Destination Guide
Xi'an
Ancient capital of thirteen dynasties — home to the Terracotta Army, the Silk Road's eastern terminus, and one of China's most vibrant street food cultures.
About Xi'an
Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in the world and the cradle of Chinese civilisation. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, it served as the imperial capital for over a thousand years, welcoming merchants, monks, and diplomats from across Eurasia.
Today Xi'an is best known for the Terracotta Army — the extraordinary funerary complex of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, discovered in 1974 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet the city offers far more: a perfectly preserved Ming-dynasty city wall, a thriving Muslim Quarter, and some of China's most celebrated street food.
For students and travellers, Xi'an offers a uniquely immersive window into ancient China — where history is not behind glass but woven into the streets, the food, and the daily life of its nine million residents.
Must-See Attractions
Terracotta Army
One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century — over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BCE.
Ancient City Wall
The best-preserved city wall in China, dating to the Ming dynasty. Rent a bicycle and ride the full 13.7 km circuit for panoramic views of the old city.
Muslim Quarter
A labyrinthine neighbourhood of mosques, bazaars, and street food stalls stretching back to the Tang dynasty. Try the famous roujiamo and yangrou paomo.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD to house scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. The surrounding plaza hosts nightly fountain shows.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's finest museums, housing over 370,000 artefacts spanning 1.15 million years of history — from Neolithic jade to Tang gold and silver treasures.
Huaqing Hot Springs
An imperial resort at the foot of Mount Li, famous since the Zhou dynasty. The site where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's legendary romance unfolded.
Xi'an Tours & Programmes
Explore our curated Xi'an experiences — from the Terracotta Army to Silk Road cultural immersion. More packages coming soon.
Xi'an Packages Coming Soon
Xi'an-specific packages are being added. In the meantime, browse our full catalogue or contact us for a bespoke itinerary.
Practical Information
March–May & September–November for mild, dry weather. Summers are hot; winters cold but manageable.
Mandarin is the official language. The local Shaanxi dialect is distinct but Putonghua is universally understood. English is limited outside major tourist sites.
Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant; carry some cash for the Muslim Quarter markets.
Xi'an has a growing metro network covering key attractions. Taxis and DiDi are affordable. The Terracotta Army is 40 minutes east by bus or taxi.
Most foreign nationals require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). We provide full visa assistance for all our programmes.
China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8. No daylight saving time observed.
Ready to Explore Xi'an?
Let us plan your perfect Xi'an experience — from a day at the Terracotta Army to a full Silk Road cultural immersion programme.