China's top museums.
碑林博物馆 | Forest of Stone Steles
3,000 ancient calligraphy tablets including Tang-dynasty classics. A treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy.
鼓楼 | Drum Tower
Evening drum performances and panoramic city views. Built in 1380, it's the largest drum tower in China.
大唐芙蓉园 | Tang Paradise
Recreated Tang-dynasty theme park with cultural shows and water features. Experience the splendor of Tang culture.
半坡遗址 | Banpo Neolithic Village
6,000-year-old archaeological site with reconstructed Neolithic village. One of China's most important prehistoric sites.
华山 | Mount Huashan
One of China's Five Sacred Mountains; famous for its dangerous plank walk. Known for its steep cliffs and stunning views.
法门寺 | Famen Temple
Buddhist temple with Buddha's finger bone relic and Tang-dynasty treasures. A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
乾陵 | Qianling Mausoleum
Tang-dynasty tomb with underground palace and stone statues. The joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian.
延安 | Yan'an
Revolutionary base and Communist Party headquarters during the Long March. A key site in modern Chinese history.
biang biang面 | Biang Biang Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles wider than belts, served with chili oil and vegetables. The most famous noodle dish in Shaanxi.
肉夹馍 | Roujiamo
'Chinese hamburger' with braised pork stuffed in flatbread. A signature Shaanxi street food.
羊肉泡馍 | Yang Rou Pao Mo
Mutton soup with torn bread and herbs; traditional Muslim dish. A hearty and warming meal.
西安饺子 | Xi'an Dumplings
Various stuffed dumplings served in soup or steamed. Available in many flavors and styles.
柿子饼 | Persimmon Cake
Sweet dessert made from local persimmons; traditional autumn treat. A seasonal specialty.
凉皮 | Liangpi
Cold rice noodles with spicy sauce and vegetables. A refreshing summer dish.
煎饼 | Jianbing
Savory crepe with egg and crispy wonton; popular breakfast food. A quick and delicious meal.
火锅 | Hot Pot
Spicy broth with lamb and vegetables; communal dining experience. Perfect for cold weather.
陕西泡馍 | Shaanxi Paomo
Bread soup with mutton and spices; traditional Muslim cuisine. A filling and flavorful dish.
灌汤包 | Guantang Baozi
Soup dumplings with rich broth inside; delicate and delicious. A must-try local specialty.
麻辣烫 | Malatang
Spicy soup with skewered ingredients; customizable heat levels. A popular street food.
饺子 | Jiaozi
Chinese dumplings in various styles; steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. A versatile and beloved dish.
辣子鸡 | Laziji
Spicy fried chicken with dried chilies; Sichuan-style dish popular in Xi'an. A fiery and flavorful dish.
小笼包 | Xiaolongbao
Steamed soup dumplings with thin skin and rich filling. A delicate and satisfying treat.
糖葫芦 | Tanghulu
Candied hawthorn on skewers; sweet and sour street snack. A traditional winter treat.
High value, low price local experiences
城墙骑行 | City Wall Cycling
Rent bikes and cycle the 14-km ancient wall; ¥45 for 2 hours. Experience the city from above on this historic fortification.
兵马俑考古体验 | Terracotta Warriors Archaeology
Hands-on pottery making and excavation simulation; ¥80 pp. Learn about the discovery and restoration process.
回民街美食之旅 | Muslim Quarter Food Tour
3-hour guided tour of traditional snacks and history; ¥120 pp. Explore the flavors and culture of the Muslim Quarter.
大唐芙蓉园夜游 | Tang Paradise Night Tour
Evening cultural performances and light shows; ¥120 pp. Experience Tang dynasty splendor after dark.
biang biang面制作 | Biang Biang Noodle Making
Learn to pull noodles and make traditional sauce; ¥60 pp. Master the art of Shaanxi's most famous noodles.
钟鼓楼夜景 | Bell & Drum Tower Night View
Evening photography and cultural performances; ¥50 pp. Capture the illuminated landmarks of ancient Chang'an.
大雁塔音乐喷泉 | Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show
Evening water and light performance; free admission. A spectacular display of music and water choreography.
华清宫温泉体验 | Huaqing Palace Hot Springs
Traditional hot spring bathing in historic setting; ¥150 pp. Relax in the same springs as Tang dynasty emperors.
陕西历史博物馆导览 | Shaanxi History Museum Tour
Expert-guided tour of Tang dynasty treasures; ¥100 pp. Discover the rich history of ancient Chang'an.