Written by
Anthony
Xi’an, historically known as Chang’an, is the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals.
Situated on the Guanzhong Plain, it serves as a major cultural, industrial, and educational hub in Northwest China.
With a population of over 13 million, Xi’an is the third most populous city in Western China.
It is renowned as the starting point of the Silk Road and the home of the Terracotta Army, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The city boasts a rich history, having served as the capital for 13 dynasties, and is now a vibrant center for research, education, and tourism.
If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Xi’an Travel Guide.
| Category | Detail | Category | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Names | Chang’an, Haojing, Daxing, Xijing | Administrative Code | 610100 |
| Administrative Level | Prefecture-level City | Region | Northwest China, Central Yellow River Basin, Guanzhong Plain |
| Area | 10,108 km² | Population | 13.17 million (as of 2024) |
| Subdistricts | 11 urban districts, 2 counties | Climate | Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate |
| Government Office | 109 Fengcheng 8th Road, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province | Famous Attractions | Terracotta Army Museum, Huaqing Palace, Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Phone Area Code | 029 | Airport | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Postal Code | 710000 | Train Stations | Xi’an Station, Xi’an North Station, Xi’an East Station, etc. |
| License Plate | Shaanxi A, Shaanxi U | GDP | 1,331.78 billion CNY (as of 2024) |
| Coordinates | 107°40′E ~ 109°49′E, 33°42′N ~ 34°45′N | Per Capita GDP | 101,485 CNY (as of 2024) |
| City Flower & Tree | Pomegranate Flower & State-Owned Locust Tree | Ethnic Groups | Han, Hui, Manchu, etc. |
| Language | Mandarin Chinese, Guanzhong Dialect | Higher Education Institutions | Xi’an Jiaotong University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi Normal University, etc. |
Xi’an, known as the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties and a key city on the Belt and Road, has developed a vibrant tourism sector characterized by deep historical roots and strong innovation.
The city welcomed 306 million visitors in 2024, with total tourism revenue reaching 376 billion yuan, making tourism a core economic driver.
World-class heritage sites like the Terracotta Army, City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda attract millions, while cultural innovation, such as immersive shows and night-time attractions, boost engagement and visitor satisfaction.
New industries, including digital tourism, themed accommodation, and wellness travel, are thriving, reflecting a diverse tourism ecosystem.
With technology integration and creative experiences, Xi’an continues to strengthen its position as a top international tourism destination.
Xi’an cuisine is deeply rooted in the city’s ancient heritage, blending hearty northern flavors with diverse ethnic influences.
It is renowned for its wheat-based staples, rich use of beef and lamb, and a balance of sour, spicy, and savory tastes.
Signature dishes include crispy-skinned Hulutou chicken, chewy Shaanxi cold noodles, and aromatic lamb or beef stew with crumbled flatbread.
Street food thrives in lively markets, where locals enjoy strong-flavored breakfasts, robust noodles for lunch, and grilled meats or sweet treats at night.
Food traditions are shaped by both imperial banquets and folk customs, with seasonal specialties and festival foods reflecting Xi’an’s vibrant, inclusive culinary legacy.
Xi’an has a vast and distinctive system of intangible cultural heritage, rooted in its ancient history as a capital.
By 2024, the city’s catalog includes one world-class, twelve national, 123 provincial, and 229 municipal heritage projects.
These span traditional music, opera, handicrafts, folk customs, and culinary arts, reflecting a rich blend of living traditions.
Xi’an Drum Music, listed by UNESCO, is celebrated as an “ancient music fossil” from the Tang dynasty.
Qinqiang opera and the production techniques for signature dishes like beef and mutton paomo are also national treasures.
Crafts such as olive pit carving and folk tiger embroidery enhance the city’s creative landscape.
Efforts to preserve and promote these traditions include museums, digital archives, and educational programs.
Heritage tourism and local engagement have helped these practices thrive and remain a vital part of the city’s identity.
During the Western Zhou Dynasty, Xi’an was known as “Fenghao,” referring to the twin capitals Fengjing and Haojing, built by King Wen and King Wu of Zhou.
In 202 BCE, Emperor Liu Bang of the Western Han Dynasty renamed the city “Chang’an,” meaning “eternal peace.”
In 9 CE, Emperor Wang Mang briefly renamed it “Chang’an” with a different character, meaning “constant peace.”
In 582 CE, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty founded a new capital southeast of Han Chang’an, naming it “Daxing.”
