Found a treasure! The complete travel guide to Shaanxi is here
Family, if anyone hasn’t been to Shaanxi yet, I’ll be really sad, OK? Shaanxi, this ancient and magical land, is like a living Chinese history textbook, carrying thousands of years of Chinese civilization. Here, you can see the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors, the imposing ancient city walls, the steep Mount Hua... each place exudes a unique charm. Today, I’m bringing you a super practical Shaanxi travel guide to help you easily explore Shaanxi! 👏
Preparation
Documents
ID card is a must. If you have student ID, senior citizen card, military officer ID, or other discount cards, don’t forget to bring them to save a lot of money 💰
Clothing
Shaanxi has four distinct seasons, so bring appropriate clothes for the season. Summer is hot, bring light and breathable clothes and sun protection; winter is cold, pack thick cotton clothes, scarves, and gloves; spring and autumn have big temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring a jacket.
Other Items
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, charger, camera (to capture beautiful moments). If you plan to visit mountainous areas like Mount Hua, prepare comfortable sports shoes and hiking poles.
Itinerary
Xi’an - The charm of the ancient capital
● Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang: This is the golden sign of Shaanxi tourism! Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” it is grand and magnificent. Standing in front of the pits, you can almost see the mighty posture of the Qin army. It’s recommended to hire a guide; otherwise, you might be confused. Tickets cost about 120 RMB, book in advance on the official platform.
● Xi’an City Wall: The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You can choose to ride a bike around the wall to feel the charm of the ancient city. The view from the wall is also great, overlooking Xi’an’s cityscape. Tickets cost 54 RMB, bike rental fees vary by time.
● Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Built to preserve the scriptures brought back by the monk Xuanzang, it is one of Xi’an’s iconic buildings. The surrounding Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square has a musical fountain that is very beautiful at night. Tickets for the Da Ci’en Temple are 40 RMB; climbing the pagoda requires an additional fee.
● Shaanxi History Museum: Rich collection and exquisite relics that let you deeply understand Shaanxi’s history and culture. Be sure to book free tickets in advance via the official WeChat account; daily quotas are limited and very popular!
Weinan - The place of the Mount Hua Sword Debate
● Mount Hua: Famous for its steepness, known as “the most perilous mountain under heaven.” You can choose to hike and challenge yourself or take the cable car to enjoy the scenery along the way. The East Peak of Mount Hua is a great spot to watch the sunrise; many tourists choose to climb at night to see the sunrise in the morning. Tickets cost about 160 RMB; cable car and shuttle fees are extra.
Yan’an - The revolutionary holy land tour
● Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall: Fully displays the glorious history of the CPC Central Committee and revolutionary leaders like Mao Zedong leading the Chinese revolution in Yan’an. Here, you can feel the hardworking spirit of the revolutionary predecessors. Free admission, but reservation is required.
● Yangjialing Revolutionary Site: The former site of the CPC Central Committee residence, with old residences of Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and other revolutionary leaders. You can visit the cave dwellings and learn about that magnificent revolutionary history. Free admission.
Food Recommendations
● Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger): A representative Shaanxi delicacy, crispy on the outside and tender inside, stuffed with fragrant braised meat. Highly recommend Zhang’s Roujiamo on Ziwu Road.
● Yangrou Paomo (mutton stew with bread): Rich in ingredients and flavor; you tear the bread yourself, the smaller the pieces, the more flavorful. Lao Sun’s Restaurant is famous for its Yangrou Paomo.
● Liangpi (cold noodles): Comes in many varieties, such as sesame sauce liangpi and Qin Town liangpi. Sour and spicy, perfect for cooling off in summer. Try Wei’s Liangpi chain store.
● Qishan Saozi Noodles: Thin noodles with fragrant minced meat, floating red oil, and sour-spicy soup. You can find authentic ones at local noodle shops in Qishan.
Accommodation Suggestions
● In Xi’an, staying near the Bell Tower is convenient for transportation, with many nearby food and attractions.
● In Weinan, it’s recommended to stay at the foot of Mount Hua for easy access to the mountain the next day.
● In Yan’an, staying in the city center is more convenient for travel.
Notes
● The Terracotta Warriors and Shaanxi History Museum are popular with tourists, so be sure to book tickets in advance.
● Mount Hua’s trails are steep and dangerous; pay attention to safety and follow the signs while hiking.
● When enjoying local food, pay attention to hygiene to avoid stomach discomfort.
The charm of Shaanxi goes far beyond this, with many hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Hope this guide helps you start an unforgettable trip to Shaanxi!
