How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
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🇨🇳 China travel guide
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Xi'an Travel Guide
Things to do in Xi'an — Terracotta warriors and Silk Road spice
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Xi'an
Xi'an was China's ancient capital — home to the Terracotta Army, intact Ming city walls and a Muslim Quarter alive with roujiamo, biangbiang noodles and night-market smoke.
Xi'an is a stop in China, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall bike ride, Muslim Quarter street food instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–130 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: April–May and September–October. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
April–May and September–October
Weather
Continental — hot dry summers, cold winters
Airport
Xi'an Xianyang International (XIY)
Getting around
Metro in city; tour bus or taxi to Terracotta Army
Experiences
Things to do in Xi'an
1
Terracotta Army
2
Ancient City Wall bike ride
3
Muslim Quarter street food
4
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
5
Bell & Drum Towers
6
Shaanxi History Museum
7
Huaqing Palace
8
Big Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show
Budget travel
Free things to do in Xi'an
Muslim Quarter street food
Big Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show
City Wall bike ride at sunset
Great Mosque of Xi'an
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Xi'an itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Beilin (or Stele) Museum
- Visit Shaanxi Art Museum
- Visit Shaanxi History Museum
- Eat at Wen Xin Jiaozi Guan
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Shaanxi Nature Museum
- Visit Shaanxi Science & Technology Museum
- Visit Shaanxi Province Art Museum
- Eat at Lao Sun Jia
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Xi'an Art Museum
- Eat at Li Ming's Dumpling House
Prefer a full 6-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Xi'an itinerary guide.
Budget
Xi'an trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–130
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150–245+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Xi'an, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Xi'an
Estimated total (USD)
$2,145
≈ $1,073 per person · $306 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $90/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Xi'an mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 50–130 · luxury 150–245+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
La Maison de Han
Shaanxi · Refined local cuisine
- $$
Old Xi'an Restaurant
Shaanxi · Classic tourist-area favourite
- $
Jiasan Guantang Baozi
Dumplings · Soup dumpling institution
- $$
Tong Sheng Xiang
Shaanxi · Yang rou pao mo specialist
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an
Gao Xin district · Modern luxury landmark
- $$$$
Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an
Downtown · 1950s heritage grand hotel
- $$$
Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square
City centre · Central square tourist base
Shopping
- Muslim Quarter
- Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
- Saga International Shopping Mall
- Terracotta replica shops
Nightlife
- Muslim Quarter night food
- Defuxiang bar street
- Tang Paradise evening show
Museums & culture
- Shaanxi History Museum
- Xi'an Beilin Museum
- Banpo Museum
Local foods to try
- Roujiamo
- Biangbiang noodles
- Yang rou pao mo
- Liangpi cold noodles
Hidden gems
- City Wall bike ride at sunset
- Great Mosque of Xi'an
- Huaqing Palace hot springs
Travel tips
- Terracotta Army is 40 km east — go early
- Shaanxi History Museum is free but requires reservation
- Muslim Quarter is packed at dinner — arrive hungry
In pictures
Xi'an gallery
Photos: xiquinhosilva, 源義信 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Xi'an travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Xi'an?
Top picks in Xi'an include Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall bike ride, Muslim Quarter street food, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. See the full list and itinerary on this Xi'an travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Xi'an?
April–May and September–October.
How many days do I need in Xi'an?
Plan at least 3 days in Xi'an for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Xi'an?
Popular stays in Xi'an include The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an, Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an, Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Xi'an cost?
On the ground in Xi'an (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 50–130, and luxury about 150–245+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Xi'an, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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