Tips for visiting Xian

Xian or Xi’an is the second important tourism city after Beijing if you have city tours in China. "Xi’an" literally means "peace in the west". It was once home to the capitals of several dynasties over 1000 years.

A few years ago I took an America tourist group of over 70 doctors to Xian after finishing their visit in Beijing. They said to me that Xian was more Chinese than Beijing. They liked Xian very much.

The life pace in Xian is slow. The people are simple and warm. Many of the buildings are kept in the typical Chinese style – Tang Dynasty style ( 618 - 907 ).

The other not miss attractions like Shaanxi Museum, Big Goose Pagoda are in the south of Xian city wall. It takes a few minutes' ride by taxi. If you have strong legs, walking is highly recommended to visit the attractions in the south of Xian.

You may take flight or overnight trains to Xian from Beijing, Shanghai, or other cities in China. Xian Train Station is outside the north-east corner of Xian City Wall. In the south of Xian Train Station inside the city wall, you find some double-decker buses running to the downtown area like Bell Tower and so on.

So you can use your train ticket and the admission ticket for Terracotta Amy in exchange for the free shuttle bus going to Terracotta Army. The free shuttle pass is valid for three days.

Xian Xianyang International Airport is about 45km west of Xian. Taking the official airport shuttle is highly advised. Be mindful of the black taxis in the parking lot in front of the airport.

Any questions, just drop a line.