Planning a trip to Xi’an and looking for the best in town? You’re in for a treat!
Xi’an is my home away from home (at least until now). After living there for over a year, I’m confident to say it’s a real gem. And while I’m a bit partial because I left my heart there, all my travel mates loved it… so it’s definitely worth your visit!
In this Xi’an travel itinerary and guide, I’ll share with you the absolute best in (and around) town. You’ll get helpful travel tips to plan your stay, including the best local eats to try out and what to do in and around the city. Hopefully, you’ll love Xi’an as much as I did!
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Is Xi’an Worth Visiting?
Look, I might be a bit biased, but jokes aside, Xi’an is a true gem.
Unlike big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, Xi’an feels tiny, even with a population of almost 13 million. Visiting it is super easy because nearly all the main sights and most interesting areas are right inside the ancient City Walls.
This means you won’t need long taxi journeys for explorations, only for those must-do excursions like hiking Mount Hua or visiting the iconic Terracotta Warriors.
Xi’an’s City Walls are the biggest and best-preserved city walls in all of China. They stand as a reminder that Xi’an was once the ancient capital of the Chinese Empire during the Tang dynasty and, of course, the starting point of the legendary Silk Road.
Xi’an has always been a crossroads of cultures, and it still is! One of the most fascinating aspects of the city is its unique blend of Muslim and Chinese influences. You’ll especially feel this vibrant mix around the Muslim Street, which is hands down one of the liveliest and most exciting areas to explore.
What I truly loved about my stay in Xi’an is its young energy. And the nightlife is very much alive, with live music, cool expat bars, and clubs scattered throughout the city. And oh, the food scene… it’ll definitely keep you entertained (and very, very well-fed!).
Planning Your Trip to Xi’an
2. Best Time to Visit Xi’an
Xi’an is located in Shaanxi Province, in the north-central part of China. The best times to visit are early fall (September and October) and spring (March to May), when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and avoid the first week of October (from the 1st to the 7th), as it’s a national holiday in China and the crowds will be everywhere.
From the beginning of November to late March, Xi’an’s weather is cold and dry, making it definitely not the ideal time to visit. And June brings unbearable heat. Trust me, I used to hop on my scooter with wet hair, and five minutes later, it was completely dry. That’s how scorching the air could be!
3. How Many Days in Xi’an
Xi’an isn’t a massive city… You can get a good feel for it in just two days; that’s enough time to explore the main sights downtown. However, if you want to include a hike to Mount Hua and visit the iconic Terracotta Warriors, you’ll definitely need an extra day.
Plan half a day for the Warriors, and a full day for the Mount Hua hike (or even more if you plan on sleeping amidst its peaks, which can be a truly beautiful adventure!).
So, all in all, three days are usually enough in and around Xi’an, unless you’re planning an overnight adventure on a Taoist mountain!
4. How To Get To Xi’an
Landing at Xi’an Airport
Before the pandemic, I would always fly directly from Rome to Xi’an and it was incredibly convenient.
Now, things are a little different. Xi’an’s Xianyang International Airport mainly handles domestic flights, so you’ll likely land first in major international hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou. From there, arriving by train to Xi’an is now the more common way to go, even if you can always take a domestic flight, the journey feels too long.
From The Airport to Your Accommodation By Taxi
As soon as you land and head for the exit, you’ll be approached by well-dressed guys offering you a “ride”—just say no.
Instead, look for the official taxi signs near the exit and follow them. Have your hotel or guesthouse address printed (in Chinese characters) or clearly written on a piece of paper, and show it to the driver. Before you pull away, make sure the meter is on.
You can expect to pay between ¥150 and ¥200 for a ride that takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
From The Airport to Your Accommodation By Subway
If you’re traveling on a budget and not in a rush, definitely consider taking the subway from the airport to downtown Xi’an.
Let’s say you’re staying near the City Walls. I’d recommend skipping the Bell Tower stop if you’re carrying luggage, as it’s always so crowded.
Instead, you can hop on Metro Line 14 directly from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Beikezhan (Xi’an North Railway Station). From there, it’s an easy transfer to Metro Line 2. Just take Line 2 southbound and get off at Yongningmen (South Gate) station.
The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs significantly less than a taxi ride – perfect for budget travelers!
4. Arriving by High-Speed Train
As I mentioned, you’ll likely arrive in Xi’an by high-speed train from one of China’s major hubs, landing right at Xi’an North Railway Station (Beikezhan). Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance through Trip.com.
