Xi'anOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Early Settlements and Imperial Capitals

Xi'an, known as Chang'an for much of its history, traces its origins to Neolithic times. The Banpo people settled in the area 8,000 years ago. In the 11th century BCE, the Zhou dynasty established its capital, Fenghao, in the western suburbs of present-day Xi'an.

The imperial era began with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified China in 221 BCE and founded the Qin Dynasty. He made Xingyang, near Xi'an, his capital and started building his mausoleum in 246 BCE. This project, completed in 208 BCE, created a 20-square-mile underground complex that includes the Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974. Following the Qin, the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-24 CE) established its capital, Chang'an, on the ruins of Qin's Xianyang. This city grew to cover about 36 square kilometers.

The Silk Road and Ming Dynasty Reconstruction

Xi'an served as the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting China with the Mediterranean. This route contributed to its economic and cultural development. The city reached a peak during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). After the Tang, Xi'an experienced a period of decline but remained a center for trade.

In 1369, during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the city was renamed Xi'an, meaning "Western Peace." The Xi'an City Wall, one of China's preserved ancient city walls, was largely rebuilt starting in 1370. The Bell Tower, constructed in 1384, and the Drum Tower, built in 1380, also date from the early Ming Dynasty. These structures became central to the city's timekeeping and defense.

• —Terracotta Army Museum Entrance Plaza — This is the entry point to the pits containing thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. These figures were created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
• —Imperial Tumulus Viewpoint (Mausoleum Park) — From this viewpoint, visitors can see the truncated pyramid-shaped mound covering the unexcavated tomb of Qin Shi Huang. The mausoleum complex is modeled after the Qin dynasty capital, Xianyang.
• —Xi'an Bell Tower — This tower stands at the geographical center of the ancient city. Built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, it once marked the morning hours. Visitors can climb inside to see the bells and timber structure.
• —Xi'an Drum Tower — Located northwest of the Bell Tower, this Ming Dynasty structure, built in 1380, historically signaled the end of the day with drum beats. Inside, a Drum Museum displays exhibits, some over 1,000 years old.
• —Muslim Quarter (Great Mosque of Xi'an) — This quarter is a center of Hui culture, with alleys, street food, and shops. The Great Mosque of Xi'an, founded in 742 CE during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty, combines traditional Chinese palace architecture with Islamic design, without traditional domes or minarets.
• —South Gate of Xi'an City Wall — This is a preserved entrance to the ancient City Wall. Visitors can ascend the wall here to walk or cycle its 13.7-kilometer circumference, offering views of the city. The wall was largely rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty starting in 1370.

The best times to visit Xi'an are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, temperatures are mild (15-25°C / 59-77°F), suitable for outdoor sightseeing. Autumn has dry weather with moderate temperatures (around 15-20°C / 59-68°F) and clear skies. Avoid summer (June to August) due to heat (30-38°C / 86-100°F), humidity, and crowds, which lead to higher prices. Also, avoid major Chinese public holidays like Labor Day (first week of May) and National Day (October 1-7), when attractions are busy.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is 47 kilometers northwest of the city center. Downtown access is via Airport Metro Line 14 (50-60 minutes, 2-9 yuan) or airport shuttle bus (60-90 minutes, 25 yuan). Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available.

Within the city, the Xi'an Metro is efficient, with English signage and bilingual announcements. Fares start at RMB 2. Buses are inexpensive, usually RMB 1-2 per ride. Taxis have a starting fare of 8.5 yuan for 3km. The old city center, including the Muslim Quarter, Bell, and Drum Towers, and the City Wall, is walkable. For longer stays, a Chang'an Tong Card is useful for metro, buses, and shared bikes.

For markets, the Xiaonanmen Morning Market, near Wumu Gate and the city wall, offers breakfast and local produce, best visited between 7:00-8:00 a.m. The Muslim Quarter also has markets like Beiyuanmen Hui Snack Market for food and souvenirs.