Drawing up a must-see list of China’s essential cities? Don’t forget about Xian in Shaanxi Province, home to the world famous Terracotta Army excavation site. But fear not the city itself has loads more to offer, from cycling around the ancient city walls and one of China’s most incredible food quarters, to traditional dance performances, a nightly water and light show and access to mountains, ancient villages and pandas. 

My own adventure here came during a cross-country trip back in May 2010. To get the full lowdown on what I got up to in this unmissable city, cast your eyes over my reports on:

Shaanxi Wild Animal Breeding & Protection (coming soon!)

Tang Palace Dance Show (coming soon!)

The Ancient City Walls (coming soon!)

The Muslim Quarter (coming soon!)

The Terracotta Warriors (coming soon!)

Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (coming soon!)

& my handpicked spots from across the city (coming soon!) 

These adventures in Xian also feature in my short story:

 Jia Jia and the Warriors.