Xi'an
Capital of 13 dynasties, home of the Terracotta Army and one of China's great food cities.
Highlights of Xi'an
Xi'an was the eastern end of the Silk Road and capital of the Tang dynasty, when it was the largest city in the world. Its Ming city wall still encircles the centre.
The Terracotta Army
Thousands of life-size clay soldiers guarding the first emperor's tomb. Arrive at opening time, and add Huaqing Palace hot springs nearby.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's finest museums. Free tickets are limited and go fast, so we reserve them in advance.
The city wall
Cycle the full 14 km circuit on top of the Ming wall, ideally in the late afternoon.
Bell and Drum Towers
The centre of the old city, beautifully lit at night.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A Tang-dynasty pagoda, with the Grand Tang Everbright City night walk nearby.
Mount Hua
One of China's five sacred mountains, about 40 minutes away by bullet train. For the adventurous: the plank walk.
How to spend 2–3 days in Xi'an
A balanced first visit. Your advisor adjusts it to your pace and interests.
- Day 1
Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Tang night walk.
- Day 2
Terracotta Army at opening time and Huaqing Palace, dinner of dumplings.
- Day 3
Cycle the city wall, Stele Forest museum, then a food walk through the Muslim Quarter and Sajinqiao.
Local food
- RoujiamoSlow-braised meat in a crisp flatbread, often called China's hamburger.
- LiangpiCold, chewy noodles with chilli oil, vinegar and sesame.
- Yangrou paomoLamb soup poured over flatbread you tear into small pieces yourself.
- Biangbiang noodlesBelt-wide hand-pulled noodles with chilli and garlic.
Local favourites
- SajinqiaoWhere Xi'an people actually eat, a few streets west of the busy Muslim Quarter.
- YongxingfangA lane of snacks from every corner of Shaanxi province.
- Tang dress photo sessionDress in Tang-dynasty costume for portraits around the city wall.
Connections
| To / from | By | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | High-speed train | about 4½ hours |
| Chengdu | High-speed train | about 3½ hours |
| Luoyang | High-speed train | about 1½ hours |
| Pingyao | High-speed train | about 3 hours |
| Guilin | Flight | about 2 hours |
Times are typical and vary by service.
Tips from our guides
- Bring your passport for museum and Terracotta Army tickets; they're issued in your name.
- The Muslim Quarter's main street is crowded in the evening. Side streets are calmer and often better.
Nearby and nicely paired
1–2 daysLuoyang
Cliffs carved with 100,000 Buddhas, the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism and the Shaolin Temple nearby.
1–2 daysPingyao
One of China's best-preserved walled towns, with Ming and Qing streets, courtyard inns and the country's first bank.
2–3 daysChengdu
Giant pandas, teahouses and the spiciest, most addictive food in China.
Add Xi'an to your China trip
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love. Your advisor sends a free day-by-day plan within 24 hours.