Live Your Best Lives
Shaanxi has a series of amazing landscapes, including the magnificent Qinling Mountains, the extremely heavy Terracotta Warriors and the Ming Dynasty City Wall, a wide variety of special foods, and unique and fascinating folk customs.
In addition to the well-known Muslim Street, there are many other great places in Shaanxi that you don’t know about.
When traveling to Shaanxi, if you want to experience unique top-level gameplay and a journey that will never be repeated, you must do the following ten things.
The Xi'an City Wall is the most complete Ming Dynasty city wall in China, stretching approximately 14 kilometers. It is the city's most distinctive cultural symbol, telling the story of over 600 years of history.
There are many ways to enjoy the Xi'an City Wall. Besides climbing the wall and enjoying a breathtaking view, you can also experience a cycling tour. If time permits, spend an hour or two cycling around the wall. Rent a bike, stop along the way, and take in the ancient city from above. Feel the city's beating heart—an experience you won't find anywhere else!
The best time to ride along the city wall is in the evening. Firstly, the weather gradually cools down, without the scorching sun in the afternoon, and there is a breeze. Secondly, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the ancient city from the top of the city wall. As the sun sets, red lanterns and stars light up on the city wall. At this time, the city wall presents another beautiful sight.
Tips:
There are 8 entrances to the Xi'an City Wall, and the opening hours of each gate are different. The South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the most convenient, and the City Wall Visitor Center is also located at the South Gate.
South Gate: 8:00-22:00 (April to October) 8:00-19:00 (November to March)
Hanguang Gate: 8:00-17:30 (all year round)
When it comes to Xi'an's Muslim Street, a popular online street, no one is unfamiliar with it. But do you know Xi'an's Huifang?
Huifang refers to an area in Xi'an where Hui people live. In addition to the busiest Beiyuanmen (also known as Huimin Street) and Beiguangji Street, there are also Xiyangshi, Miaohou Street, Dapiyuan and other streets and alleys. Most of the truly authentic and delicious Xi'an cuisine is hidden in these places.
A slow walk back to the old streets takes about four hours. Here, you'll find the beef and mutton soup, a dish that tourists from other parts of the city find time-consuming and laborious, yet cherished. There's also the spicy and savory meatball soup, a savory blend of pepper and numbing flavors. There are also hearty chunks of red willow barbecue, and the heart-meltingly sweet zongzi (steamed cakes). Step into the old neighborhood, meander through the winding alleyways, and explore every snack shop. Enjoy the leisurely dining and chatting like a local, and experience the delicious life of old Xi'an.
Huifang Food Recommendations:
Dingjia Crispy Pork: Address: No. 223, West Exit of Dapiyuan; 15 yuan per person
[Ma Nai Wonton] Address: No. 28 Xiyangshi; Per person: 10 yuan
Laobai's Water Basin Lamb: Address: 76 Beiguangji Street; 20 yuan per person
Bai Xiang's Dessert Shop: No. 89, Dapiyuan; 15 yuan per person
[Ma Nan's BBQ] Address: No. 11 Miaohou Street; Average price per person: 40 yuan
Tips:
There are two battery car routes in Huifang, but it is recommended that you walk around and taste the food:
Line 1: Beiyuanmen North - Dapiyuan - Miaohou Street - Children's Hospital
Line 2: North Guangji Street - Dapiyuan - Hongbu Street - West Gate of Lianhu Park
【Notice】
There are numerous large mosques in Huifang, each offering a wonderful opportunity to explore their architectural beauty and religious customs. While visiting Huifang, you must adhere to local Muslim religious and dining customs, avoiding alcohol and pork. Women are also advised not to wear shorts or short skirts into the mosque.
The renowned Shaanxi History Museum is bustling with activity daily. From early morning on, long lines form at the entrance, waiting to enter and marvel at the museum's treasures. It's a must-see for visitors to Xi'an, and anyone who takes the time to explore the museum will surely find it incredibly rewarding!
The Shaanxi History Museum boasts an incredibly rich collection. Its three main exhibition halls house historical treasures from the pre-Qin, Sui and Tang, and Ming and Qing dynasties, respectively. These treasures include bronzes from the Western Zhou Dynasty, terracotta warriors from the Qin Dynasty, the empress's jade seal from the Western Han Dynasty, and Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed pottery. The third exhibition hall, showcasing the flourishing Tang Dynasty, is the most worthwhile for visitors to explore and appreciate.
