Xi'an for foreigners

Xi'an is where Chinese history begins. It was the capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, which is why the food is heavier on lamb, bread, and cumin than anywhere else in central China. Most travelers need 2-3 days: one day for the Terracotta Warriors (they're 40 km east of the city), one for the wall and downtown, and an optional day for Mount Hua or Famen Temple.\n\nThe city center is compact and walkable. The Ming-dynasty wall encloses the old city in a 13.7 km rectangle; everything inside is flat and bikeable. The Muslim Quarter (Hui Min Jie) sits just west of the Bell Tower and is the densest food neighborhood in central China. Xi'an is also noticeably cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai — a comfortable 3-day trip with hotels runs about ¥2,000-3,500 ($280-490) per person.