General Introduction
Xian was called Chang An in ancient China. It is located in the northwest of China. It is one of the most famous ancient capitals of China. It is also one of the cradles of the ancient Chinese civilization. Serving as ancient capitals city of ancient dynasties for more than 1,000 years, Xian was endowed with grand historical relics and cultural heritage. Nowadays, Xian is the economic, cultural, political and educational center of Shaanxi province and western China. It is one of a must-see city for foreign tourists and visitors. Most people spend two or three days in the city to explore the long history and rich relics of China. Major sight spots in Xian are Army of Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Big Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum.
Xian Transportation
Xian is an important transportation hub in center China. One can reach Xian by bus, trains and flights. There are many bus stations within the city. The long distance Bus Station is located opposite the Xian Train Station. Other bus stations are East Bus Station and West Bus Station. There are many buses traveling between the spots sites.
Xian Train Station is well connected to the other cities of China. There are many deluxe Z-trains running between Beijing and Xian. Train ticket is about 417 yuan from Beijing to Xian. Besides the Z-trains, there are also many express trains take the journey.
XianXianyang Airport is one of the biggest airports in China. It is also one of the best connected in China. Located in 41km the northwest of Xian City, Tourists can fly to most major cities in China, as well as some international destinations. There are daily flights from and to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Urumqi.
What to See in Xian
Xian is one of the top tourist cities in China. It is also a famous city in the world. Xian is rich in historical sites and cultural relics. There are thousands of people from all walks of life coming to Xian to experience this ancient city. Top attractions in Xian are Terracotta Warriors and Horses, City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum. Among all the attractions in Xian, Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a must-see attraction in Xian. It was the mausoleum of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang in Qin Dynasty. It was discovered by some peasants who wanted to dig a well nearby the tomb in 1974. Covering an area of 16,300 square meters, Terracotta Warriors and Horses can be divided into three pits: No. 1 Pit, No.2 Pit and No.3 Pit. The No.1 Pit is the first opening to the public on China’s National Day, 1979. It is also the largest pit.
When to Go Xian
Located in the center of China, Xian has continental monsoon climate. Summer is hot and wet while the winter is dry and cold. It is a little rainy in spring and autumn. Although it is a little rainy in spring, it is the best time to do some outdoor activity and travelling for its warm and pleasant sunshine. Autumn is cool and a good time for visiting Xian. October is the high season for travelling in Xian.
Where to Stay in Xian
Xian is a famous tourist city in China and the world. Hotels in Xian are as modern as other tourist cities. There are hundreds of hotels in Xian and around. Here are some of the popular hotels in Xian:
Five Star Hotels:
Terra Cotta Warriors Apartments Hyatt Regency Sofitel Hotel Xian Sheraton Xian Hotel
Golden Flower Xian Hotel Shangri La Hotel Xian, Grand Park Xian Empark Grand Hotel
Four Star Hotels:
Bell Tower Hotel Xian Grand New World Hotel Xian Tianyi Commercial Hotel Xian
Aurum International Hotel Xian Xian Garden Hotel Xian Hotel Grand Noble Hotel
Three Star Hotels:
Melody Hotel Xian Xian City Hotel Shaanxi Wenyuan Hotel Xian
Canaan International Hotel Hanguanmen Hotel Xian Dynasty Hotel Xian Skytel Hoetl
What to Eat in Xian
Xian cuisine belongs to Shaanxi cuisine. Shaanxi cuisine is a representative cuisine of northwest China. The cooking skills of Shaanxi cuisine are including Tun (deep-fry), Qiang (fry quickly in hot oil, then cook with sauce and water), Chao (stir-fry), Zheng (cook by use of steam), Dun (braise) and so on. According to the geographical locations, Shaanxi cuisine can be divided into three parts including Guanzhong cuisine, Shannan cuisine and Shanbei cuisine. Famous dishes in Xian are dumplings, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, Cold Noodles and Roujiamo. Beside the dishes, there are many local snacks in Xian. Liangpi, Roujiamo are tiypical of them. You will find most of the snacks in Huimin Street which is a Moslem street.