An archaeological site where thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were discovered, which were buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

The Terracotta Army is a sight to behold. It is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. /n The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots and horses. It is estimated that the three pits containing the Terracotta Army held more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in the pits near Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum.

The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

One of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty.

The Ancient City Wall of Xian is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It was built in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty, with a perimeter of 13.7 kilometers. The wall was built to protect the city and is a testament to the advanced architectural skills and craftsmanship of the time. /n Today, the wall is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can walk, cycle, or take a sightseeing car around the top of the wall, offering a unique way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture. The wall also offers stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and architecture.

The Ancient City Wall is a well-preserved city wall that offers a glimpse into China's past.

A vibrant area known for its bustling food and market stalls, traditional Muslim cuisine, and unique blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures.

The Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Street, is a vibrant neighborhood in Xian. It is known for its bustling food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional Muslim culture. The area is home to a large number of Muslims who have lived in the city for generations and have greatly influenced the local culture and food scene. /n The Muslim Quarter is a great place to experience the local culture and try some delicious street food. The streets are lined with stalls selling a wide variety of food, from spicy lamb skewers and flatbread to sweet sticky rice and pomegranate juice. The area is also home to several mosques, including the Great Mosque, which is a beautiful blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

The Muslim Quarter is a bustling area known for its food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional Muslim culture.

A Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty, it is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China and a symbol of the city.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, located in southern Xian, is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. Built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, the pagoda was originally used to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures that were brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. /n The pagoda stands at a height of 64 meters and is an architectural marvel, with its simple, elegant style and high structure, which is typical of the Tang dynasty. The pagoda has survived numerous earthquakes and has been repaired and renovated several times throughout history. Today, it stands as a symbol of Xian and is a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city from its top. The area around the pagoda has been developed into a beautiful park, known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, which features beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda in Xian, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

A comprehensive museum with a large collection of artifacts that tell the history of Shaanxi Province.

Shaanxi History Museum, located in Xian, is a comprehensive museum that exhibits ancient Chinese artifacts. It is one of the first huge state museums with modern facilities in China. The museum covers an area of over 70,000 square meters, housing a collection of over 370,000 items. /n The museum's collection includes artifacts from the Zhou to the Tang periods (1100BC to 907AD). The museum also has a collection of items from the prehistoric times (1,150,000 years ago – 21st Century BC). The museum is divided into three sections: the General Exhibition Hall, the Local Theme Exhibition Hall, and the Temporary Exhibition Hall. Each hall has its own unique exhibits, offering visitors a comprehensive view of China's ancient history.

Shaanxi History Museum is a comprehensive museum that exhibits ancient Chinese artifacts.

A large shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is designed to reflect the Tang Dynasty's culture and architecture.

Great Tang All Day Mall is a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Xian, China. The mall offers a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to local vendors, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. /n In addition to shopping, the mall also offers a variety of dining options, from local Chinese cuisine to international fare. After a day of shopping, visitors can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. The mall also offers a variety of entertainment options, including a cinema and a number of live performances. Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or just enjoy some entertainment, Great Tang All Day Mall has something for everyone.

Great Tang All Day Mall is a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Xian.

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Xian, China, a city that served as the ancient capital for 13 dynasties. Marvel at the world-renowned Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing thousands of life-sized soldier statues built over 2,000 years ago. Explore the ancient city walls, the largest and best-preserved in China, offering panoramic views of the city. Visit the bustling Muslim Quarter, a hub of local cuisine and traditional markets. Don't miss the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of the city's great historical significance. Xian also offers a variety of museums, temples, and natural beauty, including the stunning Mount Huashan. Experience the fusion of ancient and modern China in Xian.

Terracotta Army

Ancient City Wall

Muslim Quarter

Start your day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site is home to thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It's a fascinating glimpse into China's ancient history.

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. Try local specialties like Biang Biang noodles, a type of wide, flat noodle that's a signature dish of Shaanxi cuisine.

After lunch, head to the Ancient City Wall. This well-preserved city wall offers a unique way to explore Xian - you can walk, bike, or even take a golf cart around the 14-kilometer loop. The views of the city from the wall are spectacular.

For dinner, head to the Muslim Quarter. This bustling area is known for its food stalls selling a wide variety of delicious street food. Don't miss the chance to try roujiamo, often called the Chinese hamburger.

