Terracotta Army, ancient city wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang-dynasty history, Northwest food
Xi'an was China's capital for 13 dynasties across 1,100 years — longer than any city on earth has held that title. It was the starting point of the Silk Road, where caravans loaded silk and porcelain for the long journey west. Today it's a modern Chinese city wrapped around an ancient core: a 14-km Ming-era wall still encircles the downtown, and 40 km east lie the Terracotta Warriors — 8,000 life-sized soldiers standing guard for China's first emperor.
Xi'an is also a food paradise. The Muslim Quarter (回民街) — a 600-year-old Hui community — has more authentic street food than any other place in China. Plan 3 days. Add a fourth for the Mount Hua day trip.
The most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century. 8,000+ life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding Qin Shi Huang's tomb (221 BC). Each face is unique. Three pits + the Bronze Chariots exhibit. UNESCO.
Tickets: ¥120 · 8:30am–5pm · Tourist bus ¥30 one-way from city centre · Allow 4h · Book on Trip.com to skip queuesThe world's best-preserved ancient city wall — 14 km around, 12 m high, 600 years old. Rent a bike (¥45 single, ¥90 tandem) and cycle the full loop at sunset. Best urban cycling in China.
Tickets: ¥54 · Open 8am–10pm · Multiple gatesA 600-year-old Hui Muslim neighbourhood of narrow lanes packed with food stalls — kebabs, naan, biangbiang noodles, persimmon cakes. Bustling, noisy, delicious. Eat as you walk.
Free · Most stalls 10am–midnight · Subway Zhonglou stationA 1,300-year-old Tang-dynasty pagoda that once housed the sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. The evening musical fountain show in the surrounding square is free and spectacular.
Pagoda ¥50 (or climb for free view) · Fountain show free, nightly · Subway Dayanta stationOne of China's best museums — 1.7 million artefacts covering 100,000 years of Shaanxi history, from prehistory to the Qing dynasty. Gold tiger plaques, Tang-dynasty gold coins, bronze beasts. Free, but reservation required.
Free · Book via WeChat 1–7 days ahead · Subway line 2/3 Xiaozhai stationThe Ming-dynasty city centre. The Bell Tower stands on a roundabout in the middle of downtown; the Drum Tower is across the square. Climb at night for lit-up views. ¥50 combined.
Combined ¥70 · Subway Zhonglou stationOne of China's oldest and most beautiful mosques, founded in 742 AD. Chinese pagoda-meets-Islamic architecture, set in a quiet garden. A serene contrast to the bustling Muslim Quarter outside.
¥25 · Closed during prayer times · Near Drum TowerOne of China's five sacred mountains, 120 km east of Xi'an. Stunning granite peaks, the famous Plank Walk in the sky (a wooden plank bolted to a vertical cliff — optional), and 2,000-year-old Taoist temples.
Tickets: ¥160 + ¥40 shuttle · HSR ¥54 one-way · Allow full day, start at dawnXi'an cuisine is hearty wheat-and-lamb cuisine from the Silk Road — heavy on noodles, breads, kebabs, and stews. The Muslim Quarter is the single best food street in China.
Slow-braised pork or beef stuffed into a crispy sesame flatbread. A 2,000-year-old recipe. Xi'an's most iconic street food. ¥15–25.
Thick, hand-pulled noodles named for the sound they make when slapped against the table. Topped with chilli oil, vinegar, garlic, and greens. Look up the 56-stroke Chinese character — yes, it's a noodle name.
Translucent wheat or rice noodles, served cold with sesame sauce, cucumber, chilli oil, and garlic. Refreshing, spicy, vegan-friendly.
A 1,000-year-old Hui dish — crumbled flatbread soaked in a clear lamb broth, topped with sliced lamb and scallions. The traditional way: you tear the bread yourself.
Cumin-and-chilli lamb skewers from Xinjiang — Xi'an has one of the densest Uyghur food scenes outside Xinjiang. ¥3–10 per skewer. Eat 5+.
Sticky-sweet persimmon cakes, walnut-stuffed dates, and tandoor-baked naan sold at every Muslim Quarter stall. Cheap desserts and snacks.
After dark, the lanterns go up and the crowds triple. Lively, family-friendly street food, tea shops, and souvenir stalls.
The area just outside the South Wall — bars, live music, foreign travellers. The closest thing Xi'an has to a backpacker nightlife strip.
Newer development around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Upscale restaurants, theatre, modern bars. Cleaner, more polished.
Near the South Gate. Calligraphy shops, teahouses, and quiet bars in a restored heritage street. Atmospheric at night.
Xi'an Xianyang International (XIY) — 40 km northwest. Airport intercity train to North Station, 16 min, ¥16. Subway line 14 also connects.
Xi'an North (西安北) — main HSR station. Beijing 4.5h, Shanghai 7h, Chengdu 3.5h, Luoyang 1.5h. Subway line 2 direct.
8 lines, bilingual. ¥2–7. Covers all major sites — Terracotta Warriors bus connection at North Station.
Bus 306 (Tourist Line 5) goes from Xi'an Station to the Terracotta Army for ¥30, ~1h. The classic option.
DiDi works well. Regular taxis ¥8 starting. For the Terracotta Army, a private car is ¥400–600 round-trip — good for groups.
The walled city is flat and walkable. The City Wall itself has bike rentals — best at sunrise or sunset.
Most attractions within walking distance. ¥400–1,500/night. The most convenient option.
Heritage hotels, near food. ¥400–1,200/night. Lively, central.
Modern, quieter, near Big Wild Goose Pagoda. ¥500–1,500/night. Better for families.
History lovers worldwide; a must-see for ancient Chinese civilisation.