The Tang Dynasty later renamed Daxing to “Chang’an” again.
Under the Yuan Dynasty, the city was successively called Jingzhao Prefecture, Anxi Route, and Fengyuan Route.
In 1369, the Ming Dynasty officially named it “Xi’an,” which remains its name today.
The official city tree of Xi’an is the Chinese scholar tree (Sophora japonica), officially designated in August 1986 by the city government.
Every year, Xi’an holds a week dedicated to protecting city trees and flowers, encouraging public care and appreciation.
The city flower is the pomegranate blossom, celebrated for its vivid color and abundant petals, symbolizing good fortune, longevity, and family prosperity.
Pomegranate flowers are admired for both their ornamental blooms and the fruit they produce, with 5–7 petals and both single and double varieties.
The many seeds of the pomegranate represent fertility and thriving communities, echoing Xi’an’s hopes for growth and harmony.
1,000,000 years ago: Lantian Man lived in the Xi’an area, marking early human activity.
Western Zhou Dynasty (~11th century BCE): The capitals Fengjing and Haojing were built here, collectively known as Fenghao.
221 BCE: Qin Shi Huang unified China; the area came under centralized imperial control.
202 BCE: Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty, made Chang’an the capital, beginning Xi’an’s role as a political center.
8 CE: Wang Mang renamed Chang’an to Chang’an with a new character, establishing the short-lived Xin Dynasty.
582 CE: Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty built Daxing City, which would become Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an.
618 CE: Tang Dynasty founded in Daxing, renamed Chang’an, becoming a flourishing imperial capital.
756 CE: An Lushan Rebellion led to the temporary loss of Chang’an.
907–1279 CE: During the Five Dynasties and Song periods, Xi’an (then called Jingzhao or Xijing) remained a key regional hub.
1279 CE: Renamed Anxi Route under the Yuan Dynasty; later changed to Fengyuan Route.
1369 CE: Ming Dynasty established the name “Xi’an,” which has remained ever since.
1643–1645 CE: Li Zicheng captured the city; Qing Dynasty restored the name Xi’an.
1928 CE: Xi’an was briefly established as a city under the Republic of China; upgraded to a centrally governed city in 1947.
1949 CE: Xi’an was liberated and became part of the People’s Republic of China.
1954 CE: Xi’an was designated as a provincial city under Shaanxi Province.
1984–2024 CE: Xi’an was named a sub-provincial city, inland open city, and eventually a national central city per major government planning strategies.
Xi’an is located in northwestern China, on the central Guanzhong Plain within the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin.
It lies between 107°40′ to 109°49′ east longitude and 33°42′ to 34°45′ north latitude.
To the east, it borders Weinan and Shangluo cities, separated by the Ling River and Bayuan Mountains.
To the west, it adjoins Meixian and Taibai counties, marked by the Taibai Mountains and loess terraces.
The southern boundary stretches to the Qinling Mountains, connecting with Foping, Ningqiang, and Zhashui counties.
To the north, it extends to the Weihe River, facing cities and counties like Xianyang, Yangling, Sanyuan, and Jingyang.
The city spans 204 kilometers from east to west and 116 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 10,108 square kilometers.
Xi’an has a warm temperate, semi-humid continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons.
Winters are cold with little wind and frequent smog, but rare snow or rain.
Spring is warm and dry, often windy with rapidly changing conditions.
Summers are hot and rainy, with periods of intense drought, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Autumns are cool and crisp with quick temperature drops and noticeable rainfall.
The annual average temperature ranges from 13.5°C to 14.9°C.
January is the coldest month (–1.2°C to 0.7°C), and July is the hottest (26.9°C to 27.8°C).
Annual precipitation ranges from 506.1 mm to 690.3 mm, peaking in July and September.
Annual sunshine hours range between 1,679.9 and 2,062.6 hours.
