Xi’an

Basic Overview

Xi’an, the capital city of Shaanxi Province, is one of the world’s most famous ancient capitals with over 3,100 years of urban history. As the starting point of the Ancient Silk Road and the imperial core of Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties, Xi’an possesses the richest imperial cultural heritage in northern China. It perfectly combines grand ancient relics, intact ancient city patterns, Tang Dynasty art culture and authentic northwest folk customs. Blending profound history and modern urban vitality, it is the top cultural heritage travel destination in China for overseas visitors.

Natural Landscapes

Xi’an’s natural scenery features vast Guanzhong Plain scenery, rolling green Qinling Mountains, hot spring resorts and classical imperial garden waterscapes, with four distinct seasons.

• Lishan Mountain Scenic Area: A graceful green mountain located in the southern suburb, covered with dense forests, with panoramic views of the plain and sunset scenery.
• Huaqing Hot Spring Scenic Zone: Famous ancient imperial hot spring garden, combining natural hot spring resources, mountain scenery and lake landscapes.
• Qujiang Lake Park: Elegant Tang-style waterside garden with wide lake surfaces, classical pavilions and waterfront corridors.
• Qinling Mountain Ecological Belt: Vast forest mountain area with clear streams, fresh oxygen-rich air and primitive northern mountain ecology.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Xi’an holds world-class UNESCO heritage relics and the most complete ancient urban architectural groups in China.

• Terracotta Army Museum: World-famous UNESCO World Heritage, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Thousands of life-sized pottery soldiers reproduce the mighty Qin Dynasty military scene.
• Xi’an Ancient City Wall: The largest, most complete preserved ancient city wall in China, with intact ramparts, towers and moats.
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Iconic Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture, representing the peak of ancient Chinese religious architecture and culture.
• Shaanxi History Museum: A top national museum collecting massive Qin, Han, and Tang cultural relics, fully displaying ancient Chang’an civilization.
• Bell Tower & Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter: The central city landmark cluster, combining ancient architecture, traditional commerce and folk culture.

Local culture experiences

Xi’an focuses on immersive ancient imperial culture, Tang art performances, northwest folk heritage and ancient city slow travel.

• Ancient City Wall Cycling: Ride along the city wall to overlook the old town and experience the charm of a millennium capital.
• Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show: Watch restored classical royal song and dance performances from the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
• Shaanxi Shadow Puppetry & Paper-cutting Experience: Experience authentic northwest intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and performances.
• Muslim Quarter Food Tour: Wander ancient folk streets, watch traditional handicraft making and taste local specialties.

Local cuisine

Xi’an cuisine is typical northern Shaanxi flavor, dominated by handmade pasta, roasted meat and hearty savory snacks with rich aroma.

• Rougamo (Chinese Hamburger): Crispy baked bread stuffed with savory braised meat, the most iconic Xi’an specialty.
• Biangbiang Noodles: Ultra-wide handmade noodles mixed with spicy oil, fragrant, chewy and hearty.
• Lamb Pita Soup: Traditional warm nourishing soup with soft bread and tender lamb, classic northern staple food.
• Liangpi Cold Noodles: Smooth spicy cold noodles, refreshing and popular all year round.

Recommended itinerary 

• Day 1: Terracotta Army → Lishan Mountain & Huaqing Palace
• Day 2: Ancient City Wall Cycling → Bell & Drum Tower → Muslim Quarter
• Day 3: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → Shaanxi History Museum → Tang Paradise

Travel tips

Best travel time: March–May and September–November. Summer is hot, winter is dry and cold. Major scenic spots require advance reservation. Prepare comfortable walking shoes for long heritage-site visits.