In addition, the Tang Dynasty Relics - Hejiacun Cellar Unearthed Cultural Relics Exhibition and the Tang Dynasty Mural Fine Art Exhibition are paid exhibition areas of Shaanxi History Museum. They are exquisite and magnificent and well worth a visit. The 97 Tang Dynasty tomb murals will take you on a treasure journey through time and space.
Shaanxi History Museum implements the principle of "free but not free tickets". Tickets are issued in limited quantities and at limited times every day. Everyone must make an appointment online in advance (public account or official website) and bring your ID card to queue up early!
Tips:
Opening Hours:
Closed on Mondays, open from Tuesday to Sunday
Visiting hours (winter): 9:00-17:30 (invoices stop at 16:00)
Visiting hours (summer): 8:30-18:00 (invoices stop at 16:30)
Explanation fee: Manual explanation:
The Chinese guide for the basic exhibition hall is 100 yuan, and the Chinese guide for the Tang Dynasty Treasures Exhibition and the Tang Dynasty Mural Treasures Hall is 50 yuan
Automatic audio guide:
Deposit 100 yuan, rent 30 yuan/unit
The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang has been compared to a "huge underground military museum." This mysterious army buried beneath the loess is truly a "wonder of the world."
Qin Shi Huang's guards have meticulously recreated the military deployments and scale of battles of the Qin Dynasty for posterity. Thousands of terracotta figures, each with their own unique weapon, appearance, hairstyle, and demeanor, are brought to life. If you have the chance to visit, you'll be truly astonished.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses area is packed 365 days a year, with virtually no off-season. However, if you're visiting Xi'an, investing the time and effort to see this eighth wonder of the world is definitely worthwhile.
Here I recommend to you the classic routes for visiting the Terracotta Warriors: Pit No. 1 - chariots and infantry, Pit No. 2 - multi-service special forces, Pit No. 3 - headquarters, and finally you must go to see the "treasure of the museum" of the Terracotta Warriors - the bronze chariot and horse exhibition hall.
Tips:
Tickets and tour guide
Adult ticket price: 120 yuan/person, student half price
Official tour: charged by the number of people, 90 yuan/time for 1-5 people; 100 yuan/time for 6-11 people; 110 yuan/time for more than 12 people
English tour: 200 yuan/time
The Bell and Drum Tower is undoubtedly the most central landmark building in the city of Xi'an.
For many tourists, this is a must-see attraction in Xi'an. The Bell Tower is a classic pavilion-style ancient building. When night falls and the stars shine brightly, it's like a dream back to ancient times. Climbing the tower, overlooking Xi'an's four main streets (East, West, South, and North), you'll instantly immerse yourself in the modern rhythm of Xi'an.
Built four years before the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower is even more imposing and taller, making it the largest drum tower in China. Drum performances are held daily, and the sight of swallows circling above and kites flying overhead is a breathtaking sight.
I have to say here: the Drum Tower is connected to the North Courtyard Gate, which is Huimin Street. Visitors may wish to climb the Drum Tower first to enjoy the scenery, and then go to Huimin Street to have a feast of authentic food!
Tips:
Tickets for the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are both 35 yuan, and a combined ticket for the Bell and Drum Tower is 50 yuan.
Opening Hours:
Peak season (8:30-21:00)
Off-season (8:30-17:30)
The Xi'an Forest of Steles Museum has a history of more than 900 years. It is located in the Confucian Temple and houses famous steles, stone carvings, and Buddhist statues from the Qin and Han Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
If you are a calligraphy enthusiast, you may want to visit the Beilin Museum to see the original works left by calligraphy masters from past dynasties, such as Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Ouyang Xun, Mi Fu, Huang Tingjian, etc.
I'd like to highlight the Tang Dynasty Kaicheng Stone Sutra in the first exhibition hall. Among the many stone tablets, it's one that's truly worth stopping to admire and carefully read. These 114 stone tablets, often called "treasures of the museum," are arranged like a maze, brimming with secrets.
Tips:
Opening Hours:
8:00-17:30 (December 1st to the end of February)
8:00-18:00 (March 1st to the end of November)
Tickets:
50 yuan/person (off-season)
65 yuan/person (peak season)
Mount Hua, one of the Five Great Mountains, is renowned for its danger. A staircase carved from the cliffs has created the "One Path to Mount Huashan Since Ancient Times." Visitors clinging to the iron chains as they ascend, a path that has become an unforgettable memory for many.
