With its captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern marvels, the central Chinese city of Xi’an had been firmly planted atop my travel bucket list. This former imperial capital promises entrée into the Middle Kingdom’s most iconic sites, from the life-size Terracotta Warriors to the massive Ming-era city walls. But first, I needed to carefully strategize my visit from lodging to logistics. In this post I share my Pre-trip Planning & Angsana Xi’an Lintong experience.
Why Xi’an Should Top Your China Itinerary
While Beijing and Shanghai tend to dominate many China itineraries, I was specifically drawn to Xi’an for its unparalleled immersion into the country’s rich history and culture. The allure only grew as I researched the myriad marquee attractions surrounding this ancient Silk Road crossroads.
Xi’an served as the prosperous capital for 13 imperial dynasties over 1,100 years, including the famed Tang era when China’s global influence peaked. Its present-day iteration offers the chance to quite literally walk the stone pathways of Chinese civilization at sites like the Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda, the Old City Muslim Quarter, and remnants of the Silk Road itself.
Other enticements included savoring Xi’an’s celebrated gastronomy like tiny dumplings, lamb kebabs and the birthplace of “bread in a crushed and pulled form” – better known as noodles. With convenient high-speed rail links from Beijing and Shanghai, Xi’an proved an ideal hub for forging one’s own exploratory Silk Road journey.
Where to Stay – Angsana Xi’an Lintong
After poring over the various luxury and boutique hotels dotting Xi’an’s historic core and surrounding countryside, I ultimately landed on the Angsana Xi’an Lintong resort for my 4-night stay. Part of the esteemed Banyan Tree brand’s Angsana collection, this picturesque hideaway promised a tranquil sanctuary coupled with unrivaled access to Xi’an’s highlights.
While a bit removed from downtown Xi’an’s bustling environs, the resort’s location just 15 minutes from the Terracotta Warriors excavation site proved immensely appealing. A luxe retreat nestled amid lush gardens, local vineyards and ancient monuments felt like the ideal home base from which to experience Xi’an’s grandest archaeological splendors.
Getting to Xi’an & Around
With international flights arriving at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport from major Asian hubs like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Seoul, getting to Xi’an proved relatively straightforward and inexpensive. I opted for a direct 4-hour Cathay Dragon flight from Hong Kong which touched down around 11pm.
The resort had thoughtfully arranged an airport transfer via private Mercedes sedan. After clearing immigration and customs, I met my courteous driver holding an Angsana placard amidst a knot of other hotel shuttles. Within 45 minutes I was pulling into Angsana Xi’an Lintong, escorted by staff bearing cups of steaming ginger tea.
As for getting around Xi’an, the lack of an efficient metro or subway system during my visit necessitated a mix of transportation options: Arrange private airport transfers and drives to more remote sites like the Warriors through the hotel. In town, it’s best to utilize taxis for shorter jaunts or full-day private guides/drivers. The resort can provide upfront pricing and carefully vet top guides for you.
Angsana Xi’an Lintong Acccommodations
My first impression of the Angsana resort was its striking courtyard-style hotspring spa and free-form swimming pool, which were both lit by moody lanterns when I checked in around midnight. The lobby and guest rooms radiated understated luxury infused with subtle regional touches: carved Han dynasty ornaments, hand-painted murals, and furnishings accented with classic Chinese motifs like bamboo and silk panels.
My spacious Ming-inspired deluxe garden room offered the perfect retreat after long days of exploring. In addition to the plush king bed and cozy reading lounge, room highlights included a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower, aromatherapy amenities, and a private walled garden patio with alfresco bathtub (plus resident bullfrog serenader).
But the true showstopper awaited just beyond the sliding glass doors – sublime views of Xi’an’s iconic Mount Li perpetually looming amidst meticulously pruned willows and pines. I often awoke to mystical scenes of early morning mists cloaking the mountain and monks emerging from the hotel’s adjacent monastery.
Angsana Xi’an Lintong Experiences and Amenities
While the lavish accommodations were more than comfortable enough to relax all day, venturing forth into Angsana Xi’an Lintong unveiled a treasure trove of enriching cultural and adventure experiences. The gateway monument alone – a towering 11-story hilltop pagoda dating back to the Tang dynasty – provided ample inspiration for hiking and cycling outings.
I spent many restorative hours in the signature Angsana Spa indulging in local treatments like the Xi’an Songfen “Dreaming of Fragrance” facial and mineral pool soaks heated by natural hot springs bored into the resort. Cultural immersion opportunities included everything from traditional Tao Pan whiskey toasting ceremonies to cooking lessons making Shaanxi “biangbiang” noodles and roujiamo “burger” wraps.
The resort’s highlight was undoubtedly its sublime Angsana Gallery, an exquisite museum encompassing 4,500 square meters. Here, immaculately curated antiquities and relics from Xi’an’s golden ages educated and enchanted through multimedia exhibits showcasing everything from ancient porcelains and terra cotta miniatures to cultural demos like calligraphy.
Chihān Ancient Town Heritage Village
Just outside the resort gates awaited a final unanticipated attraction: the wonderfully preserved heritage village of Chihān. I spent many blissful hours wandering this forgotten 11th-century hamlet’s stone-paved alleyways, souvenir markets and mom-and-pop shops barely changed since the Tang era. Or savoring steaming bowls of handmade noodles and soups at al fresco eateries operating within courtyard homes straight out of a period drama.
But my favorite Chihān splendor revealed itself just as I was about to depart. Deep within the village core laid the incongruously magnificent 600-year-old Huaqing Hot Springs complex, a vision of imperial indulgence crowned by a succession of steaming jade and gold baths where Xi’an dynasties retreated for pampering eons ago. I left feeling like I’d uncovered China’s most decadently preserved historical gem.
With its profound immersion in ancient culture and unrivaled amenities, Angsana Xi’an Lintong ultimately transcended even lofty expectations as the ideal luxury launchpad for unearthing Xi’an’s iconic wonders. The hardest part was eventually bidding farewell to its meticulously crafted hideaway from the modern world – though the memories and lessons gained would remain indelibly etched into my soul.
Tips for Your Xi’an Angsana Stay:
• Book rooms overlooking Mount Li – pagoda or garden views
• Participate in authentic culinary and cultural experiences
• Visit the sprawling Angsana Gallery for hands-on history
• Don’t miss the nearby Chihān Ancient Town and Huaqing Pools
• Take advantage of airport/site transfers with resort vehicles and guides
• Build in plenty of downtime at the spa and natural hot spring pools
• Download apps like Google Translate for easier communication
Whether you’re embarking on an in-depth Silk Road odyssey or scratching the surface of Xi’an’s imperial splendors, make Angsana Xi’an Lintong your base. This rarefied enclave provides the ultimate sanctuary for recharging between archaeological adventures – while also immersing you in the heart of Chinese heritage. It’s a winning combination that will leave your mind, body and spirit forever transformed. I hope you like my Pre-trip Planning & Angsana Xi’an Lintong experience.