Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi'an Ancient City WallXi'an Ancient City Wall

Xi'an is the first of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals and played a very important part in Chinese history. Xi'an is characterized by and proud of its ancient heritage, and rightly so.

The immaculately restored and mighty city wall still dominates the center of the city, with traffic navigating through underpasses in its girth. Many modern buildings are in keeping with ancient style, especially the roofs.

Also read China's top historical cities.

Xi’an Attractions

Xi’an has world class ancient, religious, cultural, and natural attractions, including: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, The Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaqing Hot Springs, Mount Hua, Banpo Museum, The Forest of Steles , The Great Mosque, and Qianling Mausoleum.

Xian Biking

You can ride around the city leisurely to experience the local customs of the street markets, the historical relics, and the old city walls that witnessed historical events. See Xi'an biking guide.

History

the Terracotta ArmyThe Figurines of the Han Dynasty

"China" began in Xi'an, when Emperor Qin (from whom China gets its name) united the warring states in 221 BC and made his capital in Xi’an (or Shaan). The entombed Terracotta Army stands as a monument to the power of Emperor Qin.

Xi'an served as China’s capital for the most dynasties: ten dynasties spread intermittently over a 1,100 year period, most notably the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) and the Tang Dynasty (618–907), golden ages in China's history. Tang opera is still popular in Xi'an night shows.

Read more about the History of Xi'an.

Geography

Shaanxi Province has an area of 205,800 square kilometers and a population of 37 million people.

Xi’an is situated in the center of the Weihe Plain, bounded by the Weihe River in the north and the Qin Mountain Range in the south.

Beishan (the Northern Mountains) and Qinling (the Qin Mountain Range) stand as two boundaries dividing the province into three natural areas: the Loess Plateau in Northern Shaanxi, the Guangzhong (Vast Central) Plain, and the Qinba Hills. The plateau and hills make up most of the province's area.

Shaanxi has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The months from March to November are the tourist high season as they are warmer.

See Xi’an Facts for more background info.


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Q: Arun Asked on 2013-04-25 Reply
Are there in Asian Indian restaurants in Xi''an, China?
Dear Arun， We only know one Indian restaurant in Xian. which name is CACAJA (印度菜菜餐厅). It is at No.46 Yanta west Road, Yanta District(雁塔区雁塔西路46号). CACAJA was the first Indian restaurant in Xi'an and is close to the Big Goose Pagoda. It offers extensive menu as well as delivery delivery. It specialize in spicy curries, Tandoori Chicken, roti and naan bread. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-04-25
Q: Joyce Wong Asked on 2013-03-27 Reply
Will be staying in Xian city center between 20 - 25 April. I would like to request for a English speaking tour for 3 persons - 1 day to Terracotta, city wall, museum etc. And 1 day travel by fast train to Luoyang to see Grottoes and Peony flowers. Pls arrange a suitable itinerary with a group/seat-in-coach and how much ?

Hi Joyce, we are very glad to arrange it for you. What class of hotel would you like us to arrange, please? For 3 persons, do you like one room with an extra bed or two rooms?

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-31
Q: Margate Asked on 2013-03-19 Reply
Hi, Me and my husband are planning to go Beijing, Xian & Guilim. There other transportation beside airplane from example Train or bus leaving from Beijing to visit these two cities please advise. Thank you. Margate
Dear Sir or Madam, There is no bus from Beijing to Xian or Guilin, you could take a train. There are some high speed trains from Beijing to Xian, it takes about 6 hours and it costs about CNY825/US$133 for the first class. It takes about 23-24 hours from Bejing to Guilin and it costs about US$101 for the soft sleeper. You could search the details on our website. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/ Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-03-20
Q: Melinda Lee Asked on 2013-03-14 Reply
Hello about ten of us will be visiting Xian in mid May. How is the weather by then cold? Pse let us know how much the air fare would be per head if we travel by China Southern, an estimate cost will do. Thanks
Dear Melinda, During that period, it becomes warm. You could take a coat， jeans and some shirts. The average temperature will be 13-26℃（55.4-78.8℉）. I am not sure which flight ticket you will book, international flight or domestic flight? The airfare usually changes based on the policy of the airlines. I suggust you click this link to check the price and book it directly. Domestic flight: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-flights/ International flight: http://www.flychina.com/ Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-03-14
Q: DEBASISH BHATTACHARYA Asked on 2013-02-03 Reply
I AM PLANNING TO VISIT XIAN IN DECEMBER WILL I GET SNOW

Hi DEBASISH, December is cold in Xian, with average temperature of around 6C° during daytime, and may drop to -3C° at night. It may snow in this month. You can also check the up to date weather information via this website: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-02-04