Xi'an: Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏙 Xi'an Travel Guide

📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots (selected)

1. Terracotta Army

   • The eighth wonder of the world, part of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, is magnificent in scale and shocking in history.
   • Editor’s Tip: Go in the morning when there are fewer people, and take a tour with a guide or rent an audio guide to gain a deeper understanding of the history.

2. Xi'an City Wall

   • This is China's most complete and largest ancient city wall, and you can rent a bicycle to circle it.
   • Editor's tip: It's most comfortable to go in the evening, and you can also take pictures of the ancient city under the sunset.

3. Bell Tower & Drum Tower

   • A landmark in Xi'an, it is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.
   • Editor’s tip: The area around Bell Tower Square is a hub of delicious food, so foodies shouldn’t miss it.

4. Muslim Street

   • You must visit the food street and eat all kinds of Northwestern snacks at once.
   • Editor's tip: Be mindful of your belongings during busy times and avoid the busiest weekend evenings.

5. Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Da Ci'en Temple

   • A representative of Tang Dynasty architecture, it has a large musical fountain show at night.
   • Editor's tip: Go half an hour before the show to reserve a seat, it's free but there will be a lot of people.

6. Shaanxi History Museum

   • It houses a large collection of cultural relics from the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. Admission is free but reservations must be made online in advance.

🍜 Must-eat food in Xi'an

1. Roujiamo

   • The Chinese version of a hamburger, with a fragrant bun and tender meat. Lao Baijia and Fan Ji are recommended.

2. Pita Bread In Mutton Soup

   • The mutton soup is rich and fragrant, and it is served with hand-torn steamed buns to absorb the soup.
   • Editor’s tip: Tear the steamed bun into small pieces so that the soup can be flavored.

3. Liangpi

   • A classic Shaanxi snack, both sesame sauce and spicy flavors are super appetizing.

4. Sauce noodles

   • It is sour, fragrant and slightly spicy, and the soup is bright red. Drinking a bowl of it in winter is very warming.

5. Mirror Cake

   • A dessert made from glutinous rice, it is crispy on the outside, soft and sticky on the inside, and sweet but not greasy.

🚇 Xi'an transportation tips

• Subway : There are currently multiple lines connecting major attractions with the railway station, with fares starting from 2 yuan.
• Public transportation : The fare is cheap (1-2 yuan), but it is crowded during peak hours.
• Taxis & ride-hailing services : convenient but prone to traffic jams during peak hours.
• Walking & Cycling : The attractions are concentrated within the city walls, which are suitable for walking or cycling.
• Tourist buses : There are direct buses to scenic spots (such as the Terracotta Warriors bus), which saves time and worry.

📅 Editor's personal itinerary suggestion (3 days)

• Day 1 : Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Hot Springs → Muslim Street Night Market
• Day 2 : Xi'an City Wall → Bell Tower and Drum Tower → Shaanxi History Museum
• Day 3 : Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Da Ci'en Temple → Shopping in Xiaozhai Commercial District