Xi’an Travel Guide: Terracotta Army, Pagoda & Local Food

If China were a massive history book, then Xi’an would be the page you open and never want to close. History is alive here. Many cities are good for photos, but Xi’an is meant to be experienced—under your feet lie two thousand years of dust, in front of you is the modern skyline, and the air seems to still carry echoes of the Tang Dynasty.

Why Xi’an? Starting with the Name (xian pronunciation)

The Correct Pronunciation of Xi’an and Common Mistakes

First-time visitors, especially from abroad, often stumble on “Xi’an”:
👉 Is it Zee-an? Shee-an? Or just Shan?

The correct Xian pronunciation is: “Shee-AHN”—with a clear pause in the middle. That apostrophe isn’t decoration—it’s meaningful. Without it, Xi’an could easily be misread as “county” instead of the historic city.

The Cultural Meaning Behind the Name

“Xi” refers to the west, “An” means peace or stability. From the name itself, Xi’an was destined to be a city that anchors dynasties, civilizations, and memories.

Xi’an’s Role in Chinese History

The Capital of the 13 Dynasties

Xi’an, historically known as Chang’an, carries the DNA of “long-lasting stability.” From the Zhou, Qin, Han, all the way to the Tang dynasty, 13 dynasties chose this city as their capital. No other city has been repeatedly selected by history in this way.

How the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang Shaped Xi’an

Qin Dynasty: Unified weights, measures, writing, and law
Han Dynasty: Laid the foundation of Chinese cultural geography
Tang Dynasty: A global metropolis of its time

If Beijing symbolizes power, Xi’an symbolizes civilization itself.

Starting Point of the Silk Road

Xi’an is not just a Chinese city—it belongs to the world. It was the starting point of the Silk Road, where East and West first truly connected.

First Impressions of Xi’an

City Layout and Historical Layers

Xi’an doesn’t rush upwards like many modern cities. It’s like a geological cross-section of time:

Underground: Imperial tombs
Ground level: City walls and traditional neighborhoods
Above: Modern skyscrapers

Every step you take could be on top of history.

The Fusion of Modern City and Ancient Capital

The subway reaches the Terracotta Army, and coffee shops stand next to the city walls. Xi’an doesn’t reject modernity—it absorbs it gracefully.

The Terracotta Army – The Eighth Wonder of the World

The Discovery of the Terracotta Army (Terracotta Army Xian Museum)

In 1974, farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, digging a well stumbled upon some clay fragments and a human-shaped head. Initially, no one realized the significance until archaeologists intervened—they discovered not scattered artifacts, but a massive underground army.

Today’s terracotta army Xian museum is just a part of the massive Qin Shi Huang mausoleum complex. The emperor’s tomb itself remains largely unopened, keeping the Terracotta Army shrouded in mystery and attracting visitors worldwide.

Why the Terracotta Army Astonishes the World

Over 8,000 life-sized figures have been discovered so far
Each with unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor details
Complete military structure, including infantry, cavalry, chariots, and command units

The Terracotta Army wasn’t an artistic whim—it’s a highly organized military model of an ancient empire.

Tips for Visiting the Terracotta Army

Visit in the morning for better lighting and fewer crowds
Hire a guide for context; otherwise, it’s hard to distinguish the pits
Don’t just see Pit 1—Pit 2 and Pit 3 have unique insights

The Wild Goose Pagoda and the Spirit of the Tang Dynasty (wild goose pagoda xian china)

Cultural and Religious Significance of the Pagoda

Many tourists see the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, China, as a must-see landmark, but its true value is more than architecture. Originally built to house, organize, and translate Buddhist scriptures, it functioned as a knowledge hub of the Tang Dynasty, showcasing the systematized absorption and dissemination of foreign culture.

Xuanzang and the Real Journey to the West

Unlike the mythical “Journey to the West,” the real Xuanzang was a scholar-traveler. He departed from Chang’an, spending 17 years crossing deserts, mountains, and multiple countries, bringing back Buddhist texts and teachings to China. These scriptures were preserved and translated in the Wild Goose Pagoda, making it a symbol of Tang-era cross-cultural exchange.

Night Views and Fountain Shows

During the day, the pagoda is solemn and restrained; at night, lights and musical fountains give it a modern, immersive feel. History is no longer just text—it becomes a sensory urban experience.

Cycling Above History – The Xi’an City Wall (Xian City Wall)

China’s Most Intact Ancient City Wall

The Xian city wall is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. It’s not symbolic—it’s a fully functional historical defense system. The structure includes gates, watchtowers, and ramparts, fully demonstrating Ming Dynasty defensive planning.

Cycling Experience on the Wall

Cycling the wall offers a unique perspective: on one side, the old city’s streets and lifestyle; on the other, modern skyscrapers and bustling activity. Two timelines running side by side at the same height.

Understanding Xi’an’s Urban Development from the Wall

The wall is both a geographic boundary and a temporal divide.

Inside: Traditional alleys and slower-paced life
Outside: Modern commercial areas and new neighborhoods

A single ride links past and present.

Xi’an’s Culinary Scene: A Seriously Underrated Food Capital (xian foodie)

Why Xi’an is China’s “Carb Capital”

If Sichuan is famous for spice and Guangdong for refinement, Xi’an’s strength is substance. People don’t eat here for Instagram—they eat to fuel their lives. Historically, Xi’an was a hub of politics, military, and transport, with heavy physical activity and dense population, requiring food that was high-calorie, filling, and easy to store. Hence, noodles became king. Xi’an’s carb culture isn’t a flavor choice—it’s a survival strategy.

Three Iconic Dishes: Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang Noodles

Roujiamo: Not a “Chinese burger.” Crisp outside, soft inside; meat is balanced and hearty, perfected over centuries.
Yangrou Paomo: Eating it is a ritual—tear the bread into pieces to soak in the soup. Slow, thick, and satisfying.
Biangbiang Noodles: Broad as a belt, long as a city wall—one bowl explains why Xi’an takes quantity seriously.

Hidden Gems in Alleyways

Liangpi (cold noodles) – filling enough for a meal
Meatball Spicy Soup – breakfast essential
Steamed Soup Buns, Hulu Head Soup – adventurous, local favorites

How to Eat Like a Local

Don’t fear lines—good places are always crowded
Order less, eat more rounds—portions are generous
Don’t say “no spice” lightly—mild spice is the minimum

Pro tip: explore morning and night markets rather than sticking to tourist streets.

Why Xi’an is Underrated

It doesn’t try to impress. No fancy plating, no explanations—food is there, simple and honest. If you get it, great; if not, it won’t compromise. And that, in itself, is part of its charm.