Xian

In centuries past, present-day Xian was capital to 11 dynasties over a period of 4,000 years, and known by a variety of names: among them Chang'an and Xianyang, all of which soon became synonymous with wealth and power. By any name, however, Xian in its heyday was a magnificent, cosmopolitan city that boasted a thriving arts scene, bustling trade, and myriad pleasures; as the Tang capital of Chang'an, Xian was the most populated city in the world, and served as the inspiration for, among others, the Japanese cities of Kyoto and Nara. Today, while Xian's glory days are over, it remains a key tourist destination, with a range of well-preserved, fascinating sights, from the world-renowned terracotta soldiers to imposing city walls of Xian.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this Buddhist pagoda is so named because of a legend that a wild goose fell from the sky just when starving monks at the site of the pagoda prayed for meat from Bodhisattva.

Han Mausoleum

Explore the vast Han Mausoleum, the joint resting place of Han Dynasty emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, Wang Zhi. Aside from the imposing royal tombs, which rival the Terracotta Army in size and scope, the site’s 81 satellite tombs have proven to be an archaeological treasure trove, containing more than 60,000 burial objects - from pottery and utensils to weapons and chariots - of the Western Han Dynasty. Learn what the careful placement of the awe-inspiring tombs and relics reveals about the hierarchical social structures of the dynasty.

Royal Tang Dynasty Reception

Enjoy a royal Tang Dynasty reception at the city wall, where, in accordance with ancient procedure, a “royal visa” will be issued to you. Performers dressed in period costume will announce your arrival similar to the manner in which explorers were presented to the emperor.

Shaanxi Museum of History

Visit the Shaanxi Museum of History; Shaanxi Province is a cradle of civilization and the museum is home to a number of ancient, prized relics, including fossils of the Lantian Man, who precedes the Peking Man and is believed to have lived 1.7 million years ago in modern-day China.

Silk Road & Great Mosque

Discover the end of the Silk Road. Explore one of Xian’s Muslim neighborhoods by visiting the Great Mosque of Xian, originally built in 742 under the auspices of the Tang Dynasty. Stroll and admire the tranquil environs of the mosque’s four courtyards, and view such rare pieces as a Ming dynasty handwritten copy of the Koran.

Terracotta Army

This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, 100 chariots and 600 horses, no two identical. The army was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi-huang, the legendary and controversial “First Emperor” who united China into one country from an array of warring states, and also began construction of the Great Wall.

On certain occasions, Remote Lands can arrange special access to the floor of the excavation site of the Terracotta Army, where you can look at terra cotta soldiers up close.

Xian Archaeological Institute

Pending special permission, visit the private storeroom at the Xian Archaeological Institute. A representative of the Institute will guide you through the typically off-limits displays of invaluable relics, some of them nearly 3,000 years old.

Xian City Wall

Walk on the Xian City Wall, one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. It was built by the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who paid heed to a hermit’s advice of building high walls in order to fortify the city and unify the other states. While impressive, the walls are but a pale shadow of the ones constructed in earlier eras, particularly when Xian was the Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an.

China Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Xian Itineraries

Classic China

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary

China's Silk Road

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,600
See Itinerary

Swing Across China: A Golfing Journey

Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Price Per Person
From $26,700
See Itinerary

Xiahe's Rustic Outdoors: A Week in China's Gansu Province

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,400
See Itinerary

China's Silk Road by Private Jet

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,000
See Itinerary
Ritz-Carlton Xi'an
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Xi'an

Xian, China

Set within the city’s central business district, The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an is the ideal base for experiencing this vibrant, ancient capital. Merging traditional elements with modern luxury, the hotel's 283 guest rooms and suites offer great views spanning across Xi’an. Home to 13 imperial Chinese dynasties, Xi’an today is a blend of history and modernity from a mix of eras and influences, where the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Terracotta Army lives among a thriving tech culture. Dining options include three restaurant venues...
Shangri-La Xian
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Xian

Xian, China

The Shangri-La Hotel in Xian is located in the heart of the Gaoxin hi-tech district, just a stone’s throw away from the ancient city walls of the old city. Each of the hotel’s 390 guest rooms and suites features floor-to-ceiling windows and chic modern decor, as well as complimentary Internet access. Dining options include: traditional Thai cuisine at Siam Garden; pan-Chinese cuisine at Tian Xiang Ge; and International cuisine at the Yi Cafe. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art health...
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian

Xian, China

A stunning hotel with harmonious architecture blending French and Sino-Russian touches, a true heritage feel exudes from the detailed exterior. Step inside and the lofty ceilings, ornate mouldings and coving, art deco influences along with state of the art technology make this an incredible hotel befitting of the name Legend. The overtone of luxury is hard to miss. Everything from the service, the detailed inlaid floors, chandeliered ceilings and air of elegance places this hotel in a league of its...
Four Seasons Hotel Xi'an
Pre-Opening Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Xi'an

Xian, China

Distinguished by an expansive landscape within an otherwise high-rise and bustling metropolitan setting, the Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an will feature 250 luxurious guest rooms and suites as part of a mixed-use development project. Guests will enjoy a collection of fine dining options that include two restaurants, a lobby bar and a rooftop bar overlooking Muta Temple Relics Park. Hotel facilities will include a well-appointed spa, salon, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an open-air space dedicated to exercise and...

Multi-Country Specialists

China Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.