Five Star Hotels in Xi'an

Exploring Xi'an

Capital of Shaanxi province and numerous Chinese dynasties (including the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties), Xi’an boasts a history stretching back three millennia and thus comes with many fascinating attractions. The Silk Road’s eastern terminus is well developed today, though it retains many ancient relics including its old city walls, which are the largest and most intact in the world. In addition, Xi’an is launch point for visits to the world famous Terracotta Army, which is fairly close by.

The city is as cosmopolitan as any burgeoning Chinese metropolis today and has quality hotels and an established infrastructure for tourists, though the transport is still a little lacking. Much of it can be done by bicycle, however, including the pathway up on the wall and also around the moat and park. Many people pass up a visit to Xi’an on account of its relative remoteness in the middle of the country, but you can’t really say you’ve done China unless you’ve made it out here.

Sights nearby

There is so much to see both in and outside of Xi’an, chief of which is the monumental city walls and the nearby Terracotta Army. Cycling the walls gives the best overall perspective, revealing old temples, towers and mosques.

Xi’an City Wall
Xi’an’s main landmark is pretty unmissable, encircling as it does the city for about eight miles. In addition, it is about 40 feet high—wider still—and you can walk or cycle it without coming down to street level. The Ming Dynasty wall is as strong as ever and includes watchtowers and a drawbridge, along with a park and moat around it. Bikes can be rented from up here. Two of the top hotel options within the wall are the five-star Grand Noble and Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square.

Shaanxi Historic Museum
Located outside the wall is this fascinating museum, which has exhibits going as far back as the Neolithic period up to the period of the rich and most recent Qing dynasty. The Banpo Neolithic pottery and Shang dynasty bronzes are highlights, and there are some fascinating articles on the Tang dynasty. Get here early to receive free entry.

Terracotta Army
The main site in all of Shaanxi—the ‘Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses’—is off to the northeast of town, not far from the Qinshihuang Mausoleum. These thousands of terracotta warriors and horses, spread across three gigantic chambers, were only uncovered in the 1970s and yet hail from the third century BC. There’s a museum on site with further information on the warriors and Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You can get in by bus or tour.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

The majority of restaurants are naturally within the city walls, with the Muslim Quarter having the biggest selection. This is a lovely part of Xi’an, with restaurants and street vendors galore—try some tasty yang rou pao mo traditional soup. Not far away is the Bazaar Area where you can pick up terracotta warrior figurines. Xi’an is not all that lively, though Bar Street and Renmin Square have many places to make merry, while good eating and entertainment can also be had in top hotels like the Shangri-La, Xian.

Public transport

Most sights are within the walls and the narrow roads are often best negotiated by bicycle, which can be rented cheaply—cycling the wall is a must. A metro line goes right under the middle of the city (north-south), while bus #610 is recommended for tourists, taking in the train station, Bell Tower and Shaanxi Historic Museum, among other attractions. Taxis are unregulated and best avoided.