Xian was the birthplace of one of the world’s most important civilisations, which enjoyed a status equal to that of ancient Athens, Cairo and Rome. Situated on China’s southern Guanzhong plain, it is the capital of Shaanxi province, surrounded by hills, mountains and rivers, an auspicious combination of natural features according to Chinese tradition.

The area’s cultural and historical significance, as well as abundance of attractions available, have led to the entire area being known as a 'Natural History Museum'. The two most important sites to visit are the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, considered by many to be the 8th wonder of the world and the City Wall of the Ming dynasty (14th to 17th centuries), which is the largest Ming dynasty fortification in existence. At the edge of the city are remains of the 3,000 year-old Neolithic Banpo village ( dating back to 8000 to 5000BC), and a ‘Forest’ of Stone Steles, featuring 3,000 inscribed stone tablets from the Han through the Qing dynasties. Outside the city itself, the Famen Temple is a sacred site to Buddhists, as it contains the finger bones of Sakyamuni (the Buddha). Mount Huashan, a reasonable drive away, is one of the best-known mountains in China, famous for its breathtaking cliffs and popular with climbers as well as day visitors.

The traditional centre of Xian was an area defined and encircled by the city wall, but what is considered the centre today includes the area reaching out to the second ring road. At the city’s geographical centre is the Bell Tower, with four main roads leading outwards from this point: Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie are also the city’s major commercial thoroughfares. As the number of tourists visiting Xian grows, the hotel industry continues to flourish and an ever-increasing choice in quality hotels is available.

Variety in cuisines is a tradition that has its roots in the role Xian played in the history of the Silk Road trading route. It is praised as the ‘capital of table delicacies,’ boasting delicious Shaanxi snacks, eateries featuring the delicate Guangdong cuisine, many varieties of foreign delicacies and the much-enjoyed dishes from Sichuan. The most famous and popular eating area in the city is the Muslim Snacks Street.

Most of Xian’s hotels are found within the Nan’ erhuan Lu ring road the protects the ancient moated city. There is even a generous selection of hotels in the old town itself. Some, such as the Ana Grand Castle, are virtually tourist landmarks themselves, while the Sofitel by contrast is the epitome of modern China. Most hotels are modern and comfortable, reflecting the country’s rapid development, while the surroundings are a mah jong board of ancient and new. Xian hotels are surprisingly good value, catering mostly to the tastes of local tourists and business persons.

Xian was known as Chang'an in ancient times, situated at the centre of the Weihe Plain, with the towering Mount Qinling to the south, the rolling Beishan mountains to the north and eight rivers flowing around it. Historically, the city was called the ‘gold city stretching a thousand li,’ reflecting the abundance produced for its people as a result of its fertile soil and mild climate.

Since the beginnings of the earliest civilisations, and continuing for a period of more than a thousand years, Xian served as the capital for twelve dynasties, including the Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui and Tang. At one time it was the centre of oriental culture on the Silk Road trading route and the many dynasties maintained the city’s beauty and magnificence. More than 270 palaces and temples were built in the Qin dynasty and in the Han dynasty, the three Han Palaces of Changle, Jianzhang and Weiyang, as well as a number of other palaces and watch towers were constructed. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, luxurious palaces continued to be added such as Daming, Taiji and Xingqing. The emperors of the various dynasties also left impressive monuments to themselves, having magnificent mausoleums constructed.

During the Tang dynasty, Xian experienced advances in many fields and the city prospered. The overall city plan incorporated a grand and symmetrical design in its layout, becoming a model for city design. After the Tang dynasty, Xian fell into decline and its position as capital of China came to an end. It continued to play an important role as a commercial centre of the Silk Road trade route in the later dynasties, but it never regained its cultural and political importance of earlier times.
Over the 50 years however, Xian has been experiencing a revival, developing a solid industrial base in aerospace and aviation, communications, electronics and electric power. In some of these sectors, the region is not only a leader in China, but internationally as well. There are more than 700 scientific research institutions and around 40 institutions of higher learning, ensuring Xian’s place as a leader in China’s future, as it was in its past.

Xian experiences a semi-moist monsoon climate, with clear distinctions in seasons. Although winters can be cold and damp, most times of the year are suitable for visiting, with spring and fall being the most popular times. The months of April, May, September and October are the peak tourist months, when the weather is the most pleasant.

The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0°C, although Xian only sees a minimal amount of snow. The hottest month is June, with an average temperature of 26°C, with very dry conditions. 

What seems to be more significant in determining a time to visit is the purpose of your trip. Some of the most festive times are during the late winter, when Chinese New Year celebrations are held. Although this is called the Spring Festival, it occurs in late January or early February. Another festival that occurs during the winter months is the Lantern Festival, coming at the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, when the entire city is decked in brightly coloured lanterns.