Xi’an: One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the World

Xi’an Ancient City Wall

The Xi’an Ancient City Wall is the most well-preserved ancient fortification in China, boasting a history of over 1,400 years since the Tang Dynasty. It surrounds the city of Xi’an, standing strong and impressive. When you climb up to the city wall, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and there’s even the option to ride a bike along the top. You can also catch some exciting performances right on the wall!

Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are often referred to as the “Sister Towers” or “Cultural and Martial Towers.” The Bell Tower is the largest and best-preserved ancient tower of its kind in China. Every day, you can enjoy performances featuring the chime bells, and the display of calligraphy and paintings gifted by the renowned artist Qi Baishi is quite valuable as well. The Drum Tower is the largest ancient drum tower still standing in China, and both towers were built during the Ming Dynasty, giving them a rich history of over 620 years.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the Jianfu Temple Pagoda, was built during the Tang Dynasty. Over its long history of more than 1,200 years, this pagoda has weathered countless storms and survived over 70 earthquakes, experiencing three instances of separation and rejoining along the way.

Set in a tranquil environment, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is currently located within the Xi’an Museum. Inside the temple, you can still find a massive iron bell cast during the Jin Dynasty in the third year of the Mingchang era (1192). This bell produces a rich, resonant sound, and the “Morning Bell of the Wild Goose Pagoda” is renowned as one of the eight scenic wonders of Guanzhong.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the Da Ci’en Temple Pagoda, was originally called the Stupa of the Western Courtyard of the Ci’en Temple . This architectural masterpiece of Buddhist art from the Tang Dynasty is one of the iconic landmarks of Xi’an.

When you climb to the top of the pagoda, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient city of Chang’an. From the tower, you also get a full view of the stunning music fountain below.

The Great Tang All-Night City

The Great Tang All-Night City features a central axis pedestrian street that stretches 1,500 meters from north to south, with the Zhenguan Cultural Square as its centerpiece. This vibrant area is made up of four cultural and artistic buildings: the Xi’an Grand Theatre, the Xi’an Concert Hall, the Qujiang Art Museum, and the Qujiang Pacific Cinema. Together, they reflect the supreme status of the ancient Tang Dynasty in religion, literature, art, and technology.

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, also known as the Lishan Garden, is the burial site of China’s first emperor. Its immense scale and the richness of its accompanying artifacts place it at the top among the tombs of all emperors throughout history. According to historical records, Qin Shi Huang, whose birth name was Ying Zheng, began construction of the mausoleum at the age of 13, and the project took a staggering 38 years to complete. This monumental undertaking set a precedent for the extravagant burials of feudal rulers throughout the ages. Due to limitations in archaeological technology, the tomb itself has yet to be excavated. Visitors can only view the grand burial mound, which is surrounded by peaks and seamlessly integrated with Mount Li.

Soup dumplings, or guantang baozi, are made with high-quality ingredients and crafted with care. The dough is made from fine flour and hot water, while the filling consists of rib meat mixed with fresh bone marrow broth and over ten premium seasonings. These dumplings are not only fragrant and tender but also have a delicate, translucent appearance. The broth inside is rich and flavorful, and they’re deliciously oily without being greasy.

Xi’an cold noodles, or liangpi, come in a variety of types and are made from either flour or rice, which divides them into two main categories: rice noodles and wheat noodles. Rice noodles are translucent and are most popular when made from high-quality rice from Qin Town in Huxian County, while wheat noodles have a slightly yellow color and are often mixed with gluten.

When enjoying liangpi, diners can customize the seasoning according to their taste preferences. You can ask the shop to adjust the spice level—whether you want less or more chili, extra gluten, or no garlic at all. If you’re not into spicy food, they can drizzle some sesame oil over the noodles for added flavor.

The Xi’an dumpling banquet is a famous culinary experience in the city, crafted from research into the traditional dumplings of the Tang Dynasty and Chinese cuisine as a whole. It gets its name from the diverse and intricate shapes of the dumplings that make up the feast.

These dumplings are made with high-quality ingredients and unique techniques, resulting in lively shapes—each dumpling is distinct and eye-catching. They not only look appealing but also offer a delightful flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Roujiamo, literally meaning “meat stuffed in a bun” in ancient Chinese, is a beloved street food among locals. It’s not only tasty but also filling.

For the bun, you need a specially crafted white flatbread called “baiji mo” for the authentic experience. This bun is delightfully crispy with a subtle, sweet flavor. When you eat it, take a small amount of the marinated pork, chop it up a bit, add a touch of the broth, and stuff it into the freshly baked baiji mo. Enjoy it while it’s hot—the combination of the crispy bun and flavorful meat is truly unforgettable!

Guokui, also known as “guokui mo,” “dry bread,” or “pot crust,” is a traditional snack beloved by residents in both urban and rural areas of the Guanzhong region in Shaanxi. The origin of guokui traces back to a grandmother gifting it to her grandson to celebrate his one-month milestone, eventually evolving into a popular, flavorful convenience food.

Meatball and spicy soup, or qingzhen ròuwán húlàtāng, is a halal dish popular among the Hui people in Xi’an. Nowadays, many locals enjoy it as a breakfast option.

To stand out in an area predominantly occupied by Han Chinese, Xi’an’s Hui community has put extra effort into their seasoning. They’ve eliminated the sour flavors typical in some dishes and instead embraced a saltier profile that complements the rich aromas of lamb and beef broth. The result is a flavorful, hearty soup that’s perfect for starting the day!

Suancai chao mi,” or pickled cabbage fried rice, is a local dish that’s basically fried rice. The term “chao mi” is the common name used by the locals.

You can mix the rice with various ingredients like shredded meat, vegetables, and eggs, but the most popular and signature version features shredded pork stir-fried with pickled cabbage. This combination creates a savory and tangy flavor that’s both comforting and delicious.

This is a traditional and exquisite snack known for its many layers, fine strands, and fluffy texture that isn’t greasy. Its shape is often described as “lifting it looks like golden threads, and when set down, it resembles a pine cone,” which is how it gets its name. Legend has it that this treat dates back to the Tang Dynasty, giving it a history of over 1,400 years.

Jinggao, or “mirror cake,” is made using high-quality glutinous rice flour packed into a small wooden steamer. It’s often topped with red or green beans for added flavor. Once steamed, it takes on a delicate, white appearance and a small, round shape that resembles a little mirror, which is how it gets its name. The result is a soft and chewy treat that’s both charming and delicious!

Honey cold rice dumplings are a popular summer treat unique to Xi’an, the Guanzhong region, and southern Shaanxi. Shaped like water chestnuts, these dumplings are translucent and glistening, making them a refreshing snack to cool you down.When you’re ready to eat, they are sliced into small pieces using thread or a bamboo knife and served on a plate. Drizzled with honey or syrup made from rose or osmanthus flowers, they offer a sweet and delightful flavor that’s perfect for hot days!

Shuan niudu, or boiled beef tripe, is a famous street food in Xi’an. Fresh beef tripe is sliced and skewered with bamboo sticks, then cooked in a rich broth until tender. Once cooked, it’s dipped into a flavorful sauce made from sesame paste, chili sauce, and a variety of seasonings. The combination is aromatic and chewy, making it a delicious and satisfying snack!

Youcha mahua, or oil tea with fried dough twists, is a traditional snack from Xi’an. The dough twists are soaked in oil tea until they become soft and tender. At this point, the fragrant combination of oil and dough mingles with the flavors of crushed sesame, almonds, yellow soybeans, and peanuts, creating a rich and satisfying taste that sweeps away any hunger pangs!