Xi’an: terra-cotta warriors, centuries-old streets, and surprises at every turn. Think you know this city? My blog shows the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

Part 4

Date of China Trip: February 14-24
Date of Beijing Trip: February 19-21

My itinerary for my China trip includes the following: First Part Shanghai Disneyland, 2nd Part Shanghai, 3rd Part Beijing, 4th Part Xian, 5th part Leshan and 6th part Chengdu

I first learned about the Terracotta Warriors while working in Singapore, and my brother had also mentioned them to me. Their discovery fascinated me, sparking my curiosity about human resilience and creativity. So, when I was planning my trip to China, I knew Xi’an—formerly known as Chang’an—had to be a key stop. As the capital of Shaanxi province in north-central China, Xi’an sits on a low plain along the south bank of the Wei River, with the towering Qin (Tsingling) Mountains to the south. Beyond being the site where the Terracotta Warriors were discovered, Xi’an has played a crucial role in Chinese history, serving as the capital for several dynasties and as the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, which connected China to the Mediterranean.

Fun Fact: China geographically spans 5 different time zones, but when the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, the government unified the entire country under a single clock — Beijing Time (UTC+8) — to promote national identity and unity. To this day, the sun can rise as late as 10 AM in western China because of it!

February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Day 6

I booked a Didi ride to Beijing South Railway Station for my trip to Xi’an and reserved a high-speed train ticket through Trip.com. As always, the train station felt more like an airport—spacious, clean, and easy to navigate. I truly love China’s train stations; they are unmatched compared to any others I’ve experienced.

After getting off the train, I grabbed lunch at one of the food stalls in the station. I tried two local specialties: Liang Pi, a refreshing cold noodle dish, and Rou Jia Mo, a crispy pita-style sandwich filled with flavorful pork. For a total price of PHP500. Both were absolutely delicious and are must-try snacks when visiting Xi’an. I was thrilled to finally be in the city!

Orangehao Hotel – 3,116.78 PHP for 2 nights

I took a Didi to Orangehao Hotel, where I stayed for two nights. My room was spacious, the bathroom was clean and stocked with toiletries, and WiFi was available in the room. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the hotel had an elevator. I especially loved its convenient location—close to a convenience store, the Xi’an City Wall, and a subway station.

Upon arrival, my driver picked me up for the Tang Dynasty Show. In hindsight, I could have gone on my own since it was so close to my hotel, but it was still nice to try the service. I booked the Tang Dynasty Show, Dumpling Banquet, and Private Driver package through Get Your Guide for PHP 5,069. Although I didn’t enjoy the dumplings, the experience was still worthwhile.

I absolutely loved the show—it felt like a grand banquet, with performances happening while we enjoyed our meal. I also met another traveler there, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The show lasted for about two hours, and I was fully immersed in it. Plus, there were translations on stage, making it easy to follow the storyline. See videos of the show here

I went back home and slept to get ready for the next day.

February 20, 2025 (Thursday)
Day 7

Mike, my tour guide, picked me up from my hotel for an exciting journey through Xi’an’s history, including the Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, and Xi’an City Wall. More of it in Get Your Guide here. I had been eagerly anticipating this tour, especially to gain a deeper understanding of the Terracotta Warriors.

I always enjoy guided tours because they offer in-depth insights not only into history but also into local culture—something I would likely miss if I were just sightseeing with friends, taking photos, and wandering around. There’s something truly enriching about learning the deeper stories behind a place, and I love immersive and informative tours like this.

From my hotel to the Terracotta Warrior Museum, it takes about an hour by drive. Mike was very informative all through out the trip. When we arrived, it began to snow, it dropped to -5 degree Celsius and was happy that it was snowing.

Arriving at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, I was truly amazed by the discovery of these ancient sculptures nearly 50 years ago. The craftsmanship and durability of these warriors, standing strong for over 2,000 years, are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people from that era.

This was more than just a historical site—it was a glimpse into the past, showing how history shapes civilizations. Witnessing these life-sized warriors in person was surreal! They were massive, intricately detailed, and looked incredibly heavy. Alongside them were chariots, further showcasing the grandeur of the army.