| Month | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Extreme High (Date) | Extreme Low (Date) | Avg AQI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | 24°C | 14°C | 31°C (Apr 26) | 9°C (Apr 5) | 85 |
| May 2024 | 29°C | 18°C | 38°C (May 24) | 11°C (May 4) | 59 |
| June 2024 | 33°C | 22°C | 40°C (Jun 13) | 15°C (Jun 2) | 56 |
| July 2024 | 31°C | 24°C | 37°C (Jul 21) | 20°C (Jul 3) | 43 |
| August 2024 | 34°C | 25°C | 39°C (Aug 25) | 20°C (Aug 11) | 50 |
| September 2024 | 32°C | 22°C | 39°C (Sep 8) | 12°C (Sep 30) | 53 |
| October 2024 | 21°C | 12°C | 28°C (Oct 9) | 6°C (Oct 22) | 71 |
| November 2024 | 14°C | 7°C | 19°C (Nov 10) | -2°C (Nov 25) | 74 |
| December 2024 | 8°C | 0°C | 17°C (Dec 1) | -3°C (Dec 22) | 85 |
| January 2025 | 8°C | 0°C | 14°C (Jan 5) | -6°C (Jan 26) | 119 |
| February 2025 | 9°C | 2°C | 16°C (Feb 15) | 0°C (Feb 3) | 98 |
| March 2025 | 17°C | 7°C | 30°C (Mar 24) | 1°C (Mar 16) | 94 |
Xi’an spans two major geological units: the Qinling Geosyncline Fold Belt to the south and the North China Platform to the north.
About 130 million years ago, the Yanshan Movement created a major fault line through the city.
Since the late Tertiary period (around 3 million years ago), the southern Qinling region experienced intense tectonic uplift, forming the Qinling Mountains.
Meanwhile, the Weihe Graben to the north continued to subside, gradually shaping the Weihe Plain through aeolian loess deposits and river sedimentation.
Xi’an’s exposed strata include the Archaean, Proterozoic, Cambrian–Ordovician, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Tertiary periods, with the Quaternary system—formed within the last 2.5 million years—covering about 65% of the region.
Xi’an’s landforms include plains, loess terraces, hills, and mountains, forming a landscape that slopes from high in the south to low in the north.
The Qinling Mountains stretch across the southern region, peaking at Mount Taibai (3,771.2 meters), the tallest mountain in central China.
The Weihe Plain lies to the north, with elevations between 400 and 700 meters, while the Weihe riverbed drops to 345 meters at its lowest point.
The urban area is built on the second terrace of this plain.
Loess terraces cover parts of Lintong, Lantian, and Chang’an, with major examples like Bailuyuan and Shaolingyuan.
Hills mainly appear in Lantian.
Mountainous areas, including the Qinling range and Lishan, make up nearly 49% of Xi’an’s land.
Xi’an is historically known as the city of “Eight Rivers Encircling Chang’an,” with a dense river network including 55 major rivers such as the Weihe, Jing, Ba, Chan, Feng, Yu, Hei, and Lao Rivers.
Most rivers flow northward into the Weihe Plain.
The Heihe, Ba, and Feng Rivers each have drainage areas exceeding 1,000 square kilometers and together account for over 82% of the city’s total watershed area.
Xi’an’s estimated groundwater reserves total 1.991 billion cubic meters.
As of July 2022, Xi’an had 83 reservoirs and 8 ponds, with 95% being small-scale.
The Heihe Water Project and the Han-to-Weihe Water Diversion significantly boost Xi’an’s water supply, benefiting over 14 million people.
Xi’an’s soil composition is divided into two main zones: the Weihe Plain in the north features loessal and cinnamon soils, while the southern Qinling Mountains are dominated by brown and dark brown soils.
A comprehensive soil survey identified 12 major soil types and 181 soil varieties across the city.
Loessal soil, the most important for agriculture, covers 18.9% of the land.
Brown soils account for 16.18%, while dark brown soils occupy 32.17%, mostly in mountainous areas.
Other soil types include paddy soil, red clay, purple soil, meadow soil, newly deposited soil, swamp soil, and subalpine meadow soil, each contributing to the city’s rich agricultural diversity.
Xi’an’s diverse ecosystems are largely preserved due to the absence of glacial coverage during the Quaternary period.
The Qinling Mountains host ancient relict species such as ginkgo, Tetracentron, and Chinese tulip tree.
Vegetation varies by elevation, including alpine shrubs, coniferous forests, mixed forests, and deciduous broadleaf forests.
The city is home to 2,224 species of wild plants across 138 families and 681 genera, making it a key seed plant gene bank in China.
Forests are mainly concentrated in the Qinling region, with Zhouzhi County alone covering over 55% of the city’s forest land.
Wildlife includes 55 mammal species and 177 bird species, such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and golden pheasants.
As of July 2020, Xi’an hosts five nature reserves, including three national and two provincial-level sites.
These areas focus on protecting rare wildlife such as golden monkeys, giant pandas, and Schizothorax fish, as well as birds and critical habitats.
