Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Xi'an

Built initially by the Tang Emperor to honour his mother, the Da Ci'en Temple is the place where millions of historical rarities are housed. According to legend, all the Buddhist holy books were stored and translated after eminent monk Xuanzang returned from the journey to seek the scriptures. Inside the temple stands the Dayan Pagoda (also known as Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), constructed in the 7th century by China's first woman leader, Empress Wu Zetian.

This is the one attraction that has captured the imagination of visitors both from inside and outside the country. China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, whose greater-than-life ambition also gave birth to the creation of the Great Wall, amassed battalions of life-sized warriors fashioned out of clay, complete with chariots and horses. Each soldier has a different and unique facial expression. Even after more than 2,200 years (it was finished in 210 BC), the warriors remain in perfect condition, watching over their long deceased ruler.

Xiaoyan Pagoda (Small Wild Goose) is lower than the Dayan (Giant Wild Goose) Pagoda. However, it contains more floors. Like its larger counterpart, it was built around 700 AD, and its primary purpose was to hold the holy Buddhist scriptures carried to China. In the neighbourhood of the pagoda, the Shaanxi Museum is home to many treasures in the province.

As one of the most famous mountains in China, Hua Mountain is considered sacred to the Taoist religion. It is a strenuous climb, but there is a ropeway that gives visitors headed to the mountain as an easier option. The breathtaking views at the top with clouds floating on the mountains worth your effort. Although 120 kilometres away from the city of Xi'an, it is absolutely worth visiting.

The well-preserved city wall, which is almost 12 km long, has stood for more than 600 years and are still a great way to navigate around the city. You can cycle or take a walk around the city wall built in traditional style. Locals like to say that they can still hear the sounds of wars and soldiers' cries lingering around, reminding them of those past glories.

This 14th-century bell tower is possibly the best-preserved one in China. In ancient times, guards stood and observed the surrounding countryside to prevent invasions. Today it remains no less important, marking the geographical centre of the city.

This ancient drum tower holds a total of 24 drums, which corresponds to the 24 solar terms that the Chinese used back then to mark time. Not a single iron nail had been used in the erection of this grand structure while first built in the 14th century and reconstructed 300 years later. At the top of the tower, you can enjoy both a panorama of the entire city and drum shows every other hour.

Located adjacent to Mausoleum of The First Qin Emperor and Lishan National Forest Park, the water of this hot spring contains many minerals that are said to be good for the skin. It is said that the most famous imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yu Huan, one of the four famous beauties of ancient China, chose this as her bathing ground.

Known as the Temple of the Green Dragon, Japanese monks came to study Buddhism in the 9th century and left a legacy here. The annual cherry blossom festival is held here in March and April, basking the surroundings in a mesmerising sea of soft pink flowers.

The Great Mosque is one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. A trip is worth for its centuries-old history, and also for its particular design of mixed architecture with traditional Muslim and Chinese styles.

If you enjoy exploring museums, this is the right place to fulfil knowledge about the ancient Chinese empire which had situated in this region. Take a trip through the region's and city's ancient history at this huge museum, which demonstrates four original terracotta soldiers.

Xi'an's largest Taoist temple dates back to the Song dynasty and is still an active place of worship. Supposedly built on the site of an ancient wine shop, it was constructed to protect against subterranean divine thunder. Scenes from Taoist mythology are painted around the courtyard. Empress Cixi, the mother of the last emperor, stayed here in 1901 after fleeing Beijing during the Boxer Rebellion.

China's Muslim population has been firmly established in Xi'an for centuries, and the Muslim Quarter of the city extends north from the Drum Tower over small alleys and backstreets, which feature halal butcher shops, small mosques, food markets and shops selling typical wares.

This historic house belonged to an affluent family back in the day so you can see how they lived and how they used each section of the house. You can also enjoy the varied artistic experience here including shadow play, paper cutting and painting. During shadow play talks, you can learn more about traditional Chinese tale.

Xi'an is known to be the kingdom of noodles. As a historical wheat production area, the city has a thousand-year-long history of making noodles. Today you can find hundreds of variations throughout the province, with or without soup, boiled or sautéd, thick or thin, round or flat, sweet or spicy, noodles have become the very fundamental part of locals' life, and you can always find one that you adore.

