Xian, the eternal city, records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. Called Chang'an in ancient times, Xian is one of the birthplaces of the ancient civilization in the Yellow River Basin area of the country. During Xian's 3,100 year development, 13 dynasties such as Western Zhou (11th century BC - 771 BC), Qin (221 BC - 206 BC), Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD) and Tang (618 - 907) placed their capitals here. So far, Xian enjoys equal fame with Athens, Cairo, and Rome as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals.
Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. With the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, it is in a favorable geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a semi-moist monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between the four seasons. Except the colder winter, any season is relatively suitable for traveling.
The cultural and historical significance of Xian, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Shaanxi enjoy the laudatory title of 'Natural History Museum'. The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as 'the eighth major miracle of the world', Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed on the World Heritage List, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 3,000 years old Banpo Village Remains from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC), and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Around Xian, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the 'forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,' because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni -- the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian is also marvelous Mt.Huashan one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.
Traditional downtown Xian refers to the area encircled by the city wall, this has now been expanded to encompass the area within the second ring road (Er' huan Lu). The Bell Tower is the geographical center of Xian and the four main streets are respectively Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie which are also the main commercial streets. Xiao Zhai, the busiest commercial area is in the southern part of the city and is popular with both youths and students since many universities are located here. Shuyuan Men and the still under construction Luoma Shi are must-visit pedestrian streets in the city. Xian is also famous for its quantity of colleges throughout China. The old campuses of many colleges and universities are massed in the southern suburb of Xian, but most have established new campuses in far southern suburb - Chang'an District due to the lack of space within the city.
As tourist development grows in Xian, the hotel industry flourishes more and more. It is very easy to find a hotel in Xian, ranging from 5 star hotels to youth hostels. Of course, it will be any traveler's first choice to stay in the city center due to the superior geographical location and the convenient transportation.
Praised as 'the capital of table delicacies', Xian has been rich in the delicious Shaanxi snack, delicate Guangdong Cuisine, various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and popular Sichuan Cuisine such as the hot pot. Among all the delicacies, the most famous and popular one is the Muslim Snack Street.
Xian is the most important city in northwest China, and so there are a lot of shopping outlets for locals and tourists alike. There are many big shopping centers, department stores and supermarkets in and around Xian city - the biggest and most comprehensive being Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall.
The night life in Xian has a unique glamour. Traditional ways include enjoying the night scenery around the Bell Tower, taking part in a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, strolling on the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square and watching the music fountain performance. More modern and fashionable ways include singing in the KTV, hanging out in a bar, or dancing in a Disco. All in all, any experience in this ancient city will bring you fun and possibly a little surprise!
Xian Video
Newly Updated Attractions
Daming Palace Site of Tang Dynasty
Cuihuashan MountainRecommended Xian Package Tour Itineraries:
Ancient Xian Tour: 2 Days to Provincial History Museum & City Wall
Historical Xian: 3 Days Visit to Terra Cotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose PagodaRecommended Tours including the visit to Xian:
Golden Triangle Trip: 8 Days Standard China Tour of Beijing-Xian-Shanghai
Historic China Tour: 12 Days Beijing-Xian-Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang-ShanghaiGolf Tour Information
Xian Golf Tour: Detailed Information about Golf Tour in Xian
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Travelers' Voices on Xian
1.
Nov. 16,2009 08:44 Reply
Ms.elan(Singapore) said:
I will be visiting Xian on 1 Dec(after Beijing) for 2 days with 2 sons who are 11 and 12. We are Chinese from Singapore and I would like my sons to appreciate Chinese culture and history more and yet not make the trip too boring for them. Other than the terracotta warriors what are the other attractions that will appeal to them?
For example:
Is the Shaanxi museum better than Banpo village? How do I choose between the water film at Tang paradise and the musical fountain at Dayanta?
Nov. 16,2009 19:29
Ms.MENG(China) replied:
It is suggested that you go to the Shaanxi Museum, which is more attractive. The water film may interest the boys more, where there will be a short cartoon show. The musical fountain may show you a nice profile of this city. Well, these three places are located very close. So, you could visited the Museum firstly and then walk to Dayanta for the fountain. Finally, at night, you could watch the water film.
Nov. 16,2009 23:07
Ms.elan(singapore) replied:
How long does the water film take? How long is the musiccal fountain and how far away are they from each other? Will I be able to see both in 1 night? I have only 1 night in Xian.
