Xi'an

Thirteen dynasties ancient capital, featuring world-class cultural relics such as the Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the City Wall.

2 UNESCO Sites

13M Population

March-May, September-November Best Season

Xi'an Fun Facts

Signature bite

Try a local specialty in Xi'an.

Getting around

Metro + ride-hailing cover most urban areas.

Local greeting

"Hello" works well — learn a few simple phrases too.

Best season

March-May, September-November

Photo tip

Aim for golden hours: early morning / late afternoon.

Region

Located in Shaanxi.

Best Places to Visit in Xi'an View all

Spine of the Ancient Capital

Xi'an City Wall

The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You can cycle or stro...

World Heritage Site

Terracotta Warriors

Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, thousands of life-sized terracotta warr...

City Heart

Xi'an Bell Tower

The geographical center of Xi'an, this iconic Ming Dynasty structure marks the i...

National Treasure House

Shaanxi History Museum

Known as the 'Pearl of Ancient Capital,' this large-scale modern museum houses o...

Imperial Garden

Tang Paradise (Datang Furong Garden)

A massive cultural theme park built on the site of an original Tang Dynasty gard...

Hot / Iconic / Nightlife

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City

Built by the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang to preserve Buddhist scriptures, it is a...

Ancient Timekeeper

Xi'an Drum Tower

Standing opposite the Bell Tower, this structure once housed huge drums that wer...

Imperial Garden & Hot Springs

Huaqing Palace

A refined Tang-style imperial garden complex located at the northern foot of Mou...

Best Things to Do in Xi'an View all

Xi'an City Wall: Insider Tips to Skip Queues & Save Money

Peng Gao 2026-07-13

Planning to visit Xi'an City Wall? Avoid these 5 common mistakes that most tourists make. Get insider tips on tickets, cycling routes, and the best photo spots from a local guide.

Is Terracotta Warriors Worth Visiting: Honest Guide for 2025

Jian Zhao 2026-07-13

Wondering if the Terracotta Warriors are worth the trip? I've guided hundreds of tourists there. Here's my honest breakdown of what to expect, how to skip the crowds, and the hidden costs. Spoiler: it's not all Instagram magic.

How to Buy Terracotta Warriors Tickets Online: Skip the Queue with Pro Tips

Chen Liu 2026-07-13

Struggling to buy Terracotta Warriors tickets online? Discover the only official source, avoid fake sites, and save time with insider tips from a local guide. Step-by-step booking instructions included.

How to Buy Xi'an City Wall Tickets Online: Skip the Queue

Hong Ma 2026-07-13

Struggling to book Xi'an City Wall tickets online? I'll walk you through the official channel, WeChat mini-program, and third-party platforms. Avoid common pitfalls with my step-by-step guide.

Xi'an Travel Itineraries View all

Xi'an Day Trips: Skip the Crowds and See the Real Terracotta Warriors

Hong Ma 2026-06-29

Planning Xi'an day trips? Discover the exact WeChat mini-program trick to skip the line, the best time to visit Terracotta Warriors (hint: not noon), and a complete one-day itinerary that avoids common tourist traps.

How Many Days in Xi'an: Stop Guessing, Start Planning

Jian Zhao 2026-06-26

Planning a trip to Xi'an and not sure how many days to allocate? I've guided hundreds of travelers here, and the answer depends on your pace and must-sees. From the Terracotta Warriors to the Muslim Quarter, here's exactly how many days you need—and how to avoid common tourist traps.

Xi'an to Shanghai Train: Skip the Airport Chaos & Save 6 Hours

Peng Gao 2026-06-26

Wondering how to book Xi'an to Shanghai train tickets as a foreigner? Avoid the common WeChat payment nightmare with my step-by-step guide. Insider tips for seat selection, station navigation, and hidden costs.

Chengdu to Xi'an itinerary: 3 days of bulletproof planning

Ming Yang 2026-06-26

Planning a trip from Chengdu to Xi'an? Skip the pain of broken payment apps and overcrowded queues. This guide shares the exact booking tricks, time-saving routes, and food recommendations I use with my own tour groups—no fluff, just what works.

Xi'an Solo Travel: 3 Days Without the Culture Shock

Hong Ma 2026-06-22

Struggling to plan Xi'an solo? I spent years guiding solo travelers here—here's how to skip the ticket queues, pay without WeChat, and find the best street food alone.

Xi'an cultural itinerary: Skip the hassle with this 2-day plan

Peng Gao 2026-06-18

Struggling to plan a Xi'an cultural itinerary that covers the highlights without the stress? I'll share my exact route, booking hacks, and timing secrets so you can enjoy the Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, and more, even on a tight schedule.

