Xi’an
Where the Silk Road began and eight thousand warriors stand guard over China’s first emperor. A city of ancient walls, bustling Muslim quarters and flavours unlike anywhere else on earth.
The city where China’s history truly begins
Xi’an was the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and the capital of thirteen dynasties — more than any other city in China. It was here, in 221 BC, that Qin Shi Huang united China for the first time and ordered the creation of an army of terracotta warriors to guard him in the afterlife.
Today Xi’an wears its history lightly. The 14-kilometre Ming Dynasty city wall still encircles the old town. The Muslim Quarter — a labyrinth of alleyways filled with the scent of cumin-spiced lamb and freshly baked flatbread — has been a living community for over a thousand years. And the terracotta warriors continue to emerge from the earth, still being excavated.
Our Xi’an specialists arrange private access to the excavation pits before opening hours, expert-guided tours of the city wall by bicycle, and dinners in courtyard restaurants that most visitors never find.
Spring (March–May) — Mild temperatures, minimal crowds at the Terracotta Warriors, ideal for cycling the city wall.
Autumn (September–November) — Clear skies, comfortable weather, and the Muslim Quarter night market at its most vibrant.
Essential Xi’an
All Xi’an Tours →Private morning access before the crowds. Three excavation pits, each revealing a different aspect of Qin Shi Huang’s underground army.
14 kilometres of Ming Dynasty fortification, perfectly preserved. Bicycle at sunset for extraordinary views over the old city.
A thousand years of Hui culture in a single neighbourhood. Flatbread, lamb skewers, pomegranate juice — and the Great Mosque hidden inside.
One of China’s largest mosques, built in Tang Dynasty style. An extraordinary fusion of Islamic faith and Chinese architecture.
Built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by monk Xuanzang. The anchor of Tang Dynasty Xi’an.
One of China’s finest collections — Tang Dynasty gold, Zhou bronzes, and Han silk. A private guided visit reveals the treasures within.
Your Xi’an
journey starts here
Speak with a Xi’an specialist. We’ll arrange private morning access to the Terracotta Warriors, a bicycle tour of the city wall at sunset, and a dinner in the Muslim Quarter that you’ll still be talking about years later.
Or write directly: info@openchinatours.com — we respond within 24 hours