Key reserves include Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve and Heihe Rare Aquatic Wildlife Reserve.
Zhouzhi Reserve, established in 1982, spans over 900,000 mu and is dedicated to golden monkey conservation.
The reserve features dense forests with over 90% coverage and rich vegetation like poplars and bamboo preferred by native species.
These protected zones have significantly improved biodiversity, with rising populations of rare animals like takins and pandas.
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province and a national central city, follows a “multi-core and clustered” administrative model.
It governs 11 urban districts, 2 counties, and 1 state-level new area—Xixian New Area.
Core districts like Xincheng, Beilin, and Lianhu represent historic and economic centers, while peripheral areas such as Chang’an and Lintong host universities and major tourist sites.
The counties, Lantian and Zhouzhi, focus on agriculture and ecological preservation.
Xixian New Area, partially managed by Xi’an, drives innovation and international trade.
Its five sub-zones develop industries like AI and logistics, while also conserving cultural relics and ecological corridors.
This integrated system enables Xi’an to balance heritage preservation with modern urban development.
As the most populous city in Northwest China, Xi’an had a permanent population of 13.17 million by the end of 2024.
Its registered population reached 10.75 million, ranking among the top ten in China.
The city added 89,400 people over the past year, continuing a decade-long trend of positive net migration, mainly driven by inflows.
The urbanization rate climbed to 80.43%, with 10.59 million urban residents.
Males make up 50.96% of the population, and females 49.04%, maintaining a balanced sex ratio.
Youth (0–14) account for 15.5%, while 65+ seniors make up 12.64%, indicating rising aging pressure.
The working-age group still dominates but shows signs of gradual decline.
Xi’an is home to all 56 recognized ethnic groups in China, with a total minority population of 132,151, accounting for 1.02% of the city’s total.
Over half of Shaanxi Province’s minority residents live in Xi’an.
The largest groups include Hui (77,851 people) and Manchu (11,864).
Eight other ethnic groups, such as Mongol, Tibetan, Tujia, and Uyghur, have populations between 2,000 and 10,000.
Two groups—Dong and Bouyei—each have over 1,000 people.
Most minority residents live in Lianhu, Xincheng, Beilin, and Yanta districts.
The distribution is characterized by wide dispersal and small concentrations, shaping a unique pattern of urban ethnic affairs in the city.
The Xi’an dialect belongs to the Guanzhong subgroup of the Central Plains Mandarin, a dominant branch of Northern Mandarin.
It is widely spoken in central Shaanxi and parts of Northwest China.
Despite the influence of Standard Mandarin, it retains ancient pronunciations and vocabulary.
There are seven main variants: urban Xi’an, Zhouzhi, Huxian, Chang’an, Lantian, Lintong, and Gaoling dialects.
Distinct features include the merging of voiced entering-tone syllables into the Yangping tone, rich usage of reduplication, reversed word orders, and internal inflections.
The dialect also forms the linguistic base of Qinqiang opera, also known as “Bangziqiang” or “Kuangkuangzi,” a local form of traditional drama.
Xi’an is home to all five major religions in China, with a long history and profound cultural significance.
The city hosts many renowned religious figures and sites with far-reaching influence.
As of April 2023, Xi’an had 457 officially registered religious venues.
There are nearly 1,900 certified clergy members and 19 religious organizations, including 6 at the municipal level and 13 at the district or county level.
Additionally, two social groups have religious affiliations.
Among these religious sites, 28 are protected cultural relics above the municipal level—10 are nationally protected, 12 are provincially protected, and 6 are municipally protected.
Xi’an’s customs are shaped by its rich natural environment, multi-ethnic integration, and deep historical roots.
Local traditions can be traced back over five thousand years to the Banpo Neolithic culture.
As a cradle of Chinese civilization, Xi’an’s customs became foundational for national folk traditions.
Daily life customs, such as dress, food, housing, social etiquette, religious beliefs, and festival celebrations, have evolved through Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties.
Many elements remain preserved and inherited to this day.
A highlight is the Shehuo festival, an ancient folk performance held during Spring Festival.
Originating from prayers for blessings and exorcisms, Shehuo includes vibrant parades, face-painting, and traditional music.
These customs express Xi’an’s enduring cultural vitality and unique regional identity.
Xi’an is a birthplace of Chinese literature and the arts, with creative traditions dating back over six thousand years.
The Neolithic Banpo people crafted pottery with human and fish motifs, showcasing early sculptural and painting skills.
