Xi'an Travel Guide: A Journey Through the Millennia of Chang'an

1. Core Highlights and Itinerary Planning Ideas Xi'an, formerly known as Chang'an, is the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties and one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Its tourism core revolves around the "Flourishing Tang Dynasty Atmosphere" and the "Mighty Qin and Han Dynasties," combining a strong sense of history with the vibrancy of a trendy city. It is recommended to tour mainly along the "Ancient City Central Axis" and the "East and West Cultural Corridors." [Golden Rules for Itinerary Planning] · 3-day classic tour: Focus on inside the city walls and the east line (Terracotta Warriors). · 5-day in-depth tour: Add the west line (Han and Tang tombs) and Mount Hua. · Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October), with pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and winter cold. 2. Must-Visit Attractions in Detail 1. Historical Imprints (Inside the city and nearby suburbs) · Xi'an City Wall: The most complete ancient city wall remaining in China. Ride a bike or stroll at dusk to watch the sunset and the city lights come on. Yongning Gate (South Gate) is the most imposing and often hosts performances. · Shaanxi History Museum: Known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure House of China." Be sure to book 3-7 days in advance on the official website or WeChat (free tickets are hard to get; you can buy tickets for the Treasure Hall to enter). The basic exhibition alone takes half a day to see. · Stele Forest Museum: A paradise for calligraphy lovers, gathering original steles by masters like Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan. Located next to Wenchang Gate of the city wall. · Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Da Ci'en Temple: The place where Xuanzang translated scriptures, a cultural landmark of Xi'an. The north square has Asia’s largest musical fountain, and the south square leads to the Tang Paradise Night Market. · Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Morning bell and evening drum, located in the city center. Recommended to take photos after lights come on at night; you can choose to climb one of the towers. · Tang Paradise Night Market: An immersive Tang culture pedestrian street, dazzling at night like daytime. Free performances (such as the "Tumbler Girl") are available, but it is very crowded. · Muslim Quarter - Sajinqiao: The main street of the Muslim Quarter is crowded with tourists and good for a quick atmosphere experience; for food, explore deeper into Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan, and Sajinqiao. 2. Dynasty Treasures (East Line - Lintong District) · Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang: A world wonder. Be sure to hire a guide (can join a group on-site or book in advance), otherwise, it’s just looking at "clay figures." Includes Pits 1, 2, and 3 and the Bronze Chariot and Horse Exhibition Hall. Avoid holidays and Monday mornings. · Huaqing Palace: The love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei took place here, also the site of the Xi'an Incident. The "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance is highly praised (night shows from April to October, separate tickets required, book early). · It is recommended to spend a whole day: morning at the Terracotta Warriors, afternoon at Huaqing Palace, and evening watching "Song of Everlasting Sorrow." You can take bus line You 5 (306) from the train station or a direct shuttle to the scenic area. 3. Tomb Epics (West Line - Xianyang City / Western Suburbs of Xi'an) · Hanyangling Mausoleum (Xianyang): Tomb of Emperor Jing of Han, the underground site museum offers a strong immersive experience with relatively fewer tourists. · Qianling Mausoleum (Qian County): Joint tomb of Tang Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian, featuring a wordless stele and impressive Sima Dao stone carvings. · Famen Temple (Fufeng, Baoji): Houses the finger bone relic of Sakyamuni Buddha; the underground palace unearthed extremely precious artifacts. · The west line attractions are scattered; self-driving or joining a day tour is recommended. 4. Natural Wonders (Mount Hua) · "The Most Dangerous Mountain Under Heaven," about 30 minutes by high-speed train from Xi'an. It is recommended to allocate 1-2 days separately. The classic way is to take the cable car up the West Peak and down the North Peak (to save energy). Night climbing to watch the sunrise is for the brave. 3. Special Experiences and Cultural Activities · Wear Hanfu, Dream of Chang'an: Hanfu rental is available in many places inside the city (especially Tang Paradise Night Market and around Qujiang Pool), perfect for atmospheric photos. · Listen to Qin Opera: At Yisu Society Cultural Street or Huan Cheng Park, experience ancient opera. · Make a Terracotta Warrior: Some pottery studios offer hands-on experiences to make mini clay warriors. · Visit an Old Market: Xicang Market (open every Thursday and Sunday) to feel the authentic local life of old Xi'an. 4. Food Map · Kingdom of Carbohydrates: Mainly noodles and mutton or beef. · Must-try list: · Noodles: Biangbiang noodles, oil-splashed noodles, Qishan minced noodles. · Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger): Braised pork roujiamo (Muslim Quarter has braised beef roujiamo), vegetable and egg roujiamo (Sajinqiao). · Snacks: Yangrou Paomo (crumbled bread soaked in mutton soup) / stir-fried paomo (you break the bread yourself), gourd chicken, steamed rice cake, spicy soup (breakfast), liangpi (cold noodles with sesame or rice sauce). · Drinks: Bingfeng soda (local Fanta), sour plum juice, Fu tea. · Food Streets: · Sajinqiao: Local people's canteen, open from morning till night. · Yongxingfang: Concentrates intangible cultural heritage snacks from all over Shaanxi, offering flavors from northern Shaanxi, Guanzhong, and southern Shaanxi. · Dachejia Alley: Noodle paradise. 5. Classic Itinerary Suggestions · Three-day highlights tour: · Day 1: City Wall → Stele Forest → Bell and Drum Towers → Muslim Quarter area. · Day 2: Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Palace → "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance. · Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Tang Paradise → Tang Paradise Night Market. · Five-day in-depth tour: · Days 1-3 same as above. · Day 4: Choose west line (Qianling + Famen Temple) or city (Small Wild Goose Pagoda + Xi'an Museum + Daming Palace National Heritage Park). · Day 5: Mount Hua day trip, or Hanyangling Mausoleum + Xianyang city (to connect with your Xianyang trip). 6. Practical Information and Pitfall Avoidance Tips · Transportation: · Airport: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, Metro Line 14 goes directly to North Railway Station, then transfer to the city. · High-speed rail: Xi'an North Station (main high-speed rail station), Xi'an Station (near city wall). · In the city: The metro network is well-developed, covering major attractions and transport hubs, the first choice for travel. Buses are secondary. · Accommodation: · Central area: Near Bell and Drum Towers, South Gate (Yongning Gate), convenient for transport and food. · Artsy and boutique: Qujiang New District, near Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Night Market, with a good environment. · Pitfall tips: 1. Beware of fake Terracotta Warriors: Always buy tickets through official channels for the "Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang." Reject any roadside touts offering tours. 2. Book in advance! Shaanxi History Museum, Terracotta Warriors, and other popular venues require advance booking. 3. Be cautious with food check-ins: The "internet-famous giant squid" and "Changsha stinky tofu" on the main street of the Muslim Quarter are not local specialties. 4. Avoid detours when taking taxis: Use official ride-hailing apps or taxis, especially at train stations and attraction entrances. 5. Be cautious when shopping: Blue Tian jade, Terracotta Warrior replicas, etc., avoid buying expensive items if you are not an expert. 7. Nearby Connections · To the north: 1-2 hours by car to the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor and Hukou Waterfall (Shaanxi side), to experience the culture of the Chinese ancestors and the grandeur of the Yellow River. · To the northwest: Combine with Xianyang (see your previous guide) to visit Hanyangling and Qianling, completing a full "Qin, Han, Tang" time travel journey. The charm of Xi'an lies in that it is both an open-air history museum and a vibrant modern city. Slow down, and savor this gift spanning millennia between ancient bricks and modern neon lights. Wishing you a perfect time-travel journey in Chang'an!