Written by Ivy Dong |
Wondering how to explore Xi’an in two days? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Xi’an is not only the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, but also the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture and world-famous archaeological wonders. From must-visit attractions to mouthwatering cuisine, this destination welcomes travelers from all over the world, offering a glimpse of China’s imperial past and its daily life.
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2-Day Classic Itineraries
With plenty of tourist resources, Xi’an is like a vast open-air museum. Spend two days here for a wonderful journey. First, explore the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors and walk along the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. Next, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to hear the story of how the monk Xuanzang brought Buddhist scriptures back from India.
From ancient wonders to local landscapes, you will see a different side of Xi’an from every angle.
Route A: Cultural & Historical Highlights Tour
Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City (wear traditional Tang costume and experience the night views of the Tang Dynasty)
Day 2: Xi’an Museum → the Small Wild Goose Pagoda → Ming Dynasty City Wall →Shuyuanmen Cultural Street → the Bell & Drum Tower Square → the Muslim Quarter
Route B: History & Landscape Panorama Tour
Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → Ming Dynasty City Wall → the Bell & Drum Tower Square → the Muslim Quarter
Day 2: A day trip to Mount Huashan
Other 2-Day Itineraries from Xi’an
Want to visit more attractions near Xi’an by taking a high-speed train? These three 2-day trips are great choices:
- Luoyang 2-Day Trip (Longmen Grottoes – White Horse Temple – Shaolin Temple, etc.)
- Pingyao 2-Day Trip (Pingyao Ancient City – Shuanglin Temple – Wang’s Family Compound, etc.)
- Chengdu 2-Day Trip (Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – Du Fu Thatched Cottage – Jinli Pedestrian Street – Wuhou Shrine)
Must-visit Attractions in Xi’an
Terracotta Warriors: the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
The army features some 8,000 life-size warriors that reveal remarkable sculptural skill from the Qin dynasty (BC 221-207). When you stand before the sculptures, you will feel like stepping back into the Qin Empire. Here, lifelike sculptures and awe-inspiring military wonders come together – a spectacle well worth spending 3 hours exploring it.
Tips: We recommend you book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be reserved up to 7 days.
Xi’an City Wall: Cycling to See the Sunset
With a history of over 600 years, Xi’an City Wall is the largest and most complete ancient city wall still standing in China. Once a military fortification, it has now become a fascinating blend of old and new.
Renting a bicycle and riding along the top, you can see traditional courtyards on one side, and modern skyscrapers on the other. It feels like traveling through time. The full circuit is 13.7 km, but you can ride for just 30–40 minutes instead of the whole way.
Tips: For the best experience, we suggest you start from Yongning Gate and cycle into the sunset in order to enjoy magical views.
Muslim Quarter: A Flavorful Halal Food Street
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, the Muslim Quarter is the most vibrant food paradise in Xi’an. Filled with irresistible aromas, narrow lanes here are packed with food stalls offering lamb paomo (lamb soup with pita bread), grilled skewers, persimmon cakes, and more.
Eat your way through the crowds, soak up the lively local life, and experience the unique charm of multicultural harmony. Why not come here hungry? You may want to try a little bit of everything!
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Dynasty Everbright City: A Journey Back to Tang
As a symbol of ancient Xi’an, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda has stood for over 1,300 years. It was built by the renowned monk Xuanzang to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Inside, a wooden spiral staircase allows you to climb and see city views from the arched windows on each floor.
Right beside it, the Tang Dynasty Everbright City brings the glory of the Tang era to life. As night falls, the district’s magnificent lights recreate Tang-style streetscapes. Admire classical architecture, stroll along the radiant promenade, or dress up in Hanfu (one of the traditional Chinese costumes) to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Tang civilization.
Authentic Cultural Experiences
Rather than an ordinary sightseeing tour, we offer immersive experiences that let you truly feel Xi’an’s local culture and traditions.
- Make Your Own Terracotta Warrior: Craft a mini clay warrior by hand and take home a unique souvenir.
- Hanfu Ancient City Stroll: Dress in traditional Hanfu like people living in ancient times, wander ancient streets and the Tang Dynasty Everbright City, and capture stunning Chinese-style photos.
- Home-style Shaanxi Cooking Class: Visit a local family, learn to cook authentic dishes with your host, and enjoy a taste of genuine daily life.
- Tai Chi Fun Class: Learn basic Tai Chi moves under the instruction of a master, and experience the charm of Chinese martial arts.
- Terracotta Warriors XR Experience: Secrets of the Sleeping Mausoleum: The activity applies 360° XR technology with wind effects and vibration to create a virtual scene. You can travel through underground passages, fly over the mighty warrior army, and explore the emperor’s tomb.
- Explore Xicang Century-old Morning Market: When wandering through a lively century-old market, you will admire flowers, birds, and antiques. Remember to eat a special beef pancake, and then you can immerse yourself in Xi’an’s morning life.
What to Eat in Xi’an
Xi’an cuisine is all about bold flavors, including the rich aroma of beef, lamb, and hand-pulled noodles, the fragrance of chili oil, and the sourness of aged vinegar. Everything is made fresh and served piping hot. Whether it’s a hearty bowl of paomo or a plate of chewy noodles, every bite feels deeply satisfying.