Watching the sunrise and sunset from the East, South, and West Peaks, and gazing at the boundless scenery from the misty mountain trail are all experiences you can't miss when you visit Huashan. Along the way, there are countless stone Taoist temples and cultural attractions. You might even be able to learn some Taoist techniques from a Taoist priest who cultivates the mind and spirit!
Tips:
Mount Huashan Tickets
Peak season (March 1st - end of November): 160 yuan/person;
Off-season (December 1st - end of February of the following year): 100 yuan/person,
Cableway tickets
Peak season for the Beifeng cable car (March 1st - November 30th): Round trip: 150 yuan/person One way: 80 yuan/person
Off-season (December 1st - end of February of the following year) Round trip: 80 yuan/person One way: 45 yuan/person
Xifeng Cableway Peak Season (March 1st - November 30th): Round trip: 280 yuan/person One way: 140 yuan/person
Off-season (December 1st - end of February of the following year): Round trip: 240 yuan/person One way: 120 yuan/person
The saying "the Yellow River converges in a pot" refers to the famous Hukou Waterfall, China's second-largest waterfall and the world's largest yellow waterfall. As the Yellow River rushes here, steep cliffs rise on both sides, and the river mouth narrows like a pot's mouth, hence the name Hukou Waterfall.
This is a classic example of seeing the sight is worse than hearing it. When you arrive at the Hukou Scenic Area, closest to the surging Yellow River, you'll be amazed! As you sail upstream along the Ten-Li Dragon Trough, the sound of the waterfall resounds through the sky, and the spectacular scene of the "roaring Yellow River" unfolds before your eyes.
Hukou is over 350 kilometers from Xi'an, making it a relatively long journey. If you're making a special trip, be sure to plan your travel time and itinerary well in advance.
Tips:
Hukou Waterfall ticket price: 90 yuan
Opening hours: 6:30-19:00
The long Qinling Mountains are the dividing line between north and south China. The main peak, Taibai Mountain, is 3,771.2 meters above sea level. There is a saying that "one mountain has four seasons, and the weather is different every ten miles."
Climb up the high watersheds and overlook the endless mountain ranges. If you are lucky, you can also see the spectacular sea of clouds on the top of the mountain, just like a huge ink painting spreading out before your eyes.
In the Zhongnan Mountains of the Qinling Mountains, traces of hermits still exist; on the towering Taibai Mountains, there are alpine meadows, lakes, rich vegetation, and Qinling wildlife such as takin, pandas, and golden monkeys. Taibai Mountain is also known as "the only place in eastern China where you can experience the beauty of a snow-capped mountain."
It is worth mentioning that tourism in Taibai Mountain is now very mature. If you just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains or take some photos, you can take a bus to Xiaban Temple and then take the cable car to Shangban Temple, which is very convenient.
Tips:
Taibai Mountain National Forest Park Ticket
Peak season: 100 yuan; off-season: 60 yuan
Sightseeing bus: 30 yuan one way, 60 yuan round trip
When talking about Shaanxi folk customs, the most unavoidable one is Qinqiang. The resounding and resonant Qinqiang roars out the profoundness of this land and also the warm, bold and optimistic character of the Shaanxi people.
If you come to Xi'an for a trip, you must take time to walk along the city wall, or take a slow stroll in the Ring City Park, and listen to the Qinqiang opera and erhu music sung by the old Xi'an people.
Apart from Qinqiang, the most wonderful folk custom that you cannot miss when you come to Shaanxi is the Ansai waist drum in northern Shaanxi.
Ansai waist drum originated in Yulin, northern Shaanxi. After more than 2,000 years of history and development, it has become a unique traditional folk large-scale dance art and has been listed as a "national intangible cultural heritage."
The unique charm of Ansai waist drum performances can be performed by a few or thousands of people. The majestic momentum and exquisite performance are intoxicating. The vigorous and powerful dance also reflects the honest, simple, heroic and powerful character of the people of the Loess Plateau. It is known as the "No. 1 Drum in the World"!
Must-eat delicacies, must-see attractions, must-climb Mount Hua and the city wall. If you have plenty of time, you must experience these 10 top travel experiences; if you don’t have enough time, then pick out the points that interest you most and go see them as soon as possible!
