Ultimate Xi’an Travel Guide – Best Attractions, Food, Hotels & Tips for First-Time Visitors

Xi’an is one of the most representative cities of Chinese history and culture. It is one of the four great ancient capitals of the country and the starting point of the Silk Road. The most famous tourist attraction is certainly the Terracotta Army, an archaeological discovery known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Together with Beijing and Shanghai, Xi’an is one of the best destinations for a first trip to China.

A wide range of historical and cultural sites makes Xi’an an ideal destination to learn about China. If you’re planning a trip to this ancient city, this article will be your ultimate Xi’an travel guide. We will go through the best places to visit in Xi’an, top things to do, best time to visit, transportation, and other important travel tips.

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• Top Attractions in Xi’an
• Top Things to Do in Xi’an
• How Long to Stay in Xi’an
• Xi’an Weather & Best Time to Visit
• Transportation – How to Get to & around Xi’an
• Xi’an Local Food & Dining Guide
• Where to Stay in Xi’an
• Nightlife & Shopping in Xi’an
• Xi’an Travel Tips
• Other Information Helpful for Your Xi’an Tour
• FAQs about Xian Travel
• Plan Your Xi’an Tour with Us

Top Attractions in Xi’an

Xi’an attractions can be roughly divided into three categories, historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-see attractions for first-time visitors.

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum — The Eighth Wonder of the World

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is without a doubt the top attraction in Xi’an. It is the discovery site of an impressive underground army made of clay to guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. As one of the most popular attractions in China, it is often crowded with domestic and international visitors, so it is recommended that you book your tickets online ahead of time.

Recommended Xi’an Terracotta Army Tour

Xi’an Ancient City Wall — A Walk Through Time

Xi’an has the largest, oldest, and best-preserved Ancient City Wall in China. It was built as a military defense system with a moat, drawbridges, gate towers, and arrow towers that you can still see today. A popular activity to do is cycling on the city wall. You can immerse yourself in its history while overlooking the city from above. You can enter through four major gates, and the South Gate has a welcome ceremony for visitors to the city.

Recommended Xi’an Ancient City Wall Tour

Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Religious Landmarks

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda are both religious landmarks of Xi’an that showcase the city’s Buddhist history and influences. You can visit them to learn about Buddhism during Tang Dynasty China and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Recommended Xi’an Religious Landmark Tour

Muslim Quarter & the Great Mosque — A Local Cultural Hub

The Muslim Quarter is the best place to witness the everyday life of Xi’an locals, especially the Muslim community. The area is best known for its street foods. It’s busy from day to night with locals and visitors alike. The Great Mosque of Xi’an is located here. You can take a walk around to observe the fusion of architectural style and the local religious life.

Recommended Xi’an Muslim Quarter Tour

Shaanxi History Museum — Explore China’s Glorious Past

Shaanxi History Museum is another top attraction for Xi’an travel. Three main exhibition halls and two special exhibition halls hold over 1.7 million artifacts spanning over a million years. You will learn about the history of the region from early human civilization, the first dynasty in China, to Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty when Xi’an was the most prosperous.

Recommended Xi’an Shaanxi History Museum Tour

Mount Huashan — One of China’s Five Sacred Mountains

Mount Huashan is one of the most famous mountains in China especially for how challenging it is. Its thrilling cliff walks appeal to many outdoor adventurers. Of course, you can also take a cable car if you wish to opt out of the hike. You can take the high-speed train directly from Xian to Hua Shan Station. Then take a taxi to the scenic area.

Recommended Xi’an Tour with Mount Huashan

Famous Museums in Xi’an

There are a number of famous museums in Xi’an that are worth visiting. Apart from Shaanxi History Museum, here are the most notable ones:

• Banpo Museum is the largest and best-preserved Neolithic village ruins in China. You should visit this museum if you’re interested in early human civilization.
• Xi’an Forest of Stone Steles Museum is perfect for visitors who are interested in Chinese calligraphy. There are more than 11,000 calligraphy steles and stone carvings by famous artists in history.
• Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty is a museum built on the burial site of Emperor Jing. Visitors can learn about the burial practices of the time and see the excavated artifacts.
• Daming Palace Museum is built on the ruins of the Tang Dynasty imperial palace. It displays artifacts related to the court life of the time.
• Xi’an Museum is located right next to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Compared to Shaanxi History Museum, it is more focused on the history of Xi’an city instead of the region.

Highlight Attractions Nearby Xian

You will also find many attractions nearby Xi’an. Here are some Xi’an travel guides to the highlights.

