xian
The ancient capital of 13 dynasties, home to the Terracotta Army and the original start of the Silk Road
Top Highlights
- 1 Terracotta Army
- 2 City Wall
- 3 Muslim Quarter
- 4 Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- 5 Huaqing Hot Springs
Visa & Entry
Visa required (most nationalities)
Check your nationality's eligibility for visa-free entry or the 144-hour transit exemption. Most visitors from Western countries need a standard tourist (L) visa.
Full visa guideBest Time to Visit
Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov
Suggested stay: 3–4 days. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (1–7 October) and Spring Festival (Jan/Feb) — crowds are enormous and prices peak.
Seasonal travel guide21 articles — page 1 of 4
All destinations
xianModern Xi'an Beyond the Terracotta Warriors: Street Art, Tang West Market & Nightlife
Xi'an beyond the history — the Tang West Market creative complex, Yongxingfang street food mall, the vibrant university district, Gaoxin tech park nightlife, and how Xi'an's young population has made it one of China's most interesting modern cities.
Updated May 2026
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itinerary7 Days Xi'an, Chengdu & Chongqing: The Ultimate Central China Itinerary (2026)
The perfect 7-day itinerary through Xi'an, Chengdu and Chongqing — Terracotta Warriors, Giant Pandas, Sichuan hotpot, the cliff-city megacity, and the best of China's historic and culinary heartland with day-by-day guide.
Updated May 2026
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chinaChina Silk Road Cities Guide: Xi'an to Kashgar in 12 Days
Plan the complete Chinese Silk Road journey from Xi'an through Gansu and Xinjiang to Kashgar — the major stops (Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi), the logistics of a route that covers 4,000 km, high-speed rail sections alongside remaining slow train stretches, the best timing for the desert and oasis towns, and what makes this journey unlike any other in China.
Updated May 2026
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chinaChina Budget 7-Day Itinerary: See the Best for Under $500 Total
Experience China's top sights on a genuine budget — a realistic 7-day itinerary through Beijing and Xi'an with daily costs under $70 USD including accommodation, food, transport, and entry fees, the best budget accommodation options, which expensive attractions are worth it and which can be skipped, and the free experiences that are genuinely better than paid ones.
Updated May 2026
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foodChina Food Guide: 30 Dishes You Must Try and Where to Find Them
The essential China food guide for travellers: 30 must-try dishes organised by region, how to find the best versions, how to order without Chinese, food safety tips, and a guide to the regional cuisines that make Chinese food endlessly varied.
Updated May 2026
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2 Weeks in China: The Ultimate Independent Itinerary for First-Timers
The definitive 14-day China itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — with exact train connections, daily budgets, booking tips, and honest advice for independent travellers doing it without a tour group.
Updated May 2026
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