Xi'an
City Overview
Xi'an at a Glance
Long known as Chang'an — "City of Eternal Peace" — Xi'an sits at the heart of ancient Chinese history. Thirteen dynasties made their capital here, from the Qin who first unified China to the Tang Dynasty whose golden age still defines the country's cultural identity. It was also the starting point of the Silk Road, the trade route that connected East and West for centuries. Today, you can bike the 14-kilometer ancient city wall (the largest and best-preserved in China), stand before thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, and eat your way through the vibrant Muslim Quarter. It's hard to think of another city where 3,000 years of history feel so present.
3-4 days recommended
Recommended StayMarch to May, September to November
Best Time to VisitCapital of thirteen dynasties, over 3,100 years
Years of History
Can't-Miss Attractions
Terracotta Army Museum
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China's first emperor over 2,200 years ago — accidentally discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974. Each warrior has unique facial features. Hire a guide on-site — the stories behind the pits make the experience unforgettable.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China — 13.7 km (8.5 miles) around, wide enough for a six-lane road on top. Rent a bicycle (about $5 an hour) and ride the full loop, or walk a section at sunset for golden light over the old town rooftops. Enter from Yongning Gate for the most dramatic access.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Da Ci'en Temple
A 7th-century pagoda built by the monk Xuanzang — the real-life monk who traveled to India and inspired the classic novel Journey to the West. The North Square has Asia's largest musical fountain, with nightly shows that light up after dark.
Huaqing Palace
An imperial hot spring resort at the foot of Mount Li, famous as the scene of one of China's most tragic love stories — Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei. The ruins of the Tang Dynasty bathhouses are still visible. Don't miss "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" outdoor show in summer — spectacular light show projected onto the mountain.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)
Xi'an's most famous food street, centered around the Great Mosque (one of the oldest and largest in China). The Hui Muslim community has lived here for over 1,000 years. Try roujiamo (the original Chinese hamburger), mutton paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup), and persimmon cakes as you wander the tree-lined stone streets.
Shaanxi History Museum
"Give me one day, and I'll give you 10,000 years." This museum holds over 370,000 artifacts covering a million years of history, from Stone Age tools to Tang Dynasty gold. Free entry but book on WeChat 3 days in advance — tickets go fast. The Tang Dynasty gold and silver hall is worth the extra ticket price.
Local Food Scene
Mutton Paomo
Xi'an's most iconic dish — a hearty soup of tender lamb and glass noodles, served with a flatbread you tear into tiny pieces yourself. The smaller you tear the bread, the better the flavor. Eat it with pickled garlic and chili sauce on the side. Known in ancient times as "yanggeng" — lamb stew.
Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
Often called "the world's first hamburger" — slow-braised pork belly stuffed into a crispy, baked flatbread. The authentic version has nothing but meat inside — no lettuce, no sauce, just tender, fatty, flavorful pork. The Laozhi (braised sauce) version from Xi'an is the classic.
Biangbiang Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles as wide as a belt — the widest noodles in China. Topped with chili powder and garlic, then doused in sizzling hot oil. The name comes from the "biang biang" sound the noodle dough makes when slapped against the board. Hearty, spicy, and impossible to forget.
Zenggao (Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake)
Layers of glutinous rice, red dates, and honey steamed together in a traditional iron steamer called a "zeng." Sweet, sticky, and warm — the classic Xi'an street breakfast. Vendors sell it from carts early in the morning, often with a red bean paste filling.
Liangpi (Cold Rice Noodles)
Thin sheets of rice noodles served cold with vinegar, chili oil, cucumber, and bean sprouts. The Qinzhen style from the town of Qinzhen near Xi'an is the most famous. Light, tangy, and spicy — perfect for a hot summer day.
Persimmon Cakes
Small, golden fried cakes made from sweet Lintong persimmons mixed with flour and osmanthus honey. Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet within. A seasonal specialty — best eaten fresh in autumn when persimmons are at their peak.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1City Center & East Side
- MorningShaanxi History Museum — book 3 days ahead, see relics from Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties
- NoonBig Wild Goose Pagoda area — climb the pagoda at Da Ci'en Temple, catch the musical fountain
- AfternoonRent a bike and cycle the Ancient City Wall — enter at Yongning Gate, full loop is 13.7 km
- EveningBell and Drum Towers at night, then dinner in the Muslim Quarter
Day 2Terracotta Army & Lintong
- MorningTerracotta Army Museum — Pits 1, 2, 3 plus the Bronze Chariot Hall. Hire a guide!
- NoonLunch in Lintong — try the local big plate chicken and youpo noodles
- AfternoonHuaqing Palace — imperial hot springs and the site of the Xi'an Incident
- Evening"The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" outdoor show — center section A seats are worth it
Day 3Culture & Local Flavors
- MorningForest of Steles Museum — a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy
- NoonYongxingfang food street — dishes from all over Shaanxi, plus the bowl-smashing wine ritual
- AfternoonSmall Wild Goose Pagoda & Jianfu Temple — quieter and less crowded than the Big Goose
- EveningGrand Tang Mall — a dazzling Tang Dynasty-themed pedestrian street
Practical Tips
🚄Getting Around
- •Xi'an Xianyang Airport is 47 km (29 mi) from downtown — take metro line 14 or the airport bus
- •Xi'an North Station is the main high-speed rail hub — metro lines 2 and 4 connect to downtown
- •8 metro lines cover all major sights — use Alipay or WeChat transit codes
- •To reach the Terracotta Army, take tourist bus 5 (306) from the train station
💡Important Tips
- •Book Shaanxi History Museum 3 days in advance on WeChat — free but very popular
- •Hire a guide at the Terracotta Army — you'll get so much more out of it
- •Xi'an food tends to be salty and spicy — ask for less salt and chili if you prefer
- •Watch out for unlicensed taxis and touts near the train station
🏨Where to Stay
- •Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter — central, tons of food, great for first-timers
- •Big Wild Goose Pagoda area — nicer neighborhood, great night views, mid-range to upscale
- •Yongning Gate area — right by the city wall, metro interchange, super convenient
- •Xiaozhai shopping district — youthful vibe, good value for money