A Complete Guide to Xi’an Tourism: Exploring the Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties in 5 Days, with Tips to Avoid Pitfalls and a Food Map
Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, served as the capital for thirteen dynasties, with a city history of over 3,100 years and a capital history of over 1,100 years. Here you can find both the magnificent landscape of “eight rivers surrounding Chang’an” and the prosperous Tang Dynasty atmosphere depicted in “the horse’s hooves fly fast in the spring breeze.” From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the brilliant lights of the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, from the thousand-year-old artifacts in the Shaanxi History Museum to the aromatic flavor of Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Xi’an perfectly blends profound history with vibrant life, making it an “ancient capital secret realm” worth exploring slowly with curiosity.
Must-visit Attractions – Where History and Daily Life Collide
1. Shaanxi History Museum
Highlights: China’s first large-scale modern national museum with a collection of over 370,000 cultural relics, ranging from Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes to Tang dynasty gold and silver artifacts.
Recommended reason: Known as the “Shaanxi Forbidden City”, you can see artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties for free. The gold artifacts in the Hejiacun Treasury Exhibition allow you to directly experience the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Practical tips: Free admission requires booking 1-3 days in advance (via the “Shaanxi History Museum” official account). Opening hours: 9:00-17:30, closed on Mondays (except for national holidays).
2. Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Museum
Highlights: The eighth wonder of the world, the terracotta army with thousands of unique faces is breathtaking.
Recommended reason: Witness firsthand the power of “the First Emperor unifying the six kingdoms”. The panoramic view of Pit 1’s military formation is a must-see, and the Bronze Chariot and Horse exhibition is full of intricate details.
Practical tips: Admission is 120 yuan (including the Lishan Garden of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum). Take Metro Line 9 to “Huaqing Pool” station and transfer to bus 613. It’s recommended to hire an official guide (100 yuan for up to 5 people).
3. Datang Ever-bright City – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area
Highlights: Immersive experience of Tang Dynasty culture, when the night lights turn on, you’ll feel instantly transported to Chang’an.
Recommended reasons: The musical fountain at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a must-see. On the streets of the Ever-Bright City, there are parades of ladies in Tang costumes and intangible cultural heritage performances.
Practical tips: Take Metro Line 3 to ‘Dayanta’ (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) station. Fountain show times are 12:00, 16:00, and 19:00. The Ever-Bright City is free to enter, while climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda costs 30 yuan.
4. City Wall · Bell Tower · Drum Tower
Highlights: The most complete ancient city wall in China, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are landmarks of Xi’an city.
Recommended reasons: Cycle on the city wall to see the old streets and alleys of Xi’an, and in the evening, watch the sunset dye the blue bricks red next to the Bell Tower.
Practical tips: City wall admission is 54 yuan, single bike rental is 45 yuan/3 hours; direct access via Metro Line 2 at ‘Bell Tower’ station.
5. Muslim Quarter – Sajinqiao Food Area
Highlights: The soul of Xi’an’s cuisine, bustling with activity from morning till night.
Recommended reason: Stroll along the main street of Muslim Quarter to experience the atmosphere, then turn into Sajinqiao to taste the local favorite snacks.
Practical tips: 10-minute walk from Bell Tower Station on Metro Line 2; avoid the high-price traps on the main street and explore the small alleys.
Classic Route Recommendation – 5 Days to Explore Chang’an
Day 1: Shaanxi History Museum → Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → Great Tang All Day Mall
Highlights: View cultural relics and learn history in the morning, climb the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the afternoon, and enjoy the light show and Shaanxi cuisine at the Great Tang All Day Mall in the evening.
Day 2: Terracotta Army → Huaqing Palace → The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show
Highlights: Experience the historical magnificence of the Terracotta Army, see the imperial gardens at Huaqing Palace, and watch the live performance “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” at night (tickets need to be booked in advance).
Day 3: Xi’an City Wall Cycling → Bell Tower and Drum Tower → Night Tour of Muslim Quarter
Highlights: Cycle on the city wall overlooking the old town, take night photos of the Bell Tower in the evening, and enjoy skewers and ice-cold soda late at night.
