How to Plan a Trip to Xi’an – Fully Experience this Enchanting City

 An ancient city that is steeped in history, Xi'an is one of the best places to visit in China to gain insights into the nation’s rich heritage and culture. From the stunning Terracotta Army and City Wall to delectable cuisine and much more, it provides something new to discover on each visit. If it is going to be your first time here, these are some insights to help you plan your trip.

                                                        Img via Pxfuel

Consider When to Visit

Xi'an is an ideal place to visit the whole year round but do keep in mind it has four distinct seasons too. From March till May is spring and the cooling breeze and warm sunshine make it a great period to visit and enjoy outdoor activities. Warmer temperatures descend in summer from June to August; due to the heat, look to plan excursions in the mornings or evenings and consider visiting sites like Huashan Mountain for more cooler climes.

 Autumn is from September to November and though you will get rain, it won’t be all the time and the temperature is cooler too. For travel during winter, from December to February, remember to pack warm clothing and be prepared for the occasional snowfall too.

 Find Central Accommodation

To maximise your time in the city, be it for sightseeing or business, find a centrally located hotel to be based at. Choose accommodation in the heart of the city centre such as Grand Park Xian that is within walking distance to the City Wall and other key attractions. Check to see if the property also offers airport transfers and is within easy reach of public transport services.

 Ideally, it should additionally feature complimentary high-speed internet and Wi-Fi access, dining options and for corporate travellers, a business centre and meeting spaces. Before making a booking, always check the official hotel website; it will often provide benefits for direct bookings and exclusive offers as well.

 Plan Your Sightseeing

Come up with a specific sightseeing itinerary to ensure you visit the top attractions; Xi An, China hotels in the city centre provide ease of access so you can spend more time at these sites and less on transport. One of the best places to visit is the ancient City Wall which dates to the Ming Dynasty and is an iconic structure that you can explore via bicycle.

 No trip would be complete without an excursion to the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Terracotta Army of the 3rd century BC. Other sightseeing highlights include the Bell and Drum Towers, Forest of Stele Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

 Discover Local Cuisine

As part of experiencing the culture of Xi’an, you should also savour its delectable cuisine. To do this, you should head to Huimin Street (also called Muslim Street) which is a great spot for shopping and nightlife too. As you wander around this area, you will come across eateries and stalls selling must-try dishes like roujiamo which is a delicious bun with marinated lamb or beef stuffing; also worth trying are yangrou paomo (a lamb soup with soaked pita bread), Xi’an dumplings and cold noodles too.

 Check Transport Options

When it comes to getting around the city, there are several options to consider. For some eco-friendly sightseeing, you can rent a bike which is also ideal for riding on the City Wall. Public buses are also available and provide access to main attractions such as the Bell Tower, while there is a metro system as well, that operates four lines to various areas of the city. Alternatively, you can flag a taxi which is a convenient option if you have baggage or want to get to a site directly.