Why visit
Xi'an is ancient Chang'an. Terracotta Army an hour out, 14th-century city walls you can bike, the Muslim Quarter's food street, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Xian is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Xian connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for China.
Xian at a glance
City population
9.6 million
Elevation
416 m
1,365 ft
Time zone
UTC+8
Asia/Shanghai
Airport
XIY
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
China at a glance
Country center
35.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
9,706,961 km²
3,747,877 mi²
Country population
1.43 billion
147/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Chinese yuan (¥)
CNY
Dial
+86
Language
Chinese
Demonym
Chinese
Internet
.cn
UN
Member state
ISO code
CN / CHN
Where in the world
35.0° - 105.0°
China
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Xi'an (Chang'an) was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and served as China's capital for 13 dynasties spanning 1,100 years.
- The Terracotta Army was discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974; over 8,000 figures, each with a unique face, guard Qin Shi Huang's tomb.
- Xi'an's Muslim Quarter has been home to the Hui people for centuries; lamb skewers and biangbiang noodles are local specialties.
- China uses a single time zone for the whole country, even though it spans 5 geographic time zones.
- The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye: that is a myth.
Bordering China
Traveler notes
- Terracotta Warriors. Allow half a day
- Bike the 14 km city wall at sunset
- Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) for lamb skewers
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Xian
What currency is used in Xian?
Xian uses the Chinese yuan (¥), ISO code CNY.
What languages are spoken in China?
The primary language is Chinese.
What is the international calling code for China?
The calling code is +86.
What airport serves Xian?
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY).
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