The Best 2-Day Itinerary for Your First Time in Xi’an
Xi’an is one of China’s most historic cities and was once the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. Two days are perfect to explore its ancient landmarks, taste incredible street food, and soak up the unique atmosphere that blends old and new.
HOW MANY DAYS | 2
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Apr - Jun & Sep - Nov
WHERE TO STAY | Xi'an Chang'an Residence
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Ancient City Wall,
Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda
HOW TO GET AROUND | tuk-tuk, taxi, metro
Like most travelers, the Terracotta Army was what first put Xi’an on our radar—but the city quickly proved to be so much more than that. From cycling on ancient city walls to wandering Muslim Quarter alleys, we were hooked. We crafted this 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time, especially if you're stopping in Xi’an as part of a bigger China trip. If you're wondering what to do, where to eat, and how to plan it all, this guide has you covered.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR XI’AN ?
We recommend spending at least 2 full days in Xi’an to see the main highlights and soak up the city’s historic charm. If you’d like to explore beyond the center, consider adding a day for a trip to Mount Hua or taking it slower by spending more time cycling along the ancient city walls and discovering hidden gems.
WHERE TO STAY IN XI’AN?
The best place to stay in Xi’an is definitely inside the ancient city walls. We stayed right in the heart of the Muslim Quarter and absolutely loved it. Sure, we had to walk a little to meet our Didi drivers, but having amazing food and sights just steps away made it totally worth it.
When booking accommodation in China, we recommend using Trip.com , it offers a wider range of hotels than Booking.com and works more reliably within China.
BUDGET | We stayed at Xi'an Chang'an Residence and had a modern, spacious and clean room. We were honestly surprised by how calm and peaceful it was to sleep right in the heart of such a lively street.
COMFORT | Choose YiXi Designer Hotel for stylish boho-style rooms and hotel with a modern touch, just a short walk from Hepingmen Metro Station and right near the ancient city wall.
ESCAPE | For a touch of Tang Dynasty elegance in the heart of the city, we recommend staying at Mehood Elegant Hotel Xi’an Bell Tower a beautifully designed hotel near Yongningmen offering spacious rooms and modern comforts.
HOW TO GET TO XI’AN?
If you’re following a similar route to ours — coming from Pingyao (3 hours) or Beijing (4 hours) and heading toward Chengdu (4 hours) — the high-speed train (HSR) is your best bet. It’s fast, reliable, and check-in is quick and easy. Trains arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station (Xi’anbei). From there, the easiest way to reach the city center is by metro line 2 or a Didi (China’s Uber) — both options take around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Xi’an also has a major airport — Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) — with plenty of connections across Asia and even some to Europe. From the airport, you can take metro line 14 (transfer to line 2), or book a Didi to get downtown in about 45 to 60 minutes.
AIR | Search for affordable air fares with kiwi.com here
TRAIN | Check HSR schedules and book your seat through 12go.asia here.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
The easiest and fastest way to get around Xi’an is by using Didi (China’s version of Uber). It’s cheap, convenient, and works well in the city. If you’re visiting places that are farther away, like the Terracotta Warriors, joining a tour can actually be a good deal. Sometimes it’s cheaper than paying for the ride yourself and you don’t have to worry about planning anything.
BOOK | Terracota Warriors Tour + Bus Transfer + Guide
If you’ve heard that your usual apps won’t work in China, that’s true. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! To get around, stay connected, and even pay for things, you’ll need a few key Chinese apps. We explain everything step by step in our guide Essential Apps for Traveling in China post.
We also really recommend you to come prepared with an eSIM and a VPN. China has a strict internet firewall that blocks most Western apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and YouTube. That’s why having an eSIM is super convenient, we stayed connected with Saily eSIM and NordVPN during our trip and it was the best solution to keep using all of the apps you love.
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DAY 1
Ancient City Wall
The 13.4 km city wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved in all of China. It was built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty and is an absolute must-do. You’ve got three great ways to explore the ancient city wall: Rent a bike through the Meituan app and cycle at your own pace, take a walk along the wall for a more relaxed experience, or join a guided tour with GetYourGuide to learn about the wall’s fascinating history as you go.
If you want to take your bike ride slow and snap lots of photos, plan at least two hours. We recommend going early in the day to avoid the heat, crowds, and sunburn. Wear long, lightweight clothes to protect your skin from the strong sun.
