Xi'an
西安
Where China began
The Terracotta Warriors are just the beginning. This is where the Silk Road started, where Chinese civilization was born, and where the best street food in China sizzles every night.
Xi'an isn't just ancient history - it's living history. The Muslim Quarter fills with smoke from lamb skewers, the city wall hosts sunset bike rides, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda grounds become a dance floor at night. This was China's capital for 13 dynasties, and it shows in every noodle pulled, every drum tower beat, and every neighborhood that's been inhabited for millennia.
Xiaoyan Pagoda area
Quieter than Big Wild Goose, with beautiful gardens and a morning market
Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street
Calligraphy and art street where locals shop for traditional supplies
Huimin Street at 6am
See the Muslim Quarter before tourists arrive - watch breakfast being made
Hanyangling Museum
Han Dynasty tombs with glass floor walkways over excavations
Mt. Huashan night climb
Start at midnight to reach the peak for sunrise - unforgettable but challenging
Book Terracotta Warriors tickets online to skip queues. Eat biangbiang noodles and roujiamo at small shops, not tourist restaurants. The city wall is best at sunset, not midday.
- →Stay near the Bell Tower for central location and night market access
- →Rent a bike for the city wall - walking the full 14km is exhausting
- →Try yangrou paomo (bread in lamb soup) - Xi'an's signature dish
- →Visit Terracotta Warriors early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- →The fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda is actually worth seeing