Introduction: Xian Travel Guide
Xi’an is the capital city of the Shaanxi Province and was known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace) in the past. The city is home to 12 million people and stand on 10 097km² of land.
It’s one of the few cities of China with an ancient wall and is as well the base to visit the Terracotta Army and one of the most dangerous mountains on Earth.
If you are ready to plan, here is our Xian travel guide.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
Moving around
Xi’an has its own metro system. Though it only has 3 lines, it might get you where you want. Apart of that, city buses are running everywhere but are not as easy to use.
The last option is taxi or Didi “Chinese Uber” which might be the easiest.
Where to stay
The best stays of Xi’an are located within the city wall:
- Budget: Xing Long No.37 Hostel Xi’an
- Mid-Range: Xi’an Simple Palace
- Luxurious: Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an
Things to do
Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang & Bingmayong
The Terracotta Army is guarding the tomb of the 1st Qin emperor. The Mausoleum was constructed from 246 to208 BC and is the first industrial achievement of man.
The tomb of the emperor itself is untouched and is located 76m under the earth. But the army guarding It can be visited.
The Terracotta army is composed of 8 000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses.
Ancient City Wall
Walk or bike around the old city wall. Xi’an is one of the few Chinese cities that still has a complete and intact ancient wall. The wall is 14km long and raise up to 12m high. Its thickness starts at 15-18m on its base and spread to 12-14m on its top rampart. The wall was erected over 600 years ago.
And if you still want more, you can walk on the wall itself.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of the largest museums of China with over 370 000 items including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects. If you like museum, this is one to be visited.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Built in 652, its main function was to hold sutras and figurines of Gautama Buddha that were though in China from India. The surrounding of the pagoda is a huge and stunning park worth the visit.
Things to do nearby
Mount Huashan
Located 120km from Xi’an, it is one of the Five Great Mountains of China and is one of the world’s most dangerous mountain in the world. Its hiking trail past though narrow edges.
Xi’an Itinerary
Day 1:
- Ancient City Wall
- Drum Tower
- Bell Tower
- Beiyuanmen
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 2:
- Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang & Bingmayong
- Shaanxi History Museum
Day 3
- Mount Huashan
shòu rén yǐ yú bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú
授 人 以 鱼 不 如 授 人 以 渔
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
