Xi’an, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, served as the imperial heart for over 13 dynasties and was the eastern start of the Silk Road. Today, it blends awe-inspiring relics, vibrant local culture, and delicious food—perfect for history lovers, foodies, and photographers alike.
1.Meet the Terracotta Army (No.1 Must-See)
No trip to Xi’an is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Eight Wonders of the World. Discovered in 1974, this underground necropolis holds thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, each with unique faces, hairstyles, and armor, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Highlights: Pit 1 (main battle formation), Pit 2 (elite troops), Bronze Chariots Museum
Official Site: https://www.bmy.com.cn/index.html
2. Cycle or Walk on the Xi’an City Wall
The Xi’an City Wall is the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it circles the old city for over 13 kilometers. Walking or cycling on top of the wall gives you beautiful views of both ancient and modern Xi’an.
Cycling the full loop takes about 2 hours and is one of the most popular activities in Xi’an. The late afternoon is the best time for photos and sunset views.
3. Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Culture
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a symbol of Xi’an and an important Buddhist site built in the Tang Dynasty. It was constructed to preserve ancient scriptures brought from India. The surrounding square features a large musical fountain show, which is extremely popular in the evening.
Nearby, Datang Everbright City offers a wonderful night view with Tang Dynasty-style buildings, performances, lights, and street shows.
(Image: Big Wild Goose Pagoda)
4. Taste Local Food in the Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is the heart of Xi’an’s street food culture. Located near the Drum Tower, the area is full of small lanes, snack stalls, spice shops, and traditional restaurants.
Must-try foods:
- Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)
- Biangbiang noodles
- Lamb paomo soup
- Persimmon cakes
- Skewered grilled meat
(Image: Muslim Quarter street food)
5. Visit Shaanxi History Museum
For travelers who love history and culture, the Shaanxi History Museum is a must-visit. It houses more than 370,000 cultural relics, including bronzes, pottery, jade, gold, and silver items from thousands of years of Chinese history.
Admission is free but requires online booking in advance.
Official Site: https://www.sxhm.com/
Tickets: free (book 3 days in advance via official WeChat)
(Image: Shaanxi History Museum interior)
6. Day Trip to Huashan Mountain
Huashan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is famous for its breathtaking cliffs, narrow paths, and thrilling Plank Road in the Sky. It’s about 1.5 hours from Xi’an by high-speed train, making it perfect for a day trip.
Whether you hike or take the cable car, Huashan offers some of the most dramatic mountain views in China.
(Image: Huashan mountain scenery)
7. Enjoy Tang Dynasty Night Shows
Xi’an comes alive at night with Tang Dynasty-style performances, light shows, and traditional music. Datang Everbright City and other cultural zones offer free and paid shows that let you experience the glory of the Tang Dynasty.
Many travelers also enjoy local folk shows and traditional costume photo experiences.
(Image: Xi’an night view)
Final Tips for Your Xi’an Trip
- Best time to visit: spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov)—mild weather, fewer crowds.
- Transport: Metro Line 9 goes to Terracotta Army; Metro Line 2 connects Bell Tower, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Food tour: Don’t leave without trying cold noodles, persimmon cakes, and grape juice in the Muslim Quarter.
Plan Your Xi’an & China Tour
Xi’an is an essential stop on any classic China itinerary. It pairs perfectly with Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie for a well-rounded trip covering history, culture, and nature.
If you want to experience both ancient history and amazing natural scenery, you can combine Xi’an with our 4-Day Zhangjiajie Tour, which takes you to the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountains and unique quartz sandstone peak forests.
Let us help you create a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable trip in China.