ENTRANCE FEE | ¥54 | €6 | US$6
BOOK | City Wall + Wild Goose Pagoda + Terracota Army Private Tour
Bell & Drum Towers
The Bell and Drum Towers are right in the center of Xi’an and easy to visit. They were used in the past to tell time, the bell in the morning and the drum in the evening. Today, they’re surrounded by busy streets, but inside you’ll still find traditional architecture and a small museum. We enjoyed going up for the view at sunset and learning a bit more about how the city worked in ancient times. It’s a quick visit and a great way to understand more about Xi’an’s history.
ENTRANCE FEE | ¥50 | €6 | US$6
Muslim Quarter
Mosque
The Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the oldest and biggest mosques in China, built over 1,200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. This mosque is still used by the local Hui Muslim community. We loved the mix of Chinese and Islamic styles, as there are no domes or minarets, but beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and traditional Chinese roofs. Visitors are welcome to walk around the peaceful garden areas, but are not allowed in the prayer hall.
ENTRANCE FEE | ¥25 | €2 | US$2
TIP | Wear modest clothing to enter the mosque. No head covering required.
Street Food
If you’ve read any of our guides of other countries, you already know: we’re total foodies and street food lovers. In Xi’an, we stayed right in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, where food stalls were literally at our doorstep.
But unlike other countries where we love to just follow our nose and try things spontaneously, China was a bit different for us. It’s not always easy to know what you’re eating. There aren’t many translations, paying can be tricky, and vendors often don’t speak English. Compared to Taiwan, where most stalls had photos or some basic English, street food in China was more intimidating.
We saw some of the most exotic and weird looking foods for our Western palate in China. That’s why we’d really recommend doing a food tour with a local guide. It takes away the guesswork, helps you discover hidden gems, and you’ll learn so much more about the dishes and the culture behind them. Plus, it’s way more fun trying new things when someone can explain exactly what’s on your plate.
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DAY 2
Terracota Army
The Terracotta Army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Each soldier is life-sized and has unique facial features, hairstyles, and clothing – no two are the same! There are thousands of them, along with horses and chariots, all buried in massive underground pits near Xi’an. It’s one of the most famous archaeological discoveries in the world and still not fully uncovered today.
Let’s be honest, the Terracotta Army is probably what brought Xi’an onto your radar. And yes, it’s absolutely worth it! But just so you’re prepared: it gets super packed, especially around the main pit. If you want a better experience (and a few decent photos), try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the big tour groups are gone. The main area is the busiest, but the other pits are much less crowded and actually let you enjoy the view without being rushed. Also, don’t skip the museum inside the complex! It’s usually much calmer and gives you a closer and better view of the warriors. You’ll be able to take your time, see the details up close, and learn a bit more without the crowds pushing around you.
ENTRANCE FEE | ¥120 | €14 | US$17
BOOK | Terracota Army Mini Group or Private Tour
TIP | Bring your passport, if you are buying your tickets at the main entrance
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
This iconic 7-story pagoda stands 64 meters tall and was originally built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, a golden era when Xi’an (then Chang’an) was the capital of China and a major hub of the Silk Road. It was part of the Da Ci’en Temple and played an important role in the spread of Buddhism — housing scriptures and relics brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang.
The area around the pagoda is a lively public space, surrounded by beautiful gardens, Tang-style architecture, and a large plaza that hosts evening fountain shows with music and lights — a fun experience we really enjoyed.
You can also climb the pagoda (¥30*) for a panoramic view of the surrounding temple grounds and city. The interior has a a small collection of relics, but the main draw is definitely the view.
ENTRANCE FEE | ¥50 + ¥30* | €6 + 3€ | US$7 + US$4
WHERE TO EAT?
Put the following Chinese names in the app Amap. If you’re wondering what Amap is and which other apps you’ll need in China, check out our must-have app list!
For the best beef dumplings we had in all of China, head to Guantang Jiaozi Plump Steamed Dumplings from Heaven 志亮灌汤饺子. They’re so special because they have a bit of soup inside and a unique flavor that reminded us of Middle Eastern spices, especially cumin. They are served with a chili and vinegar oil that was so addictive and paired perfectly.
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