Day 4: Qinglong Temple → Daxingshan Temple → Xiaozhai Commercial Area
Highlights: Find Zen in Tang Dynasty Buddhist temples, enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at Qinglong Temple during cherry season, and explore Xiaozhai at night to experience modern Xi’an.
Day 5: Sajinqiao Morning Market → Yongxingfang → Return Journey
Highlights: Enjoy everything from spicy soup to oil cakes, try the “smash bowl wine” at Yongxingfang, and bring back some dog-head jujubes and dried persimmons as souvenirs.
Advantages: Covers history, food, and modern experiences with a well-balanced pace.
Disadvantages: The Terracotta Army is in Lintong and requires an early start, and sun protection is needed for cycling on the city wall in summer.
Tickets, Transportation and Cost Analysis
Ticket Information:
1. Shaanxi History Museum: Free (reservation required), Treasure Hall 30 yuan (a must-see).
2. Terracotta Army: 120 yuan (includes Lishan Garden), “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” show from 298 yuan.
3. Xi’an City Wall: 54 yuan, Bell Tower 35 yuan, Drum Tower 35 yuan, Bell and Drum Tower combo ticket 50 yuan.
4. Datang Everbright City, Sajinqiao: Free.
Transportation:
1. By Air: Xi’an Xianyang Airport → Metro Line 14 directly to downtown (45 minutes).
2. By High-Speed Rail: Xi’an North Railway Station is the main high-speed rail station, Metro Line 2 and Line 4 can directly reach downtown attractions.
3. City Transportation: The metro covers all core attractions, buses are convenient; for attractions within the city walls, cycling or walking is recommended.
Other Expenses:
1. Terracotta Warriors Direct Bus: Round trip from downtown + admission ticket 180 RMB/person (includes guided tour, hassle-free).
2. City Wall Cycling: Single bike 45 RMB/3 hours, tandem bike 90 RMB/3 hours.
Must-Eat Foods:
1. Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Recommended at Ziwu Road Zhang Ji, Fan Ji Cured Pork (the mix of lean and fat meat is the most flavorful).
2. Yangrou Paomo (Lamb and Bread Soup): Lao Sun Jia, Tong Sheng Xiang (locals prefer Ma Hong Stir-fried Paomo).
3. Liangpi + Ice Peak soda + Roujiamo: Xi’an’s “Three-piece Set,” any roadside stall serves authentic versions.
4. Other Recommendations: Zeng Gao (Lao Sun Jia in Muslim Quarter), Hulatang (Li Weiyi in Sajinqiao), Persimmon Pancake (Yongxing Fang).
Accommodation Recommendations:
1. High-end option: Xi’an Westin Hotel (near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, river view rooms overlook the Chang’an Tower). 2. Value-for-money option: Guesthouses near the Bell Tower (walking distance to the City Wall and Muslim Quarter, 150-200 yuan per person).
3. Recommended for students: Youth hostels around Xiaozhai Metro Station (convenient transportation, easy for shopping and dining).
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls:
1. Tourist traps: Be cautious when buying ‘internet-famous snacks’ on the main street of the Muslim Quarter. Lao Sunjia and Tongshengxiang have many tourists; try ‘Yizhenlou’ where locals often go.
2. Transportation tips: Don’t take unlicensed taxis to the Terracotta Army. Use official tourist shuttle buses or Metro Line 9 connecting to buses.
3. Food reminders: For Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), don’t buy the all-lean version; the fatty part is what makes it delicious. For Pao Mo (crumbled flatbread in soup), tear the bread yourself for better flavor; don’t let the owner use a machine to shred it.
Other Suggestions:
1. Shaanxi History Museum is closed on Mondays; don’t make a wasted trip;
2. For cycling on the City Wall, enter through Yongning Gate (South Gate) where there are fewer people and easier parking;
3. Bring student and senior ID cards; they offer half-price admission to the Terracotta Army and City Wall.
Summary:
Xi’an is a city where you can “read history while eating roujiamo.” Every blue brick here hides a story, and every whiff of aroma whets your appetite. From the grandeur of the Qin and Han dynasties to the romance of the prosperous Tang dynasty, from tea stalls at the base of the city walls to the aroma of coffee in office buildings, the ancient and modern seamlessly connect here. With this guide, avoid the tourist traps, stroll slowly and eat attentively, and you will fall in love with this ancient capital with both historical depth and the warmth of life.
