Xi'an

In depth

Xi'an, formerly known as Chang'an, is the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, with a history of over 3,100 years as a city and a capital of over 1,100 years. As one of the world's four great ancient civilizations, this was once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, with historical sites scattered everywhere, making the entire city like a "living museum."
When coming to Xi'an, the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang is a must-visit destination. This "Qin Dynasty underground legion from two thousand years ago" is hailed as the world's eighth wonder, with thousands of pottery figurines of various faces arrayed in formation, creating a magnificent atmosphere. The Xi'an City Wall is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, with a total length of about 13.7 kilometers. At dusk, climb the city wall, rent a bicycle, and watch the sunset dye the blue bricks gold, feeling the intertwining of history on one side and modernity on the other. When the city lights first come on, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the city center shine in golden splendor, telling the story of over six hundred years of change.
Xi'an is a city that can make you "instantly enter Tang China." As night falls, the Tang Dynasty All-Night City shines with dazzling lights. Tang-style buildings and plaques inscribed with Tang poetry complement each other, and visitors dressed in Tang costumes weave through the area, as if transported back to the flourishing Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands quietly, bearing witness to the legendary story of Master Xuanzang's journey westward to obtain the scriptures.
The bustling atmosphere of Xi'an's everyday life is equally captivating. On Hui Street, the air is filled with the enticing aromas of grilled lamb skewers, beef and lamb paomo, roujiamo, and cold noodles. Step into Yongxingfang, and you can taste authentic flavors from all over Shaanxi in just one street. In addition, Xi'an has 163 museums of various types, including the Shaanxi History Museum and the Beilin Museum, making it a "natural museum" with a rich cultural heritage.
Xi'an's charm lies in making its buried history tangible. It combines the profound heritage of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties with the vibrant and lively modern lifestyle—a city worth savoring.