Xi'an travel guide
Updated 9 November 2026
Capital of 13 dynasties and the eastern end of the Silk Road. The Terracotta Army is the headline, but the intact city walls, Muslim Quarter food streets and night-lit Tang-dynasty boulevards make Xi'an one of China's most rewarding stops.
Time needed2–3 days
Best timeMarch–May, September–November
Chinese name西安
240-hour transitYes — approved port
Visa-free entry to Xi'an
- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: Shaanxi Province.
Check your passport for Xi'an →
Top things to do
- Terracotta Army. Thousands of life-size clay warriors guarding the first emperor's tomb, about an hour from the city. Book tickets in advance; allow half a day.
- City Wall. Cycle the full 14 km loop on top of the Ming-dynasty walls.
- Muslim Quarter. Evening food street around the Great Mosque.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tang-dynasty pagoda with a fountain show in the square.
- Shaanxi History Museum. One of China's best museums; free tickets must be reserved and go fast.
- Grand Tang Mall (Datang Everbright City). Lit-up boulevard of Tang-style performances in the evening.
Getting around
Metro Line 9 doesn't reach the Terracotta Army directly — use the tourist bus from the railway station, a DiDi, or a tour. Xi'an North station handles high-speed trains to Beijing (about 4.5 h) and Chengdu.
Where to stay
- Inside the City Wall (Bell Tower area) — Walk to the Muslim Quarter and walls
- Dayan Pagoda / Qujiang — Quieter, close to the museum and Tang-style streets
Hotels in Xi'an that accept foreigners Affiliate link
Day trips
- Mount Hua (Huashan) — dramatic granite peaks
- Famen Temple
What to eat
- Roujiamo ("Chinese burger")
- Biangbiang noodles
- Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread)
- Liangpi (cold noodles)