Xian, located in central-northwest China, records the great changes of the country just like a living history book. Called Chang'an (meaning the eternal city) in ancient times, Xian is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, Xian has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed Xian with an amazing historical heritage. Tourists marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in and around the city.
Known as the leading city of China's Western Development Drive Program since 1990s, Xian is an important economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, providing visitors with modern and convenient facilities.
Xian Facts 
Xian History
Xian Attractions
|  Recommended Xian Package Tour Itineraries:
Ancient Xian Tour: 2 Days to Provincial History Museum & City Wall
Historical Xian: 3 Days Visit to Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum & Great Mosque
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| Recommended Tours including the visit to Xian:
Golden Triangle Trip: 8 Days Standard China Tour of Beijing-Xian-Shanghai
Historic China Tour: 12 Days Group Tour to Beijing-Xian-Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang-Shanghai |
| Golf Tour Information
Xian Golf Tour: Detailed Information about Golf Tour in Xian |
 | Xian is one of the most importation and convenient travel hubs in central and western China. Frequent flights, trains and buses connect Xian with other major cities all around China. The urban transportation of Xian has been somewhat frustrating in recent years because of the subway construction. Subway line 2 will be in operation in 2011. Several other lines are also under construction or in the planning process. For now the buses and taxis can take you to around the city. |
 | Praised as 'the capital of table delicacies', Xian has been rich in delicious local snacks such as the must-try Yang Rou Pao Mo (Crumbled Unleavened Bread Soaked in Mutton Stew), Liang Pi (Cold Noodles) and Rou Jia Mo (Hot Meat Sandwich). Tourists can also find delicate Guangdong dishes, popular Sichuan food and various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies. |
 | Curio and craftwork is a feature of Xian Shopping and of course an attraction for tourists. Shu Yuan Men (The Arts Street) and Xian Antique Market are recommended for buying souvenirs such as the Tang tri-colored glazed pottery, replicas of Terracotta warriors, as well as folk handicrafts of paper-cut and shadow puppet. Also there are many modern shopping outlets, including 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. Tourists can enjoy the night scenery around the Bell Tower, stroll around the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda and view the music and light fountain performance on the north square under the pagoda, as well as watch a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show or a show of the local Shaanxi Opera (Qin Qiang). For the party-loving owls, more modern and fashionable hangouts are available in Xian, including the various karaoke bars, discos and nightclubs. |
 | Practical travel tips and suggestions on Xian are offered in this part for visitors' better travel experience in this city. You may be interested in the following topics:
| Foreign Consulates | Banks | Hospitals | | Useful Numbers | Area Code | Post Office | | Zip Code | Toilet Facilities | Famous Universities | | Internet Bars | Bookstores | | |
Newly Updated Attractions: 
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Q & A on Xian
1.
Jan. 23,2010 08:02 Reply
Mrs.martin(uk) said:
How much is the flight from Wuhan to Xian? What is the best way of visiting Terricotta Warriors? Is it more convenient to stay at Citadines Apart Hotel or Bell Tower hotel?
Jan. 25,2010 09:47
Mr.MIKE8819(Singapore) replied:
The flight from Wuhan to Xian should not be more than $500 chiinese yuan, however, it depends on the schedule as Chinese New Year approaching. The best way to visit Terricotta Warriors is of course to join in the local tour (1 day tour)as the tour guide will explain its history. However, if you just need to go purely for sight-seeing, then you can actually take a direct bus from Xian train station. Staying at Bell Tower hotel should be better as you are view the night scenary.
Jan. 27,2010 11:20
Mrs.martin(uk) replied:
Thanks Mr Mike. How early do we have to buy the air ticket? Is is possible to buy on the day we travel or does it need to to be few days in advance?
Jan. 27,2010 22:39
Ms.Meng replied:
You coud purchase the air ticket on the spot; however, no discount will be enjoyed. Usually, it is suggested that you book the ticket 2~4 weeks in advance, when the discounted tickets are supplied. I think you co uld pay attention to the real-time airfare online. Here is a search tool: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
2.
Jan. 9,2010 19:09 Reply
Mr.DR_D_K_09(China) said:
hi friends,
i m n xian jiaotong university. now the winter vacations about to begin, so i want to visit beautifull places but i cant because i cant speak chinese. therefore i need a guide
Jan. 11,2010 12:43
Ms.MARTHYK_LATINA(Colombia) replied:
Hi, I'm Martha. I'm Colombian and live here in Xi'an.
I'm married to a Chinese and our work allows us time so we can be your guides. We are starting in this business, we do it in Spanish and my English is quite good.
My mobile is 13891804121.
3.
Jan. 5,2010 21:20 Reply
Mrs.leal(Australia) said:
I understand I take bus from airport to bell tower, can you please tell me is this close to the Ibis Hotel
Jan. 5,2010 23:02
Mr.Qi replied:
Not close, without walking distance at least, however that is the nearest airport bus route. Take a taxi from the Bell tower then. You may find many taxis there when you get off the airport bus at bell tower, but they are not going to the city part, but to the airport. Walk backward a little for taxi. Remember that the taxi fare is no more than 10 yuan.
4.
Dec. 31,2009 04:24 Reply
Ms.MIAOLING(Afghanistan) said:
I have about 10 days. Xian is part of the itinerary. Are there any other interesting places to visit after about 4 days in Xian. Hope to fly back Singapore at Xian airport.
Jan. 4,2010 22:02
Mr.Hank replied:
4 days will be enough for you to travel in and around Xian. So, it is suggested that you go to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu or Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong after that, and then leave for Singapore~
Jan. 4,2010 22:02
Mr.QI replied:
What time are you coming? If the weather is fine, you can climb the Huashan Mountain. It need to spend a night on the mountain top.
5.
Dec. 22,2009 01:54 Reply
Mrs.mokhtar(Malaysia) said:
Hi Ivy,
l'm going to xian on the 26th Dec, with my family(5) and my girl really want to see and touch snow? is it possible?As we are muslim, we are looking forward to stay and enjoy chinese muslim food. Please advice best place for us?
Dec. 22,2009 03:35
Ms.ROSEKNIGHT(China) replied:
No snow report on Dec 26. So, you may not see snow when you come to Xian. Now, it is sunny and very cold here. I recommend you stay at this hotel:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/bell-tower-hotel-xian.htm
The reason is it has superior location at the very center of the city facing Bell Tower. Cross the road, you can get to Muslim Street behind the Drum Tower.
Dec. 22,2009 08:54
Mrs.Mokhtar(Malaysia) replied:
Thanks Ms Roseknight for ur info. l wonder wether there is a place possible to see snow, we'll be there 26th-28th Dec, at least on the ground? TQ
Dec. 23,2009 22:20
Ms.ROSEKNIGHT(China) replied:
It is sunny and cold here in Xian. Harbin is sais to be snowy on Dec 26.