XIAN
XIAN Overview
Chinese Name: 西安 English IPA: [Xi'an] Location: Central Shaanxi Population (city): 13.16 Million Language: Guanzhong Dialect Zip code: 710000 Tel code: 029 Time zone: UTC+8
Xi’an, an ancient capital with a history spanning over 3,000 years, shines as a “Living Museum of Chinese Civilization” and a timeless highlight of China travel, captivating the world with its rich imperial heritage, cultural relics, and profound historical charm. Once the heart of 13 dynasties, including the mighty Tang and Qin, it has long been a cradle of culture, and today remains one of the most iconic destinations for exploring China’s past. In recent years, it continues to enchant travelers with its blend of ancient traditions and modern vitality.
It has consistently been rated as “one of the top must-visit cities in China,” as its historical sites never fail to surprise and inspire. Even if you’ve seen countless images of Xi’an’s landmarks in books or films, nothing compares to standing in front of the Terracotta Warriors or walking the ancient city walls in person to feel the weight of history.
Located in the central part of Shaanxi Province, on the Guanzhong Plain, Xi’an is bounded by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north. As a sub-provincial city, it governs 11 districts and 2 counties, covering an area of 10,108 square kilometers with a population of over 13 million.
Highlights of Xi’an
Standing Before the Terracotta Warriors
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A visit to Xi’an would be incomplete without seeing the Terracotta Warriors, the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Discovered in 1974, this army of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Standing amid these silent guardians, you’ll feel transported back to the dawn of China’s unification—a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Walking the Ancient City Wall at Sunset
Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved in the world, stretches 13.7 kilometers around the city center. Renting a bike or strolling along its ramparts at sunset is a magical experience—watch as the golden light bathes the ancient bricks, and the distant skyline blends modern skyscrapers with historic pagodas. This moment perfectly captures Xi’an’s duality as a city where past and present coexist harmoniously.
Other Destinations in XIAN
XIAN Attractions
When mentioning the attractions of history and culture: Xi’an is home to the world-renowned Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and Terracotta Warriors (discovered in 1974, listed as a UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage" in 1987), which stands as the first must-see attraction and the core reason for visiting this ancient city. Spanning approximately 56.25 square kilometers, this archaeological marvel features over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with [...]
XIAN Tours
Xi'an Tours offer a diverse range of Xi'an tour packages, Xi'an and Luoyang cultural tours, as well as Shaanxi Province tour packages for travelers from across the globe. Xi'an is a city brimming with historical attractions, including ancient tombs, imperial palaces, temples, and traditional markets, making it a globally celebrated destination for all types of visitors. More and more tourists come to Xi'an not only to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world, but [...]
climate
Xi'an features a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct and vivid seasons. Spring: 8°C-22°C (46°F-72°F) Summer: (June-Aug) Temperatures often soar to 35°C (95°F) or higher, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. Autumn: 10°C-24°C (50°F-75°F) Winter: Drops below 0°C (32°F), with light snowfall painting the city in a serene white hue. The city’s charm transforms beautifully with each season. In spring, ancient landmarks like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda are surrounded by blooming peach and apricot flowers, blending history with renewal. Summer brings lush greenery [...]
Transportation
Xi'an is connected by a comprehensive network of airports, high-speed railways, ordinary railways, and highways, forming convenient transportation for travelers. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport operates domestic flights to over 150 large and medium-sized cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, as well as international flights to more than 40 destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Paris. It has an annual passenger throughput of over 40 million. The high-speed rail network links Xi'an to 60+ major cities nationwide, while highways [...]
Ethnic Culture
Speaking of local culture, it is always an indispensable and fascinating part for travelers to experience during their journey. Xi’an, as an ancient capital with a history of over 3,000 years and the cradle of Chinese civilization, is home to 54 ethnic groups, with the Hui community being the most prominent. It is a land where imperial traditions, folk customs, and ethnic heritage converge, offering travelers a chance to explore the depth of Chinese culture through unique rituals and time-honored [...]
Travel Tips
How to Get to Xi’an 1, Go to Xi’an By Flight Xi’an is easily accessible by air via Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, with direct flights to major domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu (1.5–3 hours). International travelers can fly directly from Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Paris, or transfer through Beijing/Shanghai. The airport is well-connected to the city center via metro, shuttle buses, and taxis. 2, Go to Xi’an By Train Xi’an is a key railway hub in northwest China. [...]
Maps and Photos
XIAN Accommodation
The ancient capital Xi’an, a world-famous travel destination in China, offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotels to budget-friendly inns. They are mainly located in the Downtown area (within walking distance of landmarks like the Bell Tower and Drum Tower) and Lintong District (near the Terracotta Warriors Scenic Area). As a mature tourist city with a long history, Xi’an boasts both international brand hotels and high-quality local star-rated hotels, fully meeting the needs of international travelers. [...]
