Xi'an

Introduction

Xi'an, anciently called Chang'an, is the city with the longest capital history and most dynasties in Chinese history, having served as capital for thirteen dynasties including Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. As the starting point of the Silk Road, this city witnessed the most glorious periods of Chinese civilization—Qin Shi Huang unified the six states and created the Terracotta Warriors here, Emperor Wu of Han dispatched Zhang Qian westward from here, Emperor Taizong of Tang created the Zhenguan Reign and welcomed envoys from all nations here. Today's Xi'an still has intact ancient city walls encircling the city center, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower echo each other, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands quietly for a thousand years. Walking into Muslim Quarter, the aroma of yangrou paomo fills the air, the wide and chewy biangbiang noodles satisfy greatly. When night falls, the Tang Dynasty Never Sleeps City lights up brilliantly, as if the prosperity of Tang Dynasty Chang'an reappears before our eyes. From Huaqing Pool's thousand-year hot springs to Mount Hua's precipitous peaks, from the Forest of Stone Steles' calligraphy treasures to Shaanxi History Museum's national treasures, Xi'an is a city that lets you travel through millennia and marvel at every turn.

Xi'an is the culmination of Chinese historical culture. The shock of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors, the magnificent completeness of the ancient city walls, the story of Xuanzang's westward journey told by Giant Wild Goose Pagoda—each place carries profound history. Muslim Quarter's yangrou paomo and roujiamo are unforgettable, and Tang Dynasty Never Sleeps City's night view is stunning. Recommend staying at least 3-4 days to experience this ancient capital's thousand-year elegance from Qin-Han to prosperous Tang.

Traveler Reviews

Travel Highlights

Top Attractions

Local Cuisine

Yangrou Paomo

Xi'an's most famous food, need to tear bread yourself, smaller pieces more flavorful, rich lamb soup with bread pieces, warming and satisfying.

📍 Lao Sun Jia, Tongshengxiang, Lao Mi Jia Dayu Paomo

Roujiamo

'Chinese hamburger', braised pork fatty and lean mixed, tender and fragrant, sandwiched in freshly baked baiji mo, crispy outside tender inside, mouth-watering.

📍 Fan Ji, Ziwu Road Zhang Ji, Qinyu Roujiamo

Biangbiang Noodles

Shaanxi's most famous noodles, noodles wide as belt, chewy and elastic, topped with scalding oil-splashed chili, 'one noodle' boldness is Guanzhong people's character.

📍 Lao Wan Mian, Muslim Quarter, Biangbiang Noodle House

Where to Stay

Getting Around

Budget Guide

Practical Info

Recommended Routes

FAQs