Located in the heart of China, Xi’an 西安 is a historic city is one of China’s oldest and most fascinating destinations. Once known as Chang’an 长安, Xi’an served as the starting point of the legendary Silk Road, connecting China to the Middle East and Europe for over a thousand years. With more than 3,000 years of history, it has been the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, making it a treasure trove of culture, architecture, and stories waiting to be explored.
One of Xi’an’s most famous highlights is the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a massive underground army of over 8,000 life-sized soldiers built to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Fun fact: no two soldiers have identical faces, each one uniquely crafted over 2,000 years ago.
Beyond history, Xi’an is also a food lover’s paradise—especially in the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can taste everything from hand-pulled noodles to flavorful street snacks.
Where is Xi’An?
Xi’an is located in north-central China and serves as the capital of Shaanxi Province. The city is best known as the home of the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of China’s most iconic historical treasures.
Why Visit Xi’An?
We think Xi’an is a very underrated city in China. It’s like the Kyoto of Japan — a city that has preserved its history beautifully. You’ll find traditional, oriental-style architecture throughout the city, which gives it a very unique and cultural atmosphere.
How to Visit Xi'An
Getting to Xi’an is easy thanks to China’s excellent high-speed rail and flight network. Here are the most common ways to visit from major and nearby cities:
- From Beijing
The fastest and most popular option is the high-speed train via the China High-Speed Rail, which takes around 4.5–6 hours. Flights are also available (about 2–2.5 hours), but trains are often more convenient city-to-city. From Shanghai
High-speed trains take around 6–7 hours, while flights take about 2.5–3 hours. If you prefer comfort and scenery, the train is a great choice; for speed, flying is better.From Chengdu
This is one of the closest major cities. High-speed trains take about 3–4 hours, making it a very convenient route. Flights are around 1.5 hours.- From Guangzhou or Shenzhen
High-speed trains take 8–10 hours, so flying (around 2.5–3 hours) is usually the better option unless you enjoy long train journeys.
✈️ Arrival tip: Most flights land at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, located about 40–50 minutes from the city center. High-speed trains arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station, which is well connected by metro.
👉 You can book you high-speed train or flight tickets from Trip.com which it most foreigner friendly booking app in China
Top Things to Do in Xi’An
1. Terracotta Army 兵马俑
One of the most famous attractions in China, featuring thousands of life-sized warriors. It’s honestly so much more impressive in real life. Although it’s about 1 hour away from the city, it’s definitely worth the trip.
We visited in January, and to our surprise, it was low season, so it wasn’t too crowded and it was easy to take photos. Another thing that surprised us was the old street area after the museum — it’s actually really fun, with lots of street food to explore.
2. Grand Tang Mall 大唐不夜城
The most beautiful pedestrian streets we’ve seen in China, especially at night. The entire area lights up beautifully and feels very lively. There are plenty of shops and food options around, and there’s also a mall nearby, making it a great place to spend your evening.
3. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda 大雁塔
Located close to Grand Tang Mall, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a seven-story brick pagoda built in 652 AD. It’s a major Buddhist landmark situated within the Daci’en Temple complex and adds a strong historical and cultural touch to the area.
4. MixC Xi’an Mall 西安万象城
A modern shopping mall with impressive architecture. It has a semi-outdoor concept, and the central art installation is super cool — it looks like a giant glowing tree that lights up at night. Inside the mall, you’ll find a good mix of brands, cafés, and lifestyle spots, making it a nice contrast to the historical side of Xi’an.
5. Muslim Quarter 回民街
Xi’an is known for its strong Muslim community, so you’ll find plenty of halal food in the city. The Muslim Quarter is the main street food hotspot — it’s very lively and busy. Don’t forget to try biang biang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese burger), which are local specialties.
6. Bell Tower 钟楼 & Drum Tower 鼓楼
These are classic Xi’an landmarks located in the city center. They’re beautiful during the day and even more impressive when lit up at night. Historically, these towers were used to mark time during ancient dynasties.
7. Old Market 老菜场
One of the prettiest and most aesthetic local markets we’ve visited. It’s filled with trendy cafés and restaurants, and it’s located right beside the Xi’an City Wall, making it a great place to explore and relax.
8. Xi’an City Wall 西安城墙
Think of this as a mini Great Wall of China. This ancient defensive structure is about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) long, typically around 12 meters high and 12–18 meters thick at the base.
There isn’t too much to do on the wall itself, but you can rent a bike and cycle around it while enjoying the views from above.
Where to Stay in Xi'An
Xi’an isn’t just a quick stop, it’s one of the most important historical cities in the country. Staying at least 2–3 days gives you enough time to explore the city and all of the must visit places
1. Canopy by Hilton Xi’an Qujiang
Located in Grand Tang Mall, this is personally my favorite stay in Xi’an. Canopy is Hilton’s boutique hotel brand, and I always appreciate a good boutique hotel. This one stands out with its beautiful design, both inside and out.
2. HUALUXE Xi’an Tanghua
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, this is one of the most beautiful and oriental-style hotels we’ve ever stayed at. The centerpiece of the hotel is a pond surrounded by gazebos and stunning red bridges.
3. Grand Hyatt Xi’an
A great luxury option in the city. We loved the interior of this hotel, and Grand Hyatt never disappoints — from the spacious, luxurious rooms to the amazing hospitality and overall experience.
Explore Our E-Book
Check out our Xi'An vlog here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Xi’an worth visiting?
Yes, Xi’an is absolutely worth visiting, especially for history lovers. It is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army and was the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a unique mix of ancient culture, street food, and modern city life.
2. How many days do you need in Xi’an?
Most travelers spend 2–3 days in Xi’an. This gives you enough time to visit the Terracotta Army, explore the Xi’an City Wall, and try local food at the Muslim Quarter.
3. What is the best time to visit Xi’an?
The best time to visit Xi’an is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is comfortable. Summers can be very hot, while winters can be quite cold.
4. How do I get to Xi’an?
You can reach Xi’an easily by high-speed train or flight from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Most flights arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport.
5. Where should I stay in Xi’an?
The best areas to stay are near the city center or close to the Xi’an City Wall for easy access to attractions, restaurants, and transport.
6. What are the top things to do in Xi’an?
Top things to do include visiting the Terracotta Army, biking on the city wall, exploring the Muslim Quarter, and seeing historical landmarks like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
7. Is Xi’an expensive for tourists?
Xi’an is generally more affordable compared to cities like Shanghai and Beijing. You can find budget-friendly food, hotels, and transportation options.
8. What food is Xi’an famous for?
Xi’an is famous for its rich and flavorful street food, especially in the Muslim Quarter. Popular dishes include hand-pulled noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burger), and lamb skewers.
9. Can I visit Xi’an without speaking Chinese?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Xi’an without speaking Chinese. Many signs are in English, and translation apps can help. Tourist areas like the Terracotta Army are relatively foreigner-friendly.
10. Is Xi’an safe for tourists?
Xi’an is considered a safe city for tourists. Like any destination, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions.
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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