Xi'an, located in central-northwest China, records the great changes of the
country just like a living history book. Called Chang'an (meaning the eternal
city) in ancient times, it is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese
civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk
Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city
has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history
including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have
endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage. Travelers marvel at the
numerous historical sites and cultural relics in the city.
Must-go Attractions in Xi’an
Xi’an boasts a lot of historic relics, such as Terra Cotta Army, City Wall,
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Except Terracotta Army,
which is 40 km (25 mi) northeast of downtown, almost all the sites can be
reached by metro.
Xi'an Weather
Xi'an weather is mild with four distinct seasons - a warm but variable spring, a
torrid summer, a cool autumn, and a dry and chilly winter. The highest
temperature occurs in July, 35 – 40 C (95 – 104 F); while the coldest month is
January, with the temperature low to -10 – -5 C (14 – 23 F). There is a moderate
rainfall caused by frequent summer storms and a succession of overcast and rainy
days in autumn.
Best Time to Visit Xi'an
Xi'an climate in spring is usually warm and pleasant, and March to May is the
best time of a year to pay a visit. Early autumn running through September and
October is also a good season for travel.
Transportation
By Air
Located 47 kilometers (about 29 miles) to the northwest of the city center,
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is one of the top ten airports and one of
the eight hub-airports in China. It operates around 350 air lines to about 120
cities / regions at home and abroad. Starting here, passengers can fly to major
cities in midwestern China within one hour like Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan,
Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, Xining and Yinchuan; to 70% of China’s territory within 2
hours; and all of China’s capital cities and major tourism cities within 3
hours. There are 14 shuttle bus lines between the airport and downtown Xi'an and
2 shuttle bus lines between the airport and Xianyang city. The facilities and
services here like left luggage, restaurants, smoking room and others make one’s
departure and arrival easy and pleasant.
By Train
There are three passenger railway stations in the city: Xi'an Railway Station,
North Railway Station and Xi'an South Railway Station. The Xi'an Railway Station
is the largest rail hub in western China and a vital station along the Eurasian
Continental Bridge. It mainly services regular trains to / from most major
cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, etc.
The trains to / from Lhasa of Tibet also stop here. The Xi'an - Beijing, Xi'an -
Shanghai, Xi'an to Pingyao and Xi'an - Zhengzhou high speed trains are available
in the North Railway Station. Besides, the bullet trains to/from Wuhan,
Shanghai, and Guangzhou are operated here.
By Metro
There are nine metro lines being operated in Xi'an. In the near future, other 6
metro lines will be built with a traffic mileage of 243 kilometers (150 miles).
Line 1: Fenghe Forest Park - Fangzhicheng, including major stops at North Street
and Kangfu Road.
Line 2: Beikezhan (North Railway Station) - Huizhanzhongxin (Conference &
Exhibition Center), including major stops at the famous Bell Tower in the city
center and Xiaozhai commercial area.
Line 3: Yuhuazhai - Baoshuiqu, passing scenic spots like Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
and Qinglong Temple.
Line 4: North Railway Station - Hangtian Xincheng, covering several attractions
in the city, such as Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise.
Line 5: Matengkong – Innovation Harbour
Line 6: International Medical Central Hospital – Northwestern Polytechnical
University
Line 9: Fangzhicheng – Qinling West
Line 14: Heshao – Airport West (T1/T2/T3)
Airport Line: North Railway Station – Airport West (T1/T2/T3)