Xi'an 西安
Terracotta Army, city walls and Muslim Quarter food
Good forHistory, Culture, Food, Easy first trip
Suggested stay2–3 days
Best timeMarch–May and September–November
Capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Qin and Tang, and the eastern end of the Silk Road. Most visitors come for the Terracotta Army. The walled centre is compact and easy to explore.
Highlights
- Terracotta Army (Lintong) — book real-name tickets online with your passport
- City Wall — walk or cycle the full 14 km loop
- Muslim Quarter — street food lanes and the Great Mosque
- Shaanxi History Museum — free but reservation required; slots go fast
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang-style evening light shows nearby
Food to try
- Roujiamo (spiced meat in flatbread)
- Biangbiang noodles (wide hand-pulled noodles)
- Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with torn bread)
- Liangpi (cold noodles)
Getting there
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). About 4–4.5 hours by fastest high-speed train from Beijing; about 3 hours from Chengdu.
Train times are typical; check current timetables on 12306 or Trip.com.
When to go
Best: March–May and September–November. Avoid or plan for: Golden Week and summer school holidays at the Terracotta Army; hot July–August; smoggy winter days.
Good to know
- The Terracotta Army is about 1 hour east of the city; allow half a day. Ignore people in the car park who say the pits are closed.
- Shaanxi History Museum booking may need a Chinese phone number or WeChat; book as soon as the window opens.
Visa notes
- Visa-free entry: citizens of 79 countries can visit China for up to 30 days or more without a visa. Check your passport →
- 240-hour transit: Xi'an is inside the area you may visit on China's 240-hour visa-free transit (for 57 nationalities, flying on to a third country).