From the information on this website, it seems that the water film starts at 1945 and the musical fountain at 2030. Is this right or are there more times ( I will be going in December).
2.
Nov. 16,2009 09:43 Reply
Ms.yellow(Zambia) said:
i want to eat where do i go if i want to eat a springroll
Nov. 16,2009 19:31
Ms.MENG(China) replied:
At these restaurants supplying Xi'an snack, you could find the springroll, such as Xi'an Restaurant located in Dong Dajia (to the east of the Bell Tower).
3.
Nov. 10,2009 22:38 Reply
Ms.wendy(malaysia) said:
I'l finally be visiting my wishlist city Xian this end of November and get to c d teracota!! From previous queries, it seems that taking shuttle bus is much more economical than taking a taxi from the airport to the desired destination. Could somebody tell me where this shuttle bus (No.5) is making its stops? We'll be doing a DIY visit and planning to book any hotel near to the muslim street (drum tower or grand mosque) so we can try the infamous chinese muslim food yangrou chuanr :).. many thanks in advance for the help
Nov. 11,2009 01:40
Mr.Shan replied:
According to your needs, it is suggested that you take the airport shuttle bus Line 1 to reach the Bell Tower directly. This bus line is in operation round the clock, and its stops is just to be opposite to the Drum Tower, where the muslim street is located.
Here, you could find a hotel easily, such as the Bell Tower Hotel (4-star) and the City Hotel, the Melody Hotel (where the bus stop is), the City Hotel and the budget Home Inn-Bell Tower West Branch.
Nov. 14,2009 20:26
Ms.Khaw(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Wendy, I'm currently in Xian and weather fluctuate. It snowed a couple of days ago, and this morning, fine snowflakes drizzled the whole morning.
Yesterday, the Qin Mauosoleum was "open" but when we reached there, the 200 odd steps are thick with snow/ice, which makes it a high risk to walk up.
When you reach the XIAN train station, go to right side of station. Bus 5(also known as 306) is stationed on the right side of the train station and based on our experience, it leaves about every 15 mins.
It's RM7 one way per pax( you can get down at any of the 3 spots (Hotspring, Mauosoleum, Terracotta), and continue the journey with the same ticket.
There are signboards with 5(306) on the dashboard and you will not miss it. Just avoid the touts.
Nov. 14,2009 20:28
Ms.Khaw(Malaysia) replied:
Typo error.
RMB 7 per single journey, not RM.
Nov. 15,2009 20:15
Ms.Ivy Jia(China) replied:
as I just finished by trip from Xian, maybe I can give you some advise. you can book the room near to Meilun hotel. Or others. I can help to find it for you. as I am Chinese, I just find a Family Lodge and DIY my trip. or may you can add my skype if you still need some help, I am glad to help. skypeID: ivyjia_nice, once you add me, please note it as Tavelling to Xian so I can add you.
4.
Nov. 12,2009 01:23 Reply
Mr.Taylor(US) said:
I'm going to Xian this weekend (Nov 14-15)getting there Saturday Morning at 10am. I want to go from the airport to the hotel (Grand New World Hotel) in Li anhu Rd. From there I want to go to the Terracota Warriors, how do I get to these two places? I'm going to go back to Shanghai on Sunday.
By the way I checked the weather and it will probably going to snow. Are the tourist places still going to be open?
Thanks
5.
Nov. 1,2009 18:28 Reply
Ms.SCOUT0115(United States) said:
Hi,
I will be arriving at Xi'an airport at 22:30, and airport shuttles are no longer operating. What is the best and safest way for me to get into the city? My hotel is Orient Hotel Xian on 390 Zhuque daji. Thank you!
Nov. 1,2009 19:59
Mr.Sandy replied:
You can still take airport bus to bell Tower and you can see many taxis there after you get off the bus. Take one to the your hotel.
6.
Oct. 15,2009 01:53 Reply
Ms.Bo(Philippines) said:
Will be in Xi'an for 1 day only. Is there a counter/office in the Xi'an train station where we can leave our luggages? Where is it located? How much is the rate?
Oct. 15,2009 21:15
Mr.ANDY2008(China) replied:
Yes, there is a service in Xi'an Train station, which can help you to keep your luggage. It will cost 10~ 20RMB for a suitcase.
Oct. 23,2009 22:51
Mr.Leo replied:
Well, when you exit from the railway, please turn to left where you could find a place for luggage left~
7.
