Xi’an
Xi’an is a portal through time. The Terracotta Army stands as a testament to its imperial past, while its vibrant street life, especially in the Muslim Quarter, showcases a mix of cultures. For an authentic connection, visit a traditional shadow puppet show or a calligraphy class.
Chapters
Local Tips
• Terracotta Army
• Xi’an City Wall
• Muslim Quarter
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Shaanxi History Museum
• Tourist crowds at main sites
• Air pollution
• Occasional language barrier
Currency: –
Festivities: –
Xi’an Guide
Guide for 1 Day
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast of roujiamo (a type of Chinese sandwich) at Wang Ji Rou Jia Mo.
- Visit the famous Xi’an City Wall, one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
- Experience the unique Shaanxi folk culture at the Shaanxi History Museum.
Midday
- Head to the Muslim Quarter and indulge in delicious street food such as yangrou paomo (a type of soup with bread and lamb) at Xi’an Restaurant.
- Explore the lesser-known Beiyuanmen Muslim Market, a bustling market filled with local snacks and souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang dynasty.
- Discover the hidden gem of Tang Paradise, a beautiful scenic park that showcases the grandeur of Tang dynasty.
Evening
- Enjoy a feast of authentic Shaanxi cuisine at De Fa Chang.
- Relax with a drink at Soho Bar, a trendy bar with a great atmosphere.
- End your day with a stroll through South Gate Square, a popular meeting place for locals.
Guide for 2 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Lao Sun Jia, famous for its Shaanxi Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
- Experience the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take a stroll around the serene Huaqing Palace, where emperors bathed in hot springs.
Midday
- Savor Shaanxi cuisine at Qin Tang Fu, known for its spicy noodles in beef soup.
- Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an, a beautiful blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Afternoon
- Explore Xi’an Ancient City Wall, the largest and most complete city wall in China.
- Discover the underground world of the Shaanxi History Museum, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant, offering a variety of dumplings.
- Experience Xi’an’s vibrant nightlife at Mojito Bar, known for its live music performances.
- End your day with a visit to the beautifully lit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Buddhism in Xi’an.
Day 2
Morning
- Enjoy a tasty breakfast at Yangrou Paomo Restaurant, famous for its lamb soup with bread.
- Visit the Shaanxi Folk Art Museum, showcasing traditional folk arts and crafts.
- Experience the local lifestyle at the bustling Xi’an Muslim Quarter, known for its street food and souvenirs.
Midday
- Satisfy your appetite with a hearty meal at Yujiacun Roast Duck Restaurant, serving delicious roast duck.
- Take a peaceful walk in the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding park.
Afternoon
- Explore the lesser-known Xingqing Palace Park, offering beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
- Discover the hidden gem of Chang’an University Art Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of Chinese art.
Evening
- Experience the unique flavors of Shaanxi cuisine at De Fa Chang Restaurant, known for its spicy and sour soup.
- Enjoy a drink at the cozy Xi’an Brewery Taproom, offering local craft beer.
- End your Xi’an trip with a visit to the lively North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where you can watch the famous musical fountain show.
Guide for 3 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Ma La Tang.
- Explore the ancient Xian City Wall by bike or foot.
- Marvel at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.
Midday
- Savor some delicious hand-pulled noodles for lunch at Biang Biang Noodles.
- Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an, a beautiful blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through the Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood with amazing street food and souvenirs.
- Discover the hidden gem of Yongxingfang Food Street, a street lined with local food vendors.
Evening
- Indulge in a sumptuous hot pot dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot.
- Sip on some craft beer at Slow Boat Brewery.
- Experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Haoledi Tea House.
Day 2
Morning
- Treat yourself to a sweet and savory breakfast at Jia San Guan Rou Jia Mo, a famous local sandwich shop.
- Explore the impressive Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning temple with a rich history.
- Take in the beauty of the Huaqing Palace, an imperial hot spring bath complex.
Midday
- Enjoy a bowl of spicy noodles at Lao Mi Jia.
- Discover the hidden gem of Chunfashan Ecological Park, a serene nature reserve in the heart of the city.
Afternoon
- Explore the fascinating Shaanxi History Museum, a treasure trove of Chinese history and culture.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Xingqing Palace Park.