Xi'an Custom Travel Routes: Avoid Crowds & See the Real City

Jian Zhao 2026-06-18

Tired of overcrowded Xi'an tours? Discover custom travel routes that skip the lines, save money, and reveal hidden gems. Expert tips on booking, transport, and avoiding tourist traps.

Xi'an Family Trip: Skip the Crowds, See the Terracotta Warriors

Hong Ma 2026-06-17

Planning a family trip to Xi'an but worried about crowds and logistics? Discover how to navigate the Terracotta Warriors with kids, use WeChat to book tickets, and find family-friendly hotels. Practical tips from a local guide.

Where to Stay in Xi'an View all

Where to Stay Near Terracotta Warriors: Best Areas & Hotels

Jian Zhao 2026-06-30

Can't decide where to stay near the Terracotta Warriors? I've guided hundreds of travelers to this site, and most make a critical mistake—choose the wrong base. Read my insider tips on hotels, areas, and transport.

Sleep Inside or Out? Xi'an City Wall Accommodation Recommendations

Peng Gao 2026-04-20

Struggling to decide where to stay for your Xi'an City Wall visit? This guide cuts through the confusion with real advice on hotels inside the wall, near the gates, and in the Muslim Quarter, covering everything from English-speaking staff to late-night food options.

Terracotta Warriors Hotels: Where to Stay for Quiet Sleep & Easy Access

Peng Gao 2026-04-20

Worried about long bus rides or struggling to find a hotel with reliable Wi-Fi near the Terracotta Army? This guide cuts through the noise with specific hotel names, exact walking times, and honest advice on where to stay for a smooth, culturally rich visit to Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Hotels: Where to Stay for Culture & Convenience

Hong Ma 2026-04-20

Worried about finding a safe hotel with English-speaking staff near Xi'an's Giant Wild Goose Pagoda? This guide covers the best areas, from luxury to budget stays, with walking distances, Wi-Fi details, and local dining tips for a seamless trip.

Xi'an Trip Routes

1-Day Classic

Morning: city highlights
Afternoon: culture & a museum
Evening: food street + night views

2-Day Essential

Day 1: landmark loop + old town walk
Day 2: nature edge + sunset spot

Xi'an Photo Gallery

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Travel photos of Xi'an: Xi'an City Wall apartment rentals

Travel photos of Xi'an: best photography spots on Xi'an City Wall

Travel photos of Xi'an: Xi'an City Wall food

Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (60)

bike_adventu Jul 14, 2026

★★★★★ 5.0

Coming from a cyclist's perspective — cycling the entire Xi'an City Wall is an absolute dream. The path is smooth, well-maintained, and the views of the old and new city from above are incredible. I also took a day trip to Huashan Mountain which was challenging but rewarding. Xi'an is a perfect blend of history and adventure. Highly recommended!

pixie_foodie Jul 14, 2026

★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down my favorite city in China so far! Every meal was a highlight — the roujiamo (Chinese burger) and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread) were life-changing. The night view of the Drum Tower and the colorful lanterns around the city are magical. I also met a lovely local guide who showed me hidden alleys. Five stars doesn't feel enough!

Wanderlust_S Jul 14, 2026

★★★☆☆ 3.0

I had high expectations for Xi'an, but honestly, I left a bit disappointed. The Terracotta Warriors were amazing (no doubt), but the rest of the city felt overly touristy, especially the Muslim Quarter where vendors were pushy and prices inflated. The city's air quality wasn't great during my stay either. It's worth a visit for the warriors, but I wouldn't rush back.

jenny_liu88 Jul 14, 2026

★★★★☆ 4.0

Spent three days in Xi'an and it was a fantastic experience. The history is everywhere you look — from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to the Bell Tower. The local people were friendly and helpful. My only minor complaint is that some of the tourist spots were a bit crowded, but that's expected. Would definitely return for more food and culture.

Trekker_Tom Jul 14, 2026

★★★★★ 5.0

Xi'an totally blew me away. The Terracotta Warriors are even more impressive in person — the sheer scale and detail are mind-blowing. I also loved biking on the ancient city wall at sunset; the views were stunning. The Muslim Quarter street food is incredible, especially the lamb skewers and biang biang noodles. Absolutely a must-visit city in China!

Backpacker_M Jul 08, 2026

★★★★★ 5.0

Xi'an surprised me in the best way. I was only planning to stay two days but ended up extending to five. The vibe in the Muslim Quarter at night is incredible — chaotic but friendly. I loved getting lost in the small alleys and trying street food I couldn't even name. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area is beautiful, especially when the fountain show starts. For budget travelers like me, the hostels are affordable and well-located. Already planning my next trip back!

