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 2 of 4
All destinationsxian
Shaanxi Complete Guide 2025: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors, Huashan Mountain & Ancient Imperial Sites
Shaanxi Province was the heart of Chinese civilisation for 1,100 years — Xi'an's terracotta warriors and imperial palaces, the vertigo-inducing cliffside trails of Huashan, and the cradle of Silk Road history.
Updated May 2026
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xianHuaqing Palace & Lishan Mountain: Xi'an's Imperial Spa and Dramatic Hillside Scenery
Guide to Huaqing Palace (华清宫) near Xi'an — the imperial hot spring resort of Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei, plus the dramatic December 9th 1936 Site where Chiang Kai-shek was captured. Includes hiking Lishan Mountain and the famous evening show.
Updated May 2026
Read →xian
Xi'an Muslim Quarter: Best Street Food Guide & Hui Minority Culture
A detailed food and culture guide to Xi'an's Muslim Quarter — the best dishes to try, which stalls to visit, the Great Mosque, and how to explore Beiyuanmen Street beyond the tourist snacks.
Updated May 2026
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transportChina's Classic 10-Day Golden Triangle: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by High-Speed Train
The most popular China itinerary for first-time visitors — Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai by high-speed rail. A day-by-day guide with realistic timings, transport details, accommodation recommendations, and tips for making the most of each city.
Updated May 2026
Read →itinerary
China Silk Road Itinerary: 14 Days from Xi'an to Kashgar (Complete Route Guide)
The ultimate 14-day Silk Road journey through China — Xi'an's terracotta warriors, Zhangye's rainbow mountains, Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, and Xinjiang's desert landscapes to Kashgar.
Updated May 2026
Read →transport
China's Silk Road Route: Xi'an to Kashgar — The Complete 2-Week Overland Journey
The definitive guide to travelling China's Silk Road from Xi'an to Kashgar — by train, bus, and flight. Covering Luoyang, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashgar, with day-by-day itinerary, transport options, permits, and accommodation.
Updated May 2026
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