The Flavors and Traditions of the Ancient Capital
Plan My Trip →Beyond the monuments, Xi'an offers a living culture — from the pageantry of Tang Dynasty performances to the hearty cuisine of Shaanxi province. This guide covers the cultural experiences and practical know-how for your Xi'an visit.
Xi'an's signature evening experience is the Tang Dynasty music and dance show, staged with lavish costumes and choreography inspired by the golden age of the Tang. The accompanying dumpling banquet makes it a complete cultural evening.
Shaanxi food is hearty and distinctive: biangbiang noodles (wide, chewy, and legendary for their character), roujiamo (crispy flatbread with slow-cooked meat), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with torn bread). The Muslim Quarter is the best place to taste it all.
Xi'an has a strong calligraphy tradition — the Forest of Stone Steles Museum houses a magnificent collection of ancient inscribed steles. Local workshops offer calligraphy classes where you can learn the brush art yourself.
Xi'an's metro system connects the main sights efficiently. Taxis and ride-hailing are available. The high-speed train to Beijing (4.5 hours), Luoyang, and other cities makes Xi'an an easy hub. The airport is about 40 minutes from the city.
Book Terracotta Warriors tickets online in advance. Carry your passport for museum entries. Summer is hot and winter is cold — spring and autumn are ideal. The city is walkable in the center, and the metro stops late in the evening.
The city wall area and the Bell Tower district are convenient bases. The Muslim Quarter offers atmospheric budget stays; international hotels cluster near the wall and the business district. A hotel near the metro is the practical choice.