Ultimate Guide to Visiting Xi’an, China

Xi’an was easily one of our favourite places to visit in China. The food, the Terracotta Warriors, the city wall, and the traditional dress – it has it all. Ultimate Guide to Visiting Xi’an, China is right here, based on the most asked questions and our personal experience, to help you plan your trip with confidence.

For our travels across China, we used Trip.com for hotels, high-speed trains, and flights. It was by far the most foreigner-friendly option we found. The app made booking simple and stress-free. Their English-speaking support team was very helpful when we needed to change plans or ask for refunds.

We stayed at Heye Youth Travel Hotel (Xi’an Bell Tower Metro Station) while we were in Xi’an. It was a very comfortable hotel, clean and tidy, with some nice common areas and laundry area for guests. The location was great. It was just a 5-minute walk from the Xi’an Bell Tower Metro Station. It was also a 15-minute walk to the famous Xi’an street food street.

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How to get there

Train from Chengdu to Xi’an

We took the fast train from Chengdu to Xi’an. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours and costs roughly 350¥ (49 USD) in second class. We booked our tickets through Trip.com – easy, reliable, and foreign card–friendly.

See our full guide: How to use the high-speed train in China for tips on booking, boarding, and what to expect onboard.

Travel Tips

How many days should I spend in Xi’an

Spending 2-3 days in Xi’an is plenty to see the main highlights without feeling rushed. We saw the Terracotta Warriors, tried street food in the Muslim Quarter, rode bikes around the City Wall at sunset and we also visited the giant escalator at Zhongda Mall. We spent a lot of time eating. Maybe we spent too much time on food. Because of this, we missed some places. We didn’t get to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda or Huaqing Palace. If we go back, those will be on the list. But even with what we did, the trip felt full and memorable.

How do I get around Xi’an

Xi’an has bikes you can hire through WeChat or Alipay. Just scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it and pay. On our trip, we made a friend who loved the bike rental. It reminded him of cycling in Amsterdam, his home in the Netherlands. Like most of China, Xi’an’s metro network is excellent and will get you everywhere, with trains running every few minutes. Didi rides are also cheap and easy to order through the WeChat or Alipay apps. We found ordering Didi on the Alipay app a bit easier, but both work fine.

Must see spots

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors – What You Need to Know

For a complete guide on planning your visit to the terracotta warriors, see our dedicated blog here.

The Terracotta Warriors can be visited using public transport, and while it took a bit of planning, it was a great way to experience the trip like a local. From the center of Xi’an, we took Bus 306 (also known as Tourism Bus 5). We boarded it just outside the Xi’an Railway Station, not the North Station. It runs directly to the Terracotta Army Museum and costs about ¥7 per person (1 USD). The ride takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

We’d already set up WeChat Pay for transport, so using the bus was simple. If you’re doing this, be sure to have Translate and Maps apps ready. Signage can be limited in English, and the buses don’t always have clear stop announcements.

If you’re short on time or prefer less hassle, a day tour with hotel pickup might be worth it. These typically include transport, a guide, and sometimes lunch. At the entrance, you’ll be approached by local guides offering their services. They can be persistent but polite. We chose not to hire one.

While we skipped the tour and went solo because Ling speaks fluent Mandarin, the site is actually straightforward to navigate even without a guide.

Crowds are a given – it’s one of China’s most visited attractions. Arrive early if you want a quieter start, but expect tour groups no matter what.

Time suggestion:

• Leave Xi’an around 8:30–9:00 AM
• Arrive at the site around 10:00–10:30 AM
• Spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring
• Return by 2:30–3:00 PM
• Return to Xi’an by 4:00–5:00 PM to relax and hit the street food scene by sunset

Allowing a full day gives you flexibility without rushing.

Street Food in Xi’an – Muslim Quarter Night Market

Xi’an’s most famous spot for street food is the Muslim Quarter, located near the Drum Tower. We stayed about a 15-minute walk away and ended up visiting more than once. The food was amazing. It was full of flavour, affordable, and served in a lively atmosphere. This made the experience even better.

