Overview
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province, China. It is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals in China, had been the position under several of the most important dynasties, such as Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui, and Tang Dynasties, playing an important role in Chinese history. Moreover, Xi'an is the start city of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Basic Information
Dialing code: (+86) 029
Zip code: 710000
Area: Xian has an area of 10108 square metres
Main attractions in Xian: Terracotta Warrior, Xian City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, The Bell Tower, etc.
Population: about 12 Million

Administration
Xi'an currently holds sub-provincial status, administering 9 districts and 4 counties. As of 2025, Xi'an has a population of 13.5 million and the Xi'an-Xianyang metropolitan area has a population of 14.5 million. It is the most populous city in Northwest China, as well as one of the three most populous cities in Western China.

Location
It is a sub-provincial city located in the center of the Guanzhong Plain in Northwest China. The city site is on a low plain on the south bank of the Wei River. Just to the south the Qin (Tsingling) Mountains rise dramatically above the plain.

Climates
Xi’an features in a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons. It is characterized by hot, humid summers, cold, dry winters, and dry springs and autumns. The rain season is from July to October; Snow occasionally falls in winter but rarely settles for long. Dust storms often occur during March and April as the city rapidly warms up. Summer months also experience frequent but short thunderstorms. The annual average temperature is 13.4 ?(56.1 °F). See the temperatures page for a monthly breakdown and the fixed scale graph. Average monthly temperatures vary by 26.8 °C (48.2°F). This indicates that the continental type is continental, subtype sub-continental. In general, the weather in Xi'an is pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit Xi'an is in spring and autumn.

Public City Transportation
A subway construction project began in 2002 and was completed by 2010. The Xi'an Subway Line 1 connects the northwest and southeast of the city, with a total length of 26.22 km and 28 stations. By 2025, the city's subway system has expanded with additional lines, including Line 2, Line 3, and Line 4, and plans for more expansion in the coming years to address the growing population.

Economy
Tourism plays an important role in Xi'an’s economy. In 2025, over 70 million domestic tourists visited Xi'an, generating more than RMB 80 billion in tourism revenue (previously 60 million). The city is also a hub for the software outsourcing industry, with more than 1,200 companies in the field. By 2025, Xi'an continues to experience rapid growth in sectors like high-tech industries, electronics, and e-commerce, with ongoing investments in infrastructure. Major exports include lighting equipment and automobile parts, while mechanical and electrical products are among the primary imports. Xi'an’s largest international trade partner remains the United States.

Tourism
Xi'an is among the first batch of China's excellent tourism cities. Xi'an's cultural heritages have characteristics of centralized distribution, well-preserved sites, and a high level of cultural relics. In China tourism resource census of 155 basic types, Xi'an’s tourism resources account for 89. Around Xi'an, there are 77 imperial tombs, including the first emperor Qin mausoleum, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang four big cities sites (previously 72).

Culture & Education
Xian's culture is based on a very early civilization called the Guanzhong Ren. Many people come to this city to experience this culture thus enhancing tourism. Qingqiang is the typical opera of Shaanxi Province. This distinctive opera is actually more local yodeling than real opera! This type of singing originated in the fields and countryside surrounding Xi'an when locals who used to shout to one another across the fields gradually developed a system of song to enable them to communicate! The dialect of Xianese is Shaanxi Hua, which is being assimilated by Standard Mandarin, but still retains much grammar and pronunciation from the Classical Chinese. Because of its long development as a culture.

While Buddhism is the main religion practiced by many people in China, Xian has an extensive Muslim population and the city also has a magnificent 1300 year old mosque.