Xi'an Travel Guide with WakaChina Service: Unveil the Ancient Capital's Splendor

Xi'an Travel Guide 2025 - Ancient Capital & Terracotta Army

Your complete guide to exploring Xi'an - where ancient Chinese civilization meets modern vitality

1 Welcome to Xi'an - Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties

Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties in Chinese history, stands as a living museum where millennia-old traditions blend with modern vitality. Renowned as the starting point of the Silk Road, this city in Shaanxi Province is filled with historical treasures, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant local life.

From awe-inspiring archaeological sites to mouthwatering local delicacies, Xi'an offers a journey through time for every traveler. WakaChina is your key to unlocking the best of Xi'an, providing expert-led tours, tailored accommodation options, and insider tips to make your visit truly unforgettable.

Quick Xi'an Facts

  • Best Time to Visit: March-June & September-November for pleasant weather
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese, with local Shaanxi dialects
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) - approximately $1 = ¥7.2
  • Getting Around: Metro, buses, taxis, and private cars
  • Must-Try Food: Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang noodles

2 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Xi'an

Terracotta Army ancient clay warriors and horses

2.1 Terracotta Army

One of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Terracotta Army is a vast underground army created to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Comprising thousands of life-sized clay warriors, horses, and chariots, each figure is uniquely detailed with distinct facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor.

Explore the three main pits, where the warriors are arranged in battle formations, and visit the museum to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind this incredible site.

Ticket Price: ¥120-¥150 ($16.7-$20.9) Duration: 3-4 hours

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Xi'an City Wall ancient fortifications and panoramic views

2.2 Xi'an City Wall

The Xi'an City Wall is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, it encircles the old city of Xi'an, stretching over 13 kilometers.

Rent a bicycle and ride along the top of the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the city, or take a leisurely stroll to soak in the historical atmosphere. Along the way, you can stop at various watchtowers and gates to learn about their historical significance.

Ticket Price: ¥54 ($7.5) Duration: 2-3 hours

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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Buddhist architecture and historical site

2.3 Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

As a symbol of ancient Xi'an, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the 7th century to store Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. Standing 64.5 meters tall, this seven-story brick pagoda features a unique architectural style that combines Chinese and Indian elements.

Inside the pagoda, you can view precious Buddhist relics and historical inscriptions. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple is also worth exploring, with its beautiful gardens and ancient buildings.

Ticket Price: ¥25-¥40 ($3.5-$5.6) Duration: 2-3 hours

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Shaanxi History Museum artifacts and cultural exhibits

2.4 Shaanxi History Museum

Often referred to as "a pearl of ancient Chinese civilization," the Shaanxi History Museum houses a vast collection of over 170,000 artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of Shaanxi Province. From prehistoric relics to Tang Dynasty treasures, the museum's exhibits cover more than one million years of Chinese history.

Highlights include the Tang Dynasty gold and silver wares, the Han Dynasty terracotta figures, and the precious murals from the Tang Dynasty tombs.

Ticket Price: Free (reservation required) Duration: 3-4 hours

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Datang Everbright City Tang Dynasty cultural street and night lights

2.5 Datang Everbright City

Datang Everbright City is a burgeoning cultural and tourist destination in Xi'an. With the culture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty as the backdrop, it has created a commercial pedestrian street full of the charm of the Tang Dynasty.

When night falls, the streets are illuminated by brilliant lights, which 辉映 with the ancient-style buildings, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back to the bustling Chang'an City a thousand years ago. There are numerous wonderful performances here, including the immersive show Return to Chang'an and the popular performance of the 不倒翁小姐姐 (不倒翁 girl).

The block is filled with a variety of cuisines, from traditional roujiamo and liangpi to creative Tang-style desserts. It also gathers various cultural and creative product stores, where tourists can purchase exquisite Tang-culture-themed souvenirs.

Ticket Price: Free Duration: 2-3 hours

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3 Accommodation Options in Xi'an

Xi'an offers diverse accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Luxury: The Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an offers elegant rooms, world-class dining, and a luxurious spa. Located in the city center, it provides easy access to major attractions.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Xi'an South is a great choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. With modern amenities, a fitness center, and on-site dining, it's suitable for both business and leisure trips.
Budget-Friendly: There are numerous hostels and guesthouses in areas near major attractions. These places offer affordable accommodation with a local touch, perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

WakaChina can help you secure the best deals and exclusive packages for your stay in Xi'an.

