Terracotta Warriors, Xian, Shaanxi, China

Xian

Chang An, as Xian was once known, was the start of the Silk Road to Europe through Persia and the Subcontinent.

Shi Huang Di is perhaps the best known Chinese Emperor, largely because of his remarkable tomb.

Buried along with 5,000 terracotta warriors as representations of his own army, along with rumours that his yet undiscovered tomb itself is studded with stars of precious stones, Xian is one of China’s most extraordinary sites.

X'ian City Wall, X'ian, China
Xian, China

A little more about Xian

An army of miniature warriors was also discovered in the early 1990s and is now on display, this is the tomb of Emperor Han Jing. April 2006 also saw the opening of the first underground tomb museum where visitors can sometimes observe continued excavations of this smaller army taking place whilst walking above the glass-covered tombs.

Xian is one of the few towns in China that is still surrounded by a fortified wall and, with two pagodas, a museum and a mosque that resembles a Chinese temple, it is packed with fascinating sites yet feels small and is easy to explore.

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Terracotta Warriors Xian China

The Terracotta Warriors

See one of China’s most important sights, the Terracotta Warriors on the outskirts of Xian.

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Terracotta Warrior, Xian, China

Visit Han Jing Tombs

Located close to Xian and discovered in the early 1990’s, these tombs are home to the miniature terracotta warriors; still under excavation, these are far less visited than the larger warriors but no less grand.

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X'ian City Wall, X'ian, China

Circumnavigate Xian City Walls

Walk, cycle or take a buggy around the ancient city walls of Xian.

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The Great Mosque, Xian

Xian Muslim Quarter

Explore the vibrant Muslim quarter of Xian, home to the Hui community.

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Sofitel Legend Hotel, Xian, China
Sofitel Legend Hotel, Xian, China

Sofitel Legend Hotel

Once a government guesthouse, Sofitel Legend Hotel has 71 stylish and elegant guestrooms. The decor blends local styles with French and Art Deco features and most of the rooms overlook the hotels landscaped gardens and fountains.

After a day spent exploring the ancient silk road city of Xian return to the hotel for a dip in the pool or a relaxing spa treatment.

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Meet our experts

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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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Clare Higginson

It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.

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