Shaanxi 陕西 — The Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Shaanxi Province (not Shanxi — the extra "a" makes all the difference) is one of China's most historically significant regions. As the birthplace of Chinese civilization and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Shaanxi served as the capital for 13 dynasties throughout Chinese history, including the glorious Tang Dynasty (唐朝). Xi'an (西安), the provincial capital, was known as Chang'an (长安) in ancient times and is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals.
Xi'an 西安 — Ancient Capital of 13 Dynasties
Terracotta Army 兵马俑
The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 by local farmers, is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This underground army of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots was created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) in the afterlife. Each figure has unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor. The site includes three main pits open to visitors, with Pit 1 being the largest.
Admission: 120 RMB (includes Emperor's Mausoleum site). Open: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Located 35 km east of Xi'an. Tourist bus 306 from Xi'an Railway Station.
Ancient City Wall 古城墙
One of the best-preserved medieval defensive walls in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty on Tang imperial foundations, it forms a complete rectangular circuit of 13.7 km. Rent a bicycle (45 RMB/3 hours) and cycle the entire perimeter. The wall features four main gates; South Gate (永宁门) is the most impressive.
Admission: 54 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Bicycle rental available on the wall.
Bell Tower 钜楼 & Drum Tower 鼓楼
Iconic landmarks marking the center of old Xi'an. Built in 1384 and 1380 respectively, they served as time-keeping structures — the bell struck at dawn, the drum at dusk. Both beautifully illuminated at night.
Admission: 30 RMB each or combo 50 RMB. Metro: Bell Tower Station (Lines 2, 6).
Muslim Quarter 回民街
A vibrant neighborhood home to Xi'an's Hui Muslim community for over 1,000 years. The narrow streets are lined with food stalls serving Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍, bread soaked in mutton stew), Roujiamo (肉夹馍, Chinese hamburger), and various kebabs. Great atmosphere, especially at night.
Free. Located behind the Drum Tower. Open: All day (best after 5 PM).
Big Wild Goose Pagoda 大雁塔
Built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by monk Xuanzang (玄奘). Seven-story brick pagoda, 64 meters tall. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple and North Plaza (with Asia's largest musical fountain) are worth exploring.
Admission: 40 RMB (grounds) + 30 RMB (pagoda climb). Open: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM. Metro: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Station (Lines 3, 4).
Shaanxi History Museum 陕西历史博物馆
One of China's premier museums, housing over 370,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to Qing Dynasty. Tang Dynasty murals and gold/silver vessels are highlights.
Free (reservation essential). Open: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (closed Mondays). Metro: Xiaozhai Station.
Mount Huashan 华山 — China's Most Precipitous Mountain
One of China's Five Great Mountains (五岳), renowned for sheer cliffs, narrow paths, and breathtaking scenery. Located 120 km east of Xi'an. Five peaks: East (Sunrise), West (Lotus), South (highest, 2,154m), North (Cloud Terrace), Central (Jade Maiden).
Plank Walk in the Sky 长空栈道
The mountain's most famous attraction — wooden planks bolted to a sheer cliff face, a heart-stopping walk with a harness. Not for the faint-hearted. Takes about 30 minutes and is near South Peak.
Hiking/Cable Car Options
- Full hike: Start at midnight from Yuquan Yuan, reach East Peak for sunrise, hike to all five peaks, descend. 12-14 hours total.
- Cable car: West Peak cable car up (140 RMB), hike to peaks, North Peak cable car down (80 RMB). 4-6 hours.
- Easy route: West Peak cable car up and down. 2-3 hours.
Admission: 160 RMB (peak season). Open: All day. High-speed train from Xi'an to Huashan North (30 min), then bus to mountain.
Yan'an 延安 — Revolutionary Sacred Ground
The Communist Party's revolutionary base from 1935-1948. Key sites: Yangjialing (杨家岭革命旧址) — cave dwellings where Mao and Zhou Enlai lived; Baota Mountain (宝塔山) — pagoda-topped landmark; and Loess Plateau landscapes.
Admission: Yangjialing free. Baota Mountain 60 RMB. Access: Train from Xi'an (3 hours).
Practical Information
Classic Route: Xi'an (2-3 days) → Terracotta Army (day trip) → Huashan (1-2 days) = 4-6 days. Add Yan'an if interested in revolutionary history.
Transportation: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). High-speed trains to Beijing (4h), Shanghai (7h), Chengdu (3h). Xi'an Metro covers most city sites.
Best Time: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November). Summer can be hot. Winter is cold but offers fewer crowds.
Food: Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍), Roujiamo (肉夹馍), Biang Biang Noodles (biangbiang面), Liangpi (凉皮).