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One-Day Xi'an Travel Guide

Morning: The Terracotta Army

Start your day with a visit to one of China’s most iconic archaeological sites – the Terracotta Army. To get there, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app (around 1 hour from the city center), or you can take a bus from Xi'an Railway Station. The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, consists of thousands of life-sized statues of warriors, horses, and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The site is divided into three main pits, with Pit 1 being the largest and most impressive. Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore the museum and view the awe-inspiring statues.


Late Morning: Big Wild Goose Pagoda

After visiting the Terracotta Army, head back into the city to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Take a taxi or bus to reach this 1,300-year-old Buddhist pagoda located in the Da Ci'en Temple complex. The pagoda was originally built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. You can climb to the top of the pagoda for a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding area is also home to beautiful gardens and a large square, perfect for a leisurely walk.


Lunch: Xi'an’s Famous Dumplings

For lunch, try Xi’an’s famous dumplings. Head to a local restaurant such as De Fa Chang or Xi’an Dumpling Restaurant, where you can sample a variety of dumplings, including jiaozi (dumplings) filled with vegetables, meat, or even sweet fillings. Xi'an's Biang Biang noodles, a type of hand-pulled noodle, are also a must-try for those who want to experience the city's unique cuisine. Don’t forget to also try Roujiamo (the Chinese burger), another local favorite.


Afternoon: The Ancient City Wall

In the afternoon, make your way to the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Located in the center of Xi’an, the wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty and offers incredible views of the old city. You can rent a bike or simply walk along the wall for a 13.7-kilometer journey, enjoying the historic architecture and the surrounding moat. Plan for around 1-1.5 hours here.


Late Afternoon: Muslim Quarter

After your visit to the City Wall, take a short walk or taxi ride to the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant and bustling area that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural blend. The street is lined with market stalls selling souvenirs, spices, and local snacks. You can try Yangrou Paomo, a traditional Xi’an dish consisting of lamb soup and torn flatbread, or indulge in sugar-coated hawthorn sticks and other street snacks. The area also has several historical sites, including Great Mosque and old Islamic architecture.


Evening: The Bell Tower and Drum Tower

As the day winds down, visit Xi’an’s Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Bell Tower, located in the city center, was once used to mark time during the Ming Dynasty. It offers a great view of the city’s main roads and is especially beautiful when lit up at night. The Drum Tower, located nearby, was used to announce the time in ancient China. The surrounding area is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, making it perfect for a stroll.


Dinner: Xi’an’s Local Cuisine

For dinner, enjoy some more traditional Xi’an cuisine. You can try the Xi'an-style lamb skewers (Yang Rou Chuan) or Xi’an noodles in one of the many local restaurants around the city. Defachang Restaurant, famous for its dumplings, is also a great choice for a sit-down meal. Alternatively, you can explore the night food scene at the Muslim Quarter, where you can continue snacking on the variety of delicious local dishes.


Night: Nighttime Stroll or Tang Dynasty Show

If you have time, you can end your day by visiting the Tang Dynasty Show, a cultural performance that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with music, dance, and costumes. It’s a great way to experience Xi’an's rich history in a lively and entertaining manner. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful nighttime stroll around the city to enjoy the illuminated Bell Tower and Drum Tower and the vibrant atmosphere of Xi’an’s historical streets.


One-Day Xi'an Travel Guide

Morning: The Terracotta Army

Start your day with a visit to one of China’s most iconic archaeological sites – the Terracotta Army. To get there, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app (around 1 hour from the city center), or you can take a bus from Xi'an Railway Station. The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, consists of thousands of life-sized statues of warriors, horses, and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The site is divided into three main pits, with Pit 1 being the largest and most impressive. Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore the museum and view the awe-inspiring statues.


Late Morning: Big Wild Goose Pagoda

After visiting the Terracotta Army, head back into the city to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Take a taxi or bus to reach this 1,300-year-old Buddhist pagoda located in the Da Ci'en Temple complex. The pagoda was originally built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. You can climb to the top of the pagoda for a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding area is also home to beautiful gardens and a large square, perfect for a leisurely walk.


Lunch: Xi'an’s Famous Dumplings

For lunch, try Xi’an’s famous dumplings. Head to a local restaurant such as De Fa Chang or Xi’an Dumpling Restaurant, where you can sample a variety of dumplings, including jiaozi (dumplings) filled with vegetables, meat, or even sweet fillings. Xi'an's Biang Biang noodles, a type of hand-pulled noodle, are also a must-try for those who want to experience the city's unique cuisine. Don’t forget to also try Roujiamo (the Chinese burger), another local favorite.


Afternoon: The Ancient City Wall

In the afternoon, make your way to the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Located in the center of Xi’an, the wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty and offers incredible views of the old city. You can rent a bike or simply walk along the wall for a 13.7-kilometer journey, enjoying the historic architecture and the surrounding moat. Plan for around 1-1.5 hours here.


Late Afternoon: Muslim Quarter

After your visit to the City Wall, take a short walk or taxi ride to the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant and bustling area that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural blend. The street is lined with market stalls selling souvenirs, spices, and local snacks. You can try Yangrou Paomo, a traditional Xi’an dish consisting of lamb soup and torn flatbread, or indulge in sugar-coated hawthorn sticks and other street snacks. The area also has several historical sites, including Great Mosque and old Islamic architecture.


Evening: The Bell Tower and Drum Tower

As the day winds down, visit Xi’an’s Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Bell Tower, located in the city center, was once used to mark time during the Ming Dynasty. It offers a great view of the city’s main roads and is especially beautiful when lit up at night. The Drum Tower, located nearby, was used to announce the time in ancient China. The surrounding area is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, making it perfect for a stroll.


Dinner: Xi’an’s Local Cuisine

For dinner, enjoy some more traditional Xi’an cuisine. You can try the Xi'an-style lamb skewers (Yang Rou Chuan) or Xi’an noodles in one of the many local restaurants around the city. Defachang Restaurant, famous for its dumplings, is also a great choice for a sit-down meal. Alternatively, you can explore the night food scene at the Muslim Quarter, where you can continue snacking on the variety of delicious local dishes.


Night: Nighttime Stroll or Tang Dynasty Show

If you have time, you can end your day by visiting the Tang Dynasty Show, a cultural performance that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with music, dance, and costumes. It’s a great way to experience Xi’an's rich history in a lively and entertaining manner. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful nighttime stroll around the city to enjoy the illuminated Bell Tower and Drum Tower and the vibrant atmosphere of Xi’an’s historical streets.