Xi'an was the capital of thirteen dynasties, the starting point of the Silk Road, and the resting place of the world-famous Terracotta Army. For history lovers, it's one of the most rewarding cities in China. Here's a practical rundown: what to see, what to eat, and how to get around.
What to see in Xi'an
- The Terracotta Army: thousands of clay warriors guarding the tomb of China's first emperor — an archaeological wonder.
- The City Wall: a beautifully intact Ming-era wall you can cycle right around.
- The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: an ancient Buddhist pagoda linked to the monk Xuanzang.
- The Bell Tower: the city's landmark, right at its centre.
- Huaqing Palace: a hot-spring palace tied to the famous Tang romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
Cultural experiences worth trying
- Wander the Muslim Quarter in the evening for its food and buzzing atmosphere.
- Watch the Tang-dynasty music-and-dance show "Song of Everlasting Sorrow".
- Hunt for calligraphy and crafts on Shuyuanmen street.
- Admire the distinctive Tang-era tri-coloured Tang Sancai pottery.
What to eat in Xi'an
Xi'an is a paradise for street food:
- Roujiamo: the "Chinese hamburger" — tender braised meat in a crisp baked bun.
- Biangbiang noodles: wide, chewy noodles dressed with chilli and hot oil.
- Yangrou paomo: torn flatbread in a hearty mutton soup.
- Liangpi: cold rice noodles, sour and spicy and refreshing.
- Soup dumplings: popular here too.
Getting around Xi'an
Xi'an is well connected by high-speed rail and an international airport. Within the city, the metro reaches many of the main sights. The Terracotta Army lies about an hour east of the centre — reachable by tourist bus or private car — and Huaqing Palace sits on the same route, so the two combine neatly in one day.
Because the historical sites mean so much more with context, travelling with a French- or Vietnamese-speaking guide makes the visit far richer.
When to visit Xi'an
The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is dry and pleasant. Summer is hot; winter is cold and dry.
How many days do you need?
About 2–3 days: a full day for the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace, and a day for the city wall, the Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter.
A few practical tips
- Arrive early at the Terracotta Army to beat the crowds and see all three excavation pits.
- Cycling the city wall at dusk is a memorable experience.
Xi'an takes you back to the golden age of ancient China — an unmissable stop for any history enthusiast.