Xian City at Night with many travelers
Buddhist Statues in the area around Big wild goose pagoda
Hundreds of Terracotta Army figurines standing in trenches in Xian
People on the Xian City Wall walking and cycling around
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Xi‘an

西安 917
Type
City
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An important city in northwest China with over a thousand years of history

Xi’an has a history of over 3,100 years and once served as the capital for thirteen dynasties, including the Western Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. Known as the “Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties,” it is one of the most important cities in northwest China and a world-famous tourist destination. The Ming Dynasty city wall, the Terracotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the Tang Dynasty all highlight Xi’an’s place in Chinese history. As the saying goes, “Half of China’s history is in Chang’an” (the ancient name of Xi’an).


The city has a deep background of ethnic and cultural integration. Compared with other cities in China, Xi’an’s Hui culture is especially prominent. One of its most famous streets is the Muslim Quarter. Because the Hui people are Muslim, Xi’an is home to many halal restaurants and food stalls. There are also several mosques here, serving as important venues for religious activities.


Xi’an’s climate is well-suited for growing wheat, which is why its noodle dishes are so renowned. As early as the Qin and Han periods, wheat-based foods were already the local staple. With the flow of trade and cultural exchange, these foods gradually diversified. Today, beloved local specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese-style burger), yangrou paomo (crumbled bread in mutton soup), and youpo chili noodles are key parts of its food culture and are highly recommended for visitors to try.


In the past, Xi’an was an important economic, political, and cultural center in Chinese history. Today, it remains the most developed city in northwest China, serving as the region’s economic hub and a major national transportation center. With its wealth of historical and cultural heritage, Xi’an is one of China’s most famous tourist cities, attracting large numbers of international visitors every year. It is also the higher education center of northwest China, with abundant academic resources and numerous universities—including Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions.

Destination Insights

  • Xi'an has a dry climate, so remember to keep your skin moisturized.
  • Xi'an has a large Muslim population and many halal restaurants. Alcohol and pork are prohibited, so please respect their customs.
  • Be careful when shopping for 'antiques and cultural relics'.
  • Many attractions require advance reservations, so make sure your booking is confirmed before you go.
  • Xi'an is a very popular tourist city in China, so try to avoid visiting during Chinese holidays like May Day or National Day.

Things to Do

  • Visit famous tourist attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xi'an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Tang Paradise.
  • Go to Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang to try various traditional snacks.

Information

Landmarks

  • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum
  • Xi'an City Wall
  • Bell Tower–Drum Tower (Traditional City Center)

Centers

  • Beilin District (碑林区)

Cost of Living

¥¥¥¥¥¥

Airports

  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Train Stations

  • Xi'an Station
  • Xi'an North Station
  • Xi'an South Station
  • Lintong Station

Public Transportations

Best Time to Visit

  • Xi'an is a historic city that can be visited year-round. It has distinct seasons, but the natural scenery in autumn and winter is especially worth seeing.
  • Spring (March–May): The weather is mild and sunny, ideal for outdoor walks.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with strong daytime UV. Best for evening or night activities.
  • Autumn (September–November): Cool and dry. November is especially beautiful with golden autumn leaves throughout the city.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold, but a chance to experience the ancient city covered in snow.

Location

Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, lies at the heart of the Guanzhong Plain, near the geometric center of China’s map. Nestled just north of the Qinling Mountains—the natural dividing line between north and south China—it occupies a vital position linking the northwest with the Central Plains, North China, and the southwest. Once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an is today the largest railway hub in northwest China, and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers flights to over 200 cities worldwide.

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Local Foods

Hand holding Roujiamo or a Chinese hamburger, buns with cooked meat inside

Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Hamburger)

Wide noodles known as Chinese Biang Biang Noodles in plate with different toppings put on top

Biangbiang Noodles

A deep fried Gourd Shaped Chicken or HuluJi on Paper

Gourd-Shaped Chicken (Hulu Chicken)

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