China's Ancient Capital

Dating back several thousand years, modern-day Xi’an sits on a plain surrounded on three sides by mountains. The influence of history can be seen in everything from the formidable city wall to the Qing-style architecture around the city. Living in Xi’an is an unmistakably Chinese experience with all western comforts available too.

Bustling and busy like all Chinese cities, Xi’an proves easier than most to navigate. At the centre is the famous Bell Tower, and contained within the city are many other interesting sights to see, the Muslim Quarter, with its ancient mosque, the Temple of the Eight Immortals, the Tang Paradise Gardens, the Wild Goose Pagoda, and many others.

Days off are never dull – there’s always something to see and do, and for the more adventurous, there are overnight trips to nearby towns and villages to see rural and little-traveled China, as well as nearby famous mountains.

Dining Out

Restaurants in Xi'an come in all shapes and sizes. From a luxurious  banquet, to a local back street barbeque, all budgets are catered for. What makes Xi'an really special, however, is the variety; from local specialties to western comforts, you'll never be short of choice. 

Night Life

From playing mah-jong to singing at KTV, classical concerts to dive bars; Xian's nightlife is varied. The best ways to find out what's going on though are to talk to the other teachers at the school and see what they're up to or look up local ex-pat magazine the Xianease for regular listings of events happening around the city.