Shaanxi
Capital of thirteen dynasties. The Terracotta Army deserves half a day.
Shaanxi is one of the destinations we cover in China. Best season: April to May, September to October. Altitude: Xi'an 400 m / Mount Hua 2,155 m. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) runs private tailor-made trips in Shaanxi with a dedicated vehicle and guide, and no shopping stops.
- Best season
- April to May, September to October
- Temperature
- Summer 24–36°C, dry cold in winter
- Altitude
- Xi'an 400 m / Mount Hua 2,155 m
- Published routes
- 3
Shaanxi
Xi'an was capital for more Chinese dynasties than almost any other city and was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The Ming city wall is intact and cyclable at 13.7 km. The Terracotta Army lies 40 km east. It is also the hinge between Beijing (4.5 h by rail) and the Hexi Corridor (2 h by air to Dunhuang).
| Best season | April to May, September to October |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Summer 24–36°C, dry cold in winter |
| Altitude | Xi'an 400 m / Mount Hua 2,155 m |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
The places at the heart of these itineraries.
Terracotta Army, city wall, Stele Forest, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter.
The western sacred mountain, with the plank road.
Where the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace are.
Revolutionary sites and Hukou Waterfall (extension).
Every one of these can be rebuilt around your dates.
HistoryXi'an, Terracotta Army & the Silk Road
Capital of thirteen dynasties and the eastern start of the Silk Road. The Terracotta Army deserves half a day, not two hours.
ClassicBeijing, the Great Wall & the Forbidden City
Everyone visits Beijing. The difference is whether you queue at Badaling or walk a quiet stretch at Mutianyu.
Best first tripChina Essentials: 12 Days
If you are only visiting China once, do Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang and Shanghai in one go.
Shaanxi travel questions.
Do I need to book the Terracotta Army in advance?
Yes, real-name booking is required and we suggest a week ahead in peak season. We book and schedule a morning entry to avoid the crowds.
Can Xi'an be combined with Beijing?
Yes — 4.5 hours by high-speed rail. We often build a 'Beijing 4 days plus Xi'an 3 days' combination, optionally extending to Dunhuang.
How long does Mount Hua take?
We usually use the West Peak cable car up and North Peak down, with about three to four hours of walking on the mountain. The plank road needs a separate safety harness ticket.
Want to go to Shaanxi?
A draft itinerary and a clear price within one working day.