Ancient Capital City XI'AN
The main tourist attractions in Xi'an include the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, where visitors can bike or stroll; the Terracotta Army, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World"; the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist structure housing precious Buddhist scripture; Huaqing Pool, a scenic imperial garden; and Tang Paradise, recreating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with enchanting night views. These sites showcase Xi'an's rich historical and cultural heritage as well as its unique natural scenery.
Xi’an’s Main History
With over 3,100 years of urban history and 1,100 years as a capital, Xi’an served as the seat of 13 dynasties including the Western Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang. It is the starting point of the Silk Road and a cradle of Chinese civilization.
Xi’an’s Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 34°16′ N, 108°54′ E.
Xi’an’s Total Area
10,108 km².
Xi’an’s Permanent Resident Population
Approximately 13 million (end-2024).
Number & Name of Xi’an Airport
1 civil airport: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).
Number & Names of Xi’an’s Main Railway Stations
4 main stations: Xi’an, Xi’an North, Xi’an South and Xi’an West.
When Xi’an Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
First metro line opened September 2011; as of June 2025 the city operates 9 metro lines.
Xi’an’s Geographic Position in China
Located near China’s geometric centre, in the middle of the Guanzhong Plain; south of the Wei River (the largest tributary of the Yellow River) and at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains.
Xi’an’s Geographic Features
Terrain slopes from higher southeast to lower northwest. The southern part is the Qinling mountain range; the central area is the Wei River plain. Average elevation ≈ 410 m. The city is encircled by eight rivers, historically described as “eight waters surrounding Chang’an.”
Xi’an’s Climate Characteristics
Warm-temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate: four distinct seasons—cold winters, hot summers, mild springs and autumns; rainfall is concentrated from July to September.
Months of Xi’an’s Four Seasons
Spring: March–May; Summer: June–August; Autumn: September–November; Winter: December–February.
Xi’an’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 14.1 °C.
Xi’an’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 553 mm.
Best Times to Visit Xi’an
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Xi’an’s Peak Tourist Seasons
Mid-April–late May and mid-September–late October (National Day “Golden Week” is busiest).
Major Tourist Attractions (minimum 5)
Museum of the Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Paradise, Xi’an City Wall, Huaqing Palace, Shaanxi History Museum, Bell & Drum Tower Square, Daming Palace National Heritage Park.
Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Muslim Quarter / Huimin Street (Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District) and Tang Paradise Pedestrian Street (Ci’en Road, Yanta District).
Signature Xi’an Snacks
Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Liangpi (cold skin noodles), Pita-bread-soaked mutton soup (Yangrou Paomo), Biángbiáng noodles, Hulutou Paomo (pork intestine & stomach soup with pita).
Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the First Qin Emperor
Known as the "Eighth Great Wonder of the World," located in Lintong District, Xi'an City, it is the pit accompanying the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Thousands of life-sized terracotta figurines vividly display the military array style of the Qin Dynasty, making it an excellent location to understand ancient Chinese military culture.
Ancient City Wall
The largest and most intact ancient city wall in China, located in the central area of Xi'an City. With a height of 12 meters and a circumference of 13.74 kilometers, the four main gates bear witness to the history of the ancient capital. Riding or walking on it allows you to experience the vicissitudes and splendor of the thousand-year-old city.
Tang Paradise
The first large-scale pedestrian street in China modeled after the architecture of the Tang Dynasty, located at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It integrates shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences, and at night, it is brilliantly illuminated, reproducing the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Huimin Street
A famous food and cultural street in Xi'an, consisting of multiple streets. It brings together many unique Hui ethnic minority snacks and is a must-visit place to taste authentic Xi'an cuisine and experience Hui culture.
Tang Paradise·Royal Garden (Big Wild Goose Pagoda)
Located on the southeast side of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it is a large theme park modeled after the royal gardens of the Tang Dynasty. With the theme of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it displays the architecture, art, and lifestyle of the Tang Dynasty, making it a great place to experience the style of the Tang Dynasty.
Huaqing Palace
A royal palace for excursions by feudal emperors of the Tang Dynasty, located in Lintong District. It is renowned for its hot springs and was once the place where Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his concubine Yang Guifei's love story unfolded. Now, it integrates historical culture and garden landscapes, serving as a window to understand the court culture of the Tang Dynasty.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Daming Palace was the ruling center of the Tang Dynasty, and the heritage park restores the historical appearance of Daming Palace during the Tang Dynasty. Walking through it allows you to experience the grandeur and rich cultural connotations of the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty.
Mountain Hua
One of the Five Great Mountains of China, renowned for its precipitousness. With steep mountain peaks and beautiful scenery, it is a paradise for mountain climbers. Climbing Mount Hua allows you to challenge yourself and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Hukou Falls of the Yellow River
Located at the border between Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, the Yellow River forms a spectacular waterfall here. With mighty waters and a sound like thunder, it is an excellent location to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River.
Yan'an
A sacred place of the Chinese revolution with abundant red tourism resources. Places such as Baota Mountain, Zaoyuan, and Yangjialing have witnessed the revolutionary journey led by the Communist Party of China, making them important sites for receiving education about the revolutionary tradition.
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