If reprinted, please indicate the source:https://www.nhtour.com/travel-blogs/a-complete-guide-to-xian-tourism-exploring-the-ancient-capital-of-thirteen-dynasties-in-5-days-with-tips-to-avoid-pitfalls-and-a-food-map/
Related recommendations
-
Japan DIY Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation, Accommodation, Shopping, and Attractions
Why can a small island nation surrounded by sea rank 3rd in the world economy? Today, let’s learn about the specific overview of Japan. Japan is an arc-shaped island nation located on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, extending from northeast to southwest. It includes four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and more than 6,800 small islands, so Japan is also known as the country of a thousand islands. Japan’s terrain is mainly mountainous and hilly, accounting for 75% of the total land area. Located at the junction of the American Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Pacific Plate, geological activities are frequent, leading to many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Japan. Japan has a total area of 378,000 square kilometers and consists of one metropolis, one territory, two urban prefectures, and 43 prefectures. As of April 2023, the total population is approximately 124.43 million, making it the only developed country with a population exceeding 100 million besides the United States. The main ethnic group is the Yamato people, Japanese is the common language, and the main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. Its overseas assets are twice its gross domestic product, making it the world’s largest creditor nation. It has…
-
Shenzhen Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Shenzhen
Shenzhen Bay Park – Features: Shenzhen’s longest coastal leisure belt, with a 15-kilometer trail connecting 12 themed parks. You can walk, cycle, enjoy sea views and city scenery, and there are also large flower fields. – Recommended activities: Enjoy the lupine flower sea from March to April, view the sunflower fields from November to December, watch the lights of Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the green mountains of Hong Kong across the water in the evening at the ‘Sea-viewing Boardwalk’, and ride the ‘Bay Glory’ Ferris wheel. Ping An Finance Centre Cloud Sightseeing Floor – Features: Located on the 116th floor of Shenzhen’s tallest building, featuring a 360° circular observation deck with panoramic views of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, newly added “AR City Tour”. – Recommended activities: Visit around 10 AM for portrait photography, experience the “Sky Walk” project, walking on the outdoor suspended walkway. Dapeng Fortress – Features: Shenzhen’s only national-level historical and cultural village with over 600 years of history, where you can experience the Ming and Qing dynasty coastal defense culture. – Recommended activities: Visit Qing Dynasty official residences such as ‘General Liu Qilong’s Residence’, participate in intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience at 3 PM, learn to make…
-
2025 Hawaii Travel Guide: Fun the Four Islands of Hawaii from 0
As a veteran player who has been to the four major islands of Hawaii, today I want to share a super-detailed guide that does not hide privacy, allowing you to easily enjoy the essence of each island~Island Overview[1] Oahu• Waikiki Beach: This is the most famous vacation paradise in Hawaii, where the blue sea and blue sky are perfectly integrated with the bustling city. It is recommended to get up early to experience surfing, walk on the soft sand, and feel the lively and comfortable atmosphere• Diamond Head Mountain: A stunning observation deck overlooking the entire Waikiki coastline. Early morning hikes are best, remember to bring enough water• Nuanupali Lookout: An excellent location overlooking the Nuanu Valley and experiencing the historic sites of the Kingdom of Hawaii• Polynesian Cultural Center: Experience a variety of island performances, taste authentic cuisine, and learn about traditional culture• Lanikai Beach: With the reputation of “the most beautiful beach in Hawaii”, the white sand and the blue water complement each other• Gulan Ranch: The location of Jurassic Park, where you can explore the magnificent scenery by horseback or ATVTraffic strategyOahu:• TheBus covers the whole island, 3 dollars one way, 7.5 dollars one dayThe Waikiki Tram…
-
Summary after 3 trips to Shenzhen: A complete travel guide to Shenzhen, absolutely worth it!
