Xi'an

西安

China's ancient capital and one of the world's most historically important cities, Xi'an is home to the famous Terracotta Army and sits along the Wei River, a major Yellow River tributary. The city's ancient walls, museums, and Buddhist temples make it essential for understanding Chinese civilization.

Things to do

• Terracotta Army — Explore thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding China's first emperor in this UNESCO World Heritage site about 40 kilometers east of the city.
• Ancient City Walls — Walk or bike the 13.7-kilometer Ming Dynasty fortifications that encircle the old city, offering panoramic views and a tangible connection to Xi'an's medieval past.
• Great Mosque — Visit one of China's oldest and largest mosques, blending Islamic and Chinese architectural styles in the heart of the Muslim Quarter.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda — Climb this 7th-century Buddhist structure to view the city skyline and learn about the Silk Road's spiritual legacy through its attached museum.
• Shaanxi History Museum — Discover over 370,000 artifacts spanning Chinese civilization from prehistoric times through the Ming Dynasty in this world-class institution.
• Muslim Quarter Food Street — Wander Huimin Street's bustling night markets and alleyways sampling street food, lanterns, and local handicrafts in Xi'an's most vibrant neighborhood.
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda — Explore this 15th-century pagoda and its attached temple in a quieter setting than its larger counterpart, offering insight into Buddhist architecture.

Food to try

• Biangbiang Noodles — Savor wide, hand-pulled wheat noodles slapped on the cooking surface, traditionally topped with chili oil, garlic, and vegetables in a peppery sauce.
• Roujiamo — Enjoy tender stewed pork and spices stuffed inside a crispy, sesame-topped flatbread, often called Chinese hamburger and a Xi'an street food staple.
• Yangrou Paomo — Experience a hearty soup of lamb or mutton broth poured over torn pieces of unleavened bread, a warming specialty particularly popular in winter.
• Jianbing Crepes — Try thin crepes filled with egg, crispy wonton, scallions, and sauce—a popular breakfast item you'll see made fresh at countless street stalls.
• Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles) — Refresh yourself with chewy, translucent wheat noodles served cold with sesame paste, vinegar, and chili oil, perfect during warm months.
• Huimian (Muslim Noodle Soup) — Savor noodles in a rich, spiced broth often made with lamb or beef, reflecting Xi'an's strong Muslim culinary heritage in the Muslim Quarter.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect in Religious Spaces — Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering temples and mosques; women especially should cover shoulders and knees as signs of respect.
• Haggling is Expected — In street markets and smaller shops, negotiate prices politely—vendors expect discussion and may offer discounts, though fixed-price restaurants and malls do not haggle.
• Lunar New Year Closures — Plan visits carefully during Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), when many museums and restaurants close for a week or operate limited hours as locals travel home.
• Air Quality Awareness — Check air quality indexes before outdoor activities, as Xi'an can experience significant smog in winter; consider masks and plan museum days on hazy days.