All about the city of Xi’an, China

The Chinese city of Xi’an is one of the most historical and cultural destinations in Asia; A city that has a legendary reputation as one of the eight wonders of the world with the Clay Army complex. But the beauty of the object does not end only with this symbolic attraction. Ancient streets, Xi’an Bell Tower, ancient temples and breathtaking scenery are all part of this city’s endless charms. If you are looking for a different experience of history, art and architecture, the city of Xi’an will surprise you. To get to know this legendary city and its attractions, stay with us until the end of the article.

Introducing the city of Xi’an, China

The Chinese city of Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, meaning “Eternal Peace”, is the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of the richest historical cities in China. With an area of ​​more than 10,000 square kilometers and a population of over 12 million people, this city was once the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk Road and the imperial capital of more than twelve great Chinese dynasties.

Today, the city of Xi’an, China is one of the few cities where you can still walk along its ancient walls, taste authentic dishes with centuries-old recipes in the Muslim quarter, and face the world-famous terracotta army up close. In addition, Xi’an is an excellent point for traveling to Huashan Mountain; A mountain known as one of the most exciting and dangerous hiking trails in the world.

If you are ready to immerse yourself in the deep history of China and discover one of the most attractive destinations in this country, then the complete travel guide to the city of Xi’an, China is with you.

Ways to access the city of Xi’an, China

Xi’an, China is very easy to reach due to its strategic location and extensive transportation network. Whether you travel by plane, train or bus, you can easily access the city.

Travel to Xi’an city by plane

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located about 40 kilometers northwest of the city center and is one of the busiest airports in China. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus (about 1 hour), a taxi (about 120 yuan) or the Airport Express Subway (Line 14 and connecting to Line 2) to get to the center of Xi’an, China.

Travel to Xi’an city by train

The Chinese city of Xi’an is one of the main hubs of high-speed trains.

• From Beijing: 4.5 to 6 hours
• From Shanghai: 6 to 7.5 hours
• From Chengdu: less than 4 hours
• From Luoyang: about 1.5 hours

Main train stations to access its object

• Xi’an North Railway Station: for high-speed trains
• Xi’an Railway Station: for regular and night trains

Access to Xi’an city by intercity buses

Buses run to Xi’an from some nearby towns, although of course the train or flight options are usually faster and more convenient.

Important note:

If you are traveling to Xi’an from outside China, the best option is to fly to Beijing or Shanghai first and then take a high-speed train or domestic flight to Xi’an; This is usually the easiest and fastest way to choose.

Ways to access the sights around the city of Xi’an, China

The Chinese city of Xi’an is very suitable for walking and sightseeing, especially in and around its ancient walls. Moving around the city and reaching nearby attractions is very simple and efficient thanks to the extensive public transportation network and the existence of taxis and online services.

Access to attractions around the object by subway

Xi’an subway is the fastest and most convenient way to move around the city. This transportation system is clean, modern and equipped with English signs and covers most of the main attractions in Xi’an, China. The ticket price varies between 2 and 7 renminbi depending on the distance.

Access to attractions around the object by bus

Public buses cover almost all parts of the city and are a very economical option (usually 1-2 renminbi). Of course, they may be a bit crowded and confusing for non-Chinese travelers. To visit some attractions such as the Clay Army, bus 306 from Xi’an Railway Station is the best option.

Taxi applications and car requests

Taxis are plentiful in Xi’an, China, with a starting fare of around 10 renminbi. Apps like DiDi (Uber China) also perform very well in the city and are considered the most convenient option, especially for travelers who do not know Mandarin.

Access to the sights around the object by bicycle and electric bicycle

Shared bikes and electric bikes are easily available through apps like Hello Bike and Meituan. This option is very suitable for exploring around the ancient walls or the wide paths of the city.

Important note:

To visit the Clay Army, which is about 40 km outside the city, the best option is to use bus line 306, tourist tours or a private driver.

The best time to visit Xi’an, China

Xi’an, China is a great travel destination all year round, but each season offers a different experience. But checking the seasons in travel planning can help you choose the best time to suit your taste.

• Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Xi’an, China. In this season, the temperature varies between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius and provides pleasant weather for walking along the ancient wall, sightseeing in the Muslim Quarter or visiting the Clay Army. The city is green and blooming in this season and it is not hot.

• Summer (June to August)

Summer in Shi is hot and humid, and the temperature often rises above 30 degrees Celsius. It is also a busy tourist season, especially at the same time as Chinese school holidays. If you are visiting Xi’an this season, schedule your visit for early morning or late evening and relax in the covered areas during the warm hours.

• Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Xi’an, China. The clear sky, moderate weather of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and beautiful autumn colors around the city and mountains make this season very spectacular. This season is quieter than summer.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the less touristy season, so it’s a good time for those on a budget or avoiding the crowds. The temperature is between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius and although the weather gets cold, it rarely snows. In this season, famous attractions such as the Clay Army and the Old City Wall are open and can be visited in winter.

Notable local festivals in Xi’an, China

• Chinese New Year (January – February): an exciting time with traditional celebrations; Of course, some places may be very busy or temporarily closed.
• Xi’an Lantern Festival (February – March): The city is lit up with lanterns, and places like around the city wall and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda take on a spectacular display.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September – October): A great opportunity to enjoy mooncakes and view the illuminated night scenery of the ancient city.

The best months to travel to Xi’an, China: late March to early June and September to early November; An ideal combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

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Where to stay in Xi’an, China?

For a three-day trip to Xi’an, China, there are various accommodation options; From local and cozy guesthouses to stylish and luxury hotels. Here are some of the best choices:

• Fanjian Guest House – near Tabal Tower and neighborhood Muslims

This intimate boutique guest house is located in the heart of the old city and offers a comfortable stay within walking distance of the Drum Tower and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. The rooms are clean, modern and designed with local decor, making it a great choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of Xi’an, China.

• Xi’an Oriental House Boutique Hotel

This chic boutique hotel is located a short distance from the ancient city wall and the bell tower and is one of the most popular accommodations among tourists. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and amenities such as complimentary evening tea and a fitness center provide a pleasant stay in Xi’an, China.

• Sofitel People’s Legend Xi’an Grand Hotel

This five-star luxury hotel is located in a beautifully renovated historical building and is a combination of classical European architecture and authentic Chinese art. Stylish rooms, a peaceful garden and first-class service are the features of this residence, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious and relaxing experience in Xi’an, China.

The most famous dishes of Xi’an, China

When traveling to Xi’an, China, be sure to visit Biyuanmen Street for a snack; A lively place that is the center of street food and an important part of local culture. Walking in the crowded streets of this area, with its unique and original flavors, is one of the most enjoyable travel experiences.

One of the dishes you must try is Biang Biang Mian. This dish is popular not only for its bold flavor and thick, hand-made noodles, but also for having one of the most complex Chinese characters in its name. Biang Biang Mian is a completely authentic dish specific to the city of Xi’an, China, and it will give you both a delicious experience and an introduction to a part of the food culture of the region.

Xi’an tourist attractions

In the following, we will get to know the most famous sights of the legendary city of Xi’an:

Tomb of China Shihuang and the Clay Army (Bingmyong)

On your trip to Xi’an, China, be sure to visit the Tomb of China Shihuang and the Terracotta Army. The Clay Army is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world, which was built to protect the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang. This huge underground complex, which was formed between 246 and 208 BC, is known as one of the first industrial masterpieces of mankind.

While the emperor’s tomb itself remains sealed 76 meters underground, the surrounding terracotta army can be visited and presents an amazing sight. This army includes about 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses; All of them are made with precise and unique details and they stand in line in silence as they did two thousand years ago.

Walking on the ancient wall of Xi’an, China

One of the most beautiful experiences in the city of Xi’an, China, is to walk or ride a bicycle on the ancient wall of the city; One of the last intact and healthy walls in all of China! This 14-kilometer wall, which surrounds the historical center of the city, is about 12 meters high and its thickness varies from 15 to 18 meters at the base and 12 to 14 meters at the top.

