Xi'an Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Ancient Capital

Xi'an: A City of History and Modernity

Xi'an is a city I’m somewhat familiar with, having visited twice. While I’m not an expert on the city, my visits left a lasting impression.

My First Visit to Xi'an

The first time I went to Xi'an was after graduation. I was planning a graduation trip and decided to go with a couple of friends, one of whom was my roommate. Why do I remember this trip so vividly? Because it was my very first time on an airplane. The excitement and nervousness of that flight are still fresh in my mind. The sound of the cabin door closing marked the beginning of a new chapter, and the feeling of flying for the first time was unforgettable.

At the time, we didn’t own a car, so we relied on public transportation. Fortunately, Xi'an’s public transit system was well-developed, even though there were no subways at that time. Buses were still quite convenient.

Exploring Xi'an’s Historical Sites

Our first stop was the famous Terracotta Army. Standing in front of those ancient warriors, I was deeply moved. They weren’t just lifelike; they seemed to carry the essence of history with them. As we walked through the exhibition halls, each step felt like walking through the past. I also remember seeing many archaeologists carefully scraping the soil around the figures, their focused expressions filled me with quiet admiration. The patience they demonstrated was incredible, and it made me realize how much effort goes into preserving a civilization that has been dormant for thousands of years.

After visiting the Terracotta Army, we headed to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda stood tall and majestic, with the sound of eaves chimes gently filling the air. In the square, there was a statue of Tang Sanzang (the monk from Journey to the West). It was at that moment that I realized this was the starting point of Tang Sanzang’s legendary journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures. I suddenly felt that history was no longer confined to the pages of a textbook but was something tangible and real.

As evening fell, we wandered along the ancient city wall and eventually stopped at the Muslim Quarter. The area was alive with energy, brightly lit and bustling with people. The smell of cumin and roasted meat filled the air. We squeezed through the stalls, tasting lamb stew with bread and cold noodles—the flavors were rich and authentic. At that moment, I felt that taste had become a bridge connecting the past and present. A light breeze swept across the city wall, adding to the excitement in our hearts.

Photographed in 2011

The Second Visit to Xi'an

My second visit to Xi'an was in 2018, on my way to Lanzhou. I only had a few hours to spare, so I decided to stroll around the ancient city wall again. What impressed me most during this visit was the new Xi'an-Chengdu Railway. I took a high-speed train, passing through tunnels as the bright lights of the carriages contrasted with the dark, looming Qinling Mountains outside. It was surreal—just a few hours on the train and I had traveled across a thousand years of geography and time. This experience really highlighted China’s impressive infrastructure. The train moved swiftly, and the mountains unfolded like a scroll painting, showing how the pulse of Northwest and Southwest China is connected.

Xi'an's Strategic Location and Rich History

Xi'an is an amazing place to visit, and I’ve been thinking about living there for a year. Its location in Northwest China makes it an ideal base. It’s easy to travel east to Shanxi, west to Lanzhou, north to Inner Mongolia, and south to Sichuan. Further northwest, you can reach Xinjiang. Beyond Lanzhou, Qinghai is also easily accessible, and China’s natural landscapes are primarily found in the West.

For example, I’ve been to Qinghai twice, and the grandeur of the landscapes there is beyond words.

Xi'an is a city steeped in history. Its square layout is characteristic of ancient Chinese cities and reflects the power of the regimes that once ruled from there. Xi'an was the capital for thirteen dynasties, which is a testament to its importance in Chinese history.

A Blend of the Ancient and Modern

While Xi'an is famous for its ancient history, it is also a modern city with a comfortable pace of life. Unlike cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, Xi'an may not have towering skyscrapers, but it has a unique charm that blends tradition and modernity. The city has a strong sense of urban inclusiveness, offering both modern conveniences and deep historical roots. The High-tech Zone and the Tang Paradise complement each other perfectly, while shared bicycles flow freely beneath the ancient city walls—an example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.

My Impression of Xi'an

Overall, my impression of Xi'an is overwhelmingly positive. The city’s rich culture, combined with its modern amenities, makes it a place worth living in and exploring. That’s why I plan to spend a year there—exploring Xi'an and other parts of Shaanxi Province, such as Yan'an and Weinan. During my time there, I plan to update my website regularly with content, and I hope you’ll follow along.

A Great Destination for History Enthusiasts

If you’re interested in Chinese history and planning a trip to China, Xi'an is a must-visit city. It offers a unique opportunity to experience China’s past and present in one place.