Evening
- Satisfy your taste buds with some delicious street BBQ at Meat Street.
- Sip on some refreshing cocktails at Bar Muse.
- Experience a live performance of traditional Chinese music and dance at Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yang Rou Pao Mo, a famous local soup spot.
- Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful temple with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Take a trip to the Banpo Museum, an archaeological site with well-preserved relics of a Neolithic village.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious bowl of hand-pulled noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods.
- Experience the charm of Calligraphy Street, a street lined with calligraphy artists and shops.
Afternoon
- Explore the stunning Famen Temple, a Buddhist temple with a rich history and cultural significance.
- Visit the unique Xi’an Incident Memorial Hall, a museum that commemorates a significant event in Chinese history.
Evening
- Savor some tasty street food at Zhonglou Night Market.
- Sip on some refreshing drinks at Xi’an Brewery.
- Experience a night-time walk on the South Gate Plaza, a vibrant public space with a stunning view of the city walls.
Guide for 5 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Xi’an-style breakfast at Yongxing Fang, known for its delicious roujiamo and liangpi noodles.
- Visit the awe-inspiring Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the famous Terracotta Warriors.
- Take a short walk to the Huaqing Palace, a former imperial palace with stunning gardens and hot springs.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at Lao Sun Jia, a local eatery famous for its hand-pulled noodles.
- Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, one of the best museums in China showcasing over 370,000 cultural relics.
Afternoon
- Explore the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the largest and best-preserved city wall in China.
- Take a stroll through the Muslim Quarter, a bustling area filled with street food vendors, souvenir shops, and historic mosques.
Evening
- Dine on delicious local specialties at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its dumplings and other Shaanxi-style dishes.
- Head to the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, two iconic landmarks of Xi’an, to take in the stunning views of the city from above.
- End your night with a drink at Xi’an Brewery, a popular local brewery with a wide selection of craft beers.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yi Li Guan Tang Baozi, a popular restaurant serving steamed buns stuffed with various meats and vegetables.
- Visit the Banpo Museum, an archaeological site featuring the remains of a Neolithic village.
- Take a short walk to The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at Xiao Yanta Restaurant, a hidden gem that specializes in Sichuan cuisine.
- Visit the Forest of Steles Museum, a museum showcasing ancient Chinese calligraphy and stone-carving.
Afternoon
- Explore the Great Mosque of Xi’an, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China.
- Take a short walk to the Xi’an Museum, a museum showcasing the history and culture of Xi’an.
Evening
- Dine on tasty street food at the Shuyuanmen Night Market, a lively market with a wide variety of food and souvenirs.
- Experience a traditional Tang Dynasty-style performance at the Tang Dynasty Palace, featuring music, dance, and costumes from the ancient dynasty.
- End your night with a drink at Roots Coffee, a trendy café serving coffee and cocktails.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chunfashan Pancake Restaurant, a popular eatery serving savory and sweet pancakes.
- Visit the Xi’an Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden with various species of plants and flowers.
- Take a short bus ride to the Xingjiao Temple, a Buddhist temple with a stunning pagoda.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at Yongxing Dumpling, a local restaurant famous for its dumplings and other Shaanxi-style dishes.
- Visit the Xi’an Beilin Museum, a museum showcasing ancient Chinese stone carvings.
Afternoon
- Explore the Drum Tower Muslim Quarter, a quieter area of the Muslim Quarter with unique architecture and local shops.
- Take a walk through the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, a former imperial palace with beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Evening
- Dine on delicious barbecue at Qinling Zhongshan Hotpot, a popular restaurant specializing in hotpot and barbecue dishes.
- Enjoy a drink and live music at So What Club, a popular nightlife spot in Xi’an.
- End your night with a stroll through the South Gate Square, a bustling area with street performers and food vendors.
Day 4
Morning
- Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Guoqing Restaurant, a local restaurant serving traditional Shaanxi-style breakfast dishes.
- Visit the Tang Paradise, a cultural theme park showcasing the culture and history of the Tang Dynasty.
- Take a short bus ride to the Qianling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods, a popular chain restaurant known for its spicy noodles and other Shaanxi-style dishes.
- Visit the Xi’an Art Museum, a museum showcasing contemporary Chinese art.
