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Xian Travel Guide

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      Int'l Horticultural Expo 2011, Xian

 Xian Attractions

Terracotta Army in Xian
Terracotta Warriors
Xian City Wall
Xian City Wall
Xian Bell Tower
Bell & Drum Tower
Xian Great Mosque
Great Mosque
Mt. Huashan in Xian
Huashan Mountain
Xian Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Big Wild
Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum
Shaanxi History
Museum
Xian Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show
Tang Dynasty Music
and Dance Show
Famen Temple, Xian
Famen
Temple
Hanyangling Mausoleum, Xian
Hanyangling
Mausoleum

Recommended Xian Package Tour Itineraries:
Ancient Xian Tour: 2 Days Luxury & Standard Tour of Xian
Historical Xian Tour: 3 Days to Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Great Mosque...
Terracotta Warriors Tour: 1 Day Luxury of Terracotta Warriors Tour

Recommended Tours including the visit to Xian:
Golden Triangle Trip: 9 Days Standard China Tour of Beijing - Xian - Shanghai
Historic China Tour: 11 Days of Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai

Our Clients' Reviews:
Ms. LeAnne Dyck's ReviewMr. Brian Davey's ReviewMs. Paulie Kaur Chin's Review 
More China Tour Reviews

Xian Transportation

Xian is one of the most important 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 getting around the city.

 Xian Airport  By Train  Long-Distance Bus
 By City-Bus  By Taxi & Bicycle  By Subway

Xian Downtown Map
Xian Downtown Map

Xian City Map
Xian City Map

Xian Tourist Map
Xian Tourist Map

Xian Subway Map
Xian Subway Map

Yang Rou Pao Mo in Xian

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.

 Yang Rou Pao Mo  Dumpling Dinner  Local Xian Snacks
 Local Xian Dishes  Chinese and Western Restaurants in Xian

Shopping at Xian Shuyuanmen

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.

Xian Nightlife

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.

Travelers in Xian

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