From there, you can easily grab a taxi, and you should be at the South Gate (Yongningmen) area in about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the subway journey I mentioned earlier is another easy way to reach your downtown accommodation. Just take Metro Line 2 directly from Beikezhan station to Yongningmen (South Gate), and you’ll be there in under 30 minutes.
5. Best Place to Stay in Xian
The best area to stay in Xi’an is definitely inside the City Walls. If you’re only here for a couple of days, you probably care more about vibrant local vibes and historical sights than visiting big shopping malls, so staying within the walls is the best option.
Within the City Walls, you’ll find a few great options. One is near Zhonglou (the Bell Tower), close to some of the busiest roads in town.
Another is by the South Gate (Yongningmen), where I used to hang out. It’s lively and packed with pubs, street food stalls, and often live music in the evenings.
Then there’s the Muslim Quarter, which is always fun to explore. I’d choose either the South Gate area or somewhere in the Muslim Quarter for that authentic Xi’an experience.
6. Hotels in Xi’an
When it comes to places to stay in Xi’an, here are a couple of hotel and hostel options I’ve personally tried (or know well!) from my time there:
Fanjian Inn – Xi’an Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter: Located right in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, this hotel is on a pedestrian street (so no cars here!). The staff are super helpful and can suggest the best places to eat around the district. If you’re looking for a genuine local vibe, this hotel delivers. A couple of my friends just stayed there in May and they loved it!
Xi’an Desti Youth Park Hostel Bell & Drum Tower: If you’re a solo traveler looking for a hostel that doesn’t feel like a typical hostel but still keeps that lively, fun vibe, then this is the place for you! It’s located super close to the Drum Tower and is definitely where you want to be if you’re looking to meet other international travelers in Xi’an.
Jinmao Hotel Xi’an Downtown (Bell & Drum Tower): Here’s another fantastic option, located on a lively street with plenty of restaurants all around. The breakfast here is seriously good, and the staff always go the extra mile, so it’s highly recommended!
If you’re looking for more details on traveling to China, here’s my travel guide. You’ll find everything from visa requirements and the best times to travel to tips on language, etiquette, and so much more.
Xian Itinerary
Okay, so if you’re visiting Xi’an for the first time, this is the itinerary I’d suggest. I’ve explored all these sights myself as they were part of my daily life during my stay there! Getting around the city is very easy, whether you’re using the subway, a taxi, or simply walking. This trip is a mix of historical sights, local vibe, and day trips that you can plan around Xi’an.
Tickets & Tours in Xi’an
Day 1: Exploration Within the City Walls
1. Bell & Drum Tower
Ticket Price for Bell Tower: The combo admission ticket (including both Bell & Drum Tower) is around ¥ 50. You can purchase the ticket directly on site.
Every Xi’an itinerary starts with the heart of the city: The Bell Tower. This Ming-style landmark is right at the center of the walled area where all roads seem to meet. Its subway station is the most confusing in Xi’an—getting lost here is practically a rite of passage!
While you can explore inside the Bell Tower, honestly, it’s nothing super exciting. There’s a small museum and the original bell, and you can get a view just over the busy streets.
My advice is to pass by during the day, skip going inside if you’re short on time…but come back at night when it’s all lit up! Trust me, it’s worth it.
Just a 5-minute walk west is the Drum Tower, which dates back to 1380 (even older than the Bell Tower!). It sits at the entrance to the Muslim Quarter on Beiyuanmen pedestrian street. Inside, you’ll find drums and sometimes traditional performances.
You can buy a combo ticket for both towers on site if you’re interested in the history, but like its twin, the Drum Tower is especially stunning after dark.
2. Muslim Street & Great Mosque of Xi’an
From the Drum Tower, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Muslim Quarter, easily one of Xi’an’s most unique spots. This is where China’s largest Muslim community took root during the Silk Road era, and to this day, you can still see how the Muslim culture intertwines with the local Chinese one.
The area is absolutely buzzing with energy! Street food stalls line Huimin Jie (Muslim Street), offering a mix of Chinese-Muslim snacks, while tiny artisan shops sell souvenirs (and yes, there are a few fakes, but also some great finds too!).
The Muslim Quarter in Xi’an is home to the Great Mosque, the largest pre-modern mosque in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was initially built for West Asian merchants who traveled the Silk Road and stayed in Xi’an.
