Xi'an西安

Overview

Xi'an, anciently called Chang'an, is the foremost of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. 13 dynasties including Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui and Tang established capitals here. The Terracotta Warriors are hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Xi'an City Wall is China's best-preserved ancient wall. Giant and Small Wild Goose Pagodas witness Tang Dynasty glory. Muslim Street is a food paradise with roujiamo, liangpi, biangbiang noodles and pao mo. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an is revitalized in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Terracotta Warriors Museum

Eighth Wonder of the World. Three pits with over 8,000 pottery warriors, each with unique facial expression. Must-visit in Xi'an.

Xi'an City Wall

China's best-preserved ancient city wall, 13.7km total. Can bike the full circuit. Night view especially spectacular.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Built in 652 AD under monk Xuanzang, 7-story square brick pagoda. Xi'an's landmark. North plaza has Asia's largest musical fountain.

Muslim Street (Huimin Jie)

Xi'an's most famous food street, with roujiamo, liangpi, biangbiang noodles, pao mo etc. Most lively at night.

Huaqing Palace

Tang Dynasty royal hot spring palace, where Yang Guifei bathed. Don't miss the live performance 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow'.

Shaanxi History Museum

China's first large modern national museum, 370,000 artifacts. Called 'Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure House of China'.

Food & Snacks

Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)

Xi'an's most famous snack. Baiji mo bread stuffed with slow-braised pork, crispy outside, tender inside. Called 'Chinese hamburger'.

Yangrou Paomo (Pita Bread in Lamb Soup)

Xi'an's most representative dish. Tear pita bread into pieces, soak in lamb broth with sugar garlic and chili. Unique eating: tear bread first, then cook.

Biangbiang Noodles

Shaanxi specialty wide noodles, over 1m long per strand, as wide as a belt. Tossed with chili oil and minced pork. Chewy texture.

Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles)

Classic Xi'an snack. Rice or wheat noodles cut into strips, tossed with chili oil, vinegar and sesame paste. Spicy, sour and refreshing.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor & Terracotta Warriors (1987) — Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Emperor Qin's mausoleum is world's largest imperial tomb, Terracotta Warriors hailed as 8th wonder.
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (2014) — Listed as part of the 'Silk Roads' UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda (2014) — Listed as part of the 'Silk Roads' UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
• Xi'an Drum Music (2009) — Court music passed down for a millennium, called 'living fossil of ancient Chinese music', preserving Tang Dynasty court music traditions.
• Qinqiang Opera (2006) — One of China's oldest opera genres, known for high-pitched passionate singing. Most popular local opera in Northwest China.

Practical Tips