ChinaTripGuide

Northwest China · 西安

Xi'an

Terracotta warriors and 13 dynasties of history

2 days recommendedFrom $35/day

Why Visit

The eastern terminus of the Silk Road and capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an pairs one of the world's great archaeological finds with a superb walled-city old town and China's best street-food scene in the Muslim Quarter.

  • Stand in front of the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army
  • Cycle the full 14 km circuit on top of the Ming city walls
  • Graze through the Muslim Quarter's nighttime food stalls
  • See the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where Buddhism entered China

Top Things to Do

Terracotta Warriors day trip

Half day¥120 entry

Take metro + bus 306 (¥8) or a tour. Go early, and hire the audio guide — Pit 1 is jaw-dropping, the story more so.

City Wall bike ride

2 hours¥54 wall + ¥45 bike

Bikes rent for ¥45/3 hours on top of the wall; the full loop takes about 90 unhurried minutes.

Muslim Quarter food crawl

3 hours¥60–120 in food

Evening self-guided eating: roujiamo (Chinese burger), yangrou paomo (bread soup), pomegranate juice, persimmon cakes.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang paradise

2 hours¥50 (pagoda grounds)

The pagoda's northern square has a fountain show in the evening; the surrounding Tang-dynasty-themed park is lovely.

Huaqing Palace & Lishan

2 hours¥120

Tang-dynasty imperial hot springs at the foot of the mountain, on the way to the warriors.

Where to Stay

Inside the South Gate (Yongningmen)

Central, walkable

Boutique hotels in renovated courtyards, minutes from the wall and a short walk to the Muslim Quarter.

Bell Tower area

Convenient, lively

Maximum walkability: the geographic center where the four main streets meet.

Qujiang district

Quiet, green

Modern hotels near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda parks — calmer but a metro ride from the center.

Food You Can't Miss

Roujiamo

Slow-braised pork stuffed into a crisp flatbread — often called the world's original hamburger.

Biangbiang noodles

Extra-wide hand-pulled belts of noodles with chili oil, vinegar and vegetables. The character 'biang' is famously un-typable.

Yangrou paomo

Lamb soup you break flatbread into yourself — a whole ritual, warming in winter.

Frozen persimmon cakes

Sweet fried snack sold in the Muslim Quarter in autumn and winter.

Sample 2-Day Plan

  1. 1

    City of walls

    Shaanxi History Museum, City Wall bike ride at sunset, Muslim Quarter food crawl at night.

  2. 2

    Warriors & pagodas

    Early bus to the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace on the way back, Big Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Xi'an?

Two full days: one for the city wall, museums and Muslim Quarter, one for the Terracotta Army. Add a third for Mount Hua, one of China's great sacred peaks, 30 minutes away by train.

Is the Terracotta Army worth the hype?

Yes — it's genuinely one of the most staggering archaeological sites on earth. Just go early (opens 8:30am) before the tour groups arrive around 10am.

What's the best way to get to Xi'an?

High-speed rail: about 4.5 hours from Beijing West or 6–7 hours from Shanghai Hongqiao. Book a few days ahead in peak season.

Is the Muslim Quarter safe for foreigners?

Very. It's crowded, touristy and completely safe. Just watch your pockets in the crush and agree on food prices before ordering.

Recommended

Book foreigner-friendly hotels in China

Filter for properties that accept international guests and pay by card — plus free cancellation on most rooms.

Search Hotels on Booking.com