Xian

Explore Xi’an: Ancient Capital, Terracotta Warriors & Vibrant Street Food

Strewn with the high-rises typical of modern cities yet girded by stately Ming-era walls, Xi’an—once known as Chang’An—was the heart of China’s empire and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Today, despite its swish shopping malls and globalization, the city retains echoes of its prestigious past. The historic city center is enclosed by orderly ramparts dating back to 1370, punctuated by watchtowers and dramatically illuminated at night. Within these walls, broad squares, lush parks, and the imposing triple-storied Ming Bell and Drum Towers await.

The Terracotta Warriors: A Timeless Discovery

After centuries as a relative backwater, Xi’an burst back onto the global stage with the 1974 discovery of the Terracotta Army. Created by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to guard his afterlife, hundreds of life-sized clay warriors—originally brightly painted but now a uniform brown—rest in vast pits within a dedicated museum about an hour from the city. The museum allows close-up views of these extraordinary sculptures, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

Additional Terracotta statues are displayed in the Shaanxi History Museum, which itself houses a treasure trove of ancient Chang’An pottery, bronzes, and murals.

The Muslim Quarter: A Sensory Feast

Just north of Xi’an’s Drum Tower lies the Muslim Quarter, the traditional neighborhood of the Hui minority. This vibrant bazaar comes alive at dusk with brightly lit pedestrian streets filled with visitors and locals hunting for street food delights. Aromas of lamb kebabs, cold noodles, squid, mutton soup, and sweet haw fruit skewers fill the air. Guided tuk-tuk tours provide a fun way to explore these bustling lanes.

At the heart of the quarter stands the Grand Mosque—a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, with a pagoda-like minaret.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Surroundings

South of the city walls is the magnificent Tang-dynasty Big Wild Goose Pagoda, towering over a spacious plaza and Buddhist monastery. The pagoda, once ascended by the monastery’s star students as a rite of passage, is adorned with tiny bells said to ward off evil spirits. While the site can be busy, tranquil spots abound amid bamboo groves, plum blossoms, and serene Buddha statues.

Beyond Xi’an: Countryside & Culture

The surrounding landscape features the Loess Plateau and terraced farmlands cultivating rapeseed and other crops. Private 4×4 tours offer visits to abandoned cave dwellings, farming villages adorned with Communist murals, and local craft workshops, providing a deeper connection to rural life.

Best Time to Visit Xi’an

For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, visit in spring (March to May) or September. Avoid July and August, when domestic tourists flock to the city, as well as Golden Week in early October, to enjoy a quieter experience.