Regional deep dives

Shaanxi

Begin in Xi’an and follow the ancient capital’s sites and walls into the history of Chang’an. More places will be added here over time.

Gary Todd · CC0

GoTerraVoya · 2026

Intercity: Xi'an North is the hub, with high-speed rail in about 4–5 hours to Beijing and about 3–4 hours to Chengdu (subject to official announcements); Xi'an Station handles conventional trains. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is about 25–40 km from downtown Xi'an; Metro Line 14 links the airport with Xi'an North Station, and airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing are also available.
In cities: Xi'an Metro Lines 2, 3, 4 and 14 cover the Bell Tower, the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, the Shaanxi History Museum and Xi'an North Station; metro fares are typically a few yuan. The City Wall can be walked or cycled, with rental bikes under on-site rules — do not ride against traffic.
Rural and mountain areas: The Terracotta Army direction can be reached by Metro Line 9, then bus or tourist coach. Yan'an, Hanzhong and Baoji are mostly reached by high-speed rail or coach; roads in northern and southern Shaanxi mountains are winding — slow down in rain and snow (subject to official announcements).
Tickets and payment: Rail tickets are real-name via 12306; metro and buses accept transit cards and mobile QR. Prices and fines are given only as magnitudes and are subject to official announcements.

Red Line: At heritage and religious sites such as the Terracotta Army, Famen Temple and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, do not carve, climb or touch relics, and do not photograph in no-photography zones. In halal dining areas such as the Muslim Quarter, respect halal customs and do not bring or eat non-halal food inside halal restaurants (follow on-site guidance).
Taboo: Two pitfalls outsiders most often hit: (1) making loud noise, using flash, or leaning on barriers for photos beside the Terracotta Army pits; (2) haggling only, tasting without buying while occupying stalls for a long time in the Muslim Quarter, or commenting presumptuously on halal customs. Also, popular museums such as the Shaanxi History Museum require advance booking; walk-up visits often have no tickets (subject to official announcements).
Good Manners: Walk quietly and slowly in museums and temples and follow one-way routes. Order local snacks such as biangbiang noodles and roujiamo as needed, without waste. On the metro, let passengers alight first and offer seats to older people and children.

Source leads are being checked individually; confirm travel details with local official notices.