Xi’an History Tour
- Drum Tower
- Bell Tower
- City Wall
Xī'ān 西安
The City
The capital city of Shaanxi province, Xi’an is one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals. It lies in Northwestern China.
What to see
No first trip to Xi’an is complete without seeing the world-famous 兵马俑 Bīngmǎyǒng (Terracotta Army). The Terracotta Army is over 2,200 years old and has around a whopping 8,000 life-size figures. It was created to guard the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang's tomb.
Located in the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, the Terracotta Army is actually just outside of Xi’an city. It’s about an hour’s drive away, but it’s easy to get to by bus, train or taxi.
What to do
Climb the 鼓楼 gǔlóu (Drum Tower) and 钟楼 zhōnglóu (Bell Tower) for views of the city centre, and bike (or walk) around one of China’s best-preserved ancient city walls, 西安城墙 Xī'ān Chéngqiáng (Xi’an City Wall).
In the evening, visit 回民街 Huímín Jiē (the Muslim Quarter) for its bustling night market and delicious street food.
What to eat
Don’t miss 羊肉泡馍 yángròu pào mó – a comforting mutton soup with shredded pita bread and often with glass noodles, and 肉夹馍 ròujiāmó – meat-stuffed flatbread.
For something cool and refreshing but still with a kick, 凉皮 liángpí is made with cold noodles, sesame paste and shredded cucumber.
Make sure you try Xi’an’s famous spicy 𰻝𰻝面 ‘biáng biáng miàn’ biang biang noodles. The dish is also known as 油泼扯面 yóu pō chě miàn (‘oil-splashed pulled noodles’), but they’re affectionately known as biang biang noodles because of the noise they make when they’re being pulled and slapped on the counter.
Did You Know?
Xi’an was China’s capital for 13 dynasties. For much of this time, the city was known as 长安 Cháng'ān – it wasn’t until the Ming dynasty that it was renamed Xi’an.
Tours
Combine your one-on-one classes with exciting tours accompanied by your teacher in Xi’an. This is your opportunity to experience the city with a local while improving your Chinese skills.
Each tour has a five-hour duration and you can customise it as you wish, choosing where to visit and counting on your teacher’s help to decide the best itinerary for the day.
Our teachers have selected interesting places they would love to show you around. Here are their suggestions for a one-day tour in Xi’an.
Night Market Hopping
- The Muslim Quarter
- Dapiyuan Night Market
- Grand Tang Dynasty Every Bright City
The Terracotta Army
- Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
- Terracotta Army Pits
- Bronze Chariots & Horses
Volunteering
Would you like to make a difference while visiting Xi'an?
We’ve partnered with organisations that will offer you the opportunity to volunteer in a range of activities, from teaching English to supporting disadvantaged children.
This unique experience will allow you to have a positive impact while learning more about local culture and practising the language.
