Xi'an: Your Ultimate Guide
Updated: Sep 20, 2023
Everything you need to have the most incredible time in my favorite foodie city in China, Xi'an - the best things to do, the food you have to eat, and top tips to avoid crowds!
Xi’an is one of my favorite places in China... largely because it has the most amazing food!
Everything from the best hand-pulled noodles, to unique lamb and bread stews, to spicy sour dumplings, to all of the barbeque meat you can imagine… in fact, I have been to Xi’an three times because the food is so good! Check out my post about all of the must-try foods.
Xi’an sits at one end of the Silk Road, which snakes all the way north to China’s westernmost City, Kashgar. Being part of the Silk Road means that Xi’an has had a strong Middle-Eastern and Islamic influence, highlighted in its diverse religions, incredible mosques, and awesome food.
Its lovely, welcoming, and unique blend of cultures really highlights China’s diversity. And because it was the ancient capital of China, it has a history dating further back than even Beijing. This long, impressive, and beautifully preserved history can be seen throughout Xi’an – you’ve probably heard of China’s Terracotta Warriors.
How many days?
At least two full days. Keep in mind that the more days you spend in Xi'an, the more food you can eat!
So, why visit?
I can’t say it enough… the food!
The incredible Terracotta Warriors
The other history… the Muslim Quarter, pagodas, mausoleums, city walls, museums, etc.
Cycling along the top of the city wall
Best things to do
Explore (and eat everything) in the Muslim Quarter (absolute must-do!)
The Muslim Quarter is a vibey area of narrow streets, dotted with various mosques, small shops, and many, many, many, many places to eat, including sit-down restaurants, and grab-and-go stands (check out the must-eat foods). There are areas that are slightly more touristy (Huiminjie Street), and those that are more local (Sajinqiao, Miaohoujie, and Dapiyuan Streets) but irrespective of where you are, it’s a lovely area to wander through, enjoy the atmosphere, and eat. Each area has its own charm, so just follow your nose, and take in everything happening around you.
Aim here any time from about 12:00. It starts getting very busy around lunch and dinner, so if you'd like a little bit more space, visit the area outside China's traditional lunch (12 to 1 pm) and dinner (7 to 8 pm) hours.
Address:
There are lots of entry points into the Muslim Quarter, so it depends on where exactly you want to visit. But my suggestion is to start at one of the below locations and walk through the market to wherever you want to get to. Usually just ambling around is the best way to see it!
139 Huimin Street, Lianhu (either walk along Maixian Street, or along Dapiyuan Street and then follow your nose)
65 North Guangji Street, Lianhu (to get into the Muslim Quarter walk along North Guangji Street, away from West Street)
Visit the Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are what Xi’an is most famous for – and rightfully so! It is truly impressive to see the immense scale (approximately 8 000 warriors in total), combined with the intricate detail (every single warrior is unique) and the incredible history behind them.
The whole museum is made up of three main areas, or pits, where different excavations have been done. Make sure to visit each of these, because every area highlights a different, highly impressive element about the Warriors.
Tips:
The museum opens at 8:30 am. I REALLY suggest getting here at 8 am at the absolute latest. By 8:30 am there will already be long queues. Once the gates open, I also recommend running to Pit 1 so that you get to see the warriors all by yourself - it's such a special experience! (Note - I really do mean running)
Do not get here after 9:30/10 am. This is when all the tour groups arrive... and it gets INSANELY busy... In my opinion, it's probably not even worth going after 10 am because you will have to force your way through the crowds (and it can be quite scary).
Eat all the amazing food
Xi’an has one of the longest culinary histories in the world, with a range of religions and cultures shaping the diverse food of the region. There is a strong Islamic influence on the food of the area, with the Muslim Quarter housing some (but definitely not all) of the deliciousness. Click here to see my list of Xi'an's must-eat foods!
Cycle around the city wall
Long ago, all of China’s cities were walled but over time the walls have come down. Xi'an is now one of a few places that still has a wall around its ancient town.
Xi'an's wall was first built with glutinous rice extract and dirt, but in the 16th century, it was rebuilt with bricks.
Cycling around Xi’an City Wall is such a lovely way to see both the old city (within the walls), and the new city (outside the walls) from a peaceful (and fun) vantage point.
In total, the wall is 13.7km long, and typically takes about 2 hours to cycle all the way round. If you're not up for the full trip around the wall, you can leave your bike at almost any of the other gates (both the main gates and the smaller gates), and then exit the wall.
My recommendation above all recommendations is to get a bicycle with suspension – the cycle along the top of the wall is by no means smooth sailing because of the bumpy rocks that the wall is made from. You’ll thank me – I promise.
Address:
There are four gates, but I recommend starting at the South Gate (just because I like it most and that’s where the bicycles are).
Visit the Great Mosque
This is a lovely, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the Muslim Quarter.
The mosque is a unique and lovely blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, and the gardens are full of large trees and chirping birds.
Address:
127 Guangming Alley
Take A Walk Around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
This isn't essential, but do it if you have time.
The Giant Wild Goose (or Dayan Pagoda) is a Buddhist pagoda that was built in 652 AD.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda sits within a bigger temple complex made up of various gardens, a musical fountain, and other Buddhist temples, so it makes a nice place to spend some time exploring.
Best areas to stay
Xi’an, as is the case with just about any Chinese city, is massive. So, where you want to stay really depends on what you are looking for.
If you’re looking for a more vibey, unique area to stay, I recommend staying somewhere within the city walls (this is the older part of Xi’an). The city walls surround a large area, so there are many areas to stay within the walls. This area tends to have narrower roads and is packed with shops, restaurants, tea shops, cafés, bars, etc. We stayed just near South Gate, and it was lovely to see the wall lit up at night.
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, but a bit further out, I would suggest staying around Xinjiyuan Park. The area is pretty central to most of the key things you’re likely to want to see. We stayed at the Ritz the second time we came to Xi’an, and it was really lovely and more modern than others I’ve stayed at.
Getting around
You can get around the majority of Xi'an on bicycles, Didis, and the metro. For further out areas (like getting to the Terracotta Warriors), it's worth getting a Didi or asking your accommodation to help you organize a driver.
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