Xi'an Travel Guide
Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and the best-preserved city wall in China.
Featured Tour in Xi'an
View All Tours →About Xi'an
Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, with over 3,100 years of history. It was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974 made it one of the world's most important archaeological sites.
Why Visit Xi'an?
Top Attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors
Over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Ancient City Wall
The most complete city wall in China, dating to the Ming dynasty. Rent a bike and cycle the entire 14km circuit.
Muslim Quarter
A vibrant street food district with centuries of Islamic heritage. Try roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and persimmon cakes.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A 7th-century Buddhist pagoda built to house scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's finest museums, housing over 370,000 artifacts from prehistoric to Qing dynasty times.
Huaqing Palace
A Tang dynasty imperial hot spring palace at the foot of Mount Li, famous for the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
Local Food in Xi'an
Xi'an at a Glance
- Country
- China (People's Republic of China)
- Best time to visit
- March-May and September-November. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoor sites.
- Getting there
- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport connects to major cities. High-speed rail links to Beijing (4.5h), Shanghai (6h), and Chengdu (3h).
- Top highlights
- Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter
- Local cuisine
- Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), Biangbiang Noodles, Yangrou Paomo (Pita Soaked in Lamb Soup)
Getting Around Xi'an
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport connects to major cities. High-speed rail links to Beijing (4.5h), Shanghai (6h), and Chengdu (3h).
Travel Tips for Xi'an
- Arrive at Terracotta Warriors early
- Book Shaanxi Museum tickets online
- Try the night market food
- Cycle the city wall at sunset
- Visit the Muslim Quarter hungry
Xi'an Travel Guide
Planning Your Xi'an Itinerary
Xi'an rewards 3-4 days of exploration. Day 1: Terracotta Warriors (allow a full half-day, 40km from city center), then Huaqing Palace in the afternoon. Day 2: Ancient City Wall by bicycle in the morning, Shaanxi History Museum in the afternoon (book free tickets online 3 days ahead), and Muslim Quarter at night. Day 3: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da Ci'en Temple in the morning, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum in the afternoon, then the Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner in the evening. Day 4 (optional): Day trip to Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, accessible by high-speed train in 30 minutes.
Terracotta Warriors: A Visitor's Guide
The Terracotta Army is China's most significant archaeological find. The site has three main pits: Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive, containing over 6,000 warriors in battle formation. Pit 2 showcases cavalry and infantry units, while Pit 3 appears to be the command headquarters. Arrive at 8:30am opening time to beat the crowds. Hire a guide at the entrance — the stories behind each warrior type and the discovery story are essential context. The Bronze Chariot Museum and the Circle Vision Theater (documentary about the discovery) are included in the ticket. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. The site is 40km east of Xi'an; take tourism bus 5 (306) from the East Bus Station or a taxi.
Cycling the Ancient City Wall
Xi'an's City Wall is the most complete ancient city wall in China, dating to the Ming dynasty (1370 AD). The 14km circuit offers panoramic views of the old city inside and the modern city outside. Bicycle rentals are available at the South Gate and East Gate (45 RMB for 2 hours, 100 RMB deposit). The best time to cycle is late afternoon to sunset, when the golden light bathes the watchtowers and lanterns begin to glow. The wall is 12m wide, making cycling safe and comfortable. For those who prefer walking, the South Gate to East Gate section offers the best views. The wall is beautifully illuminated at night, and the South Gate area hosts cultural performances on weekends.
Muslim Quarter Food Trail
The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is Xi'an's culinary heart, a bustling street food district with over 1,000 years of Islamic heritage. Must-try foods: roujiamo (Chinese hamburger with chopped meat in a baked bun), biangbiang noodles (wide belt-like noodles with chili oil), yangrou paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup), and persimmon cakes. The best roujiamo is at Lao Bai Jia or Qin Yu. For biangbiang noodles, try the character-writing restaurants where you can see the 58-stroke character for "biang." Visit in the evening when the street is most lively, with smoke rising from grills and vendors calling out. Don't miss the Great Mosque, hidden behind the food stalls — one of China's oldest and most beautiful mosques, blending Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Day Trip to Mount Huashan
Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, is a thrilling day trip from Xi'an (30 minutes by high-speed train to Huashan North Station). The mountain is famous for its precipitous cliffs and the notorious "Plank Walk in the Sky" — a narrow wooden path bolted to a vertical cliff face. For most visitors, take the cable car up the West Peak and walk down to the North Peak, a 4-5 hour journey offering spectacular views. The sunrise hike is legendary but requires an overnight stay. Bring gloves for the chain handrails, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and start early to avoid cable car queues. The mountain is at 2,154m; those with fear of heights should stick to the West Peak area.
