Xi’an

Xi’an is the capital of China’s central Shaanxi province and a heaven on earth for history buffs. It was once the gateway to the Silk Road and an epicenter for intellectuals, poets and monks, and today is home to time-worn artifacts from another world, in particular the famous subterranean Terracotta Army that was only just discovered in 1974. Those well-preserved statues may be the biggest draw in Xi’an, but they’re hardly the only one: From the stimulating Muslim Quarter to ancient 40-foot-tall city walls, beautiful pagodas and a thriving food scene, Xi’an is truly one of China’s most fascinating cultural treasure chests. Whether you stay two days or two weeks, there’s plenty to see and do in this city that has both the historic fortitude of ancient Rome as well as the high-rises, universities, bars and shopping centers that characterize modern Asian metropolises.