The Xi'an City Wall is truly awe-inspiring; only by being there in person can one truly appreciate its historical grandeur. The entire route is quite long, approximately ten kilometers. After walking for a short while, I rented a bicycle to cycle around the wall. I stopped frequently along the way, and it took about an hour and a half to cycle. I went in the morning, and next time I'd like to see the city wall at sunset or at night.
The Xi'an City Wall is so full of historical charm! 🏯 Strolling along the wall offers a wide view, with the Bell Tower and modern architecture creating a picturesque scene. ✨ Walking with friends, taking photos along the way, the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. 📸 The Orange Tunnel is bustling with people, full of energy! 🔥 A perfect experience, highly recommended! 💕💕
A 24-hour chat on the Chang'an City Wall 🌅 At dawn, I climbed the city wall from Yongning Gate. The brick pavement gleamed amber in the morning light. I rented a mint-green motorcycle by scanning a QR code, and rode to Hanguang Gate. A newly installed AR screen flashed an image of a Persian camel caravan; the sound of hooves mingled with the car horns on the South Gate roundabout, and for a moment, I lost track of time. ☀️ At midday, I strolled from Zhongshan Gate to Yongxingfang. The Chengcheng mutton soup stall, a traditional intangible cultural heritage spot, had a broth as clear as a mirror. The crescent-shaped pancakes were best eaten by tearing them into pieces and soaking them in the broth. At the Chang'an Stove near the South Gate, the gourd chicken was fried to a crispy exterior and tender interior. Sitting by the window, I could see the upturned eaves of the barbican. For 80 yuan per person, I enjoyed a feast fit for a grand Tang Dynasty banquet. 🌇When returning the car in the dark, I discovered a new monster-themed charging station at the West Gate. A quick scan with WeChat and I could borrow one. The moat's boats, carrying the twilight, crossed the bridge; the lanterns on the bar street lit up in a flash; a young woman sang "Xi'an People's Song" with her guitar; and the evening breeze was filled with the aroma of chili oil. 🏙️A few more words: The AR projection at the southwest corner of the city is amazing; the shadow puppet show at Yongxingfang starts at 7:30, don't forget; the elevator at Hanguang Gate is perfect for families with young children. #ThirteenDynastiesCityWallChat #YongxingfangIsBeautiful #AncientAndModernBikeTravel
The Xi'an City Wall is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient city walls in China. It is like a silent history book, standing quietly in the center of the city, telling the prosperity and vicissitudes of the ancient capital. The following is a detailed guide to the Xi'an City Wall, which will take you to appreciate the unique charm of this historical site. ⛰️How to visit the attractions: The circumference of the Xi'an City Wall is about 14 kilometers. It is generally recommended to start the tour from the South Gate (Yongning Gate). This is the main gate of the Xi'an City Wall and the entrance with the most tourists. After climbing the city wall, you can choose to go around clockwise or counterclockwise. If you have good physical strength, you can choose to walk the whole way and feel every brick and stone of the city wall; you can also rent a bicycle on the city wall and ride a bicycle for a more relaxed and comfortable tour. The whole ride takes about 1-2 hours. This time, we went to Yongxingfang to visit the city wall, rode all the way to Andingmen to return the car, and then went down the city wall to visit nearby attractions. 🌟Must-see highlights: The entry ceremony performance at Nanmen Square, through the antique opening ceremony, allows tourists to travel back to ancient times and feel the majesty and solemnity of Chang'an in the past. The corner towers, enemy towers, Kuixing Tower and other buildings on the city wall are exquisitely shaped and ingeniously structured, showing the superb architectural skills and military defense wisdom of ancient times. Looking down from the city wall, one side is the prosperous scene of the modern city with heavy traffic; the other side is the ancient urban area of Xi'an, where traditional houses and temples are scattered in an orderly manner, and you can feel the unique charm of the fusion of ancient and modern times. 📅Best time to visit: Xi'an has distinct four seasons, and the spring and autumn seasons are pleasant and picturesque, which is the best time to visit the city wall. In spring (March-May), the flowers on the city wall are in full bloom, setting off the ancient buildings; in autumn (September-November), the weather is clear and cool, and you can enjoy the golden fallen leaves and beautiful autumn scenery inside and outside the city wall. Try to avoid the hot summer sun (12-16 o'clock) and the cold and windy weather in winter to avoid affecting the tour experience. We went there in the summer evening, firstly, the sun was not so strong, and secondly, we could watch the sunset soon. It would be even more perfect if we could encounter an evening after the rain like us! [Color] 📌TIPS: 1️⃣Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the crowds on site. 2️⃣There are usually single and double bicycles for rent. If a family of three brings children, they can only sit on the middle pole, which tests the riding skills. In addition, after all, there are stone steps on the city wall, so don't ride too fast, otherwise the pain of falling down will be much more "sour" than the general cycling path - don't ask me how I know [covering face] 3️⃣Not all gates can rent and return bicycles, so be sure to ask clearly when handling the procedures, and combine your own cycling plan to avoid trouble in returning the bicycle. 4️⃣It is a very good experience to enjoy the sunset on the city wall. The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the ancient city wall, and the scenery is beautiful. 5️⃣There are many famous attractions around the Xi'an City Wall, such as the Forest of Steles Museum, Bell and Drum Tower, Muslim Street, Yongxingfang... etc., which can be arranged to visit on the same day to fully appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of Xi'an.
