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Although it is world famous for the massive Terracotta Army, one of the great ancient wonders of the world, Xi’an’s history runs deeper than those 7,000 underground clay soldiers, installed to protect the tomb of China’s first Emperor. Xi’an was the ancient capital of China for more than 1,000 years serving eleven dynasties and is the origin of the Silk Road. Exports from Xi’an played a significant role in developing the ancient civilizations of India, Egypt, Persia, Arabia and Rome.
The Silk Road was not only a channel for Chinese goods to be exported to the West. It also became the route for Western ideas to enter China as part of an overall exchange. From India came Buddhism, as evidenced by Xi’an’s Big Goose Pagoda. Nestorian Christians left a precious 8th-century stone tablet currently held at the Beilin Museum. From Arabia came Islam, as evidenced by the Great Mosque and thriving Chinese Muslim community. This range of influences fostered a cosmopolitan community and enriched the local cuisine, most notably the delicious dumplings and noodles. History has never tasted so good.
xian HIGHLIGHTS
A selection a some of the many incredible experiences that await you
Custom Itineraries
Explore xian through the eyes of a local
There is an old Chinese saying “if you want to see the China of 100 years ago, visit Shanghai; for the China of 500 years ago, go to Beijing; but to see the roots of Chinese culture of 2,000 years ago, visit Xi’an.” As a cradle of Chinese civilisation, Xi’an is high on the bucket list for China-bound travelers.
We customize each of our itineraries based on your interests and traveling style. The itinerary below forms a base to start the conversation.
Luxury Accommodations
Xi'an and Chengdu are amongst the wealthiest and most historic of China's interior cities and both now offer high quality leisure and corporate properties.
Learn More
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel
The Sofitel Legend was groundbreaking when it launched in 2014, creating a residential, leisure-focused luxury hotel within a storied, heritage property. At the time, amongst secondary cities, only Hangzhou offered anything similar.
Ritz Carlton
Housed in a skyscraper outside the city center, this property boasts the city’s largest Executive Club. All 283 spacious rooms, each with a bathroom double sink, include motifs by local artisans and a carefully curated selection of ornaments.
Your Personal Traveling Concierge
Our China Hosts
Our China Hosts are part of what makes us unique; they help explain our success for over twenty years. Our China Hosts have been hand selected and expertly trained to provide you with the most unforgettable journey. From seamlessly ensuring flawless logistics, to deepening your cultural immersion, to effecting last minute adjustments, in the words of a guest, they take a trip "from excellence to perfection". Before you travel with us, it's hard to imagine what a China Host brings to the party. After, it's hard to imagine traveling without one.
suggested guide: ping
Fine Dining & Authentic Cuisine
Experience the finest in Chinese and Western cuisine
You may have come for the Terracotta Warriors, but you will stay for the noodles! From heavenly beef noodle soup to scrumptious spicy hot oil noodles, as well as beautifully roasted lamb dishes and specialty dishes unique to the long-standing Muslim community here, the city's food scene will not disappoint.
Demographics
- Formerly known as Chang’an (which means Eternal Peace)
- Capital of Shaanxi province.
- Population: 8.706 million (2015)
- Literal meaning of Xi’an: Western Peace
Brief History
- 221 - 206 BCE – The Qin Dynasty moves its capital to nearby Xianyang and the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang orders the construction of his Terracotta army
- 202 BCE – Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty establishes Chang’an as his capital city
- 194 BCE – Construction of the city wall begins
- 652 – Begin construction of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda begun by the monk Xuanzang
- 707 – Construction of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda begins
- 904 – Chang’an is destroyed at the end of the Tang Dynasty and residents are forced to move to Luoyang
- 1370 – A new city wall is built by the Ming Dynasty
- 1936 – During the Second Sino-Japanese War the Communist Party of China and the Nationalist Party of China combine forces against the Japanese as a result of the Xi’an Incident
- 1949 – The People’s Liberation Army captures the city of Xi’an from the Nationalist Party of China
Geography
- Located on the Guanzhong Plain, a flood plain created by eight surrounding rivers, the city is surrounded by the Qin Mountains to the south, the Wei River to the north and Hua Mountain - one of the five sacred Daoist mountains - to the east.
- Elevation: 400 m (1,312 ft)
- Main River: Wei River
- Total area coverage: 9,983 km2 (3,854 mi2)
Recommended Destinations
After your time spent exploring xian you may want to consider these other recommended destinations
Help Me Decide-
Beijing
The political, economic & intellectual heart of China for the last six hundred years, one of the most influential cities in the world.
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Chengdu
Home to the Great Panda, Sichuan cuisine & the location of the astonishing cultural relic "Sanxingdui".
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Hangzhou
Perennially decadent, forever elegant, this refined ancient capital epitomizes classical Chinese beauty and l’art de vivre.
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Huangshan
Black granite mountains pierce the swirling mists overlooking a region renowned for its ancient architecture.
