Xi’an, China is located in central-northwest China and has more than 3,000 years of history. So when Shangri-La Hotels reached out about a trip to Xi’an and Beijing, China I knew I had to say yes. I’ve heard so many great things about Xi’an, especially Xi’an food and Xi’an noodles! We spent two nights in Xi’an and traveled from Xi’an to Beijing which we stayed for four nights. So here are the top 10 best things to do in Xi’an, China.

HOW TO GET TO XI’AN

When flying international I always look for a direct flight. It saves me time and it also reduces the chances of losing your luggage or missing my connecting flight. Our group flew directly for 13 hours from LAX to Xi’an with Hainan Airlines Business Class. The seats are very spacious, so I knew I would have the best rest before arriving in Xi’an. Once I was settled into my seat the staff provided guests with pajamas for our flight! I was surprised Hainan Airlines offered this and I was impressed, they were very comfortable. The flight offers Bose headphones and Samsonite amenities kit. I always bring my own but I love that they provide their own which includes toothpaste, toothbrush, face cream, pretty much everything you need.

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The flight overall is amazing, but the food on the flight is probably my favorite! They offer a great selection of wine and non-alcoholic beverages. The food on the flight has a selection of Chinese and American dishes. My favorite meal was waking up to pancakes for breakfast. If you’re planning a trip to China, I highly recommend looking into flying with Hainan Airlines Business Class.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

• Visitors need to apply for a visa in advance. I applied for my visa in NYC which took about 5 days. This site has useful information about the visa application. What I needed for my visa application:
  1. A printed copy of my application in capital letters
  2. A printed copy of my flight and hotel confirmation
  3. Copy of passport
  4. 1 passport photo glued to the application (must be new unless the passport is under 6 months old)
• Exchange currency a few days before your trip at your local bank or you can also exchange currency at Shangri-La Hotels if you’re a guest
• Bring toilet paper as most public bathrooms do not offer this
• Bring hand sanitizer
• Sign up for a Virtual Personal Network (VPN) as China blocks many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. I used ExpressVPN
• Best time to visit is Spring and Autumn months. It can get very crowded and hot in the summer
• Bring an adapter/converter for China
• Consider using a tour guide. We had a tour guide booked directly through Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an

WHERE TO STAY

Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an is located in the Yanta District, a financial & shopping area and 40 minutes from the Xi’an airport. The property has 395 guest rooms and suites. My room had a beautiful city view, comfiest bedding and each night the staff provided the cutest dessert!

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The hotel offers a total of four restaurants: Siam Garden (Thai), Tian Xiang Ge (Chinese), Yi Cafe, and Lobby Lounge. We experienced all four and everything is amazing! The chefs are a perfectionist and provide the best experience for their guests. I had the best Biang Biang noodles at Tian Xiang Ge!

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THINGS TO DO

1. TERRACOTTA ARMY MUSEUM

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors is not to be missed! It was founded in 1974 by a few farmers digging for a well! It’s known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Army is a collection of warriors, chariots, and horses depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The sculptures are buried with the emperor in 210-209 BCE with the purpose of protecting him in his afterlife.

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2. CHINESE TEA CEREMONY/BIANG BIANG NOODLES

We visited the Old Xi’an Restaurants which has a restaurant, tea shop, and souvenir shop. The tea here is a must and Xi’an food is delicious! Xi’an is known for the Biang Biang Xi’an noodles so this is a must try too!

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3. TANGBO ART MUSEUM

Tangbo Art Museum has a unique collection of Shannxi folk arts, ancient paintings, and local contemporary artists’ artworks. You can also get hands-on with a brush and ink to create your own calligraphy masterpiece on rice paper! This was one of my favorite experiences!

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4. BIG WILD GOOSE PAGODA

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda also is known as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi’an. It was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty.

5. ANCIENT CITY WALL

Take a walk inside the ancient city wall or rent a bike for the day through the city wall. The city wall represents one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls to date.

6. HANYANGLING MUSEEM

The Hanyangling Museum is close to Xi’an airport. It is the joint tomb of the Emperor Jingdi and his Empress. Visitors will see exquisite relics, unique underground museum.

7. DE FA CHANG DUMPLING

If you’re looking for a local/authentic dumpling restaurant, head to the city wall and try De Fa Chang Dumpling. They are known for their unique dumplings which come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors! It’s known as one of the best dumpling restaurants in the region.

8. MUSLIM STREET

Muslim street or Muslim Quarter is a historic market road that’s over 1,000 years old. The Hui people, a Muslim ethnic minority currently still sell their food and souvenirs on the famous Silk Road!

9. XI’AN BELL TOWER

The Xi’an Bell Tower was built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty. It’s a symbol of the city of Xi’an and one of the grandest of its kind in China.

10. MOUNT HUASHAN

If you have time to escape the city, a day trip to Mount Hua is a must. It’s one of the 5 sacred mountains of China. Spend the day hiking along several tracks and enjoy the scenery. They also have a cable car with the best mountain views.

There is so much to see and do in Xi’an, with Xi’an food, Xi’an noodles being my favorite and of course the Terracotta Warriors. After Xi’an, we flew to Beijing with Hainan Airlines. Within a short two hour flight, you will find yourself in Beijing exploring the Great Wall of China! Plan your next trip to Bejing with my four-day itinerary! A big thank you to Shangri-la Hotels for a great week exploring Xi’an and Beijing!

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I was invited to Xi’an by Shangri-La Hotels. As always, all honest opinions are my own.