Xi’an西安
Capital of 13 dynasties and the eastern end of the Silk Road: the Terracotta Army, a complete Ming city wall and the Muslim Quarter’s night food.
Photo: ·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
- Best time
- March–May and September–November
- Sights covered
- 5 must-sees
Why visit Xi’an
As Chang’an, Xi’an was the capital of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties and one of the largest cities in the world in the 7th–9th centuries. Today most visitors come for the Terracotta Army, about an hour east of the city, but the city itself deserves at least a day.
The Ming-dynasty city wall is around 13.7 km long and almost complete; you can walk or cycle the top. Inside, the Bell and Drum Towers mark the centre, and the Muslim Quarter behind the Drum Tower is the place for street food. The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the best in China.
Must-see in Xi’an
- Terracotta Army — Allow at least half a day including the travel.
- City wall — Rent a bike on the wall for a 2–3 hour loop.
- Shaanxi History Museum — Free timed tickets go fast — book as early as possible.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda — Tang-dynasty pagoda linked to the monk Xuanzang.
- Muslim Quarter — Food streets around Beiyuanmen; the Great Mosque is a quiet courtyard nearby.
Getting there, getting around, staying
- Best time to visit
- March–May and September–November. Summer is hot; winter is cold with occasional haze.
- Getting there
- Xianyang International (XIY) is about 45 minutes from the centre. High-speed trains run to Beijing (roughly 4.5–6 hours), Chengdu (around 3–4 hours) and Shanghai. Xi’an is a 240-hour transit port.
- Getting around
- The metro reaches the north railway station, the centre and the airport. For the Terracotta Army use the tourist bus from the railway station area, a DiDi, or a booked driver.
- Stay: Inside the city wall (Bell Tower area)
- Walk to the wall, Muslim Quarter and Drum Tower.
- Stay: Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Qujiang)
- Newer hotels near the pagoda and the evening fountain show; close to the Shaanxi History Museum.
What to eat in Xi’an
- Roujiamo — shredded braised meat in a crisp flatbread.
- Biangbiang noodles — wide hand-pulled noodles with chilli oil.
- Yangrou paomo — lamb soup with crumbled flatbread.
- Liangpi — cold rice-flour noodles, ideal in summer.
Day trips
- Huashan, one of the five sacred mountains, about 30–40 minutes by high-speed train.
- Han Yangling Mausoleum museum near the airport.
Field notes
- Hire a licensed guide or audio guide at the Terracotta Army — the pits are hard to read without context.
- The Shaanxi History Museum releases free tickets online; foreign visitors can book with a passport.
Routes that include Xi’an
FAQ
Is one day enough for Xi’an?
One day lets you see the Terracotta Army and walk the city wall. Two days is better: add the Shaanxi History Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and an evening in the Muslim Quarter.
How do I get from Beijing to Xi’an?
The high-speed train takes roughly 4.5–6 hours from Beijing West to Xi’an North. Flights take about two hours but add airport time.
Want a trip including Xi’an built around your dates, pace and interests? Tell us what you have in mind and our desk will reply within 24 hours.
Commission a Private China Proposal
Tell us your travel window, interests, or hospital checkup requirements. Our specialists will return a tailored route blueprint — zero obligation.