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Xi'an Travel FAQ

Where is the best place to exchange currency near the shopping area?

Do not rely on finding currency exchange kiosks ("Foreign Exchange") right on the Ever-Bright City street. The rates are often poor. Your best bet is to use an ATM at a major Chinese bank (like Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank) located outside the immediate tourist zone. There are several branches a short taxi ride away on Qujiang Road. Withdraw RMB directly using your international debit card. Always choose to be charged in the local currency (RMB) to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees from your home bank. Plan your cash needs ahead of time.

What's a good, non-breakable souvenir to buy for children?

Look for the small, colorful clay figurines known as "Fengxiang clay toys." They originate from Shaanxi and often come in the form of stylized animals or characters from folklore. They're painted by hand, charmingly rustic, and almost indestructible. You can find them in sets for around RMB 40-80. Another great option is a set of wooden printing blocks with Chinese characters or simple patterns—they're fun, educational, and pack flat.

How do I know if a shadow puppet is good quality or a cheap tourist version?

The material tells the story. Authentic puppets are made from cured donkey hide, which is semi-transparent and durable. Hold the puppet up to a light source, like your phone's flashlight. You should see the light shine through the thinner, carved parts, and the colors should glow. A cheap puppet will be made from thick, opaque leather or even plastic—it will block the light and feel stiff. Also, examine the joints. They should be tied with strong, thin thread that allows for movement, not glued or stapled. The vendor on the main street quoted me RMB 250 for a set; the one in the side alley, with visibly better craftsmanship, started at RMB 180.

Is it safe to use my credit card at the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City shops?

In the large, established stores with proper point-of-sale terminals, yes, it's generally as safe as any retail transaction. I've used mine without issue. At the small independent stalls and kiosks, it's a different story. Most will only display QR codes for Alipay or WeChat Pay. These apps are linked to your phone number and Chinese bank account or a connected international card. The transaction is digital and secure, but the setup requires some preparation before your trip. Relying solely on a physical credit card at a street stall will likely leave you unable to pay. Carry a reasonable amount of RMB cash as your primary backup.

How do I get a good photo with the Bell Tower without the crowds?

The classic shot from the street-level roundabout is always crowded. For a cleaner shot, use the elevated second-floor walkways of the surrounding shopping malls (like the one connected to Exit 6 of the metro). From inside, for a people-free shot of the structure itself, focus on architectural details—the painted eaves, the corner brackets, a single carved dragon head against the sky. Wide shots of the viewing deck will almost always include people, so lean into the detail work.

What's the one thing most tourists miss at the Bell Tower?

They miss looking down. Everyone looks out at the horizon. Take a moment to look straight down over the railings at the base of the tower itself. You'll see the massive, sloping stone pedestal it sits on. Observe the intricate traffic flow of the roundabout—a modern dance of cars, bikes, and buses circling a static Ming Dynasty monument. This vertical perspective, from ancient foundation to modern street level, perfectly encapsulates Xi'an.

I'm visiting with limited mobility. Can I still access the Bell Tower?

This is a significant challenge. The only way up is via several flights of old, steep, and sometimes slippery wooden stairs. There is no elevator or ramp. The underground passages to reach the entrance also involve stairs, though some have escalators. The ground floor exhibition is accessible, but the defining view from the upper floors is not. I'd recommend enjoying the tower from the surrounding square and the second-floor viewing windows of the nearby Starbucks, which offers a fantastic, barrier-free alternative panorama.

I'm worried about packing fragile items. Will vendors help?

Yes, absolutely. This is a common request. They are experts at wrapping ceramic and clay figures in layers of bubble wrap, newspaper, and cardboard. They will secure it thoroughly, often using an entire roll of tape. It might look comical, but it works. I've carried a 10-inch warrior wrapped this way in my checked luggage across multiple flights without a scratch. Just ask, "Can you wrap it for travel?" ("Neng bao zhuang ma?").

Are the "antique" coins and artifacts real?

No. Any artifact genuinely excavated from a protected site like the mausoleum would be a national treasure and illegal to sell. These are modern reproductions, often artificially aged. Buy them as inexpensive curios if you like the look, but understand their true nature.

How do I know if a terracotta replica is good quality?

Pick it up. A good replica has a satisfying weight—it should feel dense, not hollow and light. Run your fingers over it; it should have a slightly rough, sandy texture, not be perfectly smooth. Look at the paint; hand-applied paint will have tiny variations and brush marks, while cheap ones look airbrushed and uniform. Finally, compare faces on several figurines; mass-produced fakes will have identical, blurry features.