Xianyang

Introduction

Located in central Shaanxi province along the Wei River, Xianyang sits just upstream from the provincial capital of Xi'an. You can explore a landscape steeped in antiquity as the site of the first imperial capital of China during the Qin dynasty.

Today, you will find the city integrated into the Greater Xi'an Metropolitan Area, a major megalopolis in northwestern China. The urban districts offer a blend of historical significance and modern scale within this expansive region.

Getting there

You can reach the region by air via Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, located in the Weicheng District. This airport serves both Xi'an and Xianyang, offering domestic flights to most major Chinese cities as well as international connections to several destinations across Asia. If you arrive by plane, a bus service operates between the airport and Xianyang West Railway Station.

For those traveling by rail or road, there are multiple transit hubs to choose from:

• Xianyang Railway Station in the Weicheng District is accessible via numerous local bus routes.
• Xianyang West Railway Station serves as a major hub where you can connect to the Xi'an Metro Line 1, which links downtown Xi'an with downtown Xianyang. This location also features a long-distance bus terminal and the newer Xianyang High-Speed Rail Bus Interchange.
• Xianyang North Railway Station is located in the Qindu District.
• The Xianyang North Bus Station serves as the city's main long-distance bus station.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using the metro lines to reach various destinations. However, because there is no direct line connecting the western and eastern portions of the city, traveling from Qindu District to the eastern part of Weicheng District via train requires two transfers in Xi’an. In such instances, it may be more convenient to take a mainline train from Xianyang to Xi’an North Station before boarding a metro train.

Public buses provide another way to traverse the area, and you can pay your fare using the same WeChat mini-app used in Xi'an. Specifically, bus no. 1010 serves as a useful connection between Feng River Forest Park Station on Metro Line 1 and Qingong Station on Metro Line 14, allowing you to travel between the western and eastern parts of the city without passing through Xi’an.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your proximity to the airport or local districts. Options include the Nanshan Garden Hotel located in the Guanjun Street office area and the Licai Tianxiang Hotel situated within the Qindu District.

If you prefer to stay near the airport, the Vienna International Hotel provides a convenient location in the Weicheng District.

Food & drink

You can experience local flavors at Tang Banquet, where you can enjoy a traditional banquet. For your refreshments, visit PAN-LIFE START to find a variety of drinks.

What to see and do

Explore the region's rich imperial history by visiting several significant mausoleums. You can visit the Maoling Mausoleum, a massive pyramid tomb of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, or the Qianling Mausoleum, which serves as the shared burial site for Empress Wu Zetian and her husband. For a different era, the Zhaoling Mausoleum offers a vast complex dedicated to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, featuring stone relief carvings known as the Six Steeds. If you prefer to see ancient artistry in a more intimate setting, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi contains thousands of doll-sized terracotta figures and life-like animals, while its grounds feature a rose garden and fragrant wild grasses.

You can also immerse yourself in local history through various museums:

• The 1 Qin and Han Museum showcases artifacts specifically from the Qin and Han Dynasties.
• The Qingweilou Art Museum is housed in a reconstructed historical tower and displays a mix of ancient and modern works, including calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.
• The Xianyang Museum provides a dedicated space to explore local history within the Weicheng District.

Three days in Xianyang

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Weicheng District before exploring the local area. You might choose to walk through the nearby Feng River Forest Park to enjoy the scenery.

Day two, you can explore different parts of the city and visit Guanjun Street. You have various options for staying overnight while you experience the local atmosphere.

Day three, you can conclude your trip by visiting the Qindu District before making your way to the transport hubs to depart via the high-speed rail or bus networks.