After dinner, experience Xian's nightlife at the South Gate Square. This area is beautifully lit up at night and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to gather, socialize, and enjoy the evening.

Exploring Ancient History and Local Cuisine

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Shaanxi History Museum

Great Tang All Day Mall

Start your second day with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda that's one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. The pagoda is located in a beautiful park, making it a peaceful place to start your day.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the city center. Xian is known for its dumplings, so be sure to try a dumpling banquet, a meal consisting of a variety of dumplings with different fillings.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Shaanxi History Museum. This museum houses over 370,000 items, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects, offering a comprehensive overview of China's ancient history.

For your final dinner in Xian, enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. This cultural experience combines a feast of traditional Chinese dishes with a spectacular performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

End your trip with a visit to the Great Tang All Day Mall, a modern shopping and entertainment complex. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a variety of entertainment options, or simply relax and reflect on your Xian adventure.

Cultural Immersion and Modern Entertainment

Note: despite its size, all of china falls within 1 time zone

UTC+8

Xian has a rapidly expanding metro system that currently consists of 4 lines. It's a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city, with stops at many of the main attractions, including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Xian's bus system is extensive, covering almost every corner of the city. It's a cost-effective way to get around, especially for short distances. Buses are often crowded during peak hours, but they run frequently.

Xian is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace, especially within the city walls where distances are short and the terrain is flat.

Taxis are readily available in Xian and can be hailed on the street or booked through a hotel. They're metered and relatively inexpensive, making them a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Ridesharing services like Didi Chuxing (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) are popular in Xian. They're often cheaper than taxis and can be booked through a smartphone app. Note that you'll need a Chinese phone number and payment method to use these services.

For a more comfortable and flexible travel experience, you can hire a private car with a driver. This is a good option if you plan to visit attractions outside the city, like the Terracotta Army.

Many of Xian's attractions are located within the city walls, making it a walkable city. Walking is a great way to explore the city's historic streets and soak up the local atmosphere.

Xian offers several sightseeing bus routes that stop at major tourist attractions. These buses are a convenient way to see the city's highlights, especially if you're short on time.

Xian Xianyang International Airport is located about 40km from the city center. There are regular shuttle buses that connect the airport with several locations in the city, including the Xian Railway Station and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

A mutton soup served with bread. It is a traditional dish in Xian and is considered a must-try for visitors.

Yangrou Paomo

Often referred to as the Chinese hamburger, Roujiamo is a street food staple in Xian. It consists of stewed pork or beef served in a freshly baked bun.

Roujiamo

These are one of the most popular types of noodles in Xian. They are thick, wide, and served with a variety of toppings.

Biang Biang Mian

A cold noodle dish that is a popular street food in Xian. It is typically served with cucumber, bean sprouts, and a spicy sauce.

Liángpí

A steamed rice cake that is a traditional dessert in Xian. It is often filled with sweet red bean paste.

Jing Gao

These are soup-filled dumplings that are a specialty in Xian. They are typically filled with mutton or beef and a rich broth.

Guantang Baozi

A traditional sausage from the Shaanxi province, where Xian is located. It is typically made with pork and a variety of spices.

Shaanxi Sausage

A traditional noodle dish from Qishan, a county in the Shaanxi province. It is known for its sour and spicy flavor.

Qishan Saozi Mian

A popular summer dish in Xian, these cold noodles are typically served with a spicy and tangy sauce.

Shaanxi Cold Noodles

A type of Chinese stuffed pancake. It is a popular street food in Xian and can be filled with a variety of ingredients.

Xian Bing

A traditional dish from Hanzhong, a city in the Shaanxi province. It is made from rice and served with a variety of toppings.

Hanzhong Rice Skin

A traditional fermented rice wine from the Shaanxi province. It is sweet and often served warm.

Shaanxi Laozao

New Year's Day

New Year's Holiday

Spring Festival Eve

Lunar New Year

Spring Festival Golden Week holiday

International Women's Day

Qing Ming Jie

Labour Day Holiday

Labour Day

Youth Day

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival holiday

Mid-Autumn Festival

National Day

National Day Golden Week holiday

One of China's five great mountains, known for its steep and narrow paths.

Huashan Mountain

A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

The joint tomb of the Western Han Dynasty Emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, Wang.

Hanyangling Mausoleum

A Buddhist temple that holds the finger bone of the Sakyamuni Buddha.

