· CN

Xi’an

Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, is a city in central China and one of the oldest cities in the country, with a history of over 3,100 years. It served as the capital of thirteen dynasties in Chinese history and played …

#Historical#Cultural#Ancient#Tourist destination#Landmark

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Xi’an.

Top Hotels in Xi’an

Top Flights to Xi’an

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Xi’an.

Tours

Visit the Terracotta Army

Marvel at the thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots.

Cycle on the Xi'an City Wall

Cycle or walk along the ancient city wall for panoramic views of Xi'an.

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Explore the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a rich history.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Xi’an.

Currency
¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan
Population
Information not available.
Languages
Mandarin, Mandarin, Shaanxi dialect

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Xi’an.

What people love

Xi'an, located in Shaanxi province, China, is a city steeped in history and culture, making it a popular destination for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Xi'an:

  1. Terracotta Warriors: Xi'an is home to the famous Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This incredible archaeological discovery features thousands of life-sized terracotta statues of soldiers and horses, dating back over 2,000 years.

  2. Ancient City Wall: Xi'an boasts one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Visitors can walk or bike along the 14-kilometer wall, enjoying panoramic views of the city.

  3. Historical Sites: Xi'an was once the ancient capital of China, and as a result, it is rich in historical sites. The city is home to numerous temples, pagodas, and historic buildings, such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

  4. Culinary Delights: Xi'an is famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly its street food. Be sure to try local specialties such as Xi'an noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread).

  5. Muslim Quarter: Xi'an has a vibrant Muslim Quarter, where visitors can explore narrow streets filled with stalls selling food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. The Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China, is also located in this area.

  6. Convenient Transportation: Xi'an is well-connected by air, train, and bus, making it easy to reach from other parts of China. The city also has a modern metro system, making it convenient to get around.

Overall, traveling to Xi'an offers a unique opportunity to explore China's rich history, culture, and cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming city.

Enjoy your trip to Xi'an!

What to know

Xi'an, located in Shaanxi, China, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history and cultural heritage, particularly the Terracotta Army. However, like any travel destination, there are some cons to consider when planning a trip to Xi'an:

  1. Air Quality: Xi'an, like many cities in China, can experience poor air quality due to pollution. This can be a concern for travelers, especially those with respiratory issues.

  2. Crowds: Xi'an is a popular tourist destination, so attractions such as the Terracotta Army and the City Wall can be crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

  3. Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken in Xi'an, so communication can be a challenge for travelers who do not speak Mandarin or another local language.

  4. Cultural Differences: Travelers may encounter cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings or discomfort if not prepared. It's important to research and respect local customs and traditions.

  5. Traffic Congestion: Like many cities in China, Xi'an can experience heavy traffic congestion, which can make getting around the city more challenging and time-consuming.

  6. Weather: Xi'an experiences hot summers and cold winters, so travelers should be prepared for extreme temperatures depending on the time of year they visit.

  7. Scams: As a tourist destination, Xi'an may have instances of scams targeting travelers. It's important to be vigilant and cautious, especially when dealing with unfamiliar situations or people.

Overall, while Xi'an offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the city.

I hope you find this information helpful!