Five Zen5es offers you extensive options of Chinese and Japanese dishes so you can enjoy a wide variety of food including Liangpi, steamed flounder fish and dim sum. You may also try the traditional hot soup with BBQ eel and chicken: the flavour and portion size will never let you down.

Redfort Indien Restaurant serves you a wide range of authentic dishes of the Indian cuisine in a magnificent ambience of live Indian dance performances in a historic fort decor. It is a great place to spend some time with family and friends, as the range of beverages and popular Asian dishes can always satisfy different cravings.

After serving Beijing city for over 9 years, Ganges Indian Restaurant comes to Xi'an and is now based very close to the city's iconic landmark: the Wild Goose Pagoda. You will be served a range of traditional dishes of Indian cuisine, including vegetable karahi and aloo matar. Voted the best Indian Restaurant in Beijing for over 6 years, it entices with affordable prices and delicious food.

Would you love to have some Italian and European food after staying in Xi'an for a while? Cyclist Restaurant offers a range of Italian and European dining choices from salad to steak, as well as great beer and wine selections, including fruit beer. You will be served by English speaking staff with a warm and welcoming attitude.

Rou Jia Mo can be likened to a Chinese take on a burger. The meat is stewed for hours in a secret broth seasoned with more than 20 spices, then finely chopped and served in freshly baked bread. Don't forget that you have other options including ramen, cold rice, fermented glutinous rice and other traditional snacks.

There are many kinds of delicious traditional street foods in Xi'an. However, they are scattered around the city and often hide in the alleyways, which can make them hard to find. Chang'an Diner is the restaurant that brings all these traditional dishes together. They even took it one step further and came up with some creative dishes such as sweet fermented rice ice cream and Mahjong-shaped sesame dessert.

This restaurant started in 1898 and is renowned domestically and abroad. It is one of the best places to try Xi’an's famous dish yang rou pao mo, which is bread soaked in traditional mutton soup. The restaurant also serves beef and mutton steamed bread, local snacks, as well as Western halal cuisine. The honorary chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, Lien Chan once inscribed it as "hundred years delicious".

Would like to have a taste of western food in Xi’an? Marley's Coffee is your ideal destination serving hot drinks and snacks, as well as cocktails with good live music later in the evening.

This newly opened café is currently a hit on Chinese social media. It is a French-style café with beautiful decor which creates a relaxing atmosphere. They serve dozens of delicate cakes and desserts. Order a cup of coffee, pick a book, and enjoy a quiet afternoon.

Qian Cao is a uji matcha themed café & dessert shop. They offer matcha flavour ice cream and milkshakes, as well as all kinds of delicate cakes. Genmaicha and mille-feuille matcha are a must-try combination.

Who would say no to cute kittens? Here at Miao Café, you can have some nice coffee while enjoying the company of these beautiful little creatures. The café also takes care of all the details. All the drinks are served with lids; hand sanitizer and shoe covers are provided when entering the place.

Would like to refresh yourself in a well-designed coffee shop? Maan Coffee brings you a cosy atmosphere with Turkish interior decor elements, all while you're being served with a wide range of drinks and food ranging from brewed black coffee and cappuccino to fresh sandwiches.

Searching for a cosy place for a break from the city? Le Ban Coffee is the perfect choice for you as they serve a variety of drinks and food including carrot cake and latte in a warm and relaxed ambience.

Tang Dynasty is a leading entertainment theatre and dinner restaurant in Xian. It offers a unique experience to indulge yourself in exotic Chinese performance of dance and music that was used in ancient ritual prayer for a good harvest and better life.

You can choose from over 40 different Belgian beers imported from Belgium and a wide range of pizza and burgers including Mediterranean pizza in this popular Western-style bar. The patio is a nice place for enjoying a burger and fries with fantastic live music.

Park Qin is located near the centre of Xi'an. It is the only Terracotta Warriors themed bar in China. The venue has a unique décor, excellent live music and a wide selection of tasty drinks. You are guaranteed to have a good time here.

