Things To Do
in Chang’an
Chang’an was once the ancient capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Han, Tang, and Zhou dynasties. It was a bustling city filled with grand palaces, temples, and bustling markets. The city was renowned for its advanced urban planning, with wide streets and well-organized neighborhoods.
Today, the modern city of Xi'an stands on the site of ancient Chang'an, preserving its rich history for visitors to explore.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved fortifications in the world. Take a leisurely bike ride along the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Shaanxi History Museum to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Don't forget to try local street foods in the nearby Muslim Quarter.
Stroll through the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's beautifully lit grounds. Participate in the fountain show and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant nearby.
Start your day at the Tang Paradise, a theme park showcasing the culture and architecture of the Tang Dynasty. Enjoy the gardens and traditional performances.
Head over to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and climb to the top for breathtaking views. Spend time learning about the ancient relics housed in the pagoda.
Visit the Huimin Street for dinner, where you can experience the vibrant food scene and local culture. Afterwards, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional arts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance as the capital of several ancient dynasties, including the Tang Dynasty.
- Cultural heritage sites, including the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls.
- Beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the city, including the Qinling Mountains.
- Growing modern infrastructure with improved transportation and amenities.
- Vibrant local cuisine, famous for its unique flavors and dishes.
- High levels of pollution and traffic congestion in certain urban areas.
- Rapid urbanization may lead to loss of traditional culture and historical sites.
- Can be crowded with tourists, especially at popular attractions.
- Limited English language proficiency among locals, which may pose communication challenges for non-Chinese speakers.
- Climate can be harsh, with hot summers and cold winters.
Best Activities in Chang’an
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy scenic trail routes and breathtaking views at one of China's five sacred mountains.
Visit the famous Buddhist pagoda and its surrounding gardens and fountains, ideal for peaceful walks and cultural exploration.
Discover the ancient ruins and picturesque landscapes while enjoying a leisurely bike ride.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chang’an with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chang’an
Visit one of these nice places.
The ancient city wall offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding scenery, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Terracotta Army and capture memorable photos of this incredible archaeological find.
Ascend the mountain for breathtaking views of the city and a chance to capture stunning photos of the landscape below.
Food in Chang’an
Chang’an Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish known for its wide, hand-pulled noodles, flavorful meat or vegetable toppings, and the spicy and tangy Shaanxi-style sauce. You can find delicious Biang Biang Noodles at most local noodle shops and restaurants around the city.
Must-Try!
A popular street food consisting of savory stewed meat, such as pork, stuffed inside a crispy, round bread. Look for street vendors and small shops to savor the authentic Roujiamo experience.
This hearty, comforting dish features crumbled unleavened bread soaked in rich, flavorful lamb soup. It's a specialty of Xi'an and can be enjoyed at traditional paomo restaurants scattered across the city.
These soup-filled dumplings are a delightful treat for food enthusiasts. Head to local dim sum restaurants or food stalls to relish the soupy goodness of Guantang Baozi.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chang’an better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter are a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide array of street food like barbecue skewers, steamed buns, and traditional sweets. Don't miss the famous Huimin Street for a sensory feast of flavors and aromas.
This vibrant market is a fantastic spot to explore local delicacies, fresh produce, and a lively street food scene. Take a stroll through the market to sample an assortment of regional snacks and treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chang'an, it is important to show respect for elders by addressing them using appropriate honorific titles and by giving them precedence in social interactions.
When dining in Chang'an, it is customary to wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before beginning the meal. Additionally, using chopsticks and understanding table manners is important.
It's important to be aware of body language and non-verbal communication in Chang'an. For example, it's polite to avoid pointing directly at others and to refrain from displays of affection in public.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chang’an with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chang’an
Ensure a smooth experience
In Chang’an, China, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi services. However, in some tourist-centric locations, small gratuities may be appreciated but are not obligatory.
In Chang’an, China, cash is still widely used for most transactions. However, major credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments and tourist areas. Mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used for various purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Chang'an is during Spring (April to May) when the weather is moderate and pleasant. Expect to see blooming cherry blossoms and enjoy outdoor activities.
Another good time to visit is during Autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable. Expect to see beautiful fall foliage and take part in cultural festivals.
Chang’an at Night
Hiking in Chang’an
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located nearby, Lishan features beautiful landscapes, diverse flora, and numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.
A popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, the Qinling Mountains offer a variety of challenging hikes with stunning views and rich biodiversity.
As the highest peak in the Qinling range, Taibai offers rigorous hiking routes, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to see local wildlife.
Rich in history and thermal springs, the area around Huaqing Palace has lovely walking paths and easier hikes with picturesque views.
This less crowded spot offers serene hiking trails through lush forests and along streams, making it ideal for a peaceful escape.
Aiports
How to reach Chang’an by plane.
The primary airport serving the city of Xi'an, located approximately 50 kilometers from Chang’an.
An international airport located around 450 kilometers from Chang’an, serving the city of Lanzhou.
Located about 600 kilometers from Chang’an, it serves as a major international hub in southwestern China.
An international airport situated approximately 400 kilometers from Chang’an, serving Zhengzhou.
Located around 800 kilometers from Chang’an, it serves as a significant airport for the Tianjin area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Chang'an, making up a significant portion of the population.
An ethnic minority group with a small but notable presence.
Another ethnic group present in Chang'an, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
Includes various other ethnic minorities and migrant communities living in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in Chang’an, with many local clubs and teams competing at various levels. The sport is widely played among youth and is a common recreational activity.
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Chang’an, with many courts available for public use. School teams and local leagues foster competitive play and community engagement.
As a sport deeply rooted in Chinese culture, table tennis is widely played in Chang’an. It is a common recreational activity in parks, schools, and sports centers.
Badminton is another widely enjoyed sport in Chang’an, with many indoor courts. It is popular among all age groups and often played casually as well as competitively.
Chang’an has a rich history of martial arts, and various forms are practiced in the city, ranging from traditional styles to modern competitive forms. Schools and clubs offer training and competitions.
Jogging and running have gained popularity in Chang’an, with many residents participating in local running events and using parks and hills for training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chang’an.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat dishes are prevalent in Chang'an, many restaurants and food stalls offer vegetarian and vegan options, especially in the Muslim Quarter where you can find delectable plant-based street food and meat-free specialties.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities can opt for dishes like stir-fried vegetables, rice-based noodles, and steamed buns, which are commonly available and can be adapted to accommodate gluten-free diets at various eateries.