Xi’an Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Attractions, Food, Transport & Where to Stay

If you are visiting Xi’an, China for the first time, I recommend setting aside at least 3 days and 2 nights. As one of China’s iconic ancient capitals, Xi’an offers far more than just the world-famous Terracotta Army—it boasts massive ancient city walls, vibrant Muslim markets, historic Buddhist pagodas, and legendary Shaanxi cuisine.

As a local, my top advice is to slow down rather than rush through every sight. A well-balanced 3-day itinerary allows you to explore the ancient walled city on Day 1, discover the Emperor’s life-sized terracotta soldiers on Day 2, and immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty culture on Day 3. Staying near the Bell Tower or Yongning Gate (South Gate) makes getting around by subway and foot effortless.

1. What Makes Xi’an Unique?

Located in northwestern China as the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an was historically known as Chang’an. If you have heard of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Silk Road, or the Tang Dynasty, they all trace back to this ancient metropolis.

Xi’an Bell Tower at Night. 来源：JOY PAN / Getty Images

Xi’an served as the imperial capital for multiple dynasties and stood as the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

What fascinates international visitors most is experiencing two distinct worlds side-by-side: by day, you can stroll or cycle atop a 600-year-old fortification looking down on modern high-rises; by night, narrow alleys come alive with sizzling street food stalls and local life.

Recommended Stay Duration

• 1 Day: Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter
• 2 Days: Add the Terracotta Army
• 3 Days: Add the Shaanxi History Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Grand Tang Mall
• 4–5 Days: Deep dive into the Great Mosque, Huaqing Palace, and Mount Huashan

2. Top Must-See Attractions

Terracotta Army Pit 1. 来源：Billy Hustace / Getty Images

1. The Terracotta Army (Terracotta Warriors)

• Rating: ★★★★★
• Ticket: ~¥120/person | Time needed: Half-day to full day
• Highlights: Unearthed in 1974 by local farmers, this underground imperial army comprises thousands of unique life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
• Pro-Tip: Your passport is required for entry and real-name registration. Book tickets online via the official portal in advance. The complex includes Lishan Garden (the Emperor’s Mausoleum Park) accessible via a free shuttle.

2. Xi’an Ancient City Wall

• Rating: ★★★★★
• Recommended Gate: Yongning Gate (South Gate)
• Ticket: ~¥54/person | Time needed: 1.5–3 hours

Yongning Gate Ancient Ramparts. 来源：YINYI WANG / Getty Images

Spanning roughly 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles), this is one of China’s largest and best-preserved ancient city fortifications.

• Cycling: Single bike rentals cost around ¥45 for 3 hours on-site. Riding the entire loop can be exhausting in hot weather, so entering in the late afternoon to catch sunset and city lights is highly recommended.

3. Bell & Drum Towers

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Location: City Center (Bell Tower Subway Station)
• Highlights: Built during the Ming Dynasty, these wooden towers originally marked time for the city. They are best appreciated from the outside at night when illuminated.

4. Muslim Quarter & The Great Mosque

• Rating: ★★★★★
• Location: Just north of the Drum Tower (Naiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan)
• Ticket: Free street access

Vibrant Muslim Quarter Streets. 来源：gionnixxx / Getty Images

Home to a thriving Hui Muslim community for over a thousand years, these bustling alleys offer delicious grilled lamb skewers, flatbreads, and sweets. Tucked nearby in Huajue Alley lies the Great Mosque of Xi’an, featuring a rare blending of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture with Islamic motifs.

5. Shaanxi History Museum

• Rating: ★★★★★
• Ticket: Free (Mandatory real-name passport reservation 5 days in advance at 17:00 local time)
• Highlights: Houses extensive collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, and Tang Dynasty art.

6. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Grand Tang Mall

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Highlights: A historic Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty to hold scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Adjacent to it lies the Grand Tang Mall, a sprawling pedestrian avenue packed with Tang-themed lights, architecture, and street performances after dusk.

Grand Tang Mall Nightscape. 来源：YINYI WANG / Getty Images

3. Local Food Guide: What to Eat

Xi’an is a haven for carb lovers and noodle enthusiasts.

Local Specialty	English Name / Description	Estimated Price
Roujiamo (肉夹馍)	“Chinese Burger” — Crispy flatbread stuffed with braised pork or beef.	¥10–20
Paomo (牛羊肉泡馍)	Beef/Mutton Bread Soup — Crumbled flatbread soaked in rich broth.	¥25–50
Liangpi (凉皮)	Cold Wheat Noodles — Tossed in chili oil, garlic, and vinegar sauce.	¥8–15
Biangbiang Noodles	Belt-wide handmade noodles tossed with chili oil, garlic, and veggies.	¥15–30

4. Accommodation & Neighborhoods

• Bell Tower Area (Recommended): Heart of the city with direct subway access, ideal for nightlife and dining.
• Yongning Gate (South Gate): Quieter, romantic atmosphere near the city wall with lovely cafes and bars.
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area: Modern hotels, ideal for families who want to enjoy evening lighting displays.

5. Transportation & Practical Advice

1

Arriving at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Allow 70–90 minutes to reach downtown

1.Arriving at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)：Allow 70–90 minutes to reach downtown。

Take Metro Line 14 to Xi’an North Railway Station, then transfer to Line 2 directly to Bell Tower (~¥8–10 total). Alternatively, official airport taxis or rideshare apps (Didi) cost roughly ¥100–180.

2

Setting up Mobile Payments

Essential for daily transactions in China

2.Setting up Mobile Payments：Essential for daily transactions in China。

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before landing by linking an international credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard). Keep a small amount of RMB cash as backup.

3

Getting to the Terracotta Army

Located outside the core city in Lintong District

3.Getting to the Terracotta Army：Located outside the core city in Lintong District。

Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then transfer to local bus routes (e.g., Line 613/602) or book a direct tourist bus/Didi ride.

6. Perfect 3-Day Xi’an Itinerary

• Day 1 (Ancient City Center): Yongning Gate City Wall Walk/Bike → Bell & Drum Towers → Muslim Quarter Dinner.
• Day 2 (Imperial Qin Dynasty): Terracotta Army Museum & Lishan Garden → Biangbiang Noodles Dinner.
• Day 3 (Tang Dynasty Culture): Shaanxi History Museum → Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → Grand Tang Mall at Night.