Xi'an Travel Guide for First-Timers

Xi'an was China's capital for over a thousand years. Thirteen dynasties ruled from here. The Silk Road started here. The Terracotta Army was buried here.

And the food? Some of the best street food in all of China.

We spent three days in Xi'an in September 2025. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Xi'an?

Xi'an delivers three things perfectly:

1. History — Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, ancient pagodas
2. Food — Muslim Quarter's legendary street food scene
3. Atmosphere — feels authentically Chinese without Shanghai's gloss

For many travelers, Xi'an is more memorable than Beijing or Shanghai. It's raw, real, and delicious.

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How Many Days?

• Minimum: 2 days (Terracotta Army + city highlights)
• Recommended: 3 days (relaxed pace, proper food exploration)
• Extended: 4-5 days (add Mount Huashan or day trips)

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Must-See Attractions

1. Terracotta Army (兵马俑)

The reason most people come to Xi'an. Emperor Qin's 2,200-year-old underground army.

What to know:

• Location: 50 km east of Xi'an (1-1.5 hours)
• Ticket: ¥120 (includes all three pits + museum)
• Time needed: 3-4 hours
• Best time: Arrive at 8:30 AM (opening) to beat tour groups

The three pits:

• Pit 1: The massive main hall. Over 6,000 warriors. Most impressive.
• Pit 2: Smaller, some warriors still being excavated.
• Pit 3: Command headquarters. Smallest but interesting.

Getting there:

• Tourist bus 306/914: From Xi'an Train Station (¥8, 1.5 hours)
• DiDi: ~¥150-200 one-way
• Tour: Many half-day options through Trip.com

Tip: Hire a guide on-site (¥150-200) or use audio guide (¥30). Without context, you'll miss a lot.

2. Ancient City Wall (城墙)

Best-preserved ancient city wall in China. 14 km around the old city.

What to do:

• Walk a section (south gate to east gate is popular)
• Bike the entire loop (2-3 hours, bike rental ~¥45)
• Visit at sunset for best photos

Details:

• Ticket: ¥54
• Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (later in summer)
• Gates: South Gate (most popular), West Gate, East Gate

Recommendation: Bike it. The wall is wide and flat, and circling the entire old city is a unique experience.

3. Muslim Quarter (回民街)

Xi'an's famous food street. Narrow lanes packed with vendors, restaurants, and snacks.

Don't miss these foods:

• 肉夹馍 (Roujiamo): "Chinese hamburger" — stewed meat in flatbread
• 凉皮 (Liangpi): Cold noodles with spicy sauce
• 羊肉泡馍 (Yangrou Paomo): Lamb soup, you break bread into it
• 油泼面 (Biangbiang noodles): Wide belt noodles with chili oil
• 镜糕 (Jinggao): Sweet rice cakes
• 石榴汁 (Pomegranate juice): Fresh-squeezed, everywhere

Tips:

• Go in the evening (more vendors, better atmosphere)
• Eat at busy stalls (high turnover = fresh)
• Bring cash for small vendors
• Walk past the main tourist street for less crowded lanes

4. Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)

Tang Dynasty pagoda, 1,300+ years old. Symbol of Xi'an.

Details:

• Temple grounds: ¥40
• Climb the pagoda: +¥30
• Evening fountain show: Free (north square, 8:30 PM in summer)

Worth visiting for the surrounding square and fountain show. The pagoda climb is optional.

5. Bell Tower and Drum Tower (钟楼/鼓楼)

Two ancient towers in the city center. Good views and drum/bell performances.

Details:

• Combined ticket: ¥50
• Individual: ¥30 each
• Bell Tower: Climb for views of the intersection
• Drum Tower: Gateway to Muslim Quarter

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Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Terracotta Army

• Morning: Depart for Terracotta Army (8:00 AM)
• Full morning: Explore all three pits + museum
• Afternoon: Return to Xi'an
• Evening: Muslim Quarter for dinner and exploration

Day 2: City Highlights

• Morning: Bike the City Wall (start at South Gate)
• Lunch: Nearby local restaurant
• Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Evening: Drum Tower, then more Muslim Quarter

Day 3: Deeper Exploration

• Morning: Shaanxi History Museum (book free ticket online)
• Lunch: Local noodles outside tourist area
• Afternoon: Small Wild Goose Pagoda or Great Mosque
• Evening: Departure or one more Muslim Quarter round

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Practical Tips

Where to Stay

Stay inside or near the City Wall for best location.

Good areas:

• South Gate area — central, close to wall, good restaurants
• Bell Tower area — very central, near Muslim Quarter
• Near train station — convenient if arriving late/departing early

Budget: ¥150-250/night for decent hotels

Getting Around

Metro: Xi'an has an expanding metro system. Use Alipay QR.

DiDi: Essential for Terracotta Army and other out-of-city sites.

Walking: Old city is very walkable.

Bike rental: Available at City Wall entrances.

Food Strategy

Xi'an food is different from other Chinese cuisines:

• Heavy on wheat (noodles, bread) rather than rice
• Lamb is more common than pork
• Cumin and chili feature heavily
• Muslim influence throughout

Must-try dishes:

1. Roujiamo (肉夹馍)
2. Biangbiang noodles (油泼面)
3. Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍)
4. Liangpi (凉皮)
5. Lamb skewers (羊肉串)

Weather

| Season | Temperature | Notes | |--------|-------------|-------| | Spring (Mar-May) | 10-25°C | Pleasant, occasional dust | | Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-38°C | Hot, busy tourist season | | Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-25°C | Best weather, our favorite | | Winter (Dec-Feb) | -5 to 8°C | Cold, fewer tourists |

We visited in September. Perfect weather.

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Getting to Xi'an

From Beijing

• High-speed train: 4.5 hours, ¥515 (Second Class)
• Flight: 2 hours, but door-to-door similar with airport time

Train is better. More comfortable, city-center to city-center.

From Shanghai

• High-speed train: 6 hours, ¥650
• Flight: 2.5 hours, often similar total time

Either works. Train if you want scenery and comfort.

From Chengdu

• High-speed train: 3.5 hours, ¥260
• Flight: 1.5 hours

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Budget Breakdown (3 Days)

| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | |----------|--------|-----------| | Accommodation (3 nights) | ¥500-750 | ¥900-1500 | | Food | ¥200-350 | ¥400-600 | | Attractions | ¥250-350 | ¥300-400 | | Transport | ¥150-250 | ¥300-450 | | Total | ¥1100-1700 | ¥1900-2950 |

Xi'an is one of China's more affordable major destinations.

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Beyond the Basics

Mount Huashan (华山)

One of China's Five Sacred Mountains. Dramatic cliffs and hiking.

Details:

• 120 km east of Xi'an (2 hours)
• Full day trip
• Cable car available
• Famous for the "plank walk" (terrifying, optional, extra fee)

Best for: Hikers and adventure seekers

Huaqing Hot Springs (华清池)

Historic hot springs with Tang Dynasty palace ruins. Near Terracotta Army.

Combine with: Terracotta Army (same direction, easy day trip)

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Quick Checklist

Before you go:

• [ ] Train tickets booked (if coming from Beijing/Shanghai)
• [ ] Hotel inside city wall
• [ ] Shaanxi History Museum ticket reserved (free, limited daily)

Pack:

• [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
• [ ] Cash for street food vendors
• [ ] Appetite for carbs and spice

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Need Help Planning?

If you'd rather have someone build your Xi'an itinerary or help with train bookings, our Guardian package includes trip planning for $19.

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Related Guides:

• China High-Speed Rail Guide
• 3 Days in Beijing Itinerary
• Ordering Food in China