During the Western Zhou dynasty, bronze culture flourished in Xi’an, and the city became a center for poetry, music, and dance.
Many classics in Chinese literature, including influential works from the Book of Songs, originated here.
The city’s music and dance reached new heights through the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, inspiring generations.
Xi’an is also celebrated as a “hometown of drama,” nurturing local operas and hosting new forms like modern drama and musical theater.
Today, Xi’an’s vibrant arts scene continues to blend ancient legacy with contemporary creativity.
Xi’an’s economy is powered by six pillar industries: electronics, automotive, aerospace, high-end equipment, new energy materials, and biomedicine.
In 2024, the city’s GDP reached ¥1.33 trillion, a 4.6% increase year-over-year.
The tertiary sector contributed 68.5%, while the secondary and primary sectors made up 29.1% and 2.4%, respectively.
Per capita GDP was ¥101,485, up 3.9%.
High-tech manufacturing saw strong momentum, with industrial upgrades pushing equipment investment up 37.5%.
Retail through public networks rose 7.9%.
Disposable income reached ¥45,082 per capita, with urban residents earning ¥53,678 and rural residents ¥21,185.
Fixed-asset investment remained stable, and green, digital, and intelligent development continued to accelerate across key sectors.
Xi’an is the leading education hub in Northwest China, offering a complete system from preschool to higher and special education.
As of 2024, it had 1,605 kindergartens, 1,573 compulsory schools, and 63 universities, including 7 Double First-Class institutions.
The city has 62 secondary vocational schools and 12 higher vocational colleges, educating over 150,000 students.
Public education investment reached ¥12.99 billion in the first half of 2024.
Notable reforms include education equity policies, curriculum innovation, and wide after-class service coverage.
The city also promotes deep integration between universities, industries, and local development.
Special education is expanding, with 11 dedicated schools and citywide inclusive education services to support every learner.
By the end of 2024, Xi’an had 8,142 medical and health institutions, including 390 hospitals, an increase of 429 from the previous year.
There were 149,400 healthcare professionals, with 55,700 licensed physicians and 67,400 registered nurses.
Total hospital beds reached 93,600, of which 86,900 were in hospitals, showing a 4.5% increase.
The city recorded over 834 million outpatient visits annually.
Xi’an is home to many top-tier hospitals, including Xijing Hospital, Tangdu Hospital, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, offering comprehensive medical services and advanced treatment.
Its expanding medical infrastructure ensures better care and supports the city’s growing healthcare demand.
By the end of 2024, Xi’an had 139 museums and 428 cultural relic protection sites at various levels.
There were 15 public libraries, recording 2.95 million visits throughout the year.
The city also had 1 mass art center, 13 cultural centers, and 16 performing arts troupes.
A total of 554 cultural exhibitions and events were held, including 50 international and 121 national-level events.
These attracted 3.12 million participants, marking a 23.3% increase.
The revenue of above-scale cultural and related enterprises reached 81.29 billion yuan, growing by 2.6%.
Xi’an continues to blend historical legacy with cultural innovation to enrich public life.
Xi’an stands as a key highway transportation hub in northwest China.
Its road network is structured with expressways, city fast roads, and rural roads, providing both internal connectivity and national reach.
The Lianyungang–Khorgos, Baotou–Maoming, and Beijing–Kunming expressways form crucial economic and logistics corridors, linking major regions and tourist sites, and significantly reducing travel times across mountains and cities.
Ring expressways handle most through-traffic, with new expansion projects easing congestion and boosting capacity.
The city’s “two-ring, seven-horizontal, seven-vertical” road system allows efficient access to urban centers, raising average peak-hour speeds.
Advanced AI-driven traffic management and dynamic signals optimize vehicle flow, while freight management policies reduce truck congestion.
Overall, Xi’an’s highway system ensures efficient, smooth, and smart transportation for residents and visitors alike.
Xi’an serves as the core railway hub of western China, supported by an extensive “eight vertical and eight horizontal” framework and a rapidly developing “rice-shaped” high-speed rail network.
Multiple high-speed lines connect Xi’an to major cities, enabling quick access to regions like Chengdu, Shanghai, and Lanzhou, with travel times as short as one to five hours.
Ongoing construction will soon connect Xi’an even faster to key destinations such as Yan’an, Chongqing, and Wuhan.
Xi’an North Railway Station is one of Asia’s largest high-speed stations, handling over 100,000 passengers daily.
Xi’an Station and the upcoming Xi’an East Station support both regular and high-speed services.
