Xi'an

Discovered in 1974, this UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. It serves as the funerary art for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first unifier of China, intended to protect him in the afterlife. The site c...

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, this is the most complete and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. It stands 12 meters high and stretches 13.7 kilometers, forming a rectangular fortification around the old city center. Walking or c...

Known as the 'Pearl of Ancient Capital,' this museum is a massive complex built in the Tang architectural style. It houses over 370,000 relics spanning from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, with a heavy emphasis on the golden ages of the Han and Tang Dynasties. Th...

A masterpiece of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture, this pagoda was originally built in 652 AD to house the sutras and figurines brought back from India by the scholar-monk Xuanzang. The structure is a square pyramid made of brick, standing seven stories tall within th...

Located near the South Gate, this museum is a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy and historical records. It houses over 3,000 stone steles dating from the Han to the Qing Dynasties. Highlights include the 'Classic on Filial Piety' written by Emperor Xuanzong and the ...

This vibrant neighborhood has been the heart of Xi'an's Muslim community for over a thousand years, tracing its roots back to Silk Road traders. It is a sensory explosion of sizzling grills, aromatic spices, and rhythmic hammering from candy makers. The narrow alleys ar...

Standing at the exact geographical center of the ancient city, the Bell Tower is an iconic triple-eaved wooden structure built in 1384. It was used to signal the start of the day in ancient times. The tower features exquisite Ming Dynasty carvings and a collection of an...

Constructed in 1380, the Drum Tower stands as a 'sister' to the Bell Tower, traditionally used to signal the end of the day at dusk. It is home to the largest drum in China and a collection of 24 smaller drums representing the solar terms of the Chinese calendar. The to...

Founded in 1898, Lao Sun Jia is perhaps the most famous name in 'Yangrou Paomo' (Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup). This historic restaurant is a multi-story landmark in the Muslim Quarter, often hosting state banquets and celebrities. The process of hand-breaking your ow...

Situated right on the Bell Tower Plaza, Tong Sheng Xiang is a Time-Honored Brand (Laozihao) specializing in lamb and beef Paomo. The restaurant offers a slightly more formal and refined environment than the stalls in the Muslim Quarter. Their broth is known for being 't...

De Fa Chang is world-renowned for its 'Dumpling Banquet,' where dumplings are crafted into various shapes—frogs, ducks, flowers—each with a unique filling. Established in 1936, it has hosted numerous world leaders. The 'One Duck, Three Ways' dumpling is a particular mas...

Widely considered the 'gold standard' for Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), Fan Ji has been stewing meat since the early 20th century. Their 'La Zhi' (cured) meat is cooked in a master stock that is reportedly decades old, resulting in pork that is incredibly tender and fla...

Known locally as 'Tian Xia Di Yi Mian,' this restaurant is a pilgrimage site for noodle lovers. It is famous for its singular, continuous noodle that can reach up to 3.8 meters in length, symbolizing longevity. The 'Three-Bowl' set is their signature, featuring the long...

Jia San is a legendary institution in the Muslim Quarter, famous for its 'Guantang Bao' (soup-filled dumplings) made with lamb or beef rather than the traditional pork. The dumplings feature paper-thin wrappers and a burst of savory, aromatic broth inside. The restauran...

While many places sell Roujiamo, Qinyu is the local 'insider' pick. This no-frills shop often sells out by early afternoon, as locals flock here for the exceptionally crispy, hand-baked bread and the succulent, long-stewed pork. Unlike the tourist-oriented spots, the fl...

Located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, Sheng Zhi Wang is the undisputed master of 'Majiang Liangpi' (Cold Skins with Sesame Sauce). Unlike the vinegar-heavy versions elsewhere, their sauce is thick, nutty, and incredibly fragrant, coating the silky rice noodles per...

The W Xi'an is a bold architectural statement, designed to look like a giant 'W' overlooking Qujiang Pond. The interior is a neon-lit, futuristic tribute to the Tang Dynasty, featuring massive art installations, a vibrant 'Living Room' (lobby) bar, and rooms with privat...

Located in the heart of the High-Tech Zone, the Grand Hyatt is housed in a striking 'bow-tie' shaped skyscraper. The design is inspired by the Silk Road, with a stunning sky-bridge that connects the two towers and houses the hotel’s signature restaurants. The rooms are ...

Located in the bustling High-Tech Zone, The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an is a masterpiece of contemporary luxury that pays homage to the city's imperial past. The hotel’s design seamlessly blends traditional Chinese motifs with modern architectural lines, featuring lush courtyar...

Strategically positioned directly opposite the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, The Westin Xi'an is unique for housing its own museum of ancient mural art. The architecture is a low-rise, modern interpretation of Tang Dynasty aesthetics, allowing the hotel to blend into the his...

This hotel brings a touch of Spanish 'RedGlove' service to the ancient capital of China. Set within the Qujiang New District, the Gran Meliá features sprawling gardens and a grand lobby that reflects both Mediterranean flair and Tang Dynasty scale. The property is known...

Housed in a majestic building dating back to 1953, this hotel is a landmark of Chinese hospitality and a 'Legend' within the Sofitel portfolio. It was originally built to host foreign dignitaries and retains an air of mid-century diplomatic grandeur, featuring high ceil...

This Hilton property is a staple for business travelers in Xi'an’s financial heart. The hotel offers a perfect balance of efficiency and luxury, with spacious rooms featuring ergonomic workspaces and modern amenities. The lobby is grand and welcoming, often used for loc...

A pioneer of luxury in Xi'an's High-Tech Zone, the Shangri-La is famous for its impeccable service and lush, landscaped gardens that provide a green escape amidst the skyscrapers. The hotel features an expansive fitness center and one of the best heated indoor pools in ...