Xi'an city wall is really spectacular! It especially feels when the sun is setting! The golden embers are sprinkled on the city wall, which is Chang'an written by countless poets! It is good to walk on the city wall or ride a bicycle! (But pay attention to sun protection! And the wall is windy, it is best to add a coat at night) If there are too many people in the south gate (Yongning Gate) (there are indeed many people during May 1st... the current limit...) The north gate (Anyuan Gate) is also very good, there are relatively few people, suitable for taking pictures, especially the Zhanguo robe, many young ladies take pictures, Really good-looking! On the city wall, you can see the north and south central axis of Xi'an City. There are too many people in the clock tower and the TV tower Big Wild Goose Pagoda... But there are many Hanfu shops around, and Hanfu can also be worn on the roadside stalls. The red wall is full of lights and flowers, but it is really good-looking. If you have time, you must try the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Xi'an City Wall is a complete ancient building. When you see the city wall in the distance, you can walk under the city wall and feel the long-standing Chinese civilization. The view of the city wall is wide. The original style is retained at the foot of the city wall. There are also tall persimmon trees full of red persimmons. Snack street food is dazzling and worth a visit.
Xi'an Ming City Wall: Rammed Earth Rings, Thousand-Year-Old City Wall Along with the endless stream of tourists, crossing the heavy wooden plank suspension bridge over the moat, and entering the gate of the tower built with blue bricks, you have welcomed and sent off so many hurried passers-by for thousands of years... Sitting north and facing south, the majestic and awe-inspiring Great South Gate for welcoming guests, the tower stands majestically under the clear sky, and the Huabiao sundial is like a dragon and a tiger leaping, and it seems like I have returned to the prosperous Tang Chang'an that was majestic to the world. The city wall horse road, which was once a place for all nations to come to the court, is now a check-in place for the whole world, and people from all over the world come in droves. The surroundings of the city wall horse face carry the colorful and colorful history of five thousand years. There is always a secluded place in the Ming City Wall with a circumference of 13.74 kilometers. Choose a horse face battlement to climb up and look far into the distance. The city tower is majestic and majestic, and the battlements are long and winding, spreading beyond the sky. The reign of Chang'an in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty is fully displayed in this thousand-year-old city soul. The east gate of the city gate is decorated with lights and is full of joy. The twilight is vast, and the setting sun shines on the rammed earth rings of the ancient city wall, and the vicissitudes of life are in the world. Go out of the west gate in the morning and return to the east gate in the evening. The morning bells and evening drums sound into my dreams...
The Xi'an City Wall is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. The Xi'an City Wall in a broad sense includes the Xi'an Tang City Wall and the Xi'an Ming City Wall, but it generally refers to the Xi'an Ming City Wall in a narrow sense. The Xi'an Ming City Wall is 12 meters high, 12-14 meters wide at the top, 15-18 meters wide at the bottom, and has a closed rectangular outline with a circumference of 13.74 kilometers. The area inside the city wall is usually called the Ancient City District, which covers an area of 11.32 square kilometers. The famous Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower is located in the center of the Ancient City District. There are four main gates in the Xi'an City Wall: Changle Gate (East Gate), Yongning Gate (South Gate), Anding Gate (West Gate), and Anyuan Gate (North Gate). These four gates are also the original gates of the ancient city wall. Since the Republic of China, in order to facilitate access to the Ancient City District, many new gates have been opened one after another. Now there are 18 gates in the Xi'an City Wall. The existing city wall was built in the Ming Dynasty, with a total length of 13.7 kilometers. It was built in the third year of Hongwu (1370) and completed in the eleventh year of Hongwu (1378). It was built on the basis of the imperial city of Sui and Tang dynasties under the guidance of the policy of "building high walls, storing grain, and delaying the title of king" of Ming Taizu. At that time, it was the prefectural city of Xi'an. Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang canonized his second son Zhu Chong as the King of Qin, and the vassal and the prefectural government were in the same city, so the city was large and solid. In addition, it was repeatedly repaired and expanded in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it is still well preserved. Generally, tourists go up the city wall from the South Gate Yongning Gate, and the city wall is very imposing.