Xi'an is the ancient capital of China, serving as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and a profound window into the country's imperial past. The city is defined by its massive Ming-era fortifications, the legendary Terracotta Army, and a vibrant Muslim Quarter that blends Chinese and Central Asian cultures. It is best visited during the pleasant spring or autumn months when the weather is mild for exploring its extensive outdoor historical sites.
Top Things to Do in Xi'an
Tap an attraction to look it up on TripAdvisor.
Getting Around Xi'an
From the Airport
Airport Bus. The Airport Shuttle Bus offers multiple lines that connect the airport to major hotels and the city center for about 25-30 RMB. Metro. Line 14 of the Xi'an Metro connects the airport directly to the city's network, taking about 45-60 minutes for a very affordable fare. Rideshare. The DiDi app is the standard for booking rides in China and works reliably from the airport to any destination in the city.
Once You're There
Metro. Xi'an has a comprehensive and efficient Metro system that covers all major tourist attractions, making it the best way to travel. Rideshare. DiDi is widely used and very convenient for shorter trips where the metro might be less direct. Walking. The central area within the City Walls is very walkable, though the city as a whole is quite expansive.
Where to Stay in Xi'an
Hotel picks for Xi'an are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Xi'an
Chang'an Da Pai Dang★ 4.9 (20)4WXW+J42, Zao He Lu, 长安区西部大学城商圈 Chang An Qu, Xi An Shi, Shan Xi Sheng, China, 710100An atmospheric restaurant that recreates the feeling of an old-world tavern with a wide variety of regional Shaanxi specialties.
Biang Biang Mian★ 4.1 (38)80 Nan Yuan Men, Bei Lin Qu, Xi An Shi, Shan Xi Sheng, China, 710008Come here to try the famous, thick hand-pulled noodles that are a cultural icon of the Shaanxi province.
Qin Yu Rou Jia Mo★ 4.1 (20)19 Dong Mu Tou Shi, Bei Lin Qu, Xi An Shi, Shan Xi Sheng, China, 710001A favorite among locals for high-quality, crispy-crusted meat sandwiches that are perfect for a quick lunch.
3 Days in Xi'an
Imperial Legacies & Ancient Fortifications
Morning. Start your journey at the Terracotta Army, located about an hour outside the city center. Arrive early at 8:30 AM to beat the massive tour groups and head straight to Pit 1, the largest and most impressive excavation site. You will be awestruck by the sheer scale of the thousands of life-sized warriors standing in formation. Spend at least three hours here, wandering through the museum galleries to see the bronze chariots. Afterward, take a taxi back toward the city to prepare for an afternoon of exploration.
Afternoon. Return to the city center to visit the iconic Bell Tower, which stands at the intersection of the four main thoroughfares. From here, it is a short walk to the Drum Tower, where you can catch a traditional percussion performance. These structures are the heart of the city and offer great photo opportunities from the elevated platforms. Spend an hour here soaking in the history before walking over to the nearby City Wall. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate and spend the rest of the afternoon riding the circuit along the top of the massive 14-kilometer fortification.
Evening. As the sun sets, the City Wall is illuminated, creating a stunning backdrop for your evening. Head toward the Shaanxi History Museum area for a late dinner, or explore the nearby commercial districts. The area around the South Gate is particularly vibrant at night with neon lights and bustling activity. It is the perfect time to grab a bowl of authentic noodles and reflect on the day's historical immersion. End your night by finding a quiet tea house to relax.
Silk Road Flavors & Spiritual Sites
Morning. Begin your day at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture originally built to house sutras brought from India. Wander through the surrounding park, which is beautifully landscaped with statues and water features. The pagoda is the symbol of the Tang Dynasty's influence on the region. Be sure to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the modern city skyline contrasting with the ancient structure. Afterward, head toward the nearby Shaanxi History Museum to dive deeper into the region's vast archaeological collection.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon exploring the Shaanxi History Museum, which is arguably the best museum in China for ancient artifacts. You will see exquisite jade, gold, and terracotta pieces that span thousands of years of Chinese history. It is a large complex, so pace yourself and focus on the Tang Dynasty exhibition hall. Once you have had your fill of history, take a short ride to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This site is much quieter and offers a more serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful stroll through the Xi'an Museum gardens.
Evening. Head into the heart of the Muslim Quarter as evening falls and the streets come alive. This is the ultimate food destination, filled with stalls selling lamb skewers, persimmon cakes, and spicy cold noodles. Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an, which is a unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic design. Wander the narrow, winding alleys of the Beiyuanmen street to pick up souvenirs and soak in the lively atmosphere. The area is best explored by following your nose to the most crowded stalls.
Art, Culture, and Local Life
Morning. Start your final day at the Stele Forest, a unique museum that houses the largest collection of stone steles in China. It is a quiet, contemplative place where you can see the evolution of Chinese calligraphy carved into massive stone slabs. Spend about two hours wandering the various exhibition halls in this former Confucian temple. Afterward, walk toward the nearby South Gate area to see the local residents practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional instruments in the park. It is a wonderful way to see the daily rhythm of life in Xi'an.
Afternoon. Head to the Tang Paradise, a massive theme park that recreates the glory of the Tang Dynasty with elaborate gardens and palaces. It is quite large, so focus on the central lake area and the various performance stages. You can watch traditional dance shows that bring the history of the Silk Road to life. It is a more modern, tourist-focused experience, but the architecture is undeniably beautiful. Spend the rest of the afternoon here enjoying the water features and the lush greenery.
Evening. Conclude your trip by visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda North Square to witness the spectacular musical fountain show. The fountains are synchronized to music and lights, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to gather at night. Afterward, head to a nearby restaurant for a final, elaborate meal of Shaanxi specialties. It is the perfect way to end your three-day adventure, surrounded by the energy of a city that perfectly balances its ancient heritage with modern life. Take a final stroll through the illuminated park before heading back.