· CN

Shaanxi

Shaanxi, China

Shaanxi, a province in Northwest China, boasts a rich history and diverse landscapes. Xi\'an, its capital, is renowned for the Terracotta Army, an awe-inspiring collection of ancient life-sized statues. Explore the ancie…

#historical sites#Terracotta Army#ancient capital#Chinese cuisine#Silk Road
Stay & flyThings to doPracticalGuide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Shaanxi.

Top Hotels in Shaanxi

Top Flights to Shaanxi

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Shaanxi.

Tours

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum Tour

Visit the world-renowned archaeological site with thousands of life-sized statues, depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China.

Shaanxi History Museum Visit

Explore artifacts from China's ancient past, presented in a well-curated museum covering Shaanxi's rich history.

Shopping

Muslim Quarter Experience

Stroll through the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter, known for its vibrant food market and cultural diversity.

Outdoor

Mount Huashan Hike

An adventurous hiking experience on one of China's Five Great Mountains, known for its steep and narrow trails.

Xi'an City Wall Cycling

Cycle along the oldest complete city wall in China, offering scenic views of Xi'an city.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Shaanxi.

Currency
¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan
Population
39.5 million
Languages
Mandarin, Mandarin

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Shaanxi.

What people love

Shaanxi, located in China, has many draws for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Shaanxi:

  1. Historical and Cultural Significance: Shaanxi is known as the birthplace of Chinese civilization and boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was the center of several ancient Chinese dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, the ancient city wall, and numerous traditional Chinese temples.

  2. Culinary Delights: Shaanxi is famous for its distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as biang biang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread). Food lovers will enjoy sampling the local specialties and flavors unique to the region.

  3. Natural Beauty: Shaanxi is home to diverse landscapes, including the stunning Qinling Mountains, Hua Shan (one of China's Five Great Mountains), and the picturesque countryside dotted with traditional villages. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain climbing, and exploring the region's natural beauty.

  4. Warm Hospitality: The people of Shaanxi are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and interact with the welcoming locals to gain a deeper appreciation of the region.

  5. Affordability: Compared to some other popular tourist destinations in China, Shaanxi offers relatively affordable travel options, including accommodations, meals, and transportation. This makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Overall, traveling to Shaanxi presents a unique opportunity to explore China's rich history, culture, and natural beauty in a more affordable and welcoming setting.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Shaanxi, China, include:

  1. Language barrier: English is not widely spoken in Shaanxi, so communication may be challenging for those who do not speak Mandarin.
  2. Pollution: Like many regions in China, Shaanxi can have high levels of air pollution, which may impact those with respiratory issues.
  3. Crowds: Popular tourist attractions in Shaanxi, such as the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, can attract large crowds, especially during peak travel seasons.
  4. Cultural differences: Shaanxi has its own unique customs and traditions that may be unfamiliar to Western visitors, leading to potential misunderstandings or discomfort.
  5. Limited transportation options: Public transportation in Shaanxi may not be as developed or convenient as in other areas, making it more challenging to get around.

It's important to note that these are general considerations and may vary based on individual preferences and travel experiences. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to make the most of your trip to Shaanxi.

Shaanxi, located in the heart of China, is a province rich in history and cultural heritage. It is often considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, with its history stretching back thousands of years.

Prehistoric and Ancient Era

  • Paleolithic Sites: The region has evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times, with notable Paleolithic sites such as the Lantian Man.
  • Neolithic Cultures: The Banpo site near Xi'an, the provincial capital, is a well-preserved Neolithic village from the Yangshao culture, dating back to around 5000 BCE.

Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

  • Founding of Zhou: The Zhou dynasty, one of China's earliest dynasties, was established in the Wei River Valley of Shaanxi. The dynasty's early capitals were located in present-day Shaanxi.
  • Western Zhou Capital: The city of Fenghao served as the capital during the Western Zhou period.

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)

  • Qin Shi Huang: The first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, unified China and ruled from the capital Xianyang, near modern Xi'an.
  • Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army, discovered near Xi'an, was built to guard the emperor in his afterlife and is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)

  • Chang'an Capital: During the Western Han period, the capital was moved to Chang'an (modern Xi'an), which became one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world.
  • Silk Road: Chang'an was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between East and West.

Tang Dynasty (618–907)

  • Golden Age: Xi'an (then Chang'an) was again the capital and flourished as a cultural and economic hub. The Tang dynasty is considered a golden age of Chinese civilization.
  • Cultural Exchange: The city attracted scholars, merchants, and diplomats from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912)

  • Ming Walls: The Ming dynasty saw the construction of the massive city walls that still stand in Xi'an today.
  • Cultural Preservation: The Qing dynasty continued to maintain many of the historical sites in the region.

Modern Era

  • Xi'an Incident (1936): A significant event during the Chinese Civil War, where Chiang Kai-shek was detained by his own generals to force a united front against Japanese invasion.
  • Post-1949: After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an and Shaanxi have developed into significant cultural and industrial centers.

Significant Historical Figures

  • Qin Shi Huang: The first emperor of a unified China.
  • Emperor Wu of Han: Expanded the Han dynasty's power and influence; known for promoting Confucianism.
  • Emperor Taizong of Tang: Considered one of China's greatest emperors, under whom the Tang dynasty reached its height.

Important Landmarks

  • Terracotta Army: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive collection of terracotta sculptures represents the armies of Qin Shi Huang.
  • Xi'an City Wall: One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, originally built during the Ming dynasty.
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang dynasty to house sutras and figurines brought from India.
  • Shaanxi History Museum: Located in Xi'an, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region's rich history.

Shaanxi's profound historical significance and its role as a cultural and political center throughout Chinese history make it an essential part of China's heritage.