Built over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, these massive fortifications offer a unique perspective of the city’s fusion of ancient and modern architecture. Tourists can walk on the wall or rent a bicycle and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Xi’an, China.

bell The beating heart of the thing

In the busy and historical center of Xi’an, the bell tower stands out like a magnificent gem; A structure that has been one of the main symbols of the city since 2004. In the past, this tower had the role of announcing the time and announced the beginning of the day with the sound of its big bells.

Today, you can climb its wooden stairs and watch the panoramic views of the city from the height; A landscape where modern streets and old neighborhoods are seen side by side. The interior of the tower also offers a deeper experience of the city’s culture, with ancient bells, historical instruments, and exhibits about Xi’an’s ancient civilization.

Step into the heart of its history with the Drum Tower

A few steps beyond the bell tower, the drum tower is located; A structure that used to announce the end of the day with the sound of big drums. This tower is contemporaneous with the bell tower and like its twin sister, it tells an important part of the city’s history.

Inside it, live drumming performances and traditional drum shows give a special energy to the space and bring the visitors with the authentic sound of ancient China. From the top of the tower, you can see an attractive view of the Muslim neighborhood. Where music, history, food and culture are intertwined.

Sightseeing in the Muslim neighborhood of Xi’an – Biyuanmen Street

If you want to see the real thing, you should visit the lively Biyuanmen street in the Muslim quarter. Where the sound of artists’ hammering, the smell of charcoal grills, hot noodles and fresh bread have kept the street atmosphere alive.

Numerous stalls offer street food such as rojiamo (Chinese burger), hand-rolled noodles, traditional sweets and a variety of local snacks. Small shops with handmade souvenirs, silver jewelry, and cultural artworks have made this neighborhood one of the most memorable spots in the city.

This is the best place to see the combination of Chinese and Islamic culture together; An experience that can be found in few places in China.

Xi’an Grand Mosque; Hidden peace in the heart of the Muslim neighborhood

In the heart of the bustle and vivid colors of Biyuanmen Street, there is a building that takes you into a different world as soon as you enter: Xi’an Grand Mosque! This mosque, which was built in 742 AD during the flourishing Tang Dynasty, is one of the oldest and most amazing Islamic works in China.

What makes this mosque special is the amazing combination of Chinese architecture with Islamic identity. Unlike the mosques of the Middle East, there are no domes or minarets; Instead, you’ll find stepped courtyards, carved wooden pavilions, gabled roofs, and stone inscriptions that recount history and faith in Arabic and Chinese.

Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the main nave, walking through the green courtyards, seeing the traditional architecture and feeling the peaceful atmosphere of the mosque creates a different and extremely pleasant experience.

A trip to the past at Shaanxi History Museum

For history buffs, Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most valuable places to visit in Xi’an. This magnificent complex is one of the largest museums in China and has collected more than 370,000 historical artifacts from thousands of years of Chinese civilization.

In the corridors of this museum, from Tang Dynasty wall paintings and ancient pottery to bronze, gold and silver objects, everything tells a story of the imperial era and the rich culture of Shaanxi.

Watching these works is like turning the pages of a living book from the past; A journey from ancient times to the flourishing era of art, politics and culture in a region that many consider to be the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

final word

Xi’an is a city where traces of history, culture and life flow in every corner; A city that takes you to the heart of thousands of years of stories and experiences, from the legendary terracotta army to the lively streets of the Muslim quarter. If you want to touch part of the deepest layers of Chinese civilization in a short trip, Xi’an is one of the best choices. To plan a carefree and complete trip, the China tour of Setar Wank Air Agency is the best choice; A tour that provides you with a safe and enjoyable experience by choosing the right hotels, standard itinerary and professional support.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take to visit the Clay Army?

About 2 to 3 hours are enough for a complete visit.

• Is Xi’an city suitable for family travel?

Yes, Xi’an is a safe and attractive city for families and has a variety of attractions.

• Is Xi’an food compatible with Iranian tastes?
• To a large extent yes. Many local dishes such as rojiamo and biang-biangmian are tasty for Iranians.