Xi'an Travel Guide (Shaanxi/Northwest China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Xi’an
List of Places to Visit in Xi’an
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Xi’an: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Xi’an
Best Things to Do in Xi’an: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Xi’an
Food and Drink Scene of Xi’an
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Xi’an: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Xi’an: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Xi’an
Best Time to Visit Xi’an
Safety and Health
- Safety in Xi’an
- Health in Xi’an
Getting to Xi’an: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Xi’an
Where to Go Next from Xi’an: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Xi’an is a must-visit city in China’s central northwestern region. It is a city that offers an array of experiences to explore, from the majestic historical attractions and food scene to iconic landmarks and natural allure. Whether you are drawn to the ancient history or colorful culture, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. Read on to find out the list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, local customs, and more.

Introduction to Xi’an

Xi’an is known to be the cradle of Chinese civilization, having historically hosted dynastic capitals and been a significant stop on the famous Silk Road trade route. It’s remote location, surrounded by towering mountains, was ideal for nurturing a monumentally rich cultural heritage. It boasts numerous attractions, including the iconic Terracotta Army, the ancient city wall, and the Great Mosque.

List of Places to Visit in Xi’an

Below are some of the top places one must not miss while visiting Xi’an:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Terracotta Army: This museum exhibits thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and other terracotta objects buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi.
Ancient City Wall: A well preserved, 14th-century wall that surrounded the old city of Xi’an, this attraction offers a unique way to see the city from the top.
The Great Mosque: This Islamic mosque is a unique blend of religious and Chinese architectural styles. It is one of the oldest and largest mosques in China.
The Shaanxi History Museum: This world-class museum showcases the cultural relics of the entire Shaanxi province and highlights the history of China’s ancient civilization.

Natural Attractions of Xi’an: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hua Shan: Experience one of China’s most challenging hikes on this scenic mountain.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A pagoda that stands at over 60 meters tall, with panoramic views of the cityscape.
Mount Li: Another ideal place to hike and explore the natural beauty of this region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xi’an

Xi’an offers excellent opportunities for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Some of the notable routes include:

The City Wall: This 14-kilometer long wall around the old city is perfect for cycling or walking. It’s the most famous sightseeing attraction in the city.
Huashan Mountain: A 5-peak mountain known for its dramatic beauty and challenging hikes.
Xiaoyan Pagoda, Yuansuo Park, and Terracotta Warriors: This tranquil route passes through several cultural landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Xi’an: Activities and Tours

Besides visiting the historical and natural attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Xi’an:

Attend a Tang Dynasty Show: A performance that showcases China’s rich culture of music, dance, and poetry from the Tang dynasty era.
Discover the hidden alleys of Xi’an: Explore the city’s hidden winding alleys and traditional architecture with a local guide.
Attend the Muslim Quarter Food Tour: This tour is a perfect way to taste the city’s most authentic and mouth-watering street food while learning more about Muslim culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xi’an

Here’s an ideal itinerary for a week-long trip to Xi’an:

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Start the day with the Ancient City Wall tour in the morning, followed by a cycle tour in the afternoon.

Day 2: Terracotta Army

Spend the day exploring the Terracotta Army Museum, followed by a tour of the Qin dynasty’s imperial tombs.

Day 3: Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque

Start the day with a food tour through the Muslim Quarter, the largest mosque in China. In the afternoon, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 4: Huashan Trip

Take a day trip to Huashan mountain for a hike and explore the natural beauty of the region.

Day 5: Shaanxi History Museum

Visit the Shaanxi museum in the morning to learn about the history of China’s ancient civilization. Spend the afternoon visiting the Xiaoyan Pagoda and the Art Museum of Shaanxi History.

Day 6: Local Life Tour

Join a local guide for insight into Xi’an’s everyday life, visiting the city park, tea house, and traditional cloth-making factory.

Day 7: Departure Day

Spend a leisurely morning before departing for the airport.