Natural Attractions

• Jingbian Wave Valley – discover amazing Danxia landforms
• Hukou Waterfall – the second largest waterfall in China
• Foping Panda Valley – a natural habitat for giant pandas
• Niubeiliang National Forest Park – a great hiking spot with excellent views

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Qianling Mausoleum – the imperial burial site of the Tang Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wuzetian
• Famen Temple – a holy Buddhist temple with the relic of Sakyamuni
• Huxian County – origin place of Huxian Peasant Paintings
• Yuanjiacun Village – one of the most beautiful villages in China

Top Things to Do in Xi’an

There are many things to do when you travel to Xi’an. Here are some of the most popular activities.

Learn about Ancient Chinese History

As an ancient capital of China, Xi’an has many historical sites to explore including ones that have already been mentioned, the Terracotta Army, the City Wall, Banpo Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, Yangling Mausoleum, Daming Palace. You can also visit Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Huaqing Palace, Maoling Mausoleum, and Zhaoling Mausoleum.

Discover Cultural & Religious Landmarks

Xi’an was the most prosperous city in the world during the Tang Dynasty. Many landmarks from that time still remain standing today like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, the Great Mosque, Qinglong Temple, and Daxingshan Buddhist Temple.

Enjoy Yourself in Nature

Apart from Mount Huashan being the most famous natural attraction near Xi’an, you will also find beautiful scenery at Lishan Mountain, Guanshan Pastureland, Hanzhong Crested Ibis Nature Reserve, Cuihua Mountain, and the ones mentioned above, Hukou Waterfall, Niubeiliang National Forest Park, and Jingbian Wave Valley. It’s a great idea to take a day trip to one of these scenic areas and relax yourself in nature.

Nightlife & Cultural Experiences

Xi’an is full of life at night. An array of cultural experiences will transport you back to the city’s past. The southern gate of the City Wall has an ancient-styled guest-welcoming ceremony for visitors. The Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet put on traditional music and dance performances with an exquisite feast. Tang Paradise is a large theme park on water. The “Song of Ever Lasting Sorrow” at Huaqing Hot Spring Scenic Area tells a historical love story.

How Long to Stay in Xi’an

The length of your Xi’an tour depends largely on what you wish to see and do and your own schedule. Generally, we recommended 3-5 days in Xi’an to cover the highlights and have a great travel experience. Here is a classic Xi’an itinerary for your reference.

3 Days Xian Private Trip: History Exploration & Tang Costume Experience

Day 1: Xi’an arrival – Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square – Muslim Quarter – North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Fountain Show) – Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Ancient City Wall

Day 3: Xi’an Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Yuanjiacun Village – Xi’an departure

Here are some Xi’an itinerary travel guides that may help you plan your trip:

• How to Spend One Day in Xi’an
• How to Spend 2 Days in Xi’an
• How to Spend 3 Days in Xi’an
• How to Spend 4 Days in Xi’an

Xi’an Weather & Best Time to Visit

Xi’an weather is characterized by four distinct seasons. Spring, March to May, and autumn, September to October are the best time to visit Xi’an. These two seasons are cool and dry with the best weather conditions for outdoor activities. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is chilly with occasional snowfalls. To learn more about Xi’an weather by season, you can check out our Xi’an weather travel guide.

Xi’an Monthly Weather	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Highlight	Recommended Rate
Xi’an Weather in January	2-4	7	New Year’s Day	√√
Xi’an Weather in February	3-8	10	Chinese New Year	√√
Xi’an Weather in March	8-13	29	Lantern Festival	√√√√√
Xi’an Weather in April	14-21	43	beautiful spring sceneries	√√√√√
Xi’an Weather in May	16-26	60	beautiful spring sceneries	√√√√√
Xi’an Weather in June	24-31	51	Dragon Boat Festival	√√√√
Xi’an Weather in July	26-32	99	large volume of water at Hukou Waterfall	√√√√
Xi’an Weather in August	25-30	71	large volume of water at Hukou Waterfall	√√√√
Xi’an Weather in September	19-25	92	Mid-Autumn Festival	√√√√√
Xi’an Weather in October	13-20	60	National Day	√√√√√
Xi’an Weather in November	6-12	24	beautiful fall sceneries	√√√
Xi’an Weather in December	1-6	6	chances of snow	√√

Transportation – How to Get to & around Xi’an

Xi’an transportation is convenient and easy to navigate. It is a major hub in northwestern China. Our Xi’an travel guide on transportation will give you a detailed run-down of options for getting to and around the city.