Traditional railways and major freight hubs, such as the New Fengzhen Marshalling Yard and Xi’an International Port, further strengthen logistics, connecting Eurasian trade routes and promoting regional growth.
Address: Yuanshuo Road, Weiyang District, Xi'an
Call: (86)-029-12306
Address: No. 44, North Huancheng Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an
Call: (86)-029-12306
Xi’an’s air transport is centered around Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, the largest hub in Northwest China and a vital engine for inland openness.
By 2025, passenger throughput is expected to reach 70 million, with four terminals and three runways supporting international and domestic connections.
A planned expansion will add a fourth runway and further boost capacity to 83 million passengers annually.
The airport operates 54 international routes, linking Xi’an with 24 countries and 49 cities, including major European and Asian destinations.
It is a key “Belt and Road” gateway, running 45 all-cargo routes to 76 cities worldwide.
Domestic routes offer frequent “golden hour” flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond, firmly establishing Xi’an as a major aviation hub.
Xi’an’s public transportation system is anchored by an extensive metro network and a comprehensive bus grid, covering the entire city and connecting major districts, suburbs, and surrounding regions.
As of 2025, the metro offers 12 lines, 422 kilometers, and serves over 4.3 million daily riders.
The bus system operates more than 600 routes with over 8,000 clean-energy vehicles, ensuring convenient access to urban and suburban destinations.
Special routes provide direct access to tourist attractions, business hubs, and residential areas.
Smart scheduling, AI passenger flow predictions, and mobile apps enable seamless, real-time travel for all users.
Green transit, including fully electric buses and shared bikes, supports low-carbon development.
Together, these elements make Xi’an’s public transport efficient, eco-friendly, and accessible for residents and visitors.
Xi’an Metro is the city’s “neural network,” forming a three-dimensional “grid and radial + loop” system and ranking among the top five in China for passenger volume.
As of April 2025, 12 lines are in operation, totaling 422 kilometers, connecting the main city, Xixian New District, Lintong, and Gaoling.
The daily average ridership reaches 4.34 million, with peak days exceeding 4.86 million.
Key lines include Line 2 (north-south axis), the new Circle Line 8, and the cross-city Line 1, offering direct connections between Xi’an and Xianyang.
Lines under construction, like Line 10 and Line 15, will further expand coverage and improve connectivity for commuters.
Smart operations, AI passenger flow predictions, and convenient digital services have made Xi’an Metro both efficient and user-friendly.
| Name | Era | Type | Batch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Wild Goose Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture & Historical Building | 1st Batch |
| Small Wild Goose Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture & Historical Building | 1st Batch |
| Xingjiao Temple Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture & Historical Building | 1st Batch |
| Xi’an City Wall | Ming | Ancient Architecture & Historical Building | 1st Batch |
| Xi’an Stele Forest | Han–Modern | Stone Carving & Others | 1st Batch |
| Banpo Site | Neolithic | Ancient Site | 1st Batch |
| Fenghao Site | Western Zhou | Ancient Site | 1st Batch |
| Epang Palace Site | Qin | Ancient Site | 1st Batch |
| Han Chang’an City Site | Western Han | Ancient Site | 1st Batch |
| Daming Palace Site | Tang | Ancient Site | 1st Batch |
| Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang | Qin | Ancient Tomb | 1st Batch |
| Xi’an Incident Site | 1936 | Revolutionary Site & Memorial Building | 2nd Batch |
| Lantian Man Site | Paleolithic | Ancient Site | 2nd Batch |
| Eighth Route Army Xi’an Office | 1937–1946 | Revolutionary Site & Memorial Building | 3rd Batch |
| Duling Mausoleum | Western Han | Ancient Tomb | 3rd Batch |
| Xi’an Great Mosque | Ming–Qing | Ancient Architecture & Historical Building | 3rd Batch |
| Jiangzhai Site | Neolithic | Ancient Site | 4th Batch |
