6 Must-See Sites in Xi’an, China

Colorful traditional dances are often put on across the city. These dances honor the golden age of the Tang Dynasty (seventh century), with flowing and long-sleeved movements and elegant spins. Some dances, like the Dream of Chang’an, are performed in front of Xi’an City Wall, and include sword dances and red silk. © Hel080808 | Dreamstime.com

Considered one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Chinese city walls, the walls and fortifications of Xi’an were constructed in the 14th century in the Ming dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the wall is also located at the end of the Silk Road. © Nataliya Hora | Dreamstime.com

Around Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the largest musical fountain in Asia. This t-shaped fountain spans a massive waterfall pool, eight-level plunge pool and prelude music pool. Fountain performances typically play a symphony of the Water Phantom of Tang. Features of the show include laser water curtains and 196-foot-tall water columns. © Kstepien | Dreamstime.com

Just outside of the city is the iconic mausoleum of the first Qin Emperor and his hundreds of terracotta warriors and horses. The figures date back to the 200s B.C.E. and include warriors, chariots, acrobats, musicians and more. The army is part of a much larger necropolis spanning 38 square miles to imitate the emperor’s imperial palace. © Idmanjoe | Dreamstime.com

Street food in Xi’an is multicultural, with spots like Defu Alley serving hand-pulled noodles, skewered lamb and beef, sweet rice cakes, and more. One popular dish is kǎo yóuyú, a spicy squid snack served on sticks; grilled over hot charcoals; and seasoned with cumin, chili powder and soy sauce. © Karen Foley | Dreamstime.com

Xi’an is home to a large Muslim population, with many living in the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie). This bustling district is full of food stalls. This ethnoreligious group, called the Hui people, have made a name of its food, with tasty snacks like crumbled flatbread with mutton stew, Biang Biang noodles and steamed dumplings. The quarter is also home to 10 mosques, the most famous constructed in 742 A.D. © Baoyan2002 | Dreamstime.com