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You may know that Yellowstone is the world’s oldest national park and that the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. But there are plenty of other superlative spots out there that rarely get their due.

Consider taking your 2018 travels onboard with these family-friendly adventures.

AFAR staffers wax poetic about their most significant solo adventures.

Where to Eat Dumplings, Hotpot, Donkey Meat Sandwiches & Scorpion Skewers in China

A cocktail pioneer shows us a French Concession of tall trees, quiet streets, and classic drinks.

Near and AFAR: Family Trips, New Hotels, and Trendy Tea

Overview

The Xi’an Banpo Museum preserves artifacts excavated from the neolithic site of Banpo, settled 5,600 to 6,700 years ago. The museum provides access to the excavated buildings and has several houses reconstructed in the style of the prehistoric settlement. It’s well worth a stop when you’re traveling to or from the Terracotta Warriors.

There are a number of old neighborhoods in Xi’an that are lovely to explore on foot, especially between the Bell Tower and the Great Mosque, and west of the South Gate. Wandering around, you’ll see old houses and stumble upon amazing stonework and doorways—such as this one we found that leads into a temple.

My vote for the best bowl of Asian noodles in New York City goes to Xi’an Famous Foods, which also won over Anthony Bourdain, food critics, and countless locals. The family-run business celebrates signature spicy dishes from its hometown in western China. Most of the locations are small—you will likely wait—however, once you dig in to your bowl of spicy broth, stewed pork (or lamb, or oxtail) that falls apart on your fork because it’s so tender and hand-ripped noodles, you will understand. Do yourself a favor, skip the available cans of soda and instead opt for their homemade cold jasmine tea (sweetened or unsweetened). It perfectly cuts the heat. There are more than 10 locations, including the original in Queens. They do a brisk business at lunchtime; visit for a late lunch or early dinner to improve your chances of getting a seat.

“I used to sit in this small park with a cup of coffee before I went to work. It’s an interesting experience to be in the park and see modern shopping malls on one side of you and tall green trees on the other. At night, older couples gather in the park for group dancing.” —Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession.

Pack your hunger: the streets of Xi’an are packed with dumpling shops and noodle carts and wonderful smells that will keep you distracted planning about your next meal.

When the Terra Cotta Army was uncovered in Xi’an in 1974, the world took notice of the Shaanxi city. The army—filled with 8000 life-size soldiers, as well as weapons, horses, chariots, and other characters—was buried in the tomb of China’s first emperor. Visitors can discover more treasures than frozen troops in Xi’an, though: Along with its famous cuisine, the city is rich with peaceful temples and and holy mosques, hutongs that rival those in Beijing, historic palaces from the Tang Dynasty, and intact walls and fortifications that date back to the seventh century.

Xi’an is the historical heart of China. Walk along the Old City Wall, and imagine yourself in the Tang Dynasty. The city feels especially enchanted when the lanterns light up and street musicians play traditional music on street corners. Xi’an’s food is enough to win over the most reluctant visitor: biang biang noodles, a regional specialty, and street food in the Muslim Quarter, and all the sweet desserts.

In central China, at the east end of the Silk Road, the alluring city of Xian (pronounced shee-EN) has been a cultural capital for thousands of years. It’s most famous for the Terracotta Army, an astounding collection dating back to 211 B.C. But there are plenty more ways to immerse yourself in Xian’s rich history, from visiting the enchanting Wild Goose Pagoda to sampling the traditional flavorful soup. Here are five favorites to send you on your way.