| Sui Daxing & Tang Chang’an City Site | Sui–Tang | Ancient Site | 4th Batch |
| Baqiao Site | Sui–Yuan | Ancient Site | 4th Batch |
| Huaqing Palace Site | Tang | Ancient Site | 4th Batch |
| Xianyou Temple Pagoda | Sui | Ancient Architecture | 4th Batch |
| Xi’an Bell & Drum Towers | Ming | Ancient Architecture | 4th Batch |
| Shuilu’an Monastery | Ming | Ancient Architecture | 4th Batch |
| Kangjia Site | Neolithic | Ancient Site | 5th Batch |
| Laoniupo Site | Neolithic–Shang | Ancient Site | 5th Batch |
| Liyang City Site | Warring States–Han | Ancient Site | 5th Batch |
| Dongwei Bridge Site | Tang | Ancient Site | 5th Batch |
| Han & Tang Imperial Tombs | Han–Tang | Ancient Tombs | 5th Batch |
| Kumārajīva Relic Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 5th Batch |
| Gongshu Hall | Ming | Ancient Architecture | 5th Batch |
| Xiangji Temple Shandao Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 5th Batch |
| Xi’an City God Temple | Ming–Qing | Ancient Architecture | 5th Batch |
| Bayun Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 5th Batch |
| Chongyang Palace Stele Forest | Yuan–Qing | Grotto Temples & Stone Carvings | 5th Batch |
| Qin Dongling Tombs | Qin | Ancient Tombs | 6th Batch |
| Ming Qin King Tomb | Ming | Ancient Tombs | 6th Batch |
| Shengshousi Pagoda, Chang’an | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 6th Batch |
| Huayan Temple Pagoda, Chang’an | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 6th Batch |
| Zhaohui Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 6th Batch |
| Daqin Temple Pagoda | Song | Ancient Architecture | 6th Batch |
| Yisushe Theater | Republic of China | Modern Historic Sites & Representative Buildings | 6th Batch |
| Yangguanzhai Site | Neolithic | Ancient Site | 7th Batch |
| Yuhuazhai Site | Neolithic | Ancient Site | 7th Batch |
| Xiyu Site | Neolithic, Qin–Han | Ancient Site | 7th Batch |
| Jianzhang Palace Site | Western Han | Ancient Site | 7th Batch |
| Yuanqiu Site | Tang | Ancient Site | 7th Batch |
| Dowager Empress Dou’s Mausoleum | Western Han | Ancient Tomb | 7th Batch |
| Zhang Anshi Family Cemetery | Western Han | Ancient Tomb | 7th Batch |
| Dowager Empress Bo’s Mausoleum | Western Han | Ancient Tomb | 7th Batch |
| Lantian Lü Clan Cemetery | Northern Song | Ancient Tomb | 7th Batch |
| Jingde Pagoda | Northern Song | Ancient Architecture | 7th Batch |
| Daxuexi Lane Mosque | Ming–Qing | Ancient Architecture | 7th Batch |
| Dongmafang Site | Warring States–Han | Ancient Site | 8th Batch |
| Zhongwei Bridge Site | Qin–Tang | Ancient Site | 8th Batch |
| Xi’an Erlong Pagoda | Tang | Ancient Architecture | 8th Batch |
| Huayang Temple East Yue Hall, Huxian | Yuan–Qing | Ancient Architecture | 8th Batch |
| Revolution Park | Republic of China | Modern Historic Sites & Representative Buildings | 8th Batch |
| Jiangcun Grand Tomb | Western Han | Ancient Tomb | 8th Batch |
| No. | City | Country | Continent | Date of Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nara | Japan | Asia | 1974-02-01 |
| 2 | Kyoto | Japan | Asia | 1974-05-10 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | United Kingdom | Europe | 1985-04-16 |
| 4 | Pau | France | Europe | 1986-09-15 |
| 5 | Kansas City (Missouri) | USA | North America | 1989-04-29 |
| 6 | Isfahan | Iran | Asia | 1989-05-06 |
| 7 | Dortmund | Germany | Europe | 1992-07-22 |
| 8 | Lahore | Pakistan | Asia | 1992-06-20 |
| 9 | Funabashi | Japan | Asia | 1994-11-02 |
| 10 | Gyeongju | South Korea | Asia | 1994-11-18 |
| 11 | Iasi | Romania | Europe | 1994-12-06 |
| 12 | Dnipro | Ukraine | Europe | 1995-10-27 |
| 13 | Konya | Turkey | Asia | 1996-09-08 |
| 14 | Kathmandu | Nepal | Asia | 1996-09-12 |
| 15 | Brasília | Brazil | South America | 1997-10-26 |
| 16 | Quebec City | Canada | North America | 2001-05-11 |
| 17 | Córdoba | Argentina | South America | 2006-12-19 |
| 18 | Pompeii | Italy | Europe | 2007-10-13 |
| 19 | Kalamata | Greece | Europe | 2009-09-17 |
| 20 | Cuenca | Ecuador | South America | 2010-09-08 |
| 21 | Groningen | Netherlands | Europe | 2011-11-07 |
| 22 | Kotor | Montenegro | Europe | 2013-11-25 |
| 23 | Samarkand | Uzbekistan | Asia | 2013-11-29 |
| 24 | Mary | Turkmenistan | Asia | 2014-05-12 |
| 25 | Montgomery County | USA | North America | 2014-07-24 |
