Xi'an Travel Overview

Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an and Jingzhao, is situated in the Guanzhong Basin at the middle reaches of the Wei River. It borders the Wei River and the Loess Plateau to the north, and the Qinling Mountains to the south. As a cradle of Chinese civilization and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, it served as an imperial capital for more dynasties and a longer period than any other city in Chinese history, wielding profound influence across the ages. It is among the world-renowned historical cities first designated by UNESCO and one of China's earliest national historical and cultural cities approved by the State Council.

Together with Athens, Rome and Cairo, Xi'an is hailed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the World. A popular saying goes: To see China of twenty years, visit Shenzhen; of a hundred years, visit Shanghai; of a thousand years, visit Beijing; and of five thousand years, visit Xi'an. An outstanding symbol of Chinese culture, Xi'an is a top tourist destination in China, famous worldwide for its abundant, diverse, widely distributed and invaluable cultural relics.

The city boasts numerous heritage sites: 16 national-level major cultural relic protection units, 68 provincial-level ones and 230 municipal and county-level ones. In total, 2,944 registered heritage sites are scattered across the region, all precious components of humanity's historical legacy.

Xi'an features a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The annual average temperature ranges from 13.0℃ to 13.7℃. Located at the geographical center of China and the junction of the central and western economic zones, it acts as a vital gateway and transportation hub connecting Northwest China with Southwest China, the Central Plains, East China and North China, enjoying superior geographical location and convenient transportation.

A stele from the Qing Dynasty preserved in Xi'an Stele Forest records eight celebrated scenic sites centered around Xi'an, collectively known as the Eight Views of Guanzhong (also called the Eight Views of Chang'an). They are listed as follows:

Known as the No.1 Blessed Land under Heaven, it is a renowned Taoist sacred site and one of the birthplaces of Taoism. Located in the southeast of Zhouzhi County, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, it is embraced by mountains and rivers, covered with lush woods and slender bamboos. An ancient document praises it: Among the magnificent landscapes of Guanzhong, the Zhongnan Mountains stand foremost; amid countless green peaks of Zhongnan, Louguan Terrace enjoys the greatest fame.

Located in the eastern part of Lintong District, the museum stands against Mount Li to the south and faces the Wei River to the north, presenting a magnificent spectacle. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit.

The Terracotta Army enjoys tremendous fame at home and abroad. As China's largest ancient military museum, it is universally acclaimed as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Developed in Qujiang New District of Xi'an, this cultural and commercial pedestrian street fully recreates the prosperity of the glorious Tang Dynasty. At its heart lies the Zhenguan Cultural Square, composed of four artistic buildings: Xi'an Grand Theater, Xi'an Concert Hall, Qujiang Art Museum and Qujiang Pacific Cinema.

Adopting a three-dimensional design, the square connects ground and underground activity spaces organically via four sunken plazas on the ground level.