Near Wall Bar, as the name indicates, is located nearby the historic City Wall of Xian. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the City Walls in the outdoor patio. Near Wall Bar and Xian Brewery serves you a range of good quality beers and foods. They also produce their own beer that is too good to miss. This bar is popular amongst the expats and is, of course, English friendly.

This fantastic and trendy bar features all kinds of goodies for visitors ranging from Chinese-style cocktails to a film projector and pool table. Prices are more than reasonable. And it is also a great place to go for sports night.

Seg International Shopping Mall is the biggest commercial centre in Xi'an. Here you'll find a cinema, karaoke, restaurants that offer various cuisines as well as local and international brands. There's also the allegedly longest escalator in Asia with a length of 51 metres, that brings you straight to the 6th floor.

Hua Jue Xiang is a historical area that's been transformed into a commercial street. You can find interesting gadgets, souvenirs, antiquities and books. It is not only a shopping spot: the traditional architecture and authentic atmosphere also make the place perfect to simply go for a walk.

Xi Cang is a flea market that's held every Thursday and Sunday. People flood into this area, display their stuff by the street and form a temporary market that covers five blocks. This is not only a market but an unfolding theatrical play of local living.

Luomashi Pedestrian Street is a modern fashion neighbourhood commercialised with shops, malls and eateries. It is the right spot to hunt for rare knick knacks, handicrafts and groceries as well as delicious street foods.

Nearly a hundred shops gather here selling painters brushes, handicrafts and artistic goods like painting paper. Without the crush of tourist crowds, you can have a calming walk and find amazing artwork for home decoration around this picturesque neighbourhood.

Xian is one of the Chinese cities that supports the 72-hour transit visa on arrival program, which means that selected nationalities (all citizens of the European Union, as well as several other countries including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Macedonia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, and United States) are eligible for a transit visa on arrival via the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. For longer stays, a visa must be pre-arranged in advance, so consult your local embassy for details. You must bring your passport at all times with you for all hotels will insist on seeing it for check-in. It is now mandatory to present your passport when buying train tickets; you will also need it for using internet cafes that accept foreigners. The Chinese government requires that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa when entering the country. You will need at least one blank page in your passport for the visa. Take an ID card with your photo in case you lose your passport and make photocopies of your passport: your embassy may need these before issuing a new one in case of loss. You must report the loss to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB), who will issue you with a 'Statement of Loss of Passport'. Long-stay visitors should register their passport with their nation's embassy.

The best time to visit Xi'an will be when the average temperatures are at a comfortable level between 20°C and 30°C during June, July, August and September.

Due to the Internet policy of China, certain websites and applications are not accessible from the mainland, which includes those very commonly used in the west (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, Skype and more). Some travellers have been able to gain access to those via a VPN service (installed prior to arrival in China). Make sure you comply with local laws and regulations when deciding on whether or not to employ a VPN, and which one to choose (if you do, only use those explicitly allowed by the Chinese government, and only use them for authorised purposes to avoid any trouble). There have been reports of foreigners in China getting their cell service cut off in response to unauthorised use of VPN being detected; restoring cell service required a trip to the local police station where contents of the device were investigated and certain apps removed. Giving that Google is banned in China, Google Maps might not be the most accurate and reliable source of information. Some local apps such as Baidu Maps and AutoNavi tend to work better than Google Maps.

Xianyang International Airport is located northwest of Xian, 45 km away from the centre. You can take a taxi from the airport to downtown. It is economical to take one of the airport express buses heading into town.

The Xi'an Railway Station is located in the Northeast of the urban area, the starting place of the Silk Road. It takes 30 minutes from the station to downtown by taxi. The most popular way to tour the city is by bus. A city map would be handy, though it may be a hassle for non-Mandarin speakers.

It's convenient and simple to travel by taxi in Xi’an. And for non-Mandarin speakers, it is better to have the destination written in Chinese characters to avoid miscommunication with the drivers. You can also use taxi cab hailing service with WeChat or Alipay (like the Chinese version of Uber).

Xi'an Shuanghe Pharmacy Hospitals Xi'an Affiliated Hospital No.1 Xi'an Medical University: 85227604 Xi'an Central Hospital: 87251973 Xi'an Red Cross Hospital: 87880857 Xi'an No. 1 Hospital: 87217170

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