The Influence of Xi’an on Japanese and Korean Culture

Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is a city steeped in history and cultural significance. Known as Chang’an in ancient times, it was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and a melting pot of ideas, religions, and traditions. Its influence extended far beyond China’s borders, shaping the cultures of neighboring Japan and Korea in profound ways. For modern travelers, Xi’an isn’t just a destination for terracotta warriors and ancient walls—it’s a gateway to understanding how this city’s legacy lives on in East Asian traditions, cuisine, and even pop culture.

The Historical Bridge: Chang’an’s Golden Age

During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), Chang’an was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Its grandeur attracted diplomats, merchants, and scholars from across Asia, including Japan and Korea. The city’s layout, with its grid-like streets and central axis, inspired the design of ancient Japanese capitals like Nara and Kyoto. Even today, walking through Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter or the remnants of the Daming Palace feels like stepping into a shared past that resonates in the temples and streets of Kyoto or Gyeongju.

How Xi’an Shaped Japanese Architecture

The Todai-ji Temple in Nara, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), is a direct descendant of Tang-era architecture. The temple’s design mirrors the grand wooden structures once found in Chang’an. Similarly, the layout of Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto) was modeled after Chang’an’s symmetrical urban planning. For travelers who’ve visited both Xi’an and Kyoto, the parallels are unmistakable—from the wide boulevards to the placement of imperial palaces.

Culinary Crossroads: Noodles, Dumplings, and Beyond

Xi’an’s food scene is a living testament to its historical connections with Japan and Korea. The city’s famous biangbiang noodles (wide, hand-pulled noodles) have cousins in Japan’s udon and Korea’s kalguksu. Meanwhile, the steamed dumplings (jiaozi) found in Xi’an’s night markets evolved into Japan’s gyoza and Korea’s mandu.

The Silk Road Spice Trail

The flavors of Xi’an—cumin, chili, and star anise—traveled east along trade routes. Korean cuisine’s love for bold spices and fermented flavors may have roots in Tang Dynasty culinary exchanges. Similarly, Japanese ramen, though a modern invention, owes a debt to Chinese wheat noodles introduced centuries ago. Foodies exploring Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter or Seoul’s Gwangjang Market will spot these delicious connections.

Religion and Philosophy: Buddhism’s Journey

Buddhism entered China via the Silk Road, and Xi’an became a hub for its spread to Korea and Japan. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house scriptures brought from India, symbolizes this transfer of knowledge. Japanese monks like Kukai and Enchin studied in Chang’an, bringing back teachings that shaped Japanese Buddhism. Today, visitors to Xi’an’s temples can trace the same paths these monks once walked.

Zen and the Art of Cultural Exchange

The Chan Buddhism (Zen in Japan) practiced in Xi’an’s temples influenced Korean Seon and Japanese Zen. The minimalist aesthetics of Zen gardens and tea ceremonies can be traced back to Tang Dynasty ideals. A visit to Xi’an’s Famen Temple, with its underground relic vault, feels like uncovering a piece of spiritual history shared across East Asia.

Modern Pop Culture Connections

Xi’an’s legacy isn’t confined to history books—it’s alive in anime, K-dramas, and even fashion. The 2020 Netflix series The Long Ballad featured Tang Dynasty Chang’an as a backdrop, sparking interest in Japan and Korea. Meanwhile, Japanese anime like The Heroic Legend of Arslan draws inspiration from Silk Road lore rooted in Xi’an.

Cosplay and Traditional Dress

The hanfu revival movement in China has counterparts in Japan’s kimono culture and Korea’s hanbok trends. Tourists dressing in Tang-style robes at Xi’an’s Huaqing Palace might not realize they’re part of a pan-Asian fashion revival.

Why Xi’an Should Be on Your Travel List

For travelers seeking more than just sightseeing, Xi’an offers a chance to walk through history that shaped nations. Whether it’s tasting the origins of your favorite Asian dishes, standing in temples that inspired Kyoto’s golden pavilions, or tracing the footsteps of ancient scholars, Xi’an is a cultural keystone. Next time you’re in Japan or Korea, listen for the echoes of Chang’an—they’re everywhere.