Afternoon
- Explore the Xi’an City God Temple, a Taoist temple with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
- Take a stroll through the Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, a historic street with local shops and traditional architecture.
Evening
- Dine on tasty local dishes at Qishan Old Restaurant, a restaurant specializing in traditional Shaanxi-style cuisine.
- Enjoy a drink and live music at Passion Music Bar, a popular bar in Xi’an.
- End your night with a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square, a bustling area with fountains and light shows.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Yongxing Fang, a popular restaurant serving traditional Xi’an-style breakfast dishes.
- Visit the Xi’an Museum of Contemporary Art, a museum showcasing contemporary Chinese art.
- Take a short walk to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at Zhu Yuan Restaurant, a local eatery famous for its spicy Sichuan-style dishes.
- Visit the Xi’an Bell and Drum Tower Square, a historic square with beautiful architecture.
Afternoon
- Explore the Xi’an Ancient Cultural Street, a street with local shops and traditional architecture.
- Take a walk through the Chang’an Tower Park, a park with historic buildings and beautiful gardens.
Evening
- Dine on delicious hotpot at Haidilao Hot Pot, a popular restaurant chain in China.
- Enjoy a drink and live music at Aperture Club, a trendy bar in Xi’an.
- End your night with a stroll through the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful area with fountains and light shows.
Guide for 1 Week
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at Laobian Dumpling Restaurant, famous for its dumplings and noodles.
- Visit the Shaannxi History Museum, which showcases over 300,000 cultural relics from China’s ancient dynasties.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the scenic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Buddhist pagoda with a history of over 1,300 years.
Midday
- Savor some spicy beef noodles at Chengcheng Handmade Noodles, a local favorite.
- Explore the lesser-known Huaqing Hot Springs, an ancient royal bathing spot with stunning natural scenery.
Afternoon
- Take a short hike up Huashan Mountain, one of China’s five sacred mountains known for its picturesque scenery and challenging trails.
- Visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, a treasure trove of ancient Chinese calligraphy and stone carvings.
Evening
- Experience the bustling atmosphere of Muslim Quarter, Xi’an’s most vibrant street food market.
- Sip on some refreshing fruit wine at Qin Ji Winery, a local winery with a long history.
- Treat yourself to some handmade sweets at Gao’s Grand Courtyard, a traditional mansion-turned-teahouse.
Day 2
Morning
- Feast on some savory roujiamo (Chinese-style hamburger) at Yang Rou Pao Mo, a must-try local specialty.
- Marvel at the ancient City Wall, the most complete ancient city wall that has survived in China.
- Visit the Bell Tower, a magnificent traditional Chinese tower with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Midday
- Satisfy your appetite with some juicy steamed buns at Xiao Yanta Steamed Bun Restaurant, a popular local eatery.
- Explore the mysterious Maoling Mausoleum, one of the largest and best-preserved imperial tombs in China.
Afternoon
- Take a walk through Xi’an Botanical Garden, home to over 7,000 plant species and a beautiful lake.
- Visit the Drum Tower, another iconic Chinese tower that was once used to mark the time of day.
Evening
- Indulge in some mouth-watering spicy crayfish at Xiao Wei Yang Hot Pot, a famous hot pot chain in China.
- Sip on some freshly brewed beer at Xixian Beer Factory, a local brewery with a long history.
- Enjoy a night of traditional Chinese music and dance at the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a spectacular performance that showcases the best of Chinese culture.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Xiaolongkan Chongqing Hot Pot, a popular hot pot chain in China.
- Visit the impressive Xianyang Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Han and Tang Dynasty artifacts.
- Learn about traditional Chinese medicine at the Shaanxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum.
Midday
- Try some delicious local snacks at Tai Hua Rou Jia Mo, a small eatery that serves up some of the best roujiamo in town.
- Explore the unique Xi’an Museum of Qinling Wildlife Park, which combines a museum with a wildlife park.
Afternoon
- Take a leisurely stroll around Xi’an Botanical Garden, home to over 7,000 plant species and a beautiful lake.
- Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist pagoda that dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
Evening
- Savor some delicious barbecue skewers at Xiao Yang Barbecue, a local favorite.
- Enjoy some live music at Aperture Club, a trendy bar with a great atmosphere.
