Xi An, China Destination Guide

Overview of Xi An Also known as 'the ancient city', Xi'an is situated in central China in the southern part of Guanzhong Plain, with the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Weihe River to the south. In ancient times, the city was a major crossroads on the trading routes from eastern China to central Asia, and the beginning point of the famed Silk Road. In recent years this three-millennia-old city, once as prominent as Rome and Constantinople, has come back into its own as one of China's major tourist destinations. In 1974, on the city's eastern outskirts, archaeologists stumbled across a treasure trove: an army of terracotta warrior figurines in battle formation standing in underground vaults. Hailed as the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an have brought visitors from around the world to marvel at the astonishing sight, but also to embark on further adventures of their own along the ancient silk caravan route. Besides the Terracotta Warriors, the city boasts myriad historical relics, museums and temples â€' unsurprising considering that Xi'an was the Chinese capital under 12 dynasties. The city wall is one of the widest, highest and best preserved in the world, and the Forest of Steles, with its collection of more than 3,000 ancient stone tablets, is both the largest and oldest in China.

Key Facts

Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects. Passport/Visa: Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel. Currency: China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas. Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary, but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Xi An Climate for Xi An Xi'an is semi-arid and has a continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. The range in temperatures throughout the year is fairly steep, with hot days in summer, between June and August, reaching 93°F (34°C), and winter days, between December and February, getting as cold as 21°F (-6°C). Summers are usually hot and stormy and can be uncomfortably humid. Autumns are pleasantly cool and temperate, but can be rainy. Although early autumn tends to be overcast, it gradually becomes more pleasant and sunny. Winters are cold and dry with some snowfall. Springs are warm and pleasant, but highly changeable. There are occasional dust storms in spring due to the rapid rise in temperature. July to September is the wet season. The weather is actually quite pleasant all year round, with the possible exception of winter, but the best times to visit Xi'an are spring, between March and May, and autumn, from September to October.

Health Notes when travelling to China A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming into China from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice about malaria before departure. Vaccinations are recommended against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid (not necessary if eating and drinking in major restaurants and hotels), Japanese encephalitis (usually only recommended for rural areas), and rabies (only recommended for travellers at risk of animal bites). Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution. High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China may exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high standard of health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of charge; travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. Safety Notes when travelling to China China is generally safe, and there is currently little threat from global terrorism. The risk of terror attacks is higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and travellers should exercise caution if travelling to or around Xinjiang. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. There has been an increase in the number of muggings and robberies at Beijing International Airport and around the Jianguomenwai area of Beijing, as well as in Shenzen, bordering Hong Kong. If travelling alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets, and around the popular expat bar areas at night, where lone foreigners have occasionally been attacked. Travellers should be cautious about using pedicabs in Beijing, as tourists have reportedly been mugged by the drivers; women in particular have been targeted. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it. Seasonal heavy rains and typhoons cause hundreds of deaths in China each year, particularly those areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China. Demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as in some Chinese provinces in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Even though the situation seems to have stabilised, visitors are advised to stay up to date on the situation before travelling to the region and to avoid all protests. The Chinese government sometimes suspends the issue of permits for travel to Tibet due to unrest. Customs in China Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. Politeness in western terms is often foreign to the Chinese, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. It is considered disrespectful to keep prolonged eye contact, avoiding eye contact is considered reverential rather than rude. All foreigners should carry their ID on them at all times, as spot checks are common. Failure to show evidence of ID when requested by an official may result in a fine or detention. Duty Free in China Travellers to China do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and personal articles up to the value of ¥2000. Prohibited goods include arms, ammunition, or printed material that conflicts with the public order or moral standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters and receivers, exposed but undeveloped film and fresh produce. Strict regulations apply to the import and export of antiquities, banned publications, and religious literature. All valuables must be declared on the forms provided.