By Air — Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the major airport for international and domestic flights in Xi’an. It is located about 35 km (22 miles) northwest of Xi’an city center. There are direct flights to major international cities such as Los Angeles, Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Seoul, and Bangkok.

Domestic cities connect cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhangjiajie, and Chengdu. It takes about 2-2.5 hours to travel from Beijing to Xi’an by flight and 2.5 hours from Shanghai to Xi’an.

You also have a number of options for Xi’an airport transfer. There are regular airport shuttle buses to the city center. The airport is well-connected with Xi’an’s downtown transportation. You can take Metro Line 14 and transfer to your final destination. Taxis are readily available as well.

By Train — High-Speed Rail Connections

High-speed trains are also an excellent option if you’re traveling to or from Xi’an to another domestic city. The high-speed rail service connects Xi’an and Chengdu in only 3 hours, Beijing in 4.5 hours, and Shanghai in 6 hours. Train travel to Xi’an is a popular option for visitors as it is easier and often less time consuming than flying.

There are two major train stations in Xi’an. Xi’an North Railway Station is the main station for high-speed trains. Xi’an Railway Station is older with mostly regular train services.

Getting Around Xi’an City

There are a few transportation methods for getting around Xi’an. You can take the metro, buses, or taxis to get to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and other popular spots. To get to Mount Huashan and attractions outside the city, you can either take a high-speed train or a shuttle bus.

The convenient metro system will get you around pretty much the entire city. Xi’an metro currently has 11 lines connecting the airport, train stations, and major attractions. It is the best and cheapest way to get around Xi’an.

If you’d like to cover the main attractions in a day tour without worrying about navigation, you can purchase a day-pass to one of the Xi’an sightseeing buses. A number of different lines operate between famous attractions in the city. You can simply hop on the bus to your next destination.

Of course, if you prefer more comfort and traveling at your own pace, taxis are readily available. You’ll be able to hail taxis in Xi’an pretty much anywhere in the city or use a ride-hailing app like DiDi. Other modes of transportation include city buses and public bikes.

Xi’an Local Food & Dining Guide

Must-Try Xi’an Dishes

The local culinary culture is another highlight you should explore when you travel to Xi’an. It is representative of northern Chinese food culture with lots of beef, mutton, and noodles. Here are some classic Xi’an foods to try on your trip.

Roujiamo, or the Chinese burger, is probably the most famous traditional snack of northwestern China. It is made with toasted buns and tender meat fillings. It’s a well-loved breakfast or lunch options for locals.

Xi’an Biangbiang Noodles is a noodle dish unique to Shaanxi Province. It is characterized by wide and thick noodle strips served with hot oil and red seasoning. Its name “Biangbiang” is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound made during the process of pulling the noodle.

Yangrou Paomo, or Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Broth, is known for its rich flavors. It’s a warm and hearty meal perfect for a chilly day. The flatbread is broken into bits to soak up the flavorful lamb broth. Often served with chili sauce and garlic, it’s definitely a meal worth trying on your Xi’an food tour.

Liangpi is another Xi’an classic if you like noodles. The chewy texture of the cold noodles is complemented with a sour and spicy sauce. It’s a traditional dish with over 2,000 years of history.

Where to Eat in Xi’an

There are many great places to eat in Xi’an. If you’re looking for a snack street where you can taste different dishes, the Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang Food Street are your best bet. They are usually bustling with locals and visitors alike with lots of options. There are also plenty of great Xi’an restaurants. For example, Tongshengxiang is famous for its Mutton Paomo.

Recommended Xi’an Food Tours:

• Xian Muslim Quarter: 2-Hour Night Walking Foodie Tour
• 5 Days Xian Food Tour

Where to Stay in Xi’an

Xi’an welcomes lots of domestic and international travelers, so there are many different options from luxury brands to budget hotels. Two areas are especially popular with visitors on Xi’an tours, the downtown area within the Ancient City Wall and near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The top choice for first-time visitors is to stay within the Ancient City Wall. You’ll find some of the best hotels in Xi’an near the Muslim Quarter and the Bell and Drum Tower including brands like Hilton and Sofitel. There are plenty of 3-star or budget hotels as well. Transportation is convenient with lots of shops and entertainment venues.

Outside the City Wall, the best area to stay in is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum. You’ll be in a historical and cultural district with many heritage sites to visit. It’ll be slightly cheaper in price than the more central district.

