Written by Sarah Chen, Licensed Xi’an Tour Guide (License #XA2019-0847) | 8 years guiding experience | Updated August 2025
After eight years of guiding thousands of visitors through Xi’an’s ancient streets and witnessing their amazed reactions firsthand, I can confidently say that Xi’an isn’t just worth visiting—it’s an absolute must for anyone seeking authentic Chinese culture and history. While cities like Beijing and Shanghai certainly have their merits, Xi’an offers something uniquely profound that I’ve rarely seen matched elsewhere in China.
What Makes Xi’an Famous?
Xi’an, literally meaning “Western Peace,” served as China’s capital for over 1,000 years across 13 dynasties. This isn’t just another historic city—it’s the cradle of Chinese civilization and the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk Road. When people ask me what makes Xi’an special, I tell them it’s like walking through a living museum where every street corner whispers stories of emperors, poets, and merchants who shaped the world we know today.
Top 10 Reasons Why Xi’an Deserves Your Visit
1. The Terracotta Army – No Photos Can Prepare You
I’ve watched visitors’ jaws drop when they first see Emperor Qin’s underground army. After guiding here for years, I still get goosebumps. Unlike the crowds at Beijing’s Forbidden City, you can actually spend quality time studying these 8,000 unique warriors. The craftsmanship detail—different facial expressions, armor styles, even hairstyles—makes you realize you’re looking at individual portraits of real soldiers from 2,200 years ago.
Comparison: While Beijing has impressive imperial sites, nothing matches the Terracotta Army’s archaeological significance and emotional impact. Shanghai’s modern museums simply can’t compete with this authentic wonder.
2. Ancient City Wall – The World’s Most Complete Medieval Fortification
Xi’an’s 14-kilometer Ming Dynasty wall is the only fully intact ancient city wall in China. I love taking guests for sunset bike rides along the top—it’s magical watching the city lights come alive below. Try finding this experience in Beijing (their walls were mostly demolished) or Guangzhou (completely modernized).
Pro tip from my experience: Rent bikes just before sunset. The 1.5-hour ride gives you perfect golden hour lighting for photos.
3. Muslim Quarter – A Living Cultural Mosaic
This isn’t a tourist recreation—it’s a vibrant community where Hui Muslims have lived for over 1,000 years. The food here puts most other Chinese food courts to shame. I’ve tried everything, and my personal favorites are the hand-pulled biangbiang noodles and yangrou paomo (bread soup).
Cultural depth comparison: While Beijing’s Hutongs offer charm, they’ve become quite touristy. Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter maintains authenticity—you’ll see locals doing their daily shopping alongside curious visitors.
4. Unmatched Historical Depth
Having guided in both Xi’an and Luoyang (another ancient capital), I can say Xi’an’s historical layers are simply deeper. We have:
- Zhou Dynasty sites (3,000+ years old)
- Qin Dynasty innovations (unified China)
- Tang Dynasty golden age remnants
- Silk Road cultural fusion
- 👉 Xi’an History Culture | 3000 Years of Chinese Civilization
Beijing’s history is impressive but focuses mainly on Ming and Qing dynasties. Xi’an spans the entire arc of Chinese civilization.
5. Authentic Food Culture Beyond Tourist Traps
Forget what you think you know about Chinese food. Shaanxi cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and utterly unique. Local specialties like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), liangpi (cold noodles), and hulutou (dumpling soup) aren’t found elsewhere in China.
(roujiamo)
liangpi (cold noodles)
Personal insight: After years of dining with international guests, I’ve noticed Xi’an food creates more “wow moments” than the familiar dishes in Shanghai or Guangzhou. The flavors are bold and unforgettable.
6. Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Cultural Revival
This 1,300-year-old pagoda isn’t just a building—it’s where the famous monk Xuanzang brought Buddhist scriptures from India. The surrounding area has been beautifully developed with fountains, gardens, and cultural performances that bring Tang Dynasty culture to life.
Development comparison: While Hangzhou has beautiful pagodas, Xi’an’s integration of historical sites with modern amenities is exceptionally well-done and visitor-friendly.
7. Exceptional Value for Money
After comparing costs across major Chinese cities, Xi’an offers incredible value. Quality hotels cost 60-70% less than Beijing or Shanghai equivalents. Excellent meals cost $5-10 per person. Museum entries are reasonable, and transport is efficient and cheap.
Economic reality: You can experience world-class history and culture without the premium prices of Tier 1 cities.
8. Perfect Gateway to Northwestern China
Xi’an’s location makes it ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of western China. Day trips to Mount Hua (one of China’s five sacred mountains) or extending to the Silk Road cities of Xinjiang become much more accessible.
Geographic advantage: Unlike coastal cities that limit your exploration options, Xi’an opens doors to China’s vast western territories.
9. Manageable Size with Rich Density
Unlike overwhelming megacities, Xi’an’s compact core means you can walk between major attractions. I often design walking routes that connect the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and city wall in a single afternoon. Try doing that in Shanghai—you’d spend more time in traffic than sightseeing.
Tourist experience: The city respects your time. No hour-long subway rides between attractions.
10. Growing International Recognition with Maintained Authenticity
Xi’an is gaining international attention (UNESCO recognition, increased flights) but hasn’t lost its soul like some over-developed destinations. The local government has invested wisely in preservation and presentation without creating a theme park atmosphere.
Sustainability factor: Unlike some Chinese cities racing toward modernization, Xi’an has found the sweet spot between accessibility and authenticity.
Is Xi’an China’s Best Cultural Destination?
After guiding visitors who’ve traveled extensively throughout China, I believe Xi’an offers the most concentrated and authentic cultural experience. Here’s my honest comparison:
Beijing: More political history, imperial grandeur, but heavily touristy and expensive. Great Wall is spectacular but requires full-day commitment.
Shanghai: Modern dynamism and colonial architecture, but lacks deep historical roots. Better for business travelers than culture seekers.
Japan Kyoto (often compared): Beautiful temples, but Xi’an’s scale and historical significance far exceed Japan’s ancient capital.
Luoyang: Fellow ancient capital with excellent Buddhist caves, but smaller scale and fewer intact sites.
Hangzhou: Stunning natural beauty and refined culture, but represents just one dynasty’s achievements versus Xi’an’s multi-millennium story.
My Personal Verdict
After eight years here, I still discover new layers of history and culture. When guests tell me Xi’an exceeded their expectations—which happens about 90% of the time—I’m not surprised. This city doesn’t just show you Chinese history; it lets you walk through it, taste it, and feel its continuity with the present.
If you’re choosing one Chinese city for cultural depth, historical significance, authentic experiences, and value for money, Xi’an should top your list. I’ve seen visitors change their entire China itinerary after experiencing what this ancient capital offers.
Bottom line: Xi’an isn’t just worth visiting—it’s the cultural heart of China that every serious traveler should experience at least once.