Where History Comes Alive
Xi'an (西安), the capital of Shaanxi Province, is one of the world's great ancient cities. As the starting point of the Silk Road and the seat of power for thirteen Chinese dynasties — including the Qin, Han, and Tang — it shaped Chinese civilization for over a millennium. Yet despite its profound historical weight, Xi'an is a lively, modern city with a vibrant food scene, a thriving Muslim Quarter, and a warmth that makes it one of the most rewarding destinations in all of China.
The Terracotta Army (兵马俑 Bīngmǎyǒng)
No visit to Xi'an is complete without seeing the Terracotta Warriors — and they genuinely live up to the hype. Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, the army of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was buried to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, around 210 BCE.
Tips for visiting:
- Arrive early — ideally when doors open — to avoid the largest crowds.
- Pit 1 is the most impressive in scale; Pit 3 offers the most intimate viewing.
- Hire a reputable guide or rent an audio guide — context transforms the experience.
- The site is about 30km east of Xi'an city center; allow a full half-day.
The Ancient City Wall (城墙 Chéngqiáng)
Xi'an's city wall is among the best-preserved and most impressive in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, the wall stretches 13.7 km in a complete rectangle around the old city. Visitors can walk or rent bicycles to ride the full circuit — an experience that combines mild exercise with sweeping views of both ancient ramparts and the modern skyline beyond.
The wall is illuminated beautifully at night, making an evening visit particularly atmospheric.
The Muslim Quarter (回民街 Huímín Jiē)
Xi'an has a large Hui Muslim community whose ancestors were Silk Road merchants from Central Asia and the Middle East. Their cultural footprint is most visible in the Muslim Quarter — a labyrinthine network of streets around the Great Mosque of Xi'an (one of China's largest and oldest mosques, blending Chinese and Islamic architectural styles).
The Quarter is also Xi'an's premier street food destination. Must-try foods include:
- Ròujiāmó (肉夹馍) — slow-braised spiced meat stuffed into a crispy flatbread, often called "Chinese hamburger"
- Biángbiáng Noodles (油泼面) — thick, hand-pulled belt noodles with chili oil and vegetables
- Yángròu Pàomó (羊肉泡馍) — crumbled flatbread soaked in rich lamb broth
- Persimmon Cakes — a local sweet snack made from Shaanxi persimmons
Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆)
Often overlooked in favor of the Terracotta Warriors, this museum houses one of China's finest collections of ancient artifacts, spanning the Paleolithic era through the Tang Dynasty. Highlights include Tang Dynasty murals, gold and silver Tang vessels, and bronzes from the Western Zhou period. Admission is free (reservations required) — a remarkable value.
Practical Travel Tips
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for mild weather |
| Getting there | High-speed trains from Beijing (~4.5 hrs) and Shanghai (~6 hrs); direct flights from most major Chinese cities |
| Getting around | Metro system is modern and easy to use; taxi apps (DiDi) are reliable |
| Language | Mandarin is standard; some English in tourist areas |
| Recommended stay | 3–4 days to cover the main highlights comfortably |
Xi'an rewards the curious traveller like few cities on earth. It is simultaneously a lesson in history, a feast for the stomach, and a reminder of just how long and layered Chinese civilization truly is.