Oct. 16,2009 13:00 Reply
Mr.WSJ(Indonesia) said:
Hello, I am going to Hong Kong at the end of Oct 2009 and I would like to go to Xi'an for 3 days.
1. Do you know what airlines which is cheap, reliable and depart in the morning from Hong Kong to Xi'an (vice versa) ? Can I book through website ?
2. I will stay in Renmin Square, how to go to Terracota from there ?
Thank you.
Oct. 17,2009 07:35
Mr.ANDY2008(China) replied:
2. go to the train station and take the tour 6 bus to the terracotta
Oct. 23,2009 22:50
Mr.Leo replied:
1. if you would like to take a direct flight from HK to Xian, it will be very expesive, may be around 2,000RMB. But, if you firstly get to Shenzhen Airport and then take a flight to Xi'an, the fare is no more than 1,000RMB. Well, for the real time airfare, please refer to: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
2. Firstly, please take a taxi to Xi'an Railway Station. Walk to the east square, you will find the tour special bus 游5（306）easily. It will take you to the Terracotta around 30 minutes with a fare of CNY7.
8.
Oct. 20,2009 10:46 Reply
Mr.Van(usa) said:
We'll visit Xian for 1 day, please let us know how much does it cost from Airport to Sheraton hotel and from Sheraton to Terracota Warriors? We greatly appriciate for your reply.
Oct. 20,2009 22:01
Mr.ANDY2008(China) replied:
If you take the shuttle bus, it would cost you 27RMB form the airport to Sheraton per head, and 8 RMB from Sheraton to the terracotta. If you take a taxi, it will cost your 120RMB for a taxi the airport to Sheraton, and the same for another route.
Oct. 23,2009 22:45
Mr.Leo replied:
When you arrive Xi'an Airport, pleaes take the shuttle bus Line 5 to its terminal at Xishaomen (西稍门). The fare is CNY25/person. The Sherton Hotel is located about 2.5kms away from the bus terminal. So, please hire a cab to driving you there, the fare should be no more than 7.5RMB. Of course, you could hire a cab from the Airport to your hotel directly. The fare will not be less than 100RMB since most of the drivers will refuse to charge by meter.
From Sheraton to Terracotta Warriors, you could hire a cab to arrive at the east square of Xian Railway Station firstly. The fare should be around 20RMB. Here, you could catch the tour special bus No.5(306) to reach the museum around 30 minutes. The bus fare is just 7RMB/person. If you use a cab, the fare is no less than 150RMB for one-way travel.
9.
Oct. 19,2009 22:51 Reply
Ms.Allie(Malaysia) said:
Hi,
I'll be going over to Xian on this coming November, on the 2nd week to be exact.
Anyone can advise me how's the weather will be?
Thank you.
Oct. 21,2009 19:43
Mr.Leo replied:
Currently, a thin sweater and jacket is needed in Xi'an. So, when you come here 3 weeks later, a thin sweater and overcoat should be prepared. Although the weather is becoming colder and colder day by day, the day is sunshine and dry all the same.
10.
Aug. 30,2009 22:02 Reply
Mr.elliott(USA) said:
I just spent 2 weeks in Xian and, now, I recommend this beautiful city and its equally beautiful people to everyone I know. Having never been to China before, we didn't know what to expect. We found Xian to be a lovely and safe city and the Chinese people to be friendly and gracious. We, reluctantly, left China and look forward to returning some day soon.
Oct. 5,2009 07:49
Mr.Yang Zhen(China) replied:
Thank you for your prize for China as well as Xian!
Thank you!
And welcome to back again!
Oct. 12,2009 17:42
Mr.James(USA) replied:
We plan to go for 2 days and visit the Terracota Warriors, large and small goose pagoda's, Grand Mosque.
ANything else that is a must see.
Thanks
Oct. 13,2009 01:43
Mr.Frankie replied:
I think you should go to the Shaanxi History Museum, where lots of rare treasures of China are shown. On the other hand, would you like to walk or cycle along the City Wall of Xian? Well, you could know the details of these two places respectively at:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shaanxi/xian/provincial_museum/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shaanxi/xian/citywall.htm
Oct. 13,2009 10:12
Mr.Yang Zhen(CN) replied:
Of course, as the guy above have said, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall of Xian are worth visiting as well.
But I am doubting that whether you have enough time to visit all these sites so if possible, adding more days in Xian,hehe