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Doing Business in China The Chinese are strict timekeepers and being late for a meeting is considered rude. When meeting people for the first time it is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Note that handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start of meetings in China; it is customary to have one side printed in Chinese and one in English. When giving or receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands. Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. Decision-making may take longer than expected during negotiations. During a meal or reception, your host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to offer them one in return. Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy when doing business in China and it is increasingly common to find Chinese women in senior positions, especially in the big cities. Businesswomen should, however, avoid showing too much skin. Business dress for both men and women tends to be conservative and plain without much ornament or bright colour. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A five-day week is more common in larger cities and international companies. Workers usually take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm and it is not unusual to find offices empty during this time. Communication in China The international dialling code for China is +86. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Tipping in China Tipping is not officially recognised in China, though the practice is has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Travellers wanting to tip should leave a gratuity of about 10 percent. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of around 10 percent, so travellers should make sure that they aren't doubling up. Passport/Visa Note Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require both a valid passport and visa for entry into China.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and visa for entry into China.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid on arrival and a visa for entry into China. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas) are not recognized and holders should carry a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents together with their Hong Kong ID.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China. Visa exemptions include passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card valid for travel to China for stays up to 60 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

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Getting around in Xi An, China Getting around in Xi'an is fairly easy. Buses run frequently, linking most attractions, and they are generally less daunting and more reliable than the buses in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. There are also smaller and more crowded minibuses available. Taxis are plentiful and easy to find, but visitors should ensure that the meter is switched on as drivers tend to overcharge with 'fixed rates'. As in most Chinese cities, hiring a bicycle is also a popular option, although one should be careful on the busy streets. Bicycles are best for the more touristy areas and for taking a ride along the city wall. The best way to see the city, or at least parts of the city, is to walk. Xi'an is relatively small and compact and easy to navigate on foot. It is also generally a safe city, which makes walking a more viable option. For slightly longer distances, tuk-tuks are available in the city. Tuk-tuks are covered wagons connected to motorcycles and are cheaper than taxis. Travellers should make sure to bargain with drivers before getting in so that they don't overcharge.

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Attractions in Xi An, China Xi'an is a treasure trove for travellers interested in archaeology and ancient Chinese history. The Shaanxi Provincial History Museum stands as testament to the importance of this region in the development of Chinese culture. The museum houses about 370,000 artefacts collected in the area and is well worth a visit. Another exciting archaeological site is the Banpo Village, which dates back over 6, 000 years and is one of the most well-preserved and complete examples of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. Xi'an is also home to the Forest of Steles, a collection of 3,000 steles (stone tablets and ancient inscriptions) collected over the centuries in a library which is a haven for travelling scholars or anyone interested in the history of language and the written word. Of course, when it comes to sightseeing, Xi'an is synonymous with its foremost attraction: the famous Terracotta Army Museum. The collection of nearly 8,000 warriors, unearthed in 1974 is a not-to-be-missed experience for any visitor to China. The recently opened Tomb of Emperor Jingdi in Xi'an also displays a number of terracotta statues and it is a far less crowded museum. On the way to the Terracotta Army it is a good idea to stop off at the Huaqing Hot Springs to bathe in the same pools used by ancient emperors and their concubines. The Xi'an city wall is one of the largest in the world and hiring a bicycle to cycle along the top is a wonderful introduction to the city. Travellers can also walk the wall, stopping along the way to take some amazing photographs of both ancient buildings and new age skyscrapers.

Forest of Steles The Stele Forest in Xi'an, also called the Beilin Museum, contains more than 3,000 ancient standing stones, dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). The museum itself is nearly as old, having been established in 1087. The steles are divided into seven exhibition halls, displaying classic examples of traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and historical records. Travellers interested in history, writing and philosophy will delight in its collection, while English guides are recommended as a lot of the interesting cultural relevance of the inscriptions may otherwise be lost. The museum also enjoys lovely grounds with fountains, pagodas and a gift shop, making it a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Address: 15 Sanxue St, ZhongLou ShangQuan, Beilin Qu Telephone: 029 8721 0764 Website: www.beilin-museum.com

Qin Terracotta Army Museum In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well in Lintong District unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow their Emperor Qin into eternity. The pits are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions. The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum. Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses buried with him. There are also about 20 tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249-foot (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures. Website: www.bmy.com.cn

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Shaanxi Provincial History Museum The graceful complex of the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum is built in the style of a Tang dynasty pavilion, itself a staggering sight. The museum's exhibits are even more breathtaking, consisting of about 113,000 artefacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period. Shaanxi province was a vital region for the cultural development of China, and the capital of 13 glorious dynasties. The Shaanxi Provincial History Museum stands as testament to the area's importance, serving as China's premier, world-class history museum. Travellers are advised to get there early to avoid massive queues. Address: 91 Xiaozai road Website: www.sxhm.com

