Terracotta Warriors
40 km east of the city in Lintong. ¥120 ticket, open 8:30-18:30 (Mar 16–Nov 15). Arrive by 7:30 AM to beat tour buses. Allow 3 hours; Pit 1 is the iconic shot, Pit 2 has the most variety.
Book this experience →西安 · Travel Guide
Xi'an for foreigners
Terracotta Warriors, the 14th-century city wall, and Silk Road food that hits different.
Xi'an is where Chinese history begins. It was the capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, which is why the food is heavier on lamb, bread, and cumin than anywhere else in central China. Most travelers need 2-3 days: one day for the Terracotta Warriors (they're 40 km east of the city), one for the wall and downtown, and an optional day for Mount Hua or Famen Temple. The city center is compact and walkable. The Ming-dynasty wall encloses the old city in a 13.7 km rectangle; everything inside is flat and bikeable. The Muslim Quarter (Hui Min Jie) sits just west of the Bell Tower and is the densest food neighborhood in central China. Xi'an is also noticeably cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai — a comfortable 3-day trip with hotels runs about ¥2,000-3,500 ($280-490) per person.
Top things to do in Xi'an
Xi'an City Wall
The most complete ancient city wall in China — 13.7 km around, Ming dynasty (1370–1378). ¥54 entry. Rent a bike at the South Gate (¥45 single, ¥90 tandem, 2 hours). Sunset rides are the highlight.
Book this experience →Muslim Quarter (Hui Min Jie)
The most underrated food neighborhood in China. Walk Beiyuanmen, then duck into Dapai Xiang for biang biang noodles. Try rou jia mo (¥10), yangrou paomo (¥40-60), and persimmon cakes. Go at 6 PM when stalls fire up.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A Tang-dynasty brick pagoda from 652 AD, still standing. ¥50 entry to the grounds, extra for the climb. The North Square has a free musical fountain at night (9 PM show).
Tang Dynasty show
The "Dream Chang'an" or "Tang Dynasty Palace" dinner show at the Tang Dynasty Hotel — Tang-era music, dance, costumes. ¥298-498 depending on seat; book through Klook for the English-hosting version.
Famen Temple (day trip)
110 km west of the city. A Buddhist temple with a finger-bone relic of the Buddha. Worth it for niche interest; the underground palace museum is striking. ¥120 entry, allow a full day.
Where to stay in Xi'an
We only list hotels that accept foreign guests and accept international credit cards.
Trip.com
Sofitel Legend Xi'an
Verified accepting foreign guests, English-speaking staff, central location.
from $210/night
Booking.com
Eastern House Boutique Hotel
Verified accepting foreign guests, English-speaking staff, central location.
from $78/night
Klook
Xi'an Bell Tower Youth Hostel
Verified accepting foreign guests, English-speaking staff, central location.
from $22/night
Book your Xi'an trip
Three platforms that work well for foreign visitors to Xi'an. Prices update in real time; no hidden fees.
Trip.com
Hotels, trains & flights
The best platform for mainland-China hotels and high-speed rail tickets. English interface, accepts foreign Visa/Mastercard.
Hotels from $35/night · HSR from $7
Search Xi'an on Trip.com →Booking.com
International hotel chains
Best for international chains (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG) that most foreigners already have loyalty status with.
Free cancellation on most rooms
Search Xi'an on Booking.com →Klook
Tours, attractions & eSIM
Skip-the-line attraction tickets, day tours, and China eSIM data packages. Instant confirmation, mobile vouchers.
Tours from $12 · eSIM from $3
Search Xi'an on Klook →Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy.
When to visit Xi'an
April–May and September–October. July–August is hot (35°C+) and crowded with domestic tourists. Winter is cold but quiet.
FAQ
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How do I get to the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an?
Tour Bus 5 (游5路) from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station — ¥7, 90 minutes. Or DiDi/taxi (¥200-250 one way, 50 minutes) or a private car with driver (¥600-800/day). -
Is the Tang Dynasty show worth it?
Yes, if you want the cultural hook. It's a tourist show, not a documentary — Tang music, dance, costumes, and a dumpling banquet. Skip it if you're on a tight schedule; it runs 90 minutes. -
Is Xi'an safe for tourists?
Yes. The main risk is the Muslim Quarter pickpocketing in peak hours — use a crossbody bag. Traffic inside the wall is mostly bicycles and pedestrians, so it feels calmer than Beijing.
Get our Xi'an itinerary
A day-by-day plan, the metro lines you need, and the one restaurant locals love.