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Xi’an

No reviews yetCity Shaanxi, China
Xi’an, Shaanxi, ChinaXi’an, Shaanxi, China长安 沣东大道沣河桥上东望市区, Xi’an, Shaanxi, ChinaXian Grosse Moschee 08 2012 gje, Xi’an, Shaanxi, ChinaPlatform of FENGHUANGCHI Station, Xi'an Metro (Jul 25, 2023), Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

About Xi’an

Few cities anywhere carry as much history as Xi'an. The land around it was the seat of power for the Western Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties among others, and as Chang'an the city was one of the largest in the world during the Tang era, the eastern start of the Silk Road where merchants, monks and envoys from across Asia met.

That past is everywhere. A Ming city wall still rings the old centre, the Bell Tower marks its crossroads, and the Giant and Small Wild Goose Pagodas recall the Buddhist scholarship of the Tang. East of the city, the clay warriors of China's first emperor guard his tomb in their thousands, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the twentieth century.

Modern Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province and home to many millions, is also a superb place to eat. The Muslim Quarter behind the Drum Tower serves lamb skewers, roujiamo and hearty noodles late into the night. Leave time for the Shaanxi History Museum, a bike ride on the walls and an evening at the pagoda fountains.

Best seasonMarch to May and September to November, avoiding hot summers and the crowds of national holidays.
Ideal stayThree days: one for the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace, two for the walled city and museums.
ArrivingXi'an Xianyang International Airport lies north-west of the city, and Xi'an North Railway Station is a major high-speed rail hub.

12 Reasons to Visit Xi’an

History 3

Terracotta Army, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Terracotta Army

Found by farmers digging a well in 1974, the buried army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, stands in vast hangars in Linton...
Huaqing Palace, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Huaqing Palace

At the foot of Mount Li in Lintong, these hot springs drew rulers for centuries, most famously the Tang emperor Xuanzong and his c...
Daming Palace National Heritage Park, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

North of the main railway station lie the remains of Daming Palace, the chief residence of Tang emperors for more than two centuri...

Landmarks 3

Xi'an City Wall, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Xi'an City Wall

Built under the Ming dynasty on older Tang foundations, Xi'an's wall is among the most complete city walls in China, running rough...
Xi'an Bell Tower, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Xi'an Bell Tower

Standing on a square brick base where the city's four main streets cross, this Ming dynasty bell tower is the centrepiece of old X...
Xi'an Drum Tower, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Xi'an Drum Tower

A short walk west of the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower once sounded the evening hour for the walled city and today displays a collect...

Temples and Shrines 3

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

First built in 652 at Da Ci'en Temple to house the Buddhist scriptures the monk Xuanzang brought back from India, this square bric...
Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Quieter than its famous sibling, this slender Tang dynasty pagoda in the grounds of Jianfu Temple lost its top storeys to an earth...
Great Mosque of Xi'an, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Hidden down Huajue Lane in the Muslim Quarter, this mosque looks at first like a Chinese temple, with wooden halls, carved stone a...

Museums 2

Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Shaanxi History Museum

Opened in 1991 in a Tang-style complex near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, this museum traces the region's story from prehistoric ti...
Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Forest of Stone Steles Museum

Close to the South Gate, this museum holds thousands of carved stone tablets gathered since the Song dynasty, a library in stone o...

Food and Drink 1

Xi'an Muslim Quarter, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Xi'an Muslim Quarter

Behind the Drum Tower, the streets of the Hui Muslim community are Xi'an's most famous place to eat. Beiyuanmen is the busiest str...

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