Banpo Village Remains The remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5000 BC, are found in the Yellow River Valley east of Xi'an. The site makes up one of the most complete examples of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. It contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 cellars, a collection of pottery and tools, and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture. There is an on-site museum, with two smaller exhibition halls displaying various archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed in the area. More than 400 archaeological sites similar to Banpo have been discovered in and around the Yellow River Valley in China, giving the area the reputation of being the birthplace of ancient Chinese culture. Website: www.banpomuseum.com.cn

Huaqing Hot Springs The Huaqing Hot Springs at the base of the Lishan Mountains is where ancient emperors bathed and relaxed. Huaqing is one of the Hundred Famous Gardens of China and the setting is tranquil and beautiful. The spa has been operating for more than 12 centuries and its warm (109°F/43°C) mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today. The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. Even the Hibiscus Pool, dating from the year 712 and having been restored, is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty. Another attraction at the springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge, which reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow. Visitors can also take a cable car up to take in marvellous mountain vistas. Address: No. 3 Huaqing Road, Linyi Telephone: 029 8381 2003 Website: www.hqc .cn

Great Mosque Opening time: Daily 8am-7pm Admission: March - November CNY 25, December - February CNY 15 The Great Mosque is the pride of China's Islamic community, with the religion arriving in the country along with Arab merchants and travellers in roughly the year 600. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways, with furnishings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colourful relief. This unique mix of Islamic and Chinese architecture is surrounded by landscaped gardens, ideal for quiet sanctuary and contemplative walks. It remains a place of worship, so visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Address: 30 Huajue Alley, Xincheng District

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Nightlife in Xi An, China

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Shopping in Xi An, China

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Dining in Xi An, China

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Airports in Xi An Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Xi'an Xianyang International Airport www.xxia.com Location: Xi An The airport is located about 19 miles (31km) northwest of Xi'an. Time: GMT +8 Contacts: +86 029 96788 Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus transports passengers between terminals. Getting to the city: Airport bus shuttles, intercity buses, a metro line, and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre. Bus tickets can be bought from the Passengers Service Centre in T2 and in the arrival hall of T3. Car rental: Car rental services are available. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside Arrivals. Facilities: Airport facilities include pay phones, drinking fountains, ATMs, nursery rooms, smoking rooms, mobile charging facilities, restaurants, shops, currency exchange services, an hourly hotel, a clinic, VIP lounges, and police services. Parking: Parking is available at the airport.

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Currency China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas.

Exchange rate for 1 CNY - Chinese Yuan 0.15 BMD 0.14 EUR 0.15 USD 0.11 GBP 16.55 JPY 0.20 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.15 CHF 0.21 AUD 3.82 UAH 51.33 KZT 228.86 LBP 0.11 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 1.04 BOB 16.40 NPR 0.06 OMR 0.55 QAR 0.21 SGD 1.26 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 1.01 TTD 1.52 VEF 6.97 DOP 1.02 HRK 2.83 MXN 89.11 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.48 PGK 0.15 BSD 0.32 FJD 3.44 HNL 16.80 DZD 181.06 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 1.70 BWP 0.51 PEN 105.40 CLP 72.66 AMD 3.67 CZK 3.04 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 18.89 ISK 446.64 UZS 0.59 ILS 0.11 JOD 0.05 KWD 4.76 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 5.40 MUR 4.33 NIO 1.27 NOK 0.60 PLN 0.57 SAR 22.19 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 5.41 THB 0.56 AED 0.55 BRL 0.62 RON 1.18 HKD 89.31 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 3,415.75 VND 2.12 ARS 0.41 XCD 1.19 GTQ 1.49 MAD 0.06 BHD Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar 0.15 PAB 0.23 AZN 473.85 COP 10.38 KGS 42.52 HUF 1.20 TJS Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble 2,079.58 IDR 1.35 EGP 181.03 KRW 861.65 PYG 0.63 MYR 81.88 CRC Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón 0.22 NZD 15.92 PKR 10.15 RUB 2.37 ZAR 0.32 TND 0.30 BBD New Zealand Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar 0.27 BGN 0.45 TRY 7.09 PHP 4.96 TWD 29.86 NGN 16.28 XPF Bulgarian Lev Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc 0.59 GHS 18.99 JMD 0.27 ANG 0.21 BND 16.80 RSD 3,024.21 BYR Ghanaian Cedi Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Belarussian Ruble 1.01 DKK 0.52 TMT 10.22 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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