The area around it houses about 10 mosques in total, plus the City God Temple and a couple of Ming and Tang dynasty gates.
But let’s be real: you’re probably here for the food! Here are a couple of dishes and spots you should try!
What & Where to Eat in Huiminjie
Here are the three street food snacks and dishes you absolutely have to try:
- Roujiamo at Fan Ji La Zhi RouJiaMo: The best way to describe Roujiamo is “Chinese hamburger,” but honestly, it has nothing to do with it! Roujiamo is this succulent freshly baked and fluffy flatbread stuffed with tender, slow-stewed meat (usually pork, but in the Muslim Quarter, you’ll find beef and lamb versions)
- Biang Biang Noodles at Lou BeiLou FanZhuang: Xi’an’s hand-pulled, wide noodles known for their chewy texture and complex character (58 strokes!). They’re typically served with spicy chili oil, garlic, and herbs.
- All kinds of dumplings: friend dumplings, soup dumplings, steamed dumplings…it doesn’t matter, jut get some delicious, filled dumplings. For the most local experience you can try Yousufu Dumplings (you won’t get to choose the filling!).
3. Bicycle Ride at Xi’an City Walls
One of the must-do activities in Xi’an is, without a doubt, cycling around the City Wall. Not only is it more efficient than walking, but it also gives you a complete overview of the city: the modern, high-tech side on the outside, and the traditional, ancient part on the inside.
You can access the wall from any of the four main gates and rent a bike at the top. Just keep in mind: around the South Gate, where most people walk, you’ll need to push your bike by hand. When you’re finished, you can go back to any gate and return your bike.
The entire loop is approximately 14 km long, and I highly recommend taking it in the late afternoon or around sunset. That’s when the gate towers light up beautifully—and it’s cooler, so you’ll not break a sweat.
4. Dinner & Evening at Dayanta
Subway Instructions: You can take the subway Line 2 from Yongningmen to Xiaozhai. Then, change to Line 3 at Dayanta subway station. You will arrive in front of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. You can take a short walk to the Tang Paradise theme park from there.
The Dayanta district is another location that attracts everyone from curious tourists to locals. This area goes from the Dayanta metro stop to Tang Paradise. My suggestion is to visit on weekday evenings to avoid the weekend crowds – I’ve honestly never seen so many people there as last June!
You can start with the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where you might catch the fountain performance that lights up the square. Here you’ll see everything from women dressed in traditional Tang costumes to spontaneous dance groups and street performers.
Where to Eat at Dayanta
As you walk toward the Tang Paradise, you can stop at Datang Everbright City to grab dinner (there are plenty of local restaurants lined up).
If you’re looking for some Western comfort food, head to the Joycity Shopping Mall and look for Blue Frog. I still dream of their hamburgers, I used to go at least once a week!
Once you reach Tang Paradise, you’ll find a reconstructed cultural theme park celebrating the Tang dynasty. While it’s definitely touristy, the gardens, tranquil lake views, and engaging cultural performances make for a fun way to spend the night in Xi’an.
Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Shaanxi History Museum
5. Xi’an Terracotta Army
The second day in Xi’an, it’s time to visit the Terracotta Warriors Site. This might just be China’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site (okay, maybe after the Great Wall), and it’s the very reason why Xi’an is on everyone’s radar.
Discovered by local farmers in 1974, these life-sized sculptures were built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The site remains an active archaeological dig, where discoveries are regularly made.
The first thing that hits you is the scale of the place—it’s massive! Even though it can get crowded, you’ll still be able to find a spot to take in the sights.
What’s truly mind-blowing is that each soldier has a unique facial expression, which makes you wonder just how long it took to create this entire army of individuals.
If you’re planning a DIY trip, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the queues at the entrance. Set aside at least 2-3 hours to explore the site, plus another two hours for transportation.
How to Get There
The Terracotta Warriors Site is located 40 km outside the city center of Xi’an. From Beidajie Subway Station, you take line 1 and get off at Fanzhicheng. At the Fanzhicheng Bus Station, you take the N. 306 tourist line 5 bus. The journey will last around 2.30 hours.
This is the kind of sight where I truly believe a guide will enhance your visit. The site is massive, and without some context, it’s easy to miss key details and the fascinating story behind it all. A guide will make your visit much more interesting and leave a better impression.
