Xi'an Travel & Events Guide

Ancient capital, modern metropolis: Xi'an blends imperial grandeur with a fiercely independent, spicy culinary soul.

Imagine waking to the aroma of freshly fried roujiamo , the clatter of a noodle stall coming to life, then spending your afternoon cycling the ancient city walls, gazing at the Drum Tower. As dusk falls, you’re navigating the bustling Muslim Quarter, the air thick with cumin and roasting lamb, before settling into a hole-in-the-wall for fiery biang-biang noodles and a local beer.

This isn't another sanitized Chinese city; Xi'an is gritty, loud, and unapologetically itself. Its deep historical roots—as the starting point of the Silk Road and home to emperors—are evident around every corner, but the city beats with a youthful energy. The food scene here is legendary, defined by wheat, spice, and unique Shaanxi flavors, fiercely distinct from Cantonese or Sichuan. The locals are proud, direct, and warm once you break through their initial reserve.

Events in Xi'an · Things to do in Xi'an