Sitting high in north-west China, Xi'an served as an ancient capital for 13 imperial dynasties and marks the eastern end of the "Silk Road", so there's a wealth of history and culture to soak up. You can feel dwarfed by the mighty Terracotta Army, wander around Ming Dynasty temples and eat your way through some of China's best street food.

Things to do

Xi'an's Terracotta Army is one of the most iconic archaeological sites on the planet. In addition to the thousands of life-size warriors, it features cavalry horses and chariots. The army was built by over 700,000 craftsmen and has been watching over the tomb of China's first emperor for two millennia.

A fantastic way to get your bearings is with a walk around the Xi'an City Walls. Built in 1370, the 12-metre-high barricade dates back to the Ming Dynasty. A leisurely stroll should take around four hours with a stop for lunch along the way.

Big Goose Pagoda is Xi'an’s most-recognised landmark, built to house ancient Buddhist sutras brought back from India. Today it's one of China’s finest examples of a Tang Era pagoda. Visit in the evening to enjoy the fountain show in the Pagoda Square.

Xi'an serves up some of China's best street food. The city is a cultural melting pot, which means you can find everything from sticky Cantonese beef to spicy Sichuan noodles. Food tours and cooking classes are a great way to discover Xi'an's flourishing food scene.

Getting around

One of the easiest ways to get around Xi'an is on a tourist bus. They depart from the main train station and whisk passengers to the city's top sights and attractions. The city is also serviced by local buses and a two-line metro system.