Famen Temple

The tomb of the Tang dynasty Emperor Gaozong and his wife, Empress Wu Zetian.

Qianling Mausoleum

A notable mountain in China, known for its hot springs and the location of the tomb of the First Qin Emperor.

Mount Li

Beijing

Shanghai

The Great Wall of China

Terracotta army soldiers in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang

Ziyun tower, the main building in the Tang Paradise theme park

Xian is a city with a rich history, being one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It served as the capital for 13 dynasties over 1,100 years.

The local language is Mandarin, but English is not widely spoken. It's recommended to learn a few basic phrases or have a translation app handy.

The currency used in Xian is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

Xian has a continental monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Average summer temperatures range from 77-91°F (25-33°C) and winter temperatures can drop to 28-44°F (-2-7°C).

Xian is known for its delicious street food. Be sure to try local specialties like Biang Biang noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (mutton soup with bread).

Tipping is not customary in China, and in some places, it may even be considered rude.

Public transportation is very efficient in Xian. The city has an extensive bus network and a metro system. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also available.

Internet censorship is prevalent in China. Popular western websites and social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked. Consider getting a VPN before your trip.

Xian is in the China Standard Time zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).

Tap water in Xian is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks.

Xian is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Public restrooms in Xian often do not provide toilet paper, so it's a good idea to carry some with you.

The voltage in China is 220V, 50Hz AC. The plug types are Type A, C, and I. You may need a power adapter.

Xian has strict smoking regulations. Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, workplaces, and on public transportation.

Healthcare facilities in Xian are adequate, but it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Xian is a very pedestrian-friendly city with many pedestrian-only streets and zones. However, traffic can be chaotic, so always be cautious when crossing the road.

It's considered impolite to touch someone's head in China. Also, avoid pointing directly with your finger, instead use your whole hand.

The Chinese government requires all foreigners to register their place of residence within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel, they will usually do this for you.

Xian has a high population density, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak travel seasons.

If you're planning to shop, remember that bargaining is common in local markets. However, it's not accepted in malls or larger stores.

January is the coldest month in Xian, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a quiet time for tourism, so you'll have the city's attractions to yourself.

February sees a slight increase in temperature but it's still quite chilly. The Chinese New Year celebrations can make this a vibrant time to visit.

March marks the beginning of spring in Xian, with temperatures starting to warm up. The city's parks and gardens begin to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April is a pleasant month to visit Xian, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The city's cherry blossoms are in full bloom, adding to the city's charm.

May is a warm and comfortable month in Xian, perfect for outdoor activities. The city's ancient walls and terracotta warriors are a must-see.

June is the start of summer in Xian, with temperatures rising significantly. It's a great time to visit the city's outdoor attractions, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

July is the hottest month in Xian, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit if you don't mind the heat, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.

August is still quite hot in Xian, but temperatures start to decrease slightly. It's a great time to visit the city's historical sites, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

September marks the beginning of autumn in Xian, with temperatures starting to cool down. The city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during this time.

October is a comfortable month to visit Xian, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The city's ancient walls and terracotta warriors are a must-see.

November sees a significant drop in temperature, with the onset of winter. It's a quiet time for tourism, so you'll have the city's attractions to yourself.

December is a cold month in Xian, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a quiet time for tourism, but the city's Christmas celebrations can make it a vibrant time to visit.

When visiting Xian, China, it's important to understand that the city experiences a temperate monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. 

Spring (March to May) is generally mild, but it can still be chilly in the early part of the season, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). It's a good idea to pack layers to accommodate the fluctuating temperatures. 

Summer (June to August) in Xian can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 90°F (32°C). It's also the rainy season, so don't forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat. 

Autumn (September to November) is arguably the best time to visit Xian. The weather is comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), and the city is beautifully adorned with autumn foliage. 

Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 20°F (-6°C). Snow is not uncommon during this time, so be sure to pack warm clothing and sturdy shoes. 

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, remember that air quality can vary, so consider bringing a mask if you're sensitive to pollution. 

Lastly, keep in mind that Xian is a city rich in history and culture. Regardless of the weather, there are always plenty of indoor attractions to explore, such as the Terracotta Army Museum, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the Xian City Wall.

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2-Day Adventure & Nightlife Itinerary for Friends in Xian, China

About Xian, China