Chang'an, located south of the Wei River in central Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, served as the capital for key Chinese dynasties, including the Western Han and Tang. Once the world's largest city and the cosmopolitan eastern terminus of the overland Silk Road, it offers you a journey through deep historical roots. You can explore a site inhabited since Neolithic times by the Yangshao culture at Banpo, as well as the ancient capitals of the Western Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties.
Discover the grand imperial legacy of the Guanzhong Region, where the Weiyang Palace once spanned 1,200 acres as the largest palace ever constructed. To the east near Mount Li, you can learn about the First Emperor's mausoleum and the Terracotta Army. You will also trace early Chinese gardening traditions at Shanglin Park, which established the classic "one pond, three hills" design theme later used in famous imperial gardens.
From historic palace grounds to ancient city walls, visiting this historic location lets you experience the primary political, military, and cultural core of ancient China.
What to see at Chang'an
- Eastern terminus of the historic overland Silk Road
- Site of Weiyang Palace, the largest palace ever built at 1,200 acres
- Proximity to Mount Li and the First Emperor's Terracotta Army
- Shanglin Park, birthplace of the 'one pond, three hills' garden theme
- Neolithic roots at Banpo dating to the 5th millennium BC
Visiting tips
Explore the area along the Wei River to better appreciate the natural protections and strategic geography selected by early Han dynastic leaders.
How long: 1-2 days · Best time: Spring or autumn
How to get there & what’s nearby
Chang'an is easy to reach on Xi'an’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Terracotta Army. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Xi'an travel guide.
See the full Xi'an travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.