Why Visit Xian
Xian stands as one of China’s most historically significant cities, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties over 1,100 years and earning recognition as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China alongside Beijing, Nanjing, and Luoyang. This Xian travel guide covers the city’s most iconic attractions and practical travel tips for exploring this remarkable destination that offers an unparalleled journey through imperial Chinese history. Beyond its imperial heritage, Xian serves as the starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting China with Central Asia and the Mediterranean world, giving the city a cosmopolitan character that persists to this day.
The city’s preservation of historical sites exceeds that of any other Chinese city, with archaeological discoveries continuing to reveal new treasures from its imperial past. The Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, Buddhist temples, and Muslim markets create a tapestry of experiences that span thousands of years of continuous civilization. This guide will help you plan your visit to maximize your time in this remarkable repository of Chinese history and culture.
Terracotta Army: Ancient Warriors
The Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, drawing millions of visitors annually to witness this extraordinary feat of ancient engineering and artistic achievement. Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor who unified the country in 221 BCE, commissioned this massive army of over 8,000 clay soldiers, 130 chariots, and 150 cavalry horses to guard him in the afterlife, creating what many historians consider the eighth wonder of the ancient world.
The warriors vary in height, facial features, and expression depending on their rank and role within the army, suggesting that each figure was individually crafted rather than mass-produced from molds. Infantry soldiers, cavalry, archers, and generals each display distinct characteristics that reflect the organizational sophistication of ancient Chinese military systems. The army originally held real bronze weapons, though most have corroded over the millennia, but the preservation of these artifacts continues to provide valuable insights into ancient Chinese metallurgical techniques.
The museum complex consists of three excavation pits that reveal different aspects of the army’s organization and purpose. Pit 1, the largest excavation, houses approximately 6,000 soldiers arranged in battle formation that would have overwhelmed enemies. Pit 2 reveals cavalry and infantry units with advanced weaponry systems. Pit 3, the smallest but considered the command headquarters, yielded high-ranking officers and elaborate bronze artifacts that demonstrate the wealth and power of the Qin Dynasty.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (March-November) / 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (December-February)
Admission: 120 yuan (peak season) / 100 yuan (off-season). Audio guides available for rental.
Tips: Visit early morning between 8:30-10:00 AM to avoid peak crowds. Allow 3-4 hours for thorough exploration.
Xian City Wall
The ancient city wall of Xian is one of the best-preserved in China, stretching 13.7 kilometers around the old city in a rectangular shape that has defined Xian’s urban boundaries for over 600 years. Built during the early Ming Dynasty in 1370, the wall replaced earlier fortifications and stands 12 meters high with a width of 18 meters at the top, allowing vehicles to drive along the ramparts if desired.
Walking or cycling along the wall provides unique perspectives over the old city and modern Xian beyond, with views that contrast ancient and contemporary architecture. The most popular section for cycling runs between the South Gate (Yongning) and West Gate, a journey of approximately 6 kilometers that takes 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace. Bike rentals are available at multiple points along the wall for approximately 45 yuan for two hours.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (March-November) / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (December-February)
Bicycle Rental: 45 yuan for 2 hours. Electric bikes and Segways also available.
Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter offers a vibrant street food experience with dozens of vendors selling local specialties that reflect Xian’s unique position along the Silk Road trading routes. The approximately one-kilometer pedestrian street between the Great Mosque and Beiyuanmen Gate comes alive each evening with food stalls offering Muslim delicacies alongside tourist souvenirs. The neighborhood has been home to Xian’s Muslim community for over 1,000 years.
Must-try items include roujiamo, often called the Chinese hamburger, consisting of spiced meat sandwiched between crispy flatbread. Yang rou pao mo features tender lamb soup served with crusty bread that diners break apart and soak in the flavorful broth. Various grilled meats, kebabs, and stuffed pastries line the narrow alleyways, accompanied by the calls of vendors and the sizzle of cooking woks.
Beyond food, the Muslim Quarter houses the Great Mosque of Xian, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. The mosque’s design uniquely blends traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic elements, featuring pagoda-style minarets and courtyards decorated with Arabic calligraphy.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
This 64-meter tall pagoda was built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty as a repository for Buddhist scriptures and statues brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. His 17-year journey along the Silk Road, documented in the classic Journey to the West, forms the basis for countless Chinese legends. The pagoda stands within the Daci’en Temple complex, which was originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty and has undergone numerous restorations.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March-November) / 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (December-February)
Admission: 50 yuan to climb the pagoda, 25 yuan for temple grounds only.
Getting to Xian
Xian is well-connected by high-speed rail from Beijing (4.5 hours), Shanghai (6 hours), and other major cities. The new Xian North Station serves high-speed trains. Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) offers domestic flights and international connections.
Getting Around: Xian’s Metro Lines 1 and 2 connect most major tourist attractions. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days do I need in Xian?
A: 2-3 days allows time to visit the Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Q: Is Xian easy to navigate?
A: Yes, the metro system covers major attractions, and the old city is relatively compact and walkable.
Q: What should I buy in Xian?
A: The Muslim Quarter offers traditional crafts, jade jewelry, calligraphy supplies, and tea. Shadow puppetry sets make unique souvenirs.
Q: What is the best season to visit Xian?
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures. Winter can be cold but indoor attractions make it manageable.