Xi’an, once the glorious capital of ancient Chinese dynasties, holds a profound place in the annals of Chinese history. As the starting point of the Silk Road, this city is a testament to China’s age-old connection with the wider world. Adorned with ancient relics like the Terracotta Army and the ancient City Wall, Xi’an serves as a vibrant reminder of China’s rich past. Beyond its historical wonders, the city buzzes with life, showcasing a harmonious blend of its ancient soul with the aspirations of modern China.
Quick facts
– Population: Approximately 10 million (as of 2022)
– Area: 9,983 km² (roughly equivalent to over 120 times the size of Manhattan!)
– Language Spoken: Mandarin (with a regional Shaanxi dialect).
Most important spots to visit & how long to stay
– Major historical sites: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, and Hanyangling Museum.
– Other sites/ areas to visit: Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Tang Paradise, Qujiang Pool Ruins Park, and Mt. Huashan.
– Recommended duration for exploration: The highlights can be covered in a well-planned 2 to 3 days itinerary.
Where to stay
For luxury travelers, there are many international brand hotels in Xi’an, basically in 3 areas, the old city (Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, InterContinental, Hilton, etc.), Qujiang Exhibition Area (W Hotel, The Westin, Gran Meliá, Hyatt Regency, Hualuxe, etc.) and the High-Tech Zone (The Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt, etc.).
Unique and exclusive experiences
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Culinary Delights
– Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Often considered the world’s oldest sandwich or hamburger, made with finely chopped pork that’s slow-cooked in a mixture of over 20 spices and seasonings, served in a homemade bread.
– Yangrou Paomo: A rich mutton stew served with wheat flour flat bread, which you break up and add to the soup yourself.
– Biángbiáng Noodles: Wide, thick, and long hand-pulled noodles typically topped with spicy chili and garlic. The character “biáng” is one of the most complex characters in Chinese writing.
– Guantang Baozi (Soup-Filled Dumplings): Delicate buns filled with meat and a rich broth inside, similar to Xiaolongbao but with a thicker outer wrapping.
– Qinzhen Mi Pi (Cold Rice Noodles): Cold, gluten-free rice noodles typically served with a tangy, spicy sauce and a variety of toppings.
Local Tips & Recommendations
– Best modes of transport within the city: Even though Xi’an is well-connected by its metro system, for visiting tourist sites outside the city center, such as the Terracotta Army, hiring a car with a driver is indispensable.
– Weather: Xi’an, situated in central-northwest China, sees a temperate climate. Winters (December to February) are cold but generally dry with temperatures ranging from -6°C to 6°C (21°F to 43°F). Summers (June to August) can be hot, with temperatures from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F). The city often sees rainfall from July to September. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring comfortable temperatures and are typically the best times for sightseeing..
A few curiosities most people don’t know about the city
– Origins of Paper Money: While China is credited with the invention of paper money, many might not know that it was during the Tang Dynasty, with its capital in Xi’an, that paper money started gaining popularity.
– End of the Silk Road: Xi’an is often considered the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting China with the Mediterranean. This made the city a melting pot of cultures, as traders from as far as Rome and Persia would end their long journeys there.
– Ancient City Wall: Xi’an boasts one of the best-preserved city walls in China, originally built during the early Ming Dynasty. Unlike many ancient cities that have expanded beyond their historical boundaries, the heart of Xi’an still lies within these walls.
– More than just Terracotta Warriors: While the Terracotta Army is Xi’an’s most famous archaeological discovery, the area boasts numerous other tombs and dig sites. For example, the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum contains thousands of miniaturized terracotta figures, giving insight into daily life during the Han Dynasty.
Final thoughts & conclusion
Any journey to China would be incomplete without stepping into the ancient heart of Xi’an. Not only is it the eternal resting place of Emperor Qin Shi Huang with his Terracotta Army guarding him, but it’s also a city that has seen 13 dynasties crown it as their capital. While modern metropolises may overshadow it now, none can rival Xi’an’s millennia-old narrative. From its intact city walls to the bustling Muslim Quarter which tells tales of ancient Silk Road traders, Xi’an is a living testament to China’s rich past. Rather than the sounds of urban hustle, here you’ll hear echoes of a storied history, inviting travelers to dive deep into China’s foundational epochs.