Getting to Xi'an
By Air
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located 47km northwest of the city center. It serves direct flights to all major Chinese cities and international routes to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airport shuttle bus runs to multiple city stops (25 RMB, 60-90 minutes). The metro Line 14 connects the airport to the city center in about 50 minutes (7 RMB). Taxis cost approximately 120-150 RMB to the city center.
By Train
Xi'an North Railway Station is the high-speed rail hub, with connections to Beijing (4.5-5.5h), Shanghai (6-7h), Chengdu (3-4h), Lanzhou (3h), and Luoyang (1.5h). Xi'an Railway Station (old station) serves conventional trains. The high-speed train to Huashan North takes just 30 minutes. Metro Line 2 connects Xi'an North Station to the city center and Bell Tower in 20 minutes. Book tickets via 12306.cn up to 15 days ahead; foreign passports supported with online verification.
By Bus
Tourism Bus 5 (Route 306) departs from the East Bus Station to the Terracotta Warriors (7 RMB, 70 minutes). Buses to Huashan depart from Xi'an Railway Station bus plaza (2 hours). Direct buses to Hukou Waterfall take 4 hours. Long-distance buses to Chengdu, Lanzhou, and other western cities depart from the West Bus Station. The Xi'an Tourist Bus (special green buses) connects major attractions within the city for a flat fare.
Local Transport
Xi'an's metro system has 9+ lines covering all major attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors (via Line 9 + shuttle), City Wall (Line 2 Yongningmen), and Muslim Quarter (Line 2 Zhonglou). Fares are 2-7 RMB. Taxis start at 9 RMB for the first 3km. Didi ride-hailing is widely available. For the City Wall and Muslim Quarter area, walking is the best option. Bicycle sharing (Meituan, Hello) is convenient for exploring the old city inside the walls. The Xi'an City Tourism Pass includes metro, bus, and attraction discounts.
Plan Your Trip to Xi'an
If you are planning a trip to Xi'an, please feel free to email us for a more precise itinerary. We can customize the tour route and activities according to your specific requirements.
Email Us for Custom ItineraryXi'an Travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Xi'an?
What are the top attractions in Xi'an?
How do I get to Xi'an?
Quick Info
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoor sites.
Getting There
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport connects to major cities. High-speed rail links to Beijing (4.5h), Shanghai (6h), and Chengdu (3h).
Tours in Xi'an
Private tours with dedicated guide, driver & vehicle
Classic Beijing & Xi'an 8 Days
Explore China's most iconic cities, from ancient capitals to modern metropolises
Golden Triangle 10 Days - Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Experience the essence of Chinese civilization, from ancient capitals to modern skylines
Silk Road Expedition 14 Days
Trace the ancient Silk Road, discover Mogao Caves and experience vast desert landscapes
Beijing, Xi'an & Chengdu 10 Days
Three iconic destinations: imperial Beijing, ancient Xi'an, and panda-filled Chengdu
Xi'an Terracotta Express 3 Days
See the legendary Terracotta Warriors and explore Xi'an's ancient city wall
About Xi'an Travel
Xi'an is one of China's most popular travel destinations. As a professional Xi'an Travel Agency, QTour offers private Xi'an tours with dedicated guides, drivers, and vehicles. Our Xi'an travel packages cover Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and more. Whether you're planning a Xi'an city tour or combining Xi'an with other Chinese destinations, our expert team will create the perfect itinerary for you.
Book your Xi'an tour with QTour — a trusted Chinese travel agency with 25+ years of experience. One booking, one team: private guide, driver, and optional photographer. Contact us at info@qtour.net or WhatsApp.
Ready to Explore China?
Start planning your personalized journey with our expert team. Get a custom itinerary within 24 hours.