We recommend going around sunset. It’s cooler, and the area starts to fill with locals and tourists alike. The lighting, smells, and sounds all come together to make it feel like a mini festival every night.

There are plenty of local favourites to try, but our top pick was the Liangpi (cold noodles with vinegar). They’re tangy, spicy, and super refreshing on a warm evening. You will also find skewers, stuffed flatbreads, hand-pulled noodles, and many sweets from the local Hui Muslim community.

The Muslim Quarter is not just about food. It is a great place to see Xi’an’s mix of cultures. You can watch locals at work and pick up some souvenirs while you are there.

Main Street Food Streets in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter:

1. Beiyuanmen Street (北院门街)
   – This is the main pedestrian street lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and local restaurants.
   – It’s the heart of the Muslim Quarter and where you’ll find many classic street food dishes.
2. Hui Min Jie (回民街)
   – “Hui People Street,” often used as a general name for the area, includes Beiyuanmen and side streets like Huajue Lane and Damaishi Jie.
   – You’ll find skewers, desserts, and traditional Hui Muslim foods here.
3. Damaishi Jie (大麦市街)
   – A nearby side street with more local vendors and fewer tourists.
   – Great for trying slightly less commercialised food options.

Cycling Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall at Sunset

Cycling the Xi’an City Wall at sunset was the most enjoyable part of our trip. We got there around 7 PM and left just before 10 PM. So, set aside about 3 hours if you want to do the full loop. The city views at dusk were amazing. Riding on top of this old structure is a special way to see Xi’an’s history.

You can rent bikes at any of the main gates—South, East, West, or North. Rentals usually go from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. After 8 PM, all bikes must be returned to the South Gate only.

Here’s what to expect cost-wise:

• Single bike: around ¥45 for 3 hours
• Tandem bike: around ¥90 for 3 hours
• Deposit: about ¥100, refunded when you return the bike

You don’t need to book ahead. Just bring your passport, pay the rental fee, and leave the deposit. Card payments are usually accepted, but having some cash can help speed things up.

The surface of the wall can be a little uneven in parts, so wear comfortable shoes and take it at your own pace. There are vendors and toilets along the way, but bringing your own water is a good idea.

The World’s Longest Indoor Escalator

Inside the Zhongda International Shopping Mall in Xi’an, you’ll find the world’s longest indoor escalator. This engineering marvel stretches 68.8 meters and connects the underground subway station directly into the mall’s upper levels.

To reach it, take Metro Line 2 and get off at Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station. From there, follow the signs to Exit B, which leads straight into the shopping mall.

Interestingly, it takes about 2 minutes to ride from the bottom to the top which you can use to enjoy the mall’s sleek design. The ride is completely free (woo!) and makes for a quirky and convenient side stop right in the heart of Xi’an’s city centre.

Night-Time Water Show at Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A Must-See Experience in Xi’an

On our second night in Xi’an, we experienced the popular night-time water show at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This free show attracts large crowds every evening, making it one of the top things to do in Xi’an after dark. The music, lights, and fountain display are perfectly coordinated, creating a memorable experience. Many visitors and locals wear traditional Hanfu clothing, which adds to the atmosphere and offers excellent photo opportunities. After the show, we took Metro Line 3 from Dayanta Station, transferred to Line 2 at Xiaozhai Station, and returned to the Muslim Quarter to enjoy more street food. This combination of cultural entertainment and local cuisine made our second night in Xi’an truly unforgettable.

Where to stay

Where to Stay in Xi’an: Best Areas for Tourists

Near the Bell Tower

We stayed at Heye Youth Travel Hotel (Xi’an Bell Tower Metro Station) while we were in Xi’an. It was a very comfortable hotel, clean and tidy, with some nice common areas and laundry area for guests. The location was great, being just a 5-minute walk from the Xi’an Bell Tower Metro Station and 15 minutes walk to the famous Xi’an street food street. If you’re considering other areas, we’ve provided two more tourist-friendly options.

Near the South Gate

Near Yongningmen Station (Line 2) puts you right at the City Wall, which is perfect if you plan to bike it at sunset. It’s slightly less busy than the Bell Tower zone but still well-connected and full of places to eat.