Nightlife & Shopping in Xi’an

Besides the Xi’an nightlife activities mentioned above, there are other things to do including seeing the music and fountain show on the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Walk along the Datang Everbright City pedestrian street to see the traditional architecture. Qujiang Pool Park is a great place for an evening walk.

Of course, shopping is another activity that many visitors may be interested in. There are many markets and shopping malls for shopping in Xi’an. The Xi’an Antique Market is great for interesting souvenirs such as calligraphy and ancient coins. At Shuyuan Gate, you can find intricate handicrafts from hand-made fans to shadow puppets. If you’re looking for a mall with dining and entertainment, SAGA International Shopping Mall should be your top choice.

Recommended Xi’an Night Tours:

• Xian Night Tour to Bell Tower Square and Music Fountain Show
• Xian Qin Opera & Shadow Play Tour

Xi’an Travel Tips

Here are some important China and Xi’an travel tips for international travelers.

Visa-Free Travel

Depending on your travel plans, there are a few visa-free policies that may allow you to travel to China without a visa. It’s a good idea to check if you meet the requirements beforehand especially if you’re making a transfer in Xi’an. If not, you will need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa.

Currency & Payment

The official currency in China is Renminbi or sometimes called the Chinese Yuan. It is the only currency accepted in Xi’an. Payment in China these days is almost completely electronic. It’s highly recommended that you download a payment app like WeChat or Alipay beforehand. It will make payments during your trip a lot easier and faster. Of course, cash and card are still accepted in many cases.

Language Barrier

Language barrier is usually not an issue for travelers on our Xi’an tours. If you’re traveling on your own, you will be able to navigate the airport, train stations, and major attractions. There are usually signs in English. However, staff members and locals may not always be able to speak English. Here are the names of major Xi’an attractions in both English and Chinese to help you get around.

Great Souvenirs to Buy in Xi’an

Xi’an is known for ancient Chinese culture and history, so you’ll discover many traditional handicrafts and special items to bring home. Great souvenirs from Xi’an include replica of terracotta soldiers, jade ware, Tang Sancai replica, Peasant Painting of Huxian County, paper cutting art, paper fans, and shadow puppets.

Destinations Nearby Xi’an

You can extend your Xi’an tour to nearby destinations to learn more about China. Within 2 hours by high-speed train, Luoyang and Tianshui are both great places to visit for a historic China tour. A little further away, Chengdu is the hub of Southwest China and the home of giant pandas. The rail system makes these destinations easy to reach from Xi’an.

Tips for Train Travel

Once you’ve decided on your travel itinerary, it’s a good idea to book your train tickets ahead of time. You can do so easily online. Make sure you book for the high-speed rail service which starts with a G in its serial number. On the day of your travel, double check your train station for departure.

Other Information Helpful for Your Xi’an Tour

To start planning your Xi’an tour, here’s some additional information that may be helpful to you. You can read about a brief introduction of the city. Learn about the ancient history of the Yellow Emperor before you visit the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor.

We also have a list of Xi’an travel FAQs to answer more of your questions.

FAQs about Xian Travel

How many days do you need in Xian?

Typically, we suggest planning a 3-day trip in Xian to cover its top highlights, like Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, one of its museums, Hanyangling Mausoleum, Mount Huashan.

Longer stays are more recommended to dive deep into the city’s history and include a family visit or some in-depth cultural experience.

If you are short on time, you can focus on the Terracotta Army or landmarks in the city area in 1 or 2 days.

What is the best way to get around Xian?

Metro is the most reliable and convenient to get around Xian. Currently, there are over 11 metro lines connecting the city’s main railway stations, airport and major attractions.

Which month is best to visit Xi’an, China?

The best month to visit Xian are March to May in spring and September to November in autumn. Both of these two periods will reward you with a pleasant Xian trip with comfortable weather, stunning seasonal natural beauties, and relatively less crowds.

What local foods should I try in Xi’an?

Like most northern cities in China, Xian food is characterized by its reliance on wheat rather than rice, and the frequent use of lamb and beef. Some of the can’t-miss food in Xian include Roujiamo, Yangroupaomo, Liangpi, various kinds of noodles, dumplings, etc.

Where can I find the best street food in Xi’an?

To hunt for the most authentic food and vibrant food scene in Xian, you should head to Sajinqiao, Dapiyuan, Beiyuanmen (Muslim Quarter), Yongxingfang Food Street, Dongxinjie, etc.

Plan Your Xi’an Tour with Us

Plan your China trip with China Xi’an Tour. Our travel experts can help you craft the ideal Xi’an itinerary. With our professional local guides and private transfer service will guarantee your trip smooth and hassle-free.