- China Destination Guide

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China Destination Guide - Xian

Many centuries ago Xian was once the fabled Chang An - a thriving city of Emperors, soldiers, art and culture and capital of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as a golden period in Chinese history. It was also one of the world's great trading cities being both the beginning and end of the fabled Silk Road. It is all this history that people come to see today and Xian still has much in evidence of this glorious past including one of China's most famous sights - the breathtaking Terracotta Army.

What there is to see...

The Terracotta Army is arguably one of China's main tourist attractions and deservedly so.
The Han Yangling Mausoleum which opened in 2006 and is China's first underground museum is a must see - yet seen by so few to date. A world class museum and much less crowded than the Terracotta Army.
The City Wall is largely rebuilt but gives an impression of the original scale of this city.
The Drum and Bell Towers marking night and day respectively.
The Muslim Quarter for it's vibrant street life and excellent West China food options.
The Big Goose Pagoda built in AD 652 to house the Buddhist sutras brought back from India.

Tours we offer that include Xian

click for more information on our China small group tour GT-01

click for more information on our China small group tour GT-02

click for more information on our China small group tour GT-03

click for more information on our China self-guided adventure SG-01

click for more information on our China self-guided adventure SG-02

click for more information on our China self-guided adventure SG-03

click for more information on our China self-guided adventure SG-04

click for more information on our China self-guided adventure SG-05

click for more information on our China Tailor Made tours

Best time to Visit Xian

In the spring from April to May and autumn's September and October are the best months. Winters are cold but exceptionally dry and bright and the summers are hot and humid but without the excessive rain found over much of China during the summer months.

Best reason to visit Xian

It has to be the Terra Cotta Army despite the city's numerous other attractions. Add to that the fact that Xian is a logical stop on almost all trips through China, has good hotels and offers the traveller a different experience from Beijing or Shanghai and you will struggle for a reason to leave it out of a China itinerary.

Our last word on Xian

You will see that Xian is included in many itineraries below and the reason is simple - it is well worth a stopover of a night or two. So, slip into Silk Road mode, read up on the glories of the Tang Dynasty and make Xian a stop on your China travels as you will not regret it.