Try to imagine 1400 years ago in the glory days of Tang, Xian (then known as Changan) was 6 times bigger than Imperial Rome and 40 times larger than medieval London.

Being the world's largest city with over 1 million inhabitants, Changan housed those not only with scholastic and artistic talent but also leaders with immense political and religious clout. Not to mention wealth. Ancient Xi'an was the global centre of trade and commerce as the start point of the Silkroad with the internationally renowned Western Market (recently reopened on the exact spot) a multicultural people magnet. This is where, long before Hong Kong and Dubai, A-listers of the time flocked to Xian to shop, trade and ink deals. Marco Polo arrived on the scene six or seven hundred years later.

Testament to the epoch are the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which towers majestically 1.5 millenia later and the Daming Palace which was 5 times larger than Beijing's Forbidden City and is currently under reconstruction just north of the city walls. Xi'an, we can fairly easily conclude, is a city that has roots - as is becoming of one of the 4 ancient capitals of the world. The latest incarnation (today's Xian) was established in the 1300s under the Ming Dynasty who bequethed the city walls in their current guise together with the iconic Bell and Drum Towers.

These modern upstarts are at ease in the company of both a world class underground tomb from Han Changan (around the year 10) and China's first Emperor which is still guarded by 8000 Terracotta Soldiers a mere 2200 years after his death!

Education is prized with nearly a million students studying in over 100 universities at any one time, while new technological advances ensure the city also has a promising future. Recent projects include completion of the largest train station in Asia with bullet train connections to Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities, a nearly finished underground, and one of the largest Hi Tech/ IT service outsourcing zones in China. Xian also has world class aerospace and aviation industries which contributed signaficantly to the recent space excursions.

Here at Xi'an Travel Service we combine decades of experience in international travel with insightful local knowledge to provide an outstanding all round package which will smooth your path, and free you to concentrate on enjoying this amazing cultural wonderland. We are passionate about helping you get the most out of this incredible city - and these are not just words - we really love this place and want to pass on the knowledge to you.

Xi'an is most definitely what we would call the "real China". Exotic as it sounds, in practise that can mean all kinds of frustrations whether it be through language, travel delays or tourist traps.

Our Xi'an tours are all private and combine absolute flexibility with convenience and style. They can easily be adapted to any budget and requirements you may have.

Click to view a full range of our private Xian tours and services or use the navigation bar at the top of this page. A Xi'an Travel video is also available.

You will live like a local in a perfect location while having access to our full range of services. The apartments are all brand new and modernly furnished. There are 1 or 2 bedroom options which are 70 and 100m2 respectively. All the apartments are equiped with a new computer (broadband internet connection) and all mod cons. Serviced or semi serviced options are available to suit your budget. Comprehensive Information about Xian Hotels also available

Follow the link to make a discounted booking for the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show save 30%

For detailed Tourist Information about the sites of Xi'an. Updated regularly so please check back.

Our comprehensive service can arrange conferences, professional translators, private transport and a whole lot more. Just get in touch and we will send you a proposal in a flash. We also have fantastic connections throughout the Tourism and Software sectors for interested investors wanting to do some business in Xi'an.

Xi'an offers a tremendous amount of outsourcing advantages (such as a massive skilled work force, and low labour costs) that will contribute directly to the competitive advantage of your firm while you are freed to concentrate on your core competencies. Forget about cutting your IT costs with Software as a Service (SAAS), and start thinking about slashing overheads with Software in Xi'an. In Xi'an, BPO is most definitely "greenlight".

Buy life sized Terracotta Warrior replicas, Chess Sets, original revolution oil paintings and propaganda posters at fantastic prices

We are ideally situated to assist with all your transportation requirements. Follow the link if you would like to hire a Xian car, minivan or bus. Furthermore if you would like to find out Xian airport transfers you have come to the right place. Information about Xian Tour Guides is also available