Things to do in Xian

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All about Xian

When to visit

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Xian, when the temperatures are cool, and activities like riding bikes around the city walls and touring the Terracotta Warriors are enjoyable. In the summer the heat is stifling, which can make such things to do uncomfortable. Winter brings chilly temperatures and often hazy days. But if you’re on a budget, summer and winter might be good options, since prices generally drop at these times.

Getting around

Taxis, city buses, and the subway are all great ways to get around greater Xian. The buses and subways are cheap, and taxis aren’t too costly, either. You also can rent a bike to ride around the ancient city walls, which makes for some great photo opportunities. If you’re inside the city, walking is a good option, especially in the Muslim Quarter. Keep your valuables safe no matter how you travel, though, as Xian is known for crafty pickpockets.

Traveler tips

Make sure to come to Xian hungry. One of its most famous dishes is a slow roasted pork belly sandwich, called rou jia mo—also known as a Chinese hamburger. You can find this dish all over the city. Order the fatty option for the most flavor. Also, don’t miss a taste of the cumin-coated lamb kabobs in the Muslim Quarter, or splurge on a whole roasted leg of lamb for the table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xian famous for?

Once the capital of China, Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Warriors, an army of thousands of clay figures buried alongside China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It’s also known for its 40-foot (12-meter) city walls, its vibrant Muslim Quarter, the Tomb of Emperor Jing Di, and elegant pagodas and temples.

How many days do you need in Xian?

Between tombs, temples, mosques, pagodas, museums, the city walls, the hot springs, the Terracotta Warriors, and the delicious street eats, it would be easy to spend a week in Xi’an. Most travelers manage to hit the highlights—the walls, the warriors, the Muslim Quarter, and the main downtown sights and museums—in 2–3 days.

What are two interesting sites in Xian?

The most famous site in Xi’an is the Terracotta Warriors Museum: open pits display the warriors still standing proud as when they were first interred. But the 14th-century Xi’an City Wall, stretching 8 miles (14 kilometers) around Xi’an’s old city, is truly impressive, whether you’re hiking or biking.

Is Xian worth visiting?

Yes. The Terracotta Warriors are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city itself holds UNESCO status. Xi’an marked the eastern end of the historic Silk Road so inside those historic city walls nestles a fascinating and diverse culture that’s particularly noticeable in the Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque.

What language do they speak in Xian?

Everyone in Xi’an speaks standard Mandarin Chinese, the official language of China: it is too far north for Cantonese to be useful. You may also hear local dialects, particularly Guanzhong dialect, but travelers are not expected to understand these.

How do you pronounce Xian?

In Chinese, “x” makes a sound similar to “sh”. “Xi” in Xi’an is pronounced like the name of President Xi, which sounds similar to the English pronoun “she”. The “an” has a long “a” as in the “ah” sound. So you pronounce Xi’an “She-Ahn”.

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