Xi'an Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Xi'an, a city steeped in history and flavor, offers a perfect blend of ancient wonders and vibrant street life. From the iconic Terracotta Army to the bustling Muslim Quarter, here's how to navigate Xi'an with confidence.
Must-See Attractions in Xi'an
Xi'an is home to some of China's most iconic sights:
- Terracotta Army: Located about an hour east in Lintong, this is a must-visit. Book tickets in advance, go early, and consider taking a tourist bus (游5/306) or a DiDi for convenience.
- Ming City Wall: Rent a bike and ride the 14 km loop, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A Tang-dynasty Buddhist landmark with a large musical-fountain square out front, lit up at night.
- Shaanxi History Museum: One of China's finest collections — free but requires advance booking, so reserve ahead.
- Bell and Drum Towers: The central landmarks of the walled old city.
Exploring the Muslim Quarter
Behind the Drum Tower, the Muslim Quarter is a feast for the senses. It's bustling with:
- Roujiamo: Often called the 'Chinese burger', with spiced meat in a crisp flatbread.
- Biangbiang Noodles: Wide, hand-pulled noodles slicked with chili oil.
- Yangrou Paomo: A hearty lamb soup with crumbled flatbread.
- Persimmon Cakes: A sweet treat to round off your culinary adventure.
Come hungry — the Muslim Quarter is the classic hunting ground for snacks, skewers, and sweets.
Shopping in Xi'an
Xi'an's shopping scene is diverse, centered around the walled Old City:
- Muslim Quarter: Offers street food, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and Silk Road handicrafts. Haggling is part of the experience.
- Shuyuanmen Cultural Street: Ideal for calligraphy supplies, brushes, seals, and miniature Terracotta Warrior replicas.
- Bell Tower Area: Home to large, modern shopping malls.
Getting Around Xi'an
Xi'an's transportation is user-friendly for tourists:
- Metro System: Connects the walled old city, main railway stations, and Xianyang International Airport. Use Alipay or WeChat for easy payment.
- Terracotta Army: Not on the metro line; take the tourist bus from near the railway station or Big Wild Goose Pagoda for a seamless trip.
Day Trips from Xi'an
Xi'an is a great base for exploring nearby attractions:
- Mount Hua (Huashan): Known for its dramatic peaks, reachable in about 30 minutes by high-speed rail.
- Huaqing Palace Hot Springs: Often paired with a visit to the Terracotta Army.
- Famen Temple and Qianling Tombs: Perfect for history enthusiasts seeking more ancient wonders.