Xi'an is located in the interior of China, in the central part of the Guanzhong Plain, with the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south. It has a temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, moderate rainfall, and an annual average temperature of about 13–14°C. Spring is warm and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn is cool and humid, and winter is dry, cold, and with little snow. Its unique geographical location makes it a transportation hub connecting the eastern and western parts of the country.
As the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi'an boasts a history of over 3,100 years as a city and more than 1,100 years as a capital. It is the starting point of the Silk Road, with world heritage sites such as the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda bearing witness to its splendor. The ancient city wall is well-preserved, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand in harmonious symmetry, and the city's central axis still follows the Tang Dynasty's urban layout—a perfect blend of antiquity and modernity.
Xi'an boasts a profound cultural heritage, with traditional arts such as Qinqiang opera and shadow puppetry thriving among the people. The local cuisine is dominated by wheat-based foods, with snacks like pita bread soaked in lamb and beef soup, meat buns in flatbread, and cold noodles enjoying nationwide popularity. The locals lead a leisurely pace of life, exercising at the foot of the city wall in the early morning, savoring delicacies on Muslim Street in the evening, and enjoying the brightly lit night markets, all brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.
Now Xi'an has developed into an international metropolis, with high-tech industries, aerospace, cultural tourism, and other sectors flourishing. As a core node city of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi'an's international influence continues to grow. In the future, it will be built into an international metropolis with historical and cultural characteristics, showcasing the new面貌 of China's ancient capital to the world.
The best time to visit 西安 is Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Xi’an. Spring has pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers everywhere, while summer is hot and crowded, and winter is dry and cold. Autumn offers cool weather with less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and historical site visits. In particular, April to May and September to October have the most comfortable climate.
Spring (March-May): Weather gradually warms up, with average temperatures around 10°C in March, 16°C in April, and 22°C in May. Recommended activities include visiting Qinglong Temple for cherry blossoms, Xingqing Palace Park for peonies, and climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda for a panoramic view. Note the large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket.
Autumn (September–November): The weather is crisp and cool. The average temperature is about 20°C in September, 14°C in October, and 7°C in November. It is recommended to join the Xi’an City Wall Autumn Marathon or the Double Ninth Festival climbing activities, visit Huaqing Palace to appreciate the red leaves, and experience the autumn charm of the ancient capital.
King Wen and King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty established Fengjing and Haojing near Xi'an, marking the beginning of Xi'an as a capital city.
Recommended places to visit
The eighth wonder of the world, thousands of terracotta warriors are lifelike.
Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture, the place where Master Xuanzang translated scriptures.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and thousands of terracotta warriors showcase the military power of the Qin Dynasty.
As the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an is home to numerous historical sites along the route, such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
One of China's oldest operas, characterized by its high-pitched and passionate style, popular in the northwestern region.
The court drum music handed down from the Sui and Tang dynasties is hailed as a living fossil of ancient Chinese music.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is the seventh largest aviation hub in China, located about 40 kilometers from the city center. It has extensive domestic and international routes, such as those to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, as well as Tokyo and Paris. Travelers can reach the city center via Metro Line 14, airport shuttle buses, or taxis.
Economy class one-way domestic 300-1000 yuan
Xi'an has four major railway stations: Xi'an Station (city center), Xi'an North Station (high-speed rail), Xi'an South Station, and Epang Palace Station. The high-speed rail network is well-developed, taking about 4.5 hours to Beijing and 6 hours to Shanghai. The high-speed rail station offers seamless transfers with Metro Lines 2 and 4.
The second-class seat for high-speed rail from Xi'an to Beijing is about 515 yuan.
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
The most classic staple food in Xi'an, crumbled baked bread added to stewed beef or lamb and vermicelli, with rich and flavorful broth.
Marinated pork is stuffed into freshly baked white sesame flatbread, creating a crispy bun with fragrant meat that is rich but not greasy.
Qin Shi Huang established the capital at Xianyang (near present-day Xi'an), unified the six kingdoms, and built the Terracotta Army.
Zhang Qian set out from Chang'an, opening the Silk Road, and Xi'an became the starting point.
The Tang Dynasty made Chang'an its capital, and Chang'an became the largest city in the world at that time.
When farmers were digging a well in Lintong, they discovered the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, stunning the world.
The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall still existing in China.
The museum has a rich collection, showcasing the finest artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties.
Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring palace, the bathing place of Yang Guifei.
Xi'an Metro operates 8 lines, covering major scenic spots and transportation hubs, with fares ranging from 2 to 8 yuan. The bus network is dense, with a fare of 2 yuan, and some routes offer discounts with the Chang'antong Card. Taxis have a starting fare of 8.5 yuan, and ride-hailing services are convenient.
Metro single trip 2-8 yuan
Steamed with flour or rice batter, cut into strips, and mixed with vinegar, chili oil, and shredded cucumber for a cold dish—sour, spicy, and refreshing.
Wide, belt-like hand-pulled noodles, mixed with oil-splashed chili, garlic paste, vinegar, and more, have a chewy texture.
A traditional dessert steamed with glutinous rice and red dates, vibrant in color, sweet but not greasy.