Food and Drink Scene of Xi’an

Xi’an’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, with significant Arabic and Muslim influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Roujiamo: A warm crispy bread loaded with shredded pork or beef and spiced with cumin.
Biang Biang Noodles: Thick handmade noodles served with delicious soup toppings.
Yangrou Paomo: A traditional lamb soup, consisting of a flatbread broken into simmering broth.

Local Beverages

Osmanthus Tea: An infused floral tea that is both fragrant and refreshing.
Shanxi Fenjiu: A potent Rice Wine with over 500 years of history.

Where to Stay in Xi’an: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Xi’an offers several accommodations choices. Here are some of the best areas to stay in the city:

The Muslim Quarter: The best choice for those looking for an affordable stay, as it’s strategically located near the city’s main attractions and local food spots.
Downtown Xi’an: This area is perfect for travelers looking for some luxury as it has several high-end hotels and luxurious amenities.

What to Buy in Xi’an: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Check out the local markets and souvenir shops for the following items:

Terracotta Warrior: A replica of the terracotta warrior figurine is a great option to bring home.
Traditional Chinese Clothes: Take home a piece of traditional clothing, such as a Hanfu outfit or a Tang suit.

Local Culture and Customs of Xi’an

Xi’an is rich in culture and tradition. Here are some of the local customs to keep in mind while visiting:

Respect the elderly: It’s a common practice to show respect to the elderly by letting them go first in lines or giving up your seat.
Be mindful of Muslim culture: In the Muslim Quarter, women should cover their shoulders and avoid shorts or skirts above the knee.
Do not touch the Terracotta Warriors: It’s not allowed to touch or climb the Terracotta Warriors for preservation purposes.

Best Time to Visit Xi’an

The best time to visit Xi’an is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May, September to November. During these periods, the climate is comfortable, and the city’s numerous parks and gardens are in full bloom. Additionally, these periods witness fewer crowds with affordable hotel prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xi’an

Do:

Learn some Chinese: It will make it easier for you to communicate with the locals.
Bargain for goods at the markets: Always try to bargain with vendors, especially when purchasing souvenirs.

Don’t:

Tip in restaurants: Tipping is not common practice in China and is often viewed as unserious by locals.
Forget your passport: Always carry your passport while traveling through China, as you may need it to enter certain attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xi’an

Xi’an isn’t known for its high crime rates, and tourists rarely face any threat. However, it is still essential to take precautions like any other city. Be careful while crossing the road, especially during peak hours, and don’t accept unsolicited offers for rides or tours.

Health in Xi’an

Xi’an is relatively safe for visitors. However, it’s always wise to take precautions like wearing sunscreen, being cautious about food and water, and carrying any necessary medications.

Getting to Xi’an: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports near Xi’an

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the main gateway to the city, located 40 kilometers northwest of downtown Xi’an. The airport offers several international and domestic flights to connect Xi’an with the rest of the world.

Bus Stations near Xi’an

Xi’an Bus Station offers several buses from Xi’an to other provinces around China. It’s located a few kilometers from the city center and has regular bus service to the airport and several tourist attractions.

Other Options

The high-speed train is another excellent travel option to reach Xi’an city. It has several trains connecting major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

How to Get Around in Xi’an

Xi’an offers several options for transportation, including taxis, buses, and the metro. Taxis are the most convenient way of getting around the city, while buses and the metro offer more affordable travel options.

Where to Go Next from Xi’an: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have the time to explore further, there are plenty of natural and cultural destinations to visit nearby Xi’an, including:

Luoyang: A city located east of Xi’an, famous for its historic temples, natural wonders, and the Longmen Grottoes.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with natural scenery and landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar.

Conclusion

That wraps up our comprehensive guide to Xi’an, China. With a city that offers a rich cultural heritage, unique food, and endless attractions, Xi’an should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Plan your trip wisely and experience the beauty and diversity of this famous city.