Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi'an Travel Guide

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army
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Xi'an, 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, Xi'an is an important economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, providing visitors with modern and convenient facilities.
 Read more about  Xi'an FactsWhere is Xi’an China

Tour Planning

Practical tips and suggestions are offered in this part for visitors' better experience in this city. You may be interested in the following topics:
Xi'an 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 metro construction. Now metro line 1, line 2, line 3, line 4, line 5, line 6, line 9, line 14 and Airport Line 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.

Best Time to Visit
Yang Rou Pao Mo in Xi'an
Praised as 'the capital of table delicacies', Xi'an 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 at Xi'an Shuyuanmen
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.

Xi'an 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 Giant 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. 

 9 Best Night Markets
 

Further Reading

Top 10 China Destinations for First Time Travelers

10 Places to Visit in China for a Trip of a Lifetime

Travel in Depth: 10 Best Places to Visit in China for Return Visitors

- Last updated on Aug. 27, 2023 by Catherine He -
Questions & Answers on Xi'an Travel
Asked by Elke Kettner from GERMANY | Sep. 17, 2023 12:16Reply
Train Connenction
Dear Travel China Guide Team,

I want to take the Beijing West-Xi'an train on October 7th, Z43 (20:36/08:23+) October 7th, 2023. My order number is T230914319. Once in Xi'an, I would like to travel directly to the Hua Shan Mountains on October 8th. My accommodation is called Huashan Furun Hotel Huayin. What is the name of the train station that is closest to the Hua Shan Mountains?

warm wishes, Elke Kettner
Answers (1)
Answered by Alice | Sep. 19, 2023 19:15
00Reply


Huashan North Railway Station is much closer, about 5km from your hotel. You can take Huayin Bus line 1 directly to your hotel and it takes about 30 minutes.
Asked by B from THAILAND | Aug. 26, 2023 23:25Reply
Does Guanlin temple close every Monday?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | Aug. 27, 2023 23:55
00Reply


Which Guanlin Temple, the one in Luoyang? I haven't heard one in Xi'an. The one in Luoyang opens everyday, including Mondays.
Asked by Ple from THAILAND | May. 21, 2023 13:16Reply
Arrived at Xi'an airport almost midnight traveling alone. Is there a car to go to the bell tower?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andy | May. 23, 2023 01:46
00Reply


Yes, in fact, there are a lot of taxis available at that time and generally it takes around CNY 130-150.
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