Xian Tourist Information

AS THE HOME of the Terracotta Army and 13 Dynasties, Xi'an is of course shrouded in history- a cultural wonderland and breathing historical record of ancient China. The Thriving Muslim Quarter with roots dating back to the ancient Silkroad, delicious snacks and tax free shopping is a case in point. It is a fabulous place to just get lost and wander around. Or how about the City Wall which can be biked around in less than 2 hours? Tang Dynasty Dinner and Dancing show anyone?

There are countless sites of interest which will keep the cultural enthusiast happy for days, many with absolutely world class presentation (Han Yang Ling, Shaanxi History Museum, and Tang Paradise to name a few). Indeed, those who think that Xian is only about the Terracotta Warriors, and accordingly fly through in a day or so are missing out on some of the best China has to offer, although the Terracotta Warrior Tours are of course a breath taking sight to behold. For a video Tour of Xi'an please click here.

AS CAPITAL of Shaanxi Province in North Western China, Xi'an is also a vibrant modern metrpolis which contains around 8 million residents all with their fingers well and truly on the pulse. Not to mention the food, swanky discos, Art and bar Streets, Gucci, Prada and LV complexes, and the walking street... oh, did I mention the food...? Fused with tradition, Xi'an is also a student town with nearly a million people enrolled in various courses at any time.

SURROUNDED by breath taking mountain ranges, Xi'an also offers excellent swimming and hiking in superb natural scenery. Feel free to stay with a local farmer family or take a day trip, everything is up to you. Huashan, The Qinling Mountain range and the huge Taibaishan are all within a couple of hours drive. What more could you want? See some amazing history, make a fortune (see below), eat gluttonously and then relax in the mountains. Could be worse.

Many do not realize is the diversity of experience that exists here. Sure there are cultural and historical sites dotted all over Xi'an, however Xi'ans real treasure, in my humble opinion, is the stunning nature on offer just a stones throw from China's ancient capital. From Xi'an it is easy to reach Mt Huashan which is one of China's five famous mountains and dubbed as "the number 1 dangerous mountain in the world".

It is possible to trek up at night or day, or catch the cable car. Haven't heard a bad word about this place, and I know why- it is pretty spectacular. In addition, only 50 km to the south of Xi'an lies the Qinling mountain range which offers breath taking scenery and the chance to go swimming and hiking in the surrounding nature. Almost everyone I know who comes to China wants to go swimming, and yet this place is almost completely unknown- even to the locals. Those who do make the effort have regularly claimed that it was their highlight of China.

In short, whether you want to travel back in time and feel the might and culture of ancient China, or add some adventure to your trip with swimming and hiking, Xi'an really does offer much more than you would expect. I often hear people say after a day in Xi'an that they feel they have "done" the place. Nothing could be further from reality. It is easy to spend a week or more here without covering everything this great city has to offer. Xi'an really does have the world at its feet. With us you have the perfect opportunity to explore it.

To find out detailed information about some of the sites in Xi'an just click on a button on the left.