Shenzhen, known as the “City of Innovation,” is simply like a treasure city containing endless wealth! Here, you can instantly switch from the skyscrapers of a modern metropolis to the natural secret realm where mountains and seas meet; you can also experience rich local culture amidst the bustling city life. During my three recent visits to Shenzhen, I discovered that this city truly has too many fun places to visit, delicious foods to eat, and great accommodations to stay. Today, I’m here to share this comprehensive Shenzhen travel guide with you all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Shenzhen or a local looking to discover new ways to explore the city, you can find inspiration from this guide. I. Distribution of Attractions and Itinerary Planning The distribution of attractions in Shenzhen is quite distinctive and can be divided into three major categories based on regions: urban scenery, cultural history, and natural ecology. For urban scenery, you must visit the Ping An Finance Centre in Futian CBD. Ascend to the 547-meter cloud observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of Shenzhen’s bustling cityscape. Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan is absolutely beautiful. Riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace, feeling the gentle…
-
Huaihua Travel Guide 2025: A Guide to Hidden Gems Around Huaihua
Tired of crowded tourist attractions? The hidden landscape paradise in southwestern Huaihua offers scenery and coolness comparable to popular internet-famous destinations. With just a short drive, you can escape into a picturesque world of green forests and thousand-year-old terraced fields. I. Green Lung Paradise: Jingzhou Paiya Mountain National Forest Park In the southwestern part of Jingzhou, 97 peaks are arranged like the teeth of a comb, creating a green canopy with 95.06% forest coverage. Stepping into the forest, 6,800 hectares of metasequoia groves immediately embrace you, with dappled light and shadow dancing on the walking trails, accompanied by the duet of streams and birdsong. Here, the average summer temperature is 3-5°C lower than in urban areas, making it a veritable “natural air conditioner” in southwestern Hunan. A forest secret realm with scenery in all seasons: · Spring: Mountains covered with azaleas like a spreading fire · Summer: Dense shade blocks the sun, the stream is refreshingly cool to the bone · Autumn: Thousands of acres of dawn redwood forest dyed into the “Central China Redwood Kingdom” · Winter: Rime ice adorns the branches, silent as poetry Family luxury experience: On the lawn of the self-driving camping base, canopy tents sway…
-
Shenzhen Travel Guide: Explore All Shenzhen Attractions in 4 Days and Enjoy Shenzhen Pictures
I. Itinerary Overview (4 Days 3 Nights) Theme: Tech City × Mountain & Sea Scenery × Local Life & Culture Features: A blend of modern landmarks, natural wonders, food culture, and immersive experiences, suitable for families, couples, and young people. II. Daily Itinerary Planning Day 1: Urban Landmarks and New Cultural Experiences Morning Lianhua Mountain Park (08:30-10:30) Climb to the top to overlook Shenzhen’s central axis, visit the Deng Xiaoping statue, and feel the pulse of the city’s vigorous development. Walk to Shum Yip Upper Hills on the northeast side, take artistic photos in the colorful internet-famous blocks, and stroll along the Happiness Footbridge. Afternoon Shenzhen Museum (14:00-16:00) Free visit to the Ancient Art Museum and Folk History Museum to learn about Shenzhen’s transformation from a fishing village to an international metropolis. Huaqiangbei Pedestrian Street (16:30-18:00) Explore the “No.1 Electronics Street in China”, visit the Huaqiangbei Museum, and experience the collision of technology and commerce. Evening Civic Center Light Show (20:00-20:25) Best viewing spots: Civic Square or the top of Lianhua Mountain, enjoy the dreamy interaction of lights and architecture. Day Two: Mountain and Sea Romance and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exploration Morning Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (09:00-12:00) Stroll around the…
-
ShenTang Bay: Zhangjiajie’s Forbidden Mystery