4 Taste the Flavors of Xi'an Cuisine

Xi'an's cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and hearty dishes. Must-try dishes include:

  • Roujiamo: Often called "Chinese hamburger" - savory meat stuffed in crispy flatbread
  • Yangrou Paomo: Lamb stew with crumbled flatbread, a Xi'an specialty
  • Biangbiang Noodles: Wide and thick hand-pulled noodles served with various toppings
  • Qishan Minced Noodles: A sour and spicy noodle soup dish
  • Sweet Persimmon Cakes: A local dessert made from ripe persimmons
Explore Culinary Delights in Xi'an

5 Popular Activities in Xi'an

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show: Immerse yourself in the splendor of ancient China by watching a Tang Dynasty music and dance show. Held in several venues in the city, these performances feature traditional Chinese music, dance, and costumes, recreating the elegance and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
Calligraphy and Painting Workshops: Learn the art of Chinese calligraphy and painting at a local workshop. Under the guidance of experienced artists, you can try your hand at writing Chinese characters or creating traditional Chinese paintings, and take home your own masterpiece as a souvenir.
Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class to learn how to make classic Xi'an dishes. From preparing the perfect roujiamo to mastering the art of making biangbiang noodles, these classes offer a fun and interactive way to experience the local cuisine.
Cycling on City Wall: Experience Xi'an from a unique perspective by cycling along the ancient city wall. This activity combines exercise with sightseeing and offers panoramic views of the city.

6 WakaChina Services in Xi'an

Guided Tours: Our knowledgeable local guides will take you on an in-depth exploration of Xi'an's top attractions, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights along the way. Whether you're interested in a private tour or a small-group experience, we have options to suit your preferences.
Transportation Arrangements: WakaChina can assist you with airport transfers, private car rentals, and navigating the local public transportation system. We ensure that you get around Xi'an safely, conveniently, and efficiently.
Customized Itineraries: Tailor-made your Xi'an trip based on your interests, time, and budget. Whether you want to focus on history, culture, food, or a combination of everything, our team will create a personalized itinerary just for you.
Accommodation & Dining Reservations: We help you find the perfect accommodation in Xi'an, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels. Additionally, we can recommend and make reservations at the best local restaurants, ensuring that you enjoy the most authentic and delicious dining experiences.
24/7 Customer Support: Our multilingual customer support team is available around the clock to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide assistance throughout your trip to Xi'an.

Essential Xi'an Travel Tips

  • Carry your passport - required for hotel check-ins and certain attractions
  • Download WeChat or Alipay before arrival - essential for payments in China
  • Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases - "nihao" (hello), "xiexie" (thank you)
  • Book Terracotta Army tickets in advance - this popular site can get crowded
  • Try street food - Xi'an is famous for its delicious and affordable street snacks
  • Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore historical sites
  • Carry cash - some small vendors and local markets may not accept digital payments

7 Plan Your Xi'an Adventure

Xi'an, with its unparalleled historical legacy, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army to the ancient City Wall and vibrant Muslim Quarter, this city offers a unique journey through China's glorious past.

With WakaChina by your side, you can explore the ancient capital with ease and confidence, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Xi'an Travel Guide 2025 for International Visitors

Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Ancient Chinese Culture

Complete guide to Xi'an travel for international tourists. Learn how to visit the Terracotta Army, explore Xi'an City Wall, experience Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and discover ancient Chinese culture. Essential reading for travelers planning to visit Shaanxi, China.

Our private car service in Xi'an with English-speaking drivers makes your travel experience seamless. Book your transportation and tours with WakaChina for business or leisure travel in Xi'an.

  • Xi'an Terracotta Army tickets booking
  • Xi'an City Wall cycling and walking tours
  • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Buddhist architecture
  • Shaanxi History Museum cultural artifacts
  • Datang Everbright City Tang Dynasty experience
  • Xi'an accommodation options
  • Private car service Xi'an English speaking drivers
  • Xi'an cuisine food guide
  • Xi'an cultural activities and workshops
  • Xi'an travel tips for foreign visitors