Qujiang New District

Near Datang Furong Garden Station (Line 4) is a more modern area near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, large parks, and the night water show. It’s scenic, clean, and ideal if you want a mix of culture and comfort.

No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book through Trip.com . We used it throughout our time in China and found it easy to use, reliable, and English-friendly. It made booking hotels and train tickets simple, especially when navigating around in a different language.

Also, make sure your hotel is close to a metro station. Xi’an’s subway system is fast, cheap, and well-connected, making it the best way to explore the city.

Eat and drink

Top Xi’an Street Foods You Must Try

Most nights, we spent hours walking up and down the two main food streets, hunting for new things to try. From spicy skewers to sweet mung bean cakes, there was something different around every corner. One standout was the soup dumpling served with a straw—you drink the broth first before eating the dumpling. It was a fun experience and seriously tasty.

Biang Biang Noodles

Okay, if you’re talking about ICONIC Xi’an noodles, you absolutely have to talk about biang biang noodles! These aren’t just any noodles; they’re famous for being incredibly wide, thick, and long – we’re talking about hand-pulled, belt-like ribbons of dough. They’re super chewy and satisfying, perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors.

The “Biang Biang” sound actually comes from the noise the dough makes when it’s slapped against the counter by the noodle maker – it’s a real art to watch!

Now, for the really fun part: the character for “biang” (as in, 𪚥). This isn’t your average Chinese character; it’s famously one of the most complex characters in the entire language, boasting 57 strokes! Yep, you read that right, 57 strokes for one single character! It’s so intricate that most people, even native Chinese speakers, don’t know how to write it and it’s not even found in standard dictionaries.

Liangpi Noodles

One of Ling’s favourites in Xi’an were the liangpi (凉皮, liáng pí), or cold skin noodles, is another absolute must-try street food staple from Xi’an. Liangpi is a refreshing, zingy counterpart, perfect for a hot day or as a side dish.

These noodles are incredibly unique: thin, translucent, and incredibly chewy, made from wheat or rice flour and then steamed. What truly makes liangpi so delicious is the dressing. It’s typically a vibrant, tangy, and sometimes spicy mix of chili oil, vinegar, minced garlic, sesame paste, and a touch of soy sauce. They often come served with a sprinkling of julienned cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, and sometimes a few chunks of spongy gluten, adding a lovely crunch and texture contrast.

Roujiamo

Roujiamo (肉夹馍, ròu jia mó), a.k.a the “Chinese hamburger,” is a classic street food from the Shaanxi Province. It’s famous for its awesome texture and super rich flavour.

So, what is it? Basically, it’s this incredibly tender, slow-braised meat – usually pork, but you’ll find beef or lamb in Muslim areas too – shredded and stuffed into a freshly baked, crispy bread. This bread is usually made from wheat dough and traditionally baked in a special clay oven, which gives it that distinct crunch on the outside and a lovely fluffy inside.

Ordering Food

Ordering food is simple, even if you don’t speak Mandarin. Most stalls use QR code payment through Alipay or WeChat. Just scan, pay, and go. If you’re not sure what to say, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Yī ge (一个) – one of something
• Liǎng ge (两个) – two of something
• Xiè xiè (谢谢) – thank you

Pro tip: when in doubt, point and show the number of fingers corresponding to how many you want ;)

What is the Best time to visit Xi’an

Choosing the right time of year can significantly enhance your experience! The sweet spot for a visit is typically during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, you’ll find the weather wonderfully mild and comfortable, with pleasantly less rain.

While we personally visited in June, we did find it to be quite hot at that time of year, so be prepared for warmer temperatures as summer approaches. If you’re considering the peak of summer, expect it to be warm and crowded. On the flip side, winter in Xi’an is cold and dry, but does offer the benefit of much quieter attractions.

Spring and autumn lets you enjoy iconic sights like the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient City Wall while also offering significantly fewer crowds. Ultimately, aligning your trip with these months will generally give you the most comfortable and enjoyable experience in Xi’an.