Xi'an was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and China's capital for over 1,000 years across 13 dynasties. Today it's best known for the Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qin's 2,200-year-old army of 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers. But beyond the warriors, Xi'an has one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world, and its Muslim Quarter serves up some of China's most unique street food.
✨ Top Highlights
- •Terracotta Warriors Museum
- •Ancient City Wall (rent a bike)
- •Muslim Quarter
- •Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- •Shaanxi History Museum
- •Mount Huashan (for the brave)
🍜 Must-Eat Foods
- •Biangbiang Noodles
- •Yangrou Paomo (lamb bread soup)
- •Liangpi (cold noodles)
- •Persimmon cakes
- •Spicy lamb skewers in Muslim Quarter
💡 Pro Tips
- →Give the Terracotta Warriors 3–4 hours minimum
- →Rent a bike on the City Wall at sunset
- →The Muslim Quarter comes alive at night
- →Take the high-speed train from Beijing (4.5 hours)
📅 Best Time to Visit
March–May and September–November. Summers are hot; winters are cold and dry.
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