The 600m Deep Pit Where Ancient Warriors Still Echo Through Time Deep within China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park lies ShenTang Bay, a geological marvel shrouded in centuries of mystery. This horseshoe-shaped canyon with near-vertical 600-meter cliffs has baffled scientists, terrified explorers, and fascinated adventurers with its unexplained phenomena. Known as “Earth’s Natural Tape Recorder,” this forbidden zone holds secrets that challenge both science and imagination. Article Navigation Location & Natural Wonders Unsolved Mysteries: Phantom Warriors Forbidden Zone: Deadly Expeditions Visitor Guide: Safely Explore the Forbidden Photography & Cultural Significance Location & Natural Wonders Geographical Marvel Nestled in the Sangzhi County of Hunan Province, ShenTang Bay forms a spectacular geological feature within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This semi-circular canyon features: Sheer 600-meter cliffs on three sides A single viewing platform overlooking the abyss Perpetual mist that transforms into “twin dragons” after rainfall Ancient forests untouched by human exploration Natural Phenomena Beyond its physical grandeur, ShenTang Bay presents extraordinary natural displays: The “Green Labyrinth” – dense, primeval vegetation Microclimates that create ever-changing cloud formations Unique rock formations sculpted over millions of years Rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth ShenTang Bay Panoramic View: Vertical Cliffs Rising…
-
Hawaii Travel Guide: A Super Practical 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island is way more fun than Oahu! Just follow this itinerary, and you’ll have an incredibly deep experience without any extra planning! 3-Day Big Island Itinerary DAY 1｜Oahu ✈️ Hilo, Big Island → Sunset & Stargazing at Mauna Kea Arrive at Hilo Airport by noon Stock up + rest → Drive up or join a tour Summit Mauna Kea (4,205m) Watch breathtaking sunset + Milky Way DAY 2｜Black Sand Beach + Volcanoes National Park + Manta Ray Night Dive Depart → Black Sand Beach (spot sea turtles) Rainbow Falls photo stop Volcanoes National Park: Kīlauea Crater, lava tubes, etc. Head to Kona in the afternoon Join a Manta Ray night dive in the evening DAY 3｜Explore Kona Town or Add Snorkeling → Return to Oahu Attractions & Tips Mauna Kea Stargazing Not recommended to drive to the summit—join a tour for safety (altitude sickness + night driving + 4WD required) Temps near 0°C at night—bring warm layers + closed-toe shoes Volcanoes National Park Don’t miss the Crater Rim Drive Wait until dark to photograph the glowing lava Manta Ray Night Dive No swimming skills needed—guides assist, hold onto a float board Manta rays glide just centimeters away—thrilling and…
-
What are the local specialties in Malaysia? What is the must-buy list?
Malaysia is a travel paradise with abundant sunshine and rich cultural heritage. Its unique environment and climate have nurtured many distinctive local specialties. If you have the chance to visit Malaysia, these must-buy items are definitely worth bringing home! Must-Buy Malaysian Specialties Bak Kut Teh Spice PackBak Kut Teh is highly popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a herbal soup made with pork ribs and spices, though it doesn’t actually contain tea. The name comes from the tradition of drinking tea alongside the dish to cut through the richness. The Bak Kut Teh from Klang, Selangor, is particularly famous and is believed to have health benefits! Durian Cake & Coconut CakeMalaysia’s durians are unparalleled, but fresh durians cannot be taken abroad. Processed durian cakes are a great alternative, offering the same rich aroma with a chewy texture. If durian is too strong for you, coconut cakes are another delicious way to experience Malaysian flavors! Nutmeg OilThis natural oil has a pleasant aroma and is highly effective for relieving bloating when applied to the stomach. It also helps soothe headaches when dabbed on the temples. White CoffeeWhile coffee varies worldwide, Malaysia’s white coffee stands out for…
-
Xi’an Huxian Tourism Guide: Huxian Tourist Attractions
Caotang TempleType: TempleAttraction level: AAAOpening hours: 7:30-18:00Ticket information: 15 yuan in off-season (December 1 – end of February the following year); 25 yuan in peak season (March 1 – end of November)Caotang Temple is the ancestral court of “Sanluzong”, one of the “Eight Buddhist Sects” in China, the first national translation of Buddhist scriptures [1-2], and the longest and largest translation field among the three major Buddhist translation fields [3-5]. It is the starting point of Buddhism’s Sinicization [6]. It is a national key cultural relics protection unit located at the northern foot of Guifeng Mountain in Huxian County, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province. Chongyang PalaceType: Taoist Temple/Dojo MonumentsOpening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30-17:00; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00-17:00Ticket information: Retail price: 25.0 yuanChongyang Palace is the ancestral court of Taoism in the world, the mainstream of Taoism in the world – the Holy Land of Quanzhen Dao, also known as Chongyang Longevity Palace and Zu’an. It enjoys the reputation of “Tianxia Ancestral Court” and “Quanzhen Holy Land”. It is located in Zu’an Town, Hu County, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, 40 kilometers southwest of the center of Xi’an.Chongyang Palace is the head of the three ancestral courts of Chinese Taoism Quanzhen School,…