| 26 | Hobart | Australia | Oceania | 2015-03-29 |
| 27 | Gyumri | Armenia | Asia | 2015-06-08 |
| 28 | Jinju | South Korea | Asia | 2016-05-15 |
| 29 | Kragujevac | Serbia | Europe | 2016-06-18 |
| 30 | Oldenburg | Germany | Europe | 2017-09-11 |
| 31 | Umeå | Sweden | Europe | 2017-09-22 |
| 32 | Osh | Kyrgyzstan | Asia | 2019-06-13 |
| 33 | Fes | Morocco | Africa | 2019-11-14 |
| 34 | Butwal | Nepal | Asia | 2019-10-13 |
| 35 | Brussels-Capital Region | Belgium | Europe | 2020-10-09 |
| 36 | Valencia | Spain | Europe | 2020-11-24 |
| 37 | Andong | South Korea | Asia | 2020-11-30 |
| 38 | Chișinău | Moldova | Europe | 2021-11-17 |
| 39 | Mogilev | Belarus | Europe | 2023-03-13 |
| 40 | Shymkent | Kazakhstan | Asia | 2023-05-19 |
| No. | Honor Title | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Sub-provincial City | 1994 |
| 2 | Excellent City for National Public Security | 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009 |
| 3 | National Model City for Supporting the Army | 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2025 |
| 4 | National Sanitary City | 2008 |
| 5 | National High-tech Industry Base | 2008 |
| 6 | National Garden City | 2009 |
| 7 | Most Culturally Rich City in China | 2009 |
| 8 | Happiest City in China | 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| 9 | City with the Strongest Soft Power in China | 2009 |
| 10 | Best International Image City in China | 2010 |
| 11 | Top 10 Chinese Cities that Care Most for People’s Livelihood | 2010 |
| 12 | Top 10 Innovative Cities in China | 2011, 2012 |
| 13 | National Intellectual Property Demonstration City | 2012 |
| 14 | City with the Best Image in China | 2013 |
| 15 | Most Attractive City for Investment in China | 2013 |
| 16 | National Next Generation Internet Demonstration City | 2013 |
| 17 | Most Culturally Soft Power City in China | 2014 |
| 18 | Global Emerging City with the Most Development Potential | 2014 |
| 19 | Top 10 Regional Financial Center Cities in China | 2014 |
| 20 | Best Domestic Tourism City | 2014 |
Xi’an’s top attractions include the Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter for history, culture, and food.
The best time is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, perfect for exploring Xi’an’s historic sites and outdoor areas.
You can take a direct bus from Xi’an Railway Station or arrange a guided tour. It’s about a one-hour drive northeast of the city center.
Try Xi’an’s famous biang biang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese “burger”), and yangrou paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup) at the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Yes, Xi’an has a convenient metro system and buses. Many key sites are accessible, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are also widely available.
Explore the beauty and culture of Hangzhou, from its iconic West Lake to hidden gems. Plan your perfect trip to this enchanting city with our travel guide.
Discover Wuhan, a vibrant city along the Yangtze River, rich in Chu culture, ancient temples, bustling night markets, and modern skylines.
China is politically a communist, single‑party state led by the CCP, but runs a socialist market economy—blending centralized control with market reforms.
Temple of Heaven was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420 as a place for emperors to offer sacrifices to heaven, pray for good harvests, and ask for rain.
Discover the top 10 most famous Chinese teas, including Dragon Well, Tieguanyin, and Pu-erh. Explore their origins, unique flavors, and brewing tips.
The Year of the Dragon, corresponding to the Earthly Branch “Chen” (辰), the fifth sign in the Chinese zodiac, represents power, fortune, and mystery.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
We’re looking for experienced, part-time local guides to serve international travelers.
Requirements:
• Fluent in at least one foreign language
• 3–5 years guiding international visitors
• Able to operate in multiple regions in China
• Competitive and reasonable pricing
• Proven customer reviews or testimonials
• Professional, reliable, and responsive
• Flexible availability for custom trips
Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
