Shaanxi Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Shaanxi, China, with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best attractions, hiking and biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


If you’re planning a trip to China, one region that shouldn’t be overlooked is Shaanxi. Located in northwest China, Shaanxi is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient relics and historical landmarks to breathtaking mountain ranges, Shaanxi has something for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to see and do in Shaanxi, as well as provide helpful tips for planning your trip.

Introduction to Shaanxi

Shaanxi is located in northwest China and is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known for its rich history, ancient landmarks, and natural beauty. Other popular attractions include the Shaanxi History Museum, the Ancient City Walls, and the Huaqing Hot Springs. Shaanxi is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Shaanxi

No trip to Shaanxi is complete without a visit to the following attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
  • Shaanxi History Museum
  • Ancient City Walls of Xi’an
  • Huaqing Hot Springs
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Bell Tower and Drum Tower
  • Famen Temple

Natural Attractions of Shaanxi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Huashan Mountain
  • Taibai Mountain
  • Qinling Mountains
  • Yan’an Revolutionary Site
  • Xiangji Temple

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shaanxi

Shaanxi is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Shaanxi include:

  • Huashan Mountain Hiking Trail
  • Taibai Mountain Hiking Trail
  • Xian Ancient City Wall Biking Trail
  • Lishan Mountain Hiking Trail
  • Yan’an Red Tourism Circular Path

Best Things to Do in Shaanxi: Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing and hiking, there are several other things to do and experience in Shaanxi:

  • Attend a Tang Dynasty Show
  • Try local street food
  • Learn how to make noodles
  • Take a hot air balloon ride
  • Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels
  • Watch a traditional shadow puppet performance

Week-Long Itinerary for Shaanxi

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Shaanxi, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
  • Day 2: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum and the Ancient City Walls
  • Day 3: Hike Huashan Mountain
  • Day 4: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
  • Day 5: Learn about Shaanxi’s revolutionary past at the Yan’an Revolutionary Site
  • Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride or try local street food
  • Day 7: Relax at the Huaqing Hot Springs

Food and Drink Scene of Shaanxi

Shaanxi is known for its delicious street food and local cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
  • Biangbiang Noodles
  • Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup
  • Guantang Baozi (Soup-Filled Steamed Buns)
  • Yangroupaomo (Crumbled Bread Soaked in Mutton Stew)

Local Beverages

  • Maotai (Famous Chinese Liquor)
  • Yanjing Beer
  • Jiuqu Hongmei (Fermented Plum Juice)

Where to Stay in Shaanxi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Shaanxi has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Some popular choices include:

  • Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
  • Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
  • Han Tang Inn Hostel
  • Home Inn
  • GreenTree Inn

What to Buy in Shaanxi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring back from Shaanxi include:

  • Terracotta Warrior replicas
  • Shadow puppets
  • Chinese calligraphy sets
  • Silk scarves
  • Local tea

Local Culture and Customs of Shaanxi

Shaanxi has a rich cultural heritage, with a history spanning thousands of years. Some customs and etiquette to keep in mind include:

  • It’s considered polite to greet locals with a simple “ni hao”
  • When visiting a temple, dress modestly and remove your shoes
  • Refrain from touching artifacts when visiting museums or historical landmarks
  • If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift such as tea or fruit

Best Time to Visit Shaanxi

The best time to visit Shaanxi is in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be very cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shaanxi

Do:

  • Do try the local street food
  • Do respect local customs and traditions
  • Do carry tissues and hand sanitizer
  • Do learn a few phrases in Mandarin

Don’t:

  • Don’t speak loudly in public places
  • Don’t touch artifacts at museums or historical landmarks
  • Don’t over tip or negotiate too aggressively
  • Don’t forget to carry your passport with you at all times

Safety and Health

Safety in Shaanxi

Shaanxi is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions. Be aware of your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Shaanxi

It’s important to take proper precautions when it comes to your health in Shaanxi. Make sure you have the necessary immunizations before traveling and carry a first-aid kit with you. Always drink bottled water and avoid street food that may be unsanitary.

Getting to Shaanxi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shaanxi

Shaanxi has two major airports: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Yan’an Nanhu Airport. Both airports have regular flights from major cities in China and nearby countries.

Bus Stations Near Shaanxi

Shaanxi has several bus stations that connect the region to other cities and provinces in China. Some popular bus stations include the Xi’an Bus Station and the Yan’an Bus Station.

Other Options

There are also several high-speed trains that connect Shaanxi to other major cities in China.

How to Get Around in Shaanxi

The best way to get around Shaanxi is by using public transportation, such as buses and taxis. It’s also possible to rent a car or hire a private driver for more flexibility.

Where to Go Next from Shaanxi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re interested in exploring other destinations in China, some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Chengdu, Sichuan
  • Lanzhou, Gansu
  • Dunhuang, Gansu
  • Luoyang, Henan

Conclusion

Shaanxi is a fascinating part of China with plenty to offer travelers. With its rich history, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, it’s definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re interested in hiking on mountain trails, exploring ancient landmarks, or trying local street food, Shaanxi has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to help plan your trip and make the most out of your time in Shaanxi.

Hukou Waterfall Hukou Waterfall Biangbiang noodles Biangbiang noodles The traditional character for ''biáng'' in The traditional character for ''biáng'' in "biangbiang noodles" has a whopping 58 strokes.


    Huashan National Park
    Shenmu
    Xi'an
    Yulin