Due to its status as the longest-running capital in ancient China and for giving birth to most dynasties, Xi'an, with a history of over 3,000 years, has had a deep impact on the life and culture of the country.
Home to the Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, bīng mǎ yǒng), Xi'an enjoys a reputation as a "Living History Museum" due to its rich, diverse collection of historical and cultural treasures.
If you are planning a tour of Xi'an taking less than 3 days, you'll want to hit all the highlights. Check out these recommended attractions, which we think best capture the spirit of the ancient city.
1. The Terracotta Army (兵马俑, bīng mǎ yǒng)
The Terracotta Army is not just China's premier historical attraction, it is one of the most significant archeological finds in the world and one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.
Discovered in 1974, the army of Terracotta Warriors was constructed by China's First Emperor Qinshihuang (秦始皇, qín shǐ huáng) of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC). It is a collection of thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots (士兵、战马和战车, shì bīng、zhàn mǎ hé zhàn chē) in battle formation, showing the emperor's armies in full splendor.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum consists of three vaults and an exhibition hall: Vault One (一号坑, yī hào kēng), Vault Two (二号坑, èr hào kēng), Vault Three (三号坑, sān hào kēng) and the Exhibition Hall of the Bronze Chariots (铜车马展厅, tóng chē mǎ zhǎn tīng). Of the three pits, Pit 1 is the largest and the most impressive, with over 6,000 terracotta figures in total and fewer than 2,000 on regular display. Each figure differs in facial features and expressions, clothing, hairstyle and also body position. Through this exquisite detail, people can get great insight into the history, military development and culture of ancient China in that period.
2. Ancient City Wall (古城墙, gǔ chéng qiáng)
Xi'an City Wall was built in the 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang (皇帝朱元璋, huáng dì zhū yuán zhāng), the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas. When you take a stroll or cycle on the massive wall, you can enjoy a good view of the city, the moat and the watchtowers.
3. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔, dà yàn tǎ)
One of China's most famous Buddhist pagodas, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for the study of Buddhist scriptures. One of the main functions of the pagoda was to store sutras and figurines brought to China from India by the famous monk and traveler Xuan Zang (玄奘, xuán zàng), who stayed here for 19 years translating Buddhist scriptures (翻译佛经, fān yì fó jīng).
Situated in Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺, dà cí ēn sì), the pagoda was built with layers of bricks and has a grand structure that gives it a solemn appearance. It is exemplary of traditional Chinese architecture (中国传统建筑的典范, zhōng guó chuán tǒng jiàn zhù de diǎn fàn).
4. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆, shǎn xī lì shǐ bó wù guǎn)
The Shaanxi History Museum is home to over 370,000 precious relics (文物, wén wù) unearthed in Shaanxi over the years. Its collections range from bronze wares (青铜器, qīng tóng qì) to pottery figures (陶俑, táo yǒng), gold and silverwares (金银器, jīn yín qì) and mural paintings (壁画, bì huà) from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) tombs. Among its precious collections, 18 pieces have been listed as national treasures (国宝, guó bǎo).
Serving as the capital of China for 13 dynasties (十三朝古都, shí sān cháo gǔ dū), Xi'an is endowed with numerous historical sites and relics.
The museum consists of three main sections, displayed chronologically from primitive eras to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
5. The Muslim Quarter (回民街, huí mín jiē)
Another highlight when touring Xi'an is its local snacks (小吃, xiǎo chī), and the best food destination is the Muslim Quarter.
Consisting of a number of food streets, the area has become a famous attraction in the city for its rich and authentic Muslim cultural atmosphere. Taking a stroll along the Muslim Quarter, you could find unending lines for various restaurants and food stalls (小吃摊, xiǎo chī tān), where you can get a taste of the culture of the Hui ethnic group (回族, huí zú) that lives there. Remember to get a bowl of pita bread soaked in lamb soup (羊肉泡馍, yáng ròu pào mó). And don't forget to save some room for the roujiamo meat sandwich (肉夹馍, ròu jiā mó), a signature snack of Xi'an. It is a handy delicacy to eat on the go as you rush to your next destination.
