Xi'an walking tour & city guide
The Terracotta Army and ancient city walls.
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Xi'an was the capital of China for more than a thousand years and the eastern start of the Silk Road. Today it is famous for the Terracotta Army, its complete Ming dynasty city walls and its lively Muslim Quarter, one of the best food streets in China.
The Terracotta Army
In 1974, farmers digging a well discovered the Terracotta Army, thousands of life-size clay soldiers buried to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, more than 2,200 years ago. Each soldier has a different face. The site, about an hour from the city center, is one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time.
The walled city
Xi'an's city walls, nearly 14 kilometers long, are the most complete in China. You can walk or rent a bicycle on top of them and ride all the way around. At the center of the walled city stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.
Behind the Drum Tower, the Muslim Quarter is home to the Hui community, with a beautiful Great Mosque that combines Chinese and Islamic architecture. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the Tang dynasty, and the nearby Datang Everbright City, a pedestrian boulevard lit up at night, show Xi'an's golden age.
Visiting tips
Plan a full half day for the Terracotta Army. High-speed trains connect Xi'an with Beijing in about four and a half hours. Mount Hua, with its famous cliff paths, is a day trip for adventurous travelers.
Top sights in Xi'an
- 1
Terracotta Army
Thousands of clay soldiers guarding an emperor.
- 2
City Walls
Walk or cycle around the Ming walls.
- 3
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Landmarks at the city center.
- 4
Muslim Quarter
Streets of food and a historic mosque.
- 5
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A Tang dynasty Buddhist pagoda.
- 6
Datang Everbright City
A dazzling boulevard at night.
Food markets & where to eat in Xi'an
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)
Xi'an's most famous food street.
Sajinqiao
A local food street loved by residents.
Yongxingfang
A food street of Shaanxi specialties.
Datang Everbright City
Snacks along the evening boulevard.
Food to try in Xi'an
Roujiamo
Shredded meat in a flatbread, the 'Chinese hamburger'.
Biangbiang noodles
Very wide hand-pulled noodles with chili oil.
Yangrou paomo
Lamb soup with torn flatbread.
Liangpi
Cold, chewy noodles with spicy sauce.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Xi'an
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Xi'anCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Xi'an.
- eSIM for ChinaStay online from the moment you land.
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