- Experience the unique flavors of Yunnan cuisine at Lost Plate Yunnan Food Tour, a guided food tour that takes you to some of the best local eateries in Xi’an.
Day 4
Morning
- Get a taste of the local breakfast culture at Xi’an Yongxingfang Breakfast Market, a bustling market that serves up a variety of traditional breakfast foods.
- Visit the Xi’an City God Temple, a beautiful Taoist temple that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
- Explore the Xi’an Folk Customs Museum, which showcases the local culture, customs, and traditions of Xi’an.
Midday
- Satisfy your hunger with some tasty noodles at Lao Mi Chang Fen, a popular noodle shop in Xi’an.
- Visit the Xi’an Incident Memorial Hall, a museum dedicated to the 1936 Xi’an Incident.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through Xingqing Palace Park, a beautiful park that features a lake, gardens, and ancient buildings.
- Visit the Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum, a museum that houses over 3,000 stone tablets and inscriptions.
Evening
- Treat yourself to some delicious seafood at Shui Yue Xuan, a high-end seafood restaurant in Xi’an.
- Sip on some craft beer at Terracotta Warrior Brewery, a local brewery that specializes in craft beer.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of South Gate Square, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Qishan Noodle Restaurant, a local favorite that serves up some of the best noodles in Xi’an.
- Visit the Xi’an Qujiangchi Site Museum, which showcases the rich history of the Qujiangchi area.
- Explore the Xi’an Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Chinese art.
Midday
- Savor the flavors of Xi’an cuisine at Jia San Guan Tangbao, a small eatery that specializes in tangbao (soup dumplings).
- Visit the Tomb of Emperor Jing Di, one of the largest imperial tombs in China.
Afternoon
- Take a walk through Dayan Pagoda Northern Square, a large public square that features a beautiful fountain and a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Xi’an Museum of Natural History, which showcases the natural history of Shaanxi Province.
Evening
- Sip on some refreshing cocktails at Bar 8, a stylish rooftop bar with great views of the city.
- Indulge in some delicious Italian cuisine at Amici Italian Restaurant, a popular Italian restaurant in Xi’an.
- Experience the unique flavors of Xi’an-style hot pot at Haidilao Hot Pot, a famous hot pot chain in China.
Day 6
Morning
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Yang Guo Tai, a local restaurant that serves up some of the best noodles in Xi’an.
- Visit the Xi’an Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, a large public square that features two iconic Chinese towers.
- Explore the Xi’an Silk Road Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Silk Road.
Midday
- Satisfy your hunger with some delicious local street food at Defu Lane, a popular food street in Xi’an.
- Visit the Xi’an Ancient City Wall Museum, which showcases the history and construction of the ancient city wall.
Afternoon
- Take a walk through Zhongshan Park, a beautiful park that features a lake, gardens, and a variety of recreational facilities.
- Visit the Xi’an Museum, which houses an extensive collection of cultural relics from Xi’an and Shaanxi Province.
Evening
- Savor some authentic Cantonese cuisine at Tang Palace Seafood Restaurant, a high-end restaurant in Xi’an.
- Sip on some delicious cocktails at The Bar, a trendy bar with a great atmosphere.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of Wuyi Square, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
Day 7
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Xi’an Wuren Moon Cake, a local bakery that specializes in moon cakes.
- Visit the Xi’an Great Mosque, a beautiful mosque that combines Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.
- Explore the Xi’an Beilin Museum, which houses an impressive collection of stone steles and inscriptions.
Midday
- Savor some mouth-watering dumplings at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant, a popular restaurant that specializes in dumplings.
- Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, a world-famous museum that houses the Terracotta Army, a collection of life-size terracotta statues that date back to the Qin Dynasty.
Afternoon
- Take a walk through Xi’an Green Belt Park, a large park that features gardens, lakes, and a variety of recreational facilities.
- Visit the Xi’an Stele Forest Cultural Museum, a museum that houses over 3,000 stone tablets and inscriptions.
Evening
- Indulge in some delicious Sichuan cuisine at Chuan Ren Guan, a popular Sichuan restaurant in Xi’an.
- Sip on some freshly brewed coffee at Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a unique Starbucks location that offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, a street that features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Where to Stay
Coming soon for Xi’an!
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