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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, it 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, the city 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 the city with an amazing historical heritage. Travelers marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in the city.
Read more about History.

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.
Read more about Xian Facts.

From Jun. 1 2014, Xian implements the 72-Hour Visa-Free Policy to facilitate passport holders of 51 countries and regions to enjoy a visa-free stay up to 72 hours when taking an international transfer via Xianyang Airport. Read details about 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit.

Attractions

Transportation

Xian is one of the most important and convenient transportation hubs in central and western China. Frequent flights, trains and buses connect the city with other major cities all around the country. The urban transportation of the city has been somewhat frustrating in recent years because of the subway construction. Now subway line 1 and line 2 are in operation. Several other lines are also under construction or in the planning process. For now the buses and taxis can take you to get around the city.

Weather

Maps

Dining

Praised as 'the capital of table delicacies', Xian has been rich in delicious local snacks such as the must-try Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew (Yangrou Paomo), Cold Noodles (Liang Pi) and Shaanxi Sandwich (Rou Jia Mo), travelers can also find delicate Guangdong dishes, popular Sichuan food and various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies.

Shopping

Curio and craftwork is a feature of shopping in this city and of course an attraction for visitors. The Ancient Cultural Street of Shuyuanmen and 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 the city - the biggest and most comprehensive being Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall.

Nightlife

The night life in this ancient city has a unique glamour. Travelers 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, including the various karaoke bars, discos and nightclubs.

Travel Tips

Practical tips and suggestions are offered in this part for visitors' better experience in this city. You may be interested in the following topics:

Foreign Consulates
Area Code
Famous Universities
Banks
Useful Numbers
Internet Bars
Hospitals
Zip Code
Bookstores
Toilet Facilities
Post Office