Xi'an

In Xi'an, historic sites and everyday streets fit easily into the same itinerary: you can visit an underground army from the Qin dynasty, then get a taste of city life through noodles and local snacks. The following guide covers sights, itineraries, food, accommodation and transport.

• Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang: This underground army is famous for its individually modeled terracotta figures and is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Use the official guide service or rent an audio guide to understand the history behind the figures, rather than simply admiring their appearance.

• Shaanxi History Museum: With more than 1.7 million artifacts, the museum offers a chance to explore Chinese history through objects. Admission is free, but reservations fill quickly. Start checking official booking channels 3–5 days ahead and reserve promptly.

• Xi'an City Wall: This is one of China's most completely preserved ancient city walls. Enter at Yongning Gate and rent a bicycle in the late afternoon to ride along the wall, taking in the sunset followed by the lights of the old city after dark.

• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Everbright City: The pagoda was built during the Tang dynasty under the direction of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang. Plan to visit Grand Tang Everbright City at night for illuminated displays, free performances and historical-costume parades. You can also wear hanfu for photos.

• Bell and Drum Towers: These signature Xi'an landmarks are worth seeing when illuminated at night. If your main aim is to take panoramic photos, the viewing terrace on the fifth floor of Kaiyuan Mall is a more economical option than buying a ticket to climb the Bell Tower.

• Huaqing Palace: Once an imperial retreat, this site is also associated with Yang Guifei, who bathed here. If your schedule allows, stay for the evening outdoor performance of *The Song of Everlasting Sorrow* within the palace grounds. Book performance tickets in advance.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Getting to Know the Old City): After arriving in Xi'an and checking in, head up onto the City Wall in the afternoon to await sunset. Continue to the Bell and Drum Towers for evening views, then sample local snacks at Sajin Bridge or Dapiyuan.

• Day 2 (Historic Sites to the East): Spend the day visiting sights east of the city, with the Terracotta Army in the morning and Huaqing Palace in the afternoon. Return to the city in the evening and visit Grand Tang Everbright City.

• Day 3 (Exploring Tang Heritage): Visit Shaanxi History Museum in the morning; tickets must be reserved in advance. Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the afternoon, then spend the evening at Grand Tang Everbright City enjoying the illuminated streets and performances.

• Day 4 (Everyday Streets and Neighborhoods): Start at Xiaonanmen Morning Market for a glimpse of local daily life, then stroll around Guangren Temple or Shuyuanmen. Buy local specialties and gifts before your return journey.

Local Food and Snack Streets

Xi'an is known for noodles and a variety of flatbread dishes. Roujiamo, paomo and liangpi are popular introductions to local flavors.

• Lazhi Roujiamo (Braised Pork in Flatbread): Tender braised pork, with a mix of lean meat and fat, complements the wheat flavor of the bread. Try it at Fanji Lazhi Roujiamo or Qinyu Roujiamo. Pair it with liangpi cold noodles and Bingfeng soda for the combination commonly called the “Sanqin set meal.”

• Beef or Lamb Paomo: Breaking the flatbread into pieces yourself is an important part of the meal. Smaller pieces absorb the broth more easily. Options include Laomijia Paomo and Mahong Xiaochao Paomo. If you like sour and spicy flavors, consider xiaochao paomo, a stir-fried variation.

• Biangbiang Noodles: These broad, thick noodles resemble belts and have a chewy texture. Hot oil releases the aroma of chili and garlic, creating the dish's signature flavor. Try them at Aihua Kudai Noodle Shop.

• Zenggao (Steamed Sticky Rice and Red Date Cake): Glutinous rice and red dates are steamed together to create a soft, sticky cake with a sweet date fragrance. Pangzi Zenggao at Sajin Bridge is one option. Go early and eat it hot; the stall closes once it sells out.

• Dumplings in Sour Soup: Generously filled dumplings are served in a broth scented with vinegar and chili, giving the dish its tangy, savory flavor. Try them at Ma'er Youzhi Suantang Shuijiao.

• Hulu Chicken: This traditional Shaanxi dish has golden, crisp skin and tender meat, making it a good choice for sharing. Xi'an Restaurant and Benpao Ba Shaancai are both places to try it.

• Sajin Bridge and Dapiyuan: Both neighborhoods draw local diners with reasonably priced snacks and distinctive regional flavors. Compared with the main stretch of Muslim Street, they are better suited to visitors focused on trying local food.
• Yongxingfang: This area brings together snacks from across Shaanxi. You can discover foods recognized as intangible cultural heritage and try the bowl-smashing wine ritual.

Where to Stay

• Near the Bell and Drum Towers / Yongning Gate: This central area is close to Metro Line 2, with convenient access to sights and plenty of places to eat. It is a good first choice for first-time visitors who plan to rely mainly on public transport.

• Near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda / Grand Tang Everbright City: This area has pleasant surroundings, a good selection of quality hotels and an easy journey back after evening sightseeing. Consider staying here if hotel comfort is a priority, you plan to hire a car with a driver, or you are traveling with children.

• Xiaonanmen / Dachaishi: Not far from the city center, these areas offer relatively affordable hotels, plenty of local snacks and a strong sense of everyday neighborhood life. They suit visitors looking to balance location and accommodation costs.

Getting There and Around

• By air: From Xi'an Xianyang Airport, take the airport metro or an airport bus into the city.
• By high-speed rail: When planning your trip, prioritize Xi'an Railway Station or Xi'an North Railway Station. Xi'an Railway Station is close to the city center and the City Wall. Xi'an North is a high-speed rail station, with Metro Line 2 connections to the center. Xi'an South Railway Station is farther away, so check carefully when choosing your station.
• Getting around: Most city sights can be linked by metro. For the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace in the direction of Lintong, use Metro Line 9 or an authorized tourist bus service. Avoid unlicensed vehicles soliciting passengers at attraction entrances.

Reservations and Practical Tips

• Ticket reservations: Places at Shaanxi History Museum and the Terracotta Army fill quickly. Book through official channels 3–5 days ahead rather than waiting until the day of your visit.
• Guide services: Unofficial guides may approach visitors outside attractions such as the Terracotta Army. Use the official guide service after entering, or rent an audio guide.
• Timing your visits: Some local foods, including paomo, zenggao and hulatang spicy soup, are mainly served at breakfast and are often sold out by the afternoon. Visit popular sights early or after 4 p.m. to avoid the busiest periods.
• Clothing and walking: Xi'an can have noticeable day-to-night temperature changes in spring and autumn, so bring a jacket. The climate is relatively dry; stay hydrated and use sun protection. Visits to the City Wall and the Terracotta Army involve plenty of walking, so wear comfortable athletic shoes.
• A trip to Mount Hua: If you are staying in Xi'an for five days or more, consider setting aside another day for Mount Hua. High-speed trains from Xi'an North to Huashan North are a convenient option. To conserve energy, consider the route that ascends via the north side and descends via the west side.