Xi'an was the capital of China for over a thousand years and the eastern end of the Silk Road. It is home to the Terracotta Warriors, a complete Ming-era city wall, and the Muslim Quarter, where the Great Mosque of Xi'an stands among streets of halal food.
Want Xi'an planned for you? Hotels for your budget, tickets booked on release, halal meals and directions, in a free detailed plan. Plan Xi'an free →
- Airports
- Xianyang International (XIY)
- Best time
- April–May and September–October
- How long
- 2 to 3 days
- Good for
- History, Muslim-friendly travel, food
What to see
01
Terracotta Warriors
The army of the First Emperor, about an hour east of the city.
02
City Wall
A complete Ming-era wall you can walk or cycle around.
03
Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter
A historic mosque in Chinese style, surrounded by halal food streets.
04
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda with evening fountain shows nearby.
05
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's best collections of ancient artefacts. Book ahead.
What to eat
- Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread)
- Roujiamo (meat in flatbread)
- Biangbiang noodles
- Liangpi (cold noodles)
Halal food and mosques
Xi'an is one of the easiest cities in China for Muslim travellers. The Hui Muslim community has lived here for centuries.
Mosques
- Great Mosque of Xi'an, Muslim Quarter: a historic mosque built in Chinese architectural style
Halal options
- Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread)
- Roujiamo with beef or lamb
- Biangbiang noodles and cold noodles
Xi'an for business
Xi'an is the hub of Northwest China.
- Starting point of China–Europe freight trains from the Xi'an International Port
- Aerospace, semiconductors and education
Getting there and around
- Metro Line 14 connects the airport with Xi'an North Railway Station.
- High-speed trains reach Beijing in about 4.5 to 6 hours and Chengdu in about 3 to 3.5 hours.
- The Terracotta Warriors are about an hour east of the city by car.
Questions
How many days do you need in Xi'an?
Two full days covers the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. A third day allows for museums and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Is Xi'an good for halal food?
Yes. The Muslim Quarter around the Great Mosque has some of the best halal food in China, such as yangrou paomo and roujiamo.
How far are the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an?
About an hour by car to Lintong District, east of the city.
Opening hours, routes and rules change. Check before you travel.
