Xi’an

Xi’an Travel Guide: Where 13 Dynasties Meet Modern Rhythm

Welcome to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital and cultural heartbeat. Once known as Chang’an, this city witnessed the rise of 13 dynasties — the Tang’s golden brilliance, the Qin’s imperial might, and the Silk Road’s vibrant exchanges.
Xi’an blends the energy of a modern metropolis with the spirit of antiquity. Here, skyscrapers stand beside ancient walls, and the aroma of Yangrou Paomo (lamb stew with pita) floats through historic alleys. Recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy and hailed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Ancient Cities, Xi’an is both a living museum and a thriving urban experience.

This Xi’an Travel Guide will help you explore the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant food scene, and cultural treasures—offering everything you need to experience Xi’an’s past and present in one unforgettable journey.

Xi’an Tourist Attractions

Xi’an Travel Guide: Panoramic view of Xi’an Ancient City Wall (Ming Dynasty)

Each corner of Xi’an carries echoes of a thousand years of civilization.
Terracotta Warriors — Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, these 8,000 life-sized soldiers guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Datang Everbright City — The Tang Dynasty revived through light, music, and the monk Xuanzang’s legacy.
Shaanxi History Museum — Free but ticketed. Don’t miss the Tang goldware and the agate beast-head cup.
Ancient City Wall — Cycle atop this 14 km Ming wall and enjoy the skyline where tiled roofs meet neon lights.
Huaqing Palace — Feel the Tang love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, surrounded by steaming springs.

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Top Xi’an Tourist Attractions

Close-up of a Terracotta Army warrior showing unique face and armor design in Xi’an

Xi’an’s Terracotta Army

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with Xuanzang statue in Xi’an, China

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Panoramic view of the Palace of Longevity at Huaqing Palace in Xi’an, China

Huaqing Palace

Aerial night view of the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an, showcasing Tang Dynasty–inspired architecture

Shaanxi History Museum

Panoramic view of Danfeng Gate at Daming Palace in Xi’an, China, after a sunny rain

Daming Palace

Scenic pavilion inside Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum surrounded by stone inscriptions

Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum

Xi’an Local Food Trails

Xi’an Travel Guide: Yangrou Paomo — traditional Xi’an lamb stew with torn pita

Xi’an’s cuisine reflects its Silk Road soul — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Yangrou Paomo — Tear the pita, pour the broth, and savor Xi’an’s most iconic comfort dish.
Roujiamo — The “Chinese hamburger,” crisp outside and meltingly tender inside.
Biangbiang Noodles — Thick, wide noodles topped with chili oil and garlic — a Shaanxi classic.
Zenggao — A sweet red date rice cake beloved by locals.
Bingfeng Soda — Xi’an’s nostalgic orange soda that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.

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Xi‘an Local Food Trails ：Classic Main Dishes & Food Street

Close-up of Xi’an local food Yangrou Paomo, a traditional lamb soup with flatbread

Xi’an Lamb Paomo

Adding chili oil to Biangbiang noodles, a classic Xi’an noodle eating style

Biangbiang Noodles

A close-up of authentic Xi’an Roujiamo, the famous Chinese meat sandwich with crispy bun and juicy pork

Xi’an Roujiamo

A whole Xi’an Gourd Chicken (Hulu Chicken) served on a plate, showing crispy golden skin

Gourd Chicken (Hulu Chicken)

Entrance of Yongxing Fang Intangible Cultural Heritage Food Street in Xi’an, showing traditional architecture and bustling visitors

Xi’an Yongxing Fang

Entrance of Xi’an Muslim Quarter (Hui Min Street) bustling with visitors and street stalls

Xi’an Muslim Quarter

Xi’an Travel Itineraries

Xi’an Travel Guide: Close-up of a Terracotta Warrior at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang

Whether you have one day or three, Xi’an offers itineraries that balance history, food, and night culture.
One-Day Highlights
Morning: Terracotta Warriors
Afternoon: Huaqing Palace
Evening: Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance
Two-Day Classic
Day 1: Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter
Day 2: Shaanxi History Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Datang Everbright City
Three-Day Deep Dive
Add a Mount Huashan adventure on Day 3 — an epic hike with breathtaking views.

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Classic Xi’an Travel Itineraries

Close-up of a Terracotta Warrior with a tilted head and smiling expression, showcasing the artistry of ancient Qin dynasty sculpture

A One-Day Xi’an Express Itinerary

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with Xuanzang statue in Xi’an, China

2 Days in Xi’an

Night view of The Datang Furong Garden in Xi’an, featuring illuminated pavilions and reflections on the lake

3 Days in Xi’an

Close-up of Bronze Chariot exhibit at Lishan Garden, Xi’an

4 Days in Xi’an Itinerary

Xi’an Travel Guide: Attractions, Food, and Travel Itineraries

Xi’an isn’t just a destination — it’s a time dialogue between past and present. The first glimpse of a Terracotta Warrior, the taste of street-side Roujiamo, the drone-lit sky over Datang Everbright City — each moment whispers stories of emperors, poets, and ordinary dreamers.
Use this xi’an travel guide as your compass. Whether you’re planning a China trip or dreaming from afar, Xi’an invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and feel why it remains the heart of ancient China — still beating today.

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