Xianyang

Mixed feelings about Xianyang. The Hanyangling Museum was interesting, but the site is quite fragmented and the audio guide felt outdated. I arrived in town around midday and found many old streets blocked off with scaffolding, and it was hard to find a quick place to eat that wasn't about to close. The central area has a pleasant enough vibe, but it feels like a city in the middle of renovation. As a stopover before Xi'an, it's fine. I wouldn’t plan a special trip here.

A decent day trip, though not as smooth as I hoped. The Yangling Museum itself is genuinely impressive — the close-up views of the miniature terracotta figurines are unlike anything else in the region. But getting there from the high-speed rail station took a long, confusing bus ride, and the connection was poorly signed. Also, many restaurants close between 2 and 5 pm, so I struggled to find lunch after my visit. Great museum, but the logistics need work. I’d give the experience four stars overall.

A truly underrated stop in Shaanxi. The city itself is laid-back and easy to walk around, with friendly locals and a lively night market by the central square. I tried cold noodle salad and a lamb skewer from a tiny stall, and both were delicious. The Hanyangling Museum was fascinating, mainly because you can see the burial figurines up close in a dark pit with almost no tourists. Even the train station area felt straightforward and manageable. Xianyang deserves way more attention.

I came expecting a quiet transport hub, but Xianyang has an incredible layer of history. The Hanyangling site was the highlight. It’s not flashy like Xi’an’s terracotta army, but the underground museum lets you get right up to thousands of miniature terracotta figures. The light was low and atmospheric, and the silence in the tomb chamber gave me goosebumps. Outside the site, the surrounding park was empty and peaceful. If you like history without the crowds, this city is a gem. I ended up staying an extra day.

Stayed here on a whim before heading to Xi'an and honestly it was the best part of the trip. The Yangling Mausoleum museum is incredible — you walk over glass panels and look down at tiny terracotta figures and horses, so close you could almost touch them. And there were maybe six other visitors. In the evening, the Qingwei Tower area lit up beautifully and felt calm. A random noodle shop on North Street served biangbiang noodles that were the best I had in China, and the owner kept refilling my tea. Xianyang surprised me completely. Five stars, no question.

This city doesn't get enough credit. I'm a travel photographer and Xianyang gave me my favourite frames of the whole trip: the rammed-earth remnants by the north gate, morning tai chi crowds in the square near Qingwei Tower, and the shadow of the tower stretching over the Wei River at blue hour. Even the hotel was a pleasant surprise—clean, cheap, and with a great night view of the city lights. I came for one night and stayed three. Absolutely loved it.