Xi'an, Shaanxi

experience

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum-Though touristy, witnessing the Terra Cotta Warriors at the Mausoleum should be tops on anyone's Xi'an list. It's easy to catch a bus, Number 306, from downtown. Upon arrival, take your time wandering through all three exhibits, looking at row after row of life-size warriors, each with different hair, armor, and facial expressions. Bask in the sheer size of one of the 20th century's major archaeological discoveries, then be prepared to be hounded until you buy a souvenir on the way out.

Weinan, China

outdoors

Huashan Mountain

Hike Mount Huashan- Don't miss your chance to harness up and walk a narrow plank 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Hug the cliff while people move in both directions, and you'll easily see why some call this the most dangerous hike in the world.

Xian Shi, Shaanxi

destination • experience

Ancient City Wall

Ride bikes on an ancient city wall- This one's a no-brainer. Rent a bike for around $7 ($14 for a tandem) and ride 13.8 km around the perimeter of Xi'an's ancient city wall. Take in views of architecture old and new as you dodge pedestrians, other bikers, and whatever exhibit might be set up along the way. This is also a fantastic place to watch a sunset!

Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng

destination • experience

Xi'an Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter

Eat street food- Street food is everywhere in Xi'an. It's especially readily available in the Muslim Quarter, but a walk down virtually any street will confront you with your choice of everything from pineapple to scorpion on a stick.

Xi'an, China

destination • experience

Bell Tower

Visit the Bell Tower by night- At night, Xi'an lights up many of its historical landmarks, and nowhere is more beautiful after dark than the Bell Tower plaza. This tower, over 700 years old, is arrayed in stunning red and gold hues, and is sure to decorate your Instagram feed.

Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng

destination • experience

华清池

Soak in Huaqing Pool- Want to relax? Head to the Huaqing Hot Springs complex at the foot of Mt. Li, and take in scenic views as you soak your body, now tired from all that riding and walking.

Xi'an, Shaanxi

destination

Xi'an

1) Admire the architecture- All across town, Xi'an boasts architectural marvels steeped in history. Don't miss the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the fortifications all around the ancient city wall. 2) Walk. Xi'an is an eminently walkable city, by day or night. Bustling but never overcrowded, lively but approachable, it has quickly become one of my favorite cities in China, and the best way to experience it is on foot.

Shangluo, Shaanxi

destination

Yuanjia Goukou Street Village

Go back hundreds of years at Yuanjia Village- From tiny houses to cobbled streets, to crafts and foods from times past, this village, surrounded by city, gives you a feel for what life during the Tang Dynasty was life.