6. Shaanxi History Museum
If you’re looking to learn more about Xi’an and its region’s history, the Shaanxi History Museum houses around 370,000 items that tell the story of this area.
You’ll see everything from ancient murals and paintings to priceless pottery, coins, and bronze, gold, and silver artifacts.
What’s cool is that while the museum itself is modern—built between 1983 and 2001—its design is a beautiful throwback to the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance to skip the massive lines.
7. Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show
Before my last trip, I was convinced the Tang Dynasty Show was just another tourist trap. But hear me out—it’s worth seeing!
Yes, it’s undeniably catered for tourists. Still, the performance, including vibrant costumes, traditional music, and elegant movement, is incredible.
Book tickets directly on their official website, but I’d skip the dinner package. If you’re still unsure about whether it’s your vibe, I suggest checking out some videos online before booking. You might find it’s an experience you don’t want to miss
Day 3: Trip to Mount Hua
I lived in Xi’an for over a year, and believe it or not, I still haven’t been to Mount Huashan. My plans were cut short by COVID before I could make the trip.
But while I was there, plenty of friends hiked it, and their stories left me with no doubt that it’s something I have to experience on my next visit. Over time, I’ve gathered many tips to help you nail your Mount Hua hike.
If you’re in doubt between the Terracotta Army and Mount Hua, I’d choose the second without a doubt.
As you climb up, the landscape changes, offering views of jagged cliffs, winding paths, and the natural surroundings of the mountain.
Along the way, you’ll find ancient temples, including the Jade Spring Temple near the base and the Golden Lock Pass, where travelers leave locks as a symbol of good luck.
Mount Hua is one of the sacred mountains for Taoism, and the views from the summits—especially the East Peak, famous for its sunrise—are truly spectacular.
When & How To Get There
The best time to hike Mount Hua is early fall, spring, or summer. And please—bring proper hiking shoes! The easiest way to the base of Mount Hua is to take the high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station and get off at Huashan North Station. If you want to avoid the hassle of planning you can consider booking a private tour.
You can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the site’s ticket office. The entrance ticket is around 160 RMB.
Day Trips from Xi’an
If you have a couple of extra days and want to explore beyond Xi’an, here are some fantastic day trips you can take.
Ancient City of Pingyao: If you have an extra day, you have to visit Pingyao. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of China’s best-preserved ancient walled cities. It’s considered one of the few ancient towns that still preserves its historic charm, with minimal restorations. You can walk the city walls, peek into historic courtyard homes, and just get lost wandering the ancient streets, discovering small pieces of ancient china. Getting there is super easy: take a high-speed train from Xi’an North Station and get off at Pingyao Gucheng.
Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang: If you love Buddhist caves, you’ll love the Longmen Grottoes. It’s one of the last trips I’ve had in China, and I still remember how impressive the caves are. It makes for a rewarding day trip. You can take the high-speed train from Xi’an to Luoyang Longmen Station, and you’ll be there in about 1.5 hours.
Famen Temple: This is probably one of the first day trips every Xi’an expat takes. It’s one of China’s sacred Buddhist sites because it’s believed to house a finger bone relic of the Buddha. You’ll immediately notice the architectural contrast: the ancient, original pagoda standing right next to a massive, ultra-modern complex built to honor the relic. The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi, which will take 1.5 hours.
Extend Your Xi’an Itinerary
From Xi’an, you have the option to head either north (cities like Beijing) or south. Depending on how much time you have in China, Xi’an is the perfect Central China stop on a two-week itinerary that might start in the east before continuing south to cities like Chengdu or Chongqing.
If you’re the off-the-beaten-path type of traveler, consider this Silk Road-themed itinerary that I did in 2019, which explores the wild and rugged Gansu region.
And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our Xian Itinerary! Remember, 2 days in Xian are enough if you’re not planning on doing the Mount Hua hike, but you may need an additional day to include some day trips.
Every time someone visits Xi’an and tells me they loved it, it’s truly heartwarming. It means that, even if just for a couple of days, they were able to experience that same special feeling I had when I lived there.
And you? I’d love to hear what you thought of Xi’an. Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
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DISCLAIMER: These suggestions are purely based on my experiences and thoughts and are meant to inspire and provide advice. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—there is no need to follow it in detail. All prices, transport options, and instructions mentioned reflect my knowledge at the time of writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the information before your trip to ensure accuracy. All opinions and recommendations are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