It is believed that Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the creation of these warriors when he was still young, intending for them to protect him in the afterlife. Interestingly, the warriors all face east, symbolizing the direction of the states he conquered during the unification of China. Being here in Xi’an, standing before such a remarkable piece of history, was an unforgettable experience—I absolutely loved it! More video here. I even had the chance to meet the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Warriors and got to create my own miniature warrior—such a cool and unforgettable experience!

Muslim Quarter

Xi’an, once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, has been a hub of cultural exchange for over 1,000 years, dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–9 AD).

During this time, merchants and students from Arab countries and Persia traveled to Xi’an for trade and education. Many of them eventually settled in what is now known as Muslim Street, becoming an integral part of the city’s diverse heritage. Over time, these settlers, known as the Hui people, blended their traditions with local Chinese culture, shaping the vibrant Muslim Quarter that exists today.

I started my day with Zeng Gao, also known locally as Jing Gao, a beloved breakfast from Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. This layered sticky rice cake, made with glutinous rice, red dates, and kidney beans, had a chewy texture and a subtly sweet flavor—definitely one of those acquired tastes you won’t forget. Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying Xi’an’s iconic Roujiamo, a crispy, golden pita-style sandwich packed with savory, juicy meat that exploded with flavor in every bite. Another highlight was the traditional Uyghur Yangrou Paomo, a hearty lamb soup with chunks of pita bread soaking up the rich, warming broth. For dessert, I indulged in Hong Dou Tang, or red bean soup, where soft azuki beans swirled in a lightly sweet broth for a comforting finish. To wash it all down, I sipped Ice Peak, Xi’an’s famous local soda, its bright, citrusy fizz leaving a refreshing kick to round out an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Xian City Wall

After lunch, we made our way to the Xi’an City Wall, but as the temperature dropped, I told Mike I was ready to head back. Still, I couldn’t help but imagine how amazing it would be to bike along the wall, taking in the historic surroundings.

Also known as the Fortifications of Xi’an, this is the most well-preserved city wall in China and one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Mike shared an interesting piece of history—many of Beijing’s ancient city walls were unfortunately destroyed during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), making Xi’an’s wall even more special.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere here, and later in the evening, a Lantern Festival would take place—an event I definitely wouldn’t miss!

The Lantern Festival in Xian City Wall

At night, I decided to explore Xi’an, and I was immediately impressed by the breathtaking illumination of the City Wall. As I wandered around, I stumbled upon the Lantern Festival, a vibrant celebration that transforms the area into a glowing spectacle of colorful lanterns and intricate Chinese zodiac figures.

At first, I got a bit lost trying to find the entrance to the City Wall. When I finally arrived, I saw signs instructing visitors to book tickets online. Since I didn’t have a Chinese mobile number, I struggled to use WeChat Pay for booking. Luckily, I found a manned ticket booth, where the staff spoke English, and I was able to purchase my ticket on the spot for 100 yuan (approximately PHP 792).

The experience was completely worth it—the lanterns lit up the night with a mesmerizing glow, and the artistic displays of Chinese zodiac animals added to the charm. It was a peaceful yet enchanting stroll, making for a perfect way to experience Xi’an’s rich culture and festive spirit. Video here.

I ended my night around 10:00 PM and wandered through Xi’an, hoping to find a late-night restaurant. Along the way, I came across street performers singing, adding a lively touch to the city’s nighttime atmosphere. However, I still couldn’t find a 24-hour eatery nearby.

With the night growing colder, I opted for a quick stop at a convenience store, grabbing some food to enjoy in the comfort of my hotel room. I decided to save my proper meal for the next morning at the train station before catching my ride to Chengdu.

Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, a crossroads of cultures and religions, and a city that once housed emperors, poets, monks, merchants, and warriors, Xi’an was the heart of ancient China. While its golden age may have faded with the decline of the Tang Dynasty in the early 10th century, echoes of Chang’an, its former identity, still resonate beneath the pulse of the modern metropolis.

Here, history isn’t just preserved—it thrives, woven into the fabric of daily life, waiting to captivate both seasoned scholars and casual wanderers alike. I love Xian, I will definitely be back with warmer weather.

Off to Chengdu to see pandas hihi

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie