XianYang (咸阳), located in ShaanXi Province, is one of China's most historically significant cities. As the ancient capital of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), XianYang played a pivotal role in Chinese history and culture. Today, it is a vibrant city that blends its rich past with modern development, offering visitors a unique mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
Top Attractions in XianYang
Maoling Mausoleum (茂陵) - The tomb of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, surrounded by smaller tombs of his concubines and generals. The site features impressive stone carvings and statues.
Qianling Mausoleum (乾陵) - The joint burial site of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. The site is known for its grand scale and the famous "Silent Statues" lining the Sacred Way.
XianYang Museum (咸阳博物馆) - A treasure trove of artifacts from the Qin and Han Dynasties, including pottery, jade, and bronze ware. The museum provides a deep dive into the region's history.
ZhangLiang Temple (张良庙) - A temple dedicated to ZhangLiang, a famous strategist and statesman of the early Han Dynasty. The temple is set in a serene environment with beautiful architecture.
FengHe River Scenic Area (沣河风景区) - A picturesque area along the FengHe River, perfect for leisurely walks, boating, and enjoying the natural scenery.
Local Cuisine
XianYang is known for its delicious ShaanXi cuisine, which features bold flavors and hearty dishes. Some must-try foods include:
BiangBiang Noodles (BiangBiang Mian) - Thick, hand-pulled noodles served with a savory sauce, often topped with vegetables and meat.
RouJiaMo (肉夹馍) - Often referred to as the "Chinese hamburger," this dish consists of braised pork stuffed inside a flatbread.
YangRou PaoMo (羊肉泡馍) - A hearty lamb soup with crumbled flatbread, a specialty of ShaanXi Province.
LiangPi (凉皮) - Cold, chewy noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy and tangy sauce.
Getting Around XianYang
XianYang is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. Options include:
Buses: The city has an extensive bus network that connects major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available and affordable for getting around the city.
Bicycles: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore XianYang at your own pace, especially along the FengHe River.
High-Speed Rail: XianYang is just a short ride from Xi'An via high-speed rail, making it easy to combine visits to both cities.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit XianYang is during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like the FengHe River Scenic Area and the ancient mausoleums.
Tips for Visitors
Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in XianYang. Learning a few basic phrases can be helpful, especially in more rural areas.
Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments.
Etiquette: When visiting historical sites, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Health and Safety: XianYang is generally a safe city, but it's always a good idea to take standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion
XianYang is a city steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the legacy of ancient China. From its majestic mausoleums to its vibrant local cuisine, XianYang is a destination that promises a rich and rewarding experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking to explore a lesser-known gem in ShaanXi Province, XianYang is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mount Hua, or HuaShan, is one of China's Five Great Mountains, renowned for its steep trails, breathtaking views, and significant Taoist history. Located in Shaanxi Province, near the city of Huayin, Huashan attracts adventurers and pilgrims alike. ... more ...
With Gaukhar Bulatova ...
Bonus film - Night walk in Yan'An with Walk East
YT comment : Max, this was another fantastic video. I have heard of Yan"an and now I have seen it with you. The place is so beautiful, clean and modern. I love the surrounding hills and the pagoda on top. The food stalls look so delicious. This 4th tier city shows the incredible progress China has made in providing a great place for all its citizens to live in. Keep up with the excellent work.
An (English-speaking) Italian explores the mountains and cities of China ...
Part 1 : GuangZhou (GuangDong) | ShangHai | HangZhou (ZheJiang)
Part 2 : HuangShan (AnHui) | JiuHuaShan (AnHui) | Xi'An (ShaanXi)
Part 3 : Xi'An (ShaanXi) | HuaShan (ShaanXi) | HohHot (Inner Mongolia)
Bonus film ...
BeiJing, ShangHai, Xi'An, GuiLin ...
Plus, even more bonus films, starting with - Diabolo around China ...
Located in the North Square by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Every evening at 8pm; free.
The fountains cover over 100,000 square meters and form the world's most spectacular fountain complex. There are 2000 sets of nozzles, over 3000 sets of lights plus a professional audio system.
The huge site can be attended by over 10,000 people.
ZhangJiaJie 张家界 (HuNan) and HuaShan 华山 (ShaanXi) ...
XingPing 兴平 and the Li River 漓江 (GuangXi) ...
Xi'An 西安 (ShaanXi) and BeiJing 北京 ...
LuoYang 洛阳 (HeNan) and PingYao 平遥 (ShanXi) ...
HuaShan is located near the city of HuaYin in ShaanXi province, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Xi'An. It is the western mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China, and has a long history of religious significance.
HuaShan has five main peaks, the highest of which is the South Peak at 2,155 meters (7,070 feet).
Mount Hua mountain is located near the city of HuaYin in ShaanXi province, about 120 kilometers east of Xi'A, and one of the Five Great Mountains of China.
HuaShan, in ShaanXi province, is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains.
Our second film shows the 'Plank Walk'. This was constructed in the 13th century by Taoist monks.
In a chance discovery, an entire army of terracotta warriors was found.
The first emperor of China had them created and buried with him, to protect him in the afterlife. Construction of this mausoleum began in 246 BC and is believed to have taken about 700,000 workers and craftsmen 38 years to complete.
HuàShān is located near the city of HuaYin in ShaanXi province, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Xi'An. It is one of the Five Great Mountains of China, and has a long history of religious significance. The highest peak is 2,155 metres (7,070 feet).
Xi'An is the provincial capital of ShaanXi, central China.
August 13th 2016 : high heat alert - over 40C is seriously hot so take plenty of water (and some salty food).
Xi'An is one of the oldest cities in China and was known as Chang'An prior to the Ming dynasty. Indeed, Xi'An is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held this position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang.
Xi'An was the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road trade route.
Xi'An is also home to the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, who became China's first emperor after the Qin (dynasty: 220 to 210 BC) conquered / unified all of the other Warring States. Rather than maintain the title of 'king' borne by the previous Shang and Zhou rulers, he created the title of 'emperor' (皇帝, HuángDì), which would continue to be borne by Chinese rulers for the next two millennia.
The DaMing Palace (DaMing Gong, Palace of Great Brilliance) was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, located in its capital Chang'An. It served as the royal residence of the Tang emperors for more than 220 years.
Today, the DaMing Palace site is designated a National Heritage Site of China, located a little north east of present-day Xi'An city center, ShaanXi province, central China. One can take subway line 2 to DaMingGongXi (DaMing Palace West) station.
The palace complex was destroyed at the end of the Tang dynasty. The ruins were only discovered in the 1950s and some parts have now been reconstructed following careful archaeological analysis of the site. The reconstructions, museum and grounds opened to visitors in 2010.
A beautiful film ...
ShaanXi province.
Street food, Xiǎo Chī (small eats), 火锅 in the Muslim Quarter ...
From film-maker Kevin Cook :
For Xi'an, the old Silk Road trade route opened the doors to the culinary influence of other cultures, particularly Muslim culture, which is especially evident in the Muslim Quarter in the center of the city. This massive outdoor marketplace of roads and alleyways contains some of the most tasty, unique and interesting street foods in all of China.
Shaanxi Sandwich 牛肉夹馍 (Niúròu jiā mó) - 8 RMB
The first street food that I eat in this video is Nui Rou Jia Mo (beef sandwhich). Due to its origins in the Shaanxi Province, it’s often called the “Shaanxi Sandwich.”
Mutton soup with bread 泡馍 (Pào mó) - 38 RMB
This one isn't so much a street food as it is a full meal in a bowl. Pao mua is mutton soup with bread, and it requires a little bit of work to prepare. It's one of the hardiest dishes you can eat in Xi’an, and it’s absolutely amazing. For 38 Yuan, it’s more expensive than most dishes you’ll find around here, but it’s worth it.
Street Yoghurt 酸奶 (Suānnǎi) - 8 RMB
Sua nai, which literally means “sour milk,” is a sweet yoghurt drink sold in little white cups, and it’s especially satisfying on a hot day like today.
Beef jerky 牛肉干 (Niúròu gān) Price varies per kilo
Niu roy gan, or dried beef, is another delicious street snack available in all parts of the Muslim market place. Unlike similar looking beef jerky in the west, the variety that I bought in Xi'an has a much more distinct meaty flavor than any other beef jerky I’ve ever eaten.
Bread 楠 (Nán) - 5 RMB
Hailing originally from the XinJiang Province is a hardy flat bread that's sold all over Xi’an. The Uyghur people who bake this bread call it 'nan,' but Han Chinese call it 'nang.'
Skewered mutton 羊肉串 (Yángròu chuàn) 10 RMB/2 skewers
Thanks to vendors like the one in this video, the tempting aroma of juicy grilled meat permeates the entire marketplace. This snack is dripping with fat and seasoned to perfection, making this a rich, hardy Xi'an street snack.
Peanut Candy 花生糖 (Huāshēng táng) - 20 RMB/box
A few varieties of this sweet snack are available, and each requires an interesting method of preparation, such as pounding the candy with a mallet and stretching it out over a hook. The process of making this delicious street treat is even more fun to watch than it is to eat.
The beautiful Xi'An Expo park and Hot Pot, huǒ guō, 火锅 ...
Bonus film - hand-pulled noodles
From the Food Ranger, Trevor James :
Hand pulled noodles are found everywhere in China. These hand pulled noodles were so delicious, simply some of the best Chinese food you can have in all of China. They are featured in LanZhou LaMian restaurants everywhere.
Lanzhou LaMian AKA LanZhou hand pulled noodles are everywhere, and each restaurant has a very similar menu. These restaurants are usually very good for foreigners in China because they often have a huge picture menu all over the walls, so you can just point at what you think looks good. In this video, me and my local friend try two very amazing dishes : the DaPanJi, also known as the XinJiang big plate of beef, and then my other favorite noodle dish, the lamb and cumin on top of hand pulled noodles. These two dishes combined made a massive meal for two people.
So if you're a foreigner living in China or if you're just traveling in China for a short time, visiting a LanZhou hand pulled noodles restaurant is a MUST!
The DaMing Palace, 'Palace of Great Brilliance', was the imperial palace complex of the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 AD), located in its capital Chang'An.
This palace served as the residence of the Tang emperors for more than 220 years. Today, it is designated as a National Heritage Site. The area of the remains is located northeast of Xi'An, ShaanXi province.
Mount HuaShan, 华山, lies about 75 miles east of Xi'An, 西安, in ShaanXi province, central China.
The esteem of harmony between Man and Nature is a key part of Chinese philosophy and no trip to China is quite complete without a mountain climb ...
Grab your walking boots and climb up over night (there are lights) to be ready for sunrise. Also featured is the famous 'Plank Walk'.
HuaShan is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains; it lies in ShaanXi province, about two hours from the city of Xi'An, in central China.
Hike above the clouds (at over 2,000 meters).
Sometimes people talk about 'things to do before you die' - a trip to HuaShan (or HuangShan, EmeiShan, CangShan, WuDang or TaiShan) should be one of those ...
Filmed in August 2010.
Includes the famous 'plank walk' at the end; this is perched precariously on a cliff face that is well over 1000m above the valley below, in a sheer drop. The plank walk is on the east peak, which is about a 15km walk / climb from the north peak.
HuaShan ('Flower Mountain', or 'Splendid Mountain') lies in southern ShaanXi province, about 120km east of Xi'An; it is one of the five sacred Taoist mountains, with four main peaks. There are hiking trails to all four peaks and a cable car to the north peak. The south peak is highest at 2155 meters.
There are a number of hotels and hostels around the base.
