Things to do in Xi'an.
Xi'an was China's capital for more than a thousand years and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road — and it still wears that history openly. The Terracotta Army is the reason most people come, but the intact Ming city walls, the food-stall lanes of the Muslim Quarter and the floodlit pagodas make it more than a one-sight stop. Two days are well spent here.
What to see
Terracotta Army
Thousands of life-size clay soldiers guarding the first emperor's tomb, about an hour east of the city. Go early to beat the tour groups; a guide helps, as on-site English is limited.
The City Walls
The most complete ancient city walls in China — 14km around. Rent a bike at the South Gate and ride the full loop; it's the best way to grasp the old city's scale.
Muslim Quarter
The Hui community's lanes behind the Drum Tower, packed with food stalls — hand-pulled noodles, roujiamo (Chinese "burgers"), skewers and persimmon cakes. Come hungry, ideally at night.
Bell & Drum Towers
The twin Ming-dynasty towers at the city's heart, especially good after dark when they're lit. The square between them is the natural centre of town.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A 7th-century Buddhist pagoda in the south of the city, with a large musical fountain show in the plaza out front on most evenings.
Great Mosque
One of China's oldest and largest mosques, tucked into the Muslim Quarter — a quiet courtyard complex that blends Islamic function with Chinese temple architecture.
Where to stay
The best base: around the Bell Tower, walkable to the Muslim Quarter and the towers, on the metro. The widest choice of hotels in the historic heart.
Handy for cycling the walls and a short metro hop to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Quieter than the Bell Tower core.
South of the walls near the pagoda and fountain show — newer hotels and malls, a little removed from the old-city sights.
Stick to international chains or English-listed hotels to guarantee foreign-guest registration. Search Xi'an hotels on Trip.com → See our Stay guide on which hotels accept foreigners.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Xi’an?
The Terracotta Army is the headline — thousands of life-size clay soldiers an hour outside the city. In town, cycle or walk the complete Ming-dynasty city walls, eat your way through the Muslim Quarter’s food street, climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and see the Bell and Drum Towers lit up at night.
How many days do you need in Xi’an?
Two days is plenty. Give one day to the Terracotta Army (half a day at the site plus travel), and a second to the city walls, the Muslim Quarter and the pagodas. Xi’an sits on the high-speed rail network, so many travellers visit it as a two-night stop between Beijing and Chengdu or Shanghai.
How do you get to the Terracotta Army from Xi’an?
The Terracotta Army is about 40km east of the city. The cheapest way is the public tourism bus (Line 5 / 306) from near Xi’an Railway Station, roughly an hour. A DiDi or a guided tour is faster and easier; go early to beat the tour-group crowds, and consider a guide as the site has little English signage.
Where should I stay in Xi’an?
Stay inside the city walls, near the Bell Tower, for walkable access to the Muslim Quarter, the towers and the metro. It puts you in the historic heart with the widest choice of hotels. Stick to international chains or hotels listed in English on Trip.com to guarantee foreign-guest registration.
Is Xi’an worth visiting?
Yes — Xi’an was the capital of China for over a thousand years and the eastern end of the Silk Road, and the Terracotta Army is one of the country’s essential sights. With intact city walls you can cycle and a food scene that rivals any in China, two days here are well spent.