Xi'an
Walkable city walls, a famed earthenware army
and a cultural melting pot
With the Weihe River to the north and the protective Qinling Mountains to the south, Xi’an has a long and proud history. As the capital of at least a dozen imperial dynasties spanning more than a thousand years, it’s home to hundreds of palaces and temples.
A visit to Xi’an Banpo Museum proves that even the terracotta army, which dates from the third century BC, is a relative newcomer. Wander among objects that were unearthed by archaeologists from a Neolithic village where the city now stands. The looming seventh-century Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the iconic Drum and Bell Towers will give you a sense of the city’s former imperial power, while the Great Mosque of Xi’an is yet another reminder of its status as a medieval trading crossroads.
Strolling along the imposing city wall that wraps around the oldest part of the centre – the most complete structure of its kind in China – is the best way to appreciate one of the largest remaining medieval defence systems in the world. But Xi’an is not only about the past – it’s a thriving modern metropolis. Radiating out from the central Bell Tower, East, West, North and South Streets are all wide boulevards lined with glittering shopping malls and contemporary restaurants.
If you’re looking for bargains and handicrafts, you might prefer the night market of Beiyuanmen Street. This is also the place to enjoy Muslim-influenced street food like grilled lamb in pitta bread, a continent-spanning Xi’an speciality that reflects its cosmopolitan nature as much as any grand monument.
Our hotel in Xi'an
Discover also
Beijing
Skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old temples on the broad boulevards of the Chinese capital. A new creative culture thrives along hútòng alleys, while world-class dining and high-end shopping define modern life in the
Dongguan
An intriguing blend of laid-back charm and pulsating energy, Dongguan sits on the Pearl River Delta. The catalyst for the Opium Wars is fast becoming an eco-destination, thanks to the necklace of greenery wrapped around its heart.
Foshan
With a seamless blend of modern energy and ancient customs, Foshan is a 21st-century powerhouse backed by 5,000 years of history. As well as being the city of Bruce Lee, it’s also home to rich musical and creative traditions.
Guangzhou
As a bright star in China’s economic boom, many people come to Guangzhou on business, but return to explore its traditional shopping streets and incense-infused temples, or sample Cantonese yum cha eateries at their best.
Jinan
Jinan is known for its artesian wells, many of which are set in serene parks, but it’s also a gateway to China’s spiritual heartland. The home of Confucius and the country’s most sacred mountain are close to the “City of
Pingdu
A gateway to scenic wildlife areas and mountain trails, manufacturing hub Pingdu lies at the heart of Shandong’s productive agricultural belt, so it’s no surprise that residents enjoy fine teas and cuisine using local
Qingdao
The thought of Qingdao brings beer and beaches to mind, but scratch beneath the surface of this Yellow Sea resort, and you’ll find delicate cuisine featuring locally caught seafood, cute colonial streets and revered mountains.
Shanghai
A thriving cultural, culinary and commercial centre, Shanghai is the engine room of China’s economic boom. The pulsating metropolis is a place where ancient sites like Jing’an Temple sit comfortably beside ultra-modern towers.
Shenzhen
A new economic powerhouse with an eye to the future, Shenzhen has risen at breakneck speed beside the Pearl River. Peep behind the gloss to rediscover a city that continues to cherish its Buddhist heritage and Cantonese cuisine.
Wuhan
The capital of Hubei province, Wuhan draws crowds with its Yellow Crane Tower, a replica of the Qing-era marvel, but hidden wonders await in this huge city.
Xiamen
While well known for the Nanputuo Temple and its verdant gardens, along with the historic Hulishan Cannon Fort, the cosmopolitan oasis of Xiamen is fast becoming popular for its blend of beachside charm and modern city living.
Zhengzhou
Tree-lined avenues and restaurants serving Henanese cuisine set the tone for modern Zhengzhou. Yet kung fu and Bronze Age artefacts also come to mind when you think of the city, with its Shaolin temple and ancient ruins located
Ürümqi
Central Asia and China are juxtaposed in Ürümqi’s lively bazaars and shopping malls, Silk Road ruins and modern skyscrapers, and its minarets and pagodas. Uyghur heritage lends the city and its cuisine a unique flavour.