Here is a list of Xi’an’s must-try foods:
Roujiamo 肉夹馍 (Chinese Burger)
Roujiamo is often called the “Chinese hamburger,” but it is nothing like its Western cousin. It features a crisp, oven-baked bun stuffed with tender, slow-braised pork in savory sauce. When you bite into it, the aromas of bread and meat blend together in your mouth. Eat it hot, and watch out for the juicy drips!
Recommended Restaurant: Ziwu Road Zhang’s Roujiamo—Cuihua Road Branch (No. 227 Cuihua Road, not far from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda)
Reference Price: ¥25 (around $4) per person
Liangpi 凉皮 (Cold Rice Noodles)
This is a refreshing cold noodle dish, perfect as an appetizer or for a warm day. Steamed rice noodles are cut into strips and tossed with fragrant vinegar, garlic water, sesame paste, and bright red chili oil. Every strand is coated in tangy and spicy goodness – a real wake-up call for your taste buds.
Recommended Restaurant: Shengzhiwang Sesame Paste Liangpi Snacketeria (No. 225, Dapiyuan West Entrance, Muslim Quarter)
Reference Price: ¥15 (around $2.50) per person
Yangniurou Paomo 羊牛肉泡馍 (Lamb or Beef Soup with Pita Bread)
As the soul food of Xi’an, Yangniurou Paomo should be eaten by the following procedure: tear a half-baked pita into tiny, bean-sized pieces by hand, and then hand them over to the chef, who simmers the pita pieces with tender meat, rich broth, and vermicelli noodles.
When the bowl is returned, every morsel soaks up the savory soup. Eat it with sweet garlic and chili paste – warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Recommended Restaurant: Yizhen Lou Restaurant (No. 18 Dapiyuan, Muslim Quarter)
Reference Price: ¥45 (around $7) per person
Youpo Mian 油泼面 (Oil-Splashed Noodles)
These noodles are as wide as a belt, with a chewy and spicy taste. Once boiled, they’re topped with minced garlic, scallions, and a generous pile of chili flakes. Then comes the magic: a splash of hot oil, which releases an irresistible aroma in an instant.
Recommended Restaurant: Lao Baijia Noodle House (No. 58 Cehui East Road, near the South Gate of the City Wall)
Reference Price: ¥20 (around $3) per person
Friendly Reminder: NO alcohol and NO pork products are sold or allowed in the Muslim Quarter due to the area being a traditional halal neighborhood. Please respect local customs.
Getting Around Xi’an
Reach the City
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport – 45 km from city center, about 1 hour by car.
Xi’an North Railway Station – only 16 km from city center, about 50 minutes by car.
Terracotta Warriors – 40 km from city center, about 50 minutes by car.
Getting Around the City
Metro – Covers most major sightseeing areas. Punctual, convenient and efficient.
Ride-hailing & Taxis – Easy to find anywhere. A single trip between downtown attractions typically costs only ¥20–50 (around $3-8).
Walking – Some popular spots are within easy walking distance, such as the Bell Tower to Muslim Quarter (about a 10-minute walk), and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to Tang Dynasty Everbright City (only a 3-minute walk).
Travel Tips
- Mount Huashan: Mountain accommodation is pricey and basic, so overnight stays are not recommended. When climbing, we suggest you choose the West Peak cable car, because it’s the gentlest and least tiring route.
- Terracotta Warriors: It is wise to visit Lishan Garden in the morning and the main museum in the afternoon, so you can avoid the biggest crowds.
- Transit Policy: Eligible travelers can enjoy Xi’an’s 240‑hour visa‑free transit, giving you more flexibility.
- Best Seasons: March to May and September to November offer the most pleasant weather – perfect for sightseeing.
- Peak Season Alert: Expect large crowds during public holidays and summer. Book tickets in advance and plan off‑peak visits.
Where to stay in Xi’an
Bell Tower / Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter Area
Located right in the city center, this area puts you within walking distance of the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the bustling Muslim Quarter. With Metro Line 2 nearby, getting around is easy and convenient. The streets are lined with restaurants, shops, and lively markets – day and night. It’s an ideal base for immersing yourself in authentic local life.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area
Right next to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Dynasty Everbright City, you can easily walk to the musical fountain and dazzling night views. The area is steeped in Tang-style charm. Metro Lines 3 and 4 provide convenient access to the rest of the city. Surrounded by modern shopping malls and a wide variety of dining options, this district offers a more contemporary and spacious environment.
Explore Xi’an with China Xian Tour
We offer private tours tailored just for you: transparent service, family‑friendly, and worry‑free. We promise the whole journey is pure sightseeing – No shopping stops, no hidden costs.
To ensure your travel experience, we provide the following services:
Professional English‑speaking guide – Licensed, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to.
Private vehicle at your service – Door‑to‑door transfers, no public transport hassles.
Quality accommodation – Choose between 4‑star and 5‑star hotels. Daily buffet breakfast included.
Flexible & transparent pricing – Rates vary by group size and hotel class. We provide a clear cost breakdown before booking.
