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Xi'an

China

Pace: balanced Historic Ancient Cultural Bustling
Ideal trip length
3 - 5 days
Busiest
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Xi'an
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Xi'an

Book direct on our own Xi'an hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Continental
Languages
Mandarin and Xi'an dialect
Local currency
CNY (CNY)
Local time
(GMT+8)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Bell Tower/Drum Tower Area
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Roujiamo Biangbiang Noodles Yangrou Paomo Guan Tang Bao

When to visit Xi'an

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  1. Jan
    30

    Very cold, dry

  2. Feb
    35

    Cold, dry

  3. Mar
    60

    Cool, warming up

  4. Apr
    85

    Mild, pleasant

  5. May
    90

    Warm, pleasant

  6. Jun
    70

    Hot, humid

  7. Jul
    65

    Hot, rainy

  8. Aug
    68

    Hot, humid

  9. Sept
    88

    Mild, pleasant

  10. Oct
    80

    Cool, crisp

  11. Nov
    50

    Cold, dry

  12. Dec
    35

    Very cold, dry

Things to do in Xi'an

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Terracotta Army Museum

Lintong District 3.5 hrs

Marvel at thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb.

Indoors Good for children

Visit Shaanxi History Museum

Xiaozhai 3 hrs

Delve into China's rich past with artifacts spanning over a million years of history.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Cycle the Ancient City Wall

City Center 2.5 hrs

Rent a bike and cycle the entire 14km perimeter of Xi'an's remarkably preserved ancient city wall.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

3 places

Explore the Muslim Quarter

Muslim Quarter 3 hrs

Wander through bustling alleys, sample diverse street food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Outdoors Good for children

See the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

South Xi'an 2 hrs

Admire this iconic Buddhist pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an, especially beautiful with its evening fountain show.

Outdoors Good for children

Bell and Drum Towers

City Center 1.5 hrs

Witness the grandeur of these central city landmarks, particularly stunning when illuminated at night.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Taste Yangrou Paomo

Muslim Quarter 1.5 hrs

Experience the unique ritual of tearing bread into a lamb broth, a signature Xi'an dish.

Indoors

Xi'an itineraries

View All itineraries
Culture and history

3 Days in Xi'an — Culture & History

Unearth the ancient wonders and imperial legacy of China's historic capital.

This 3-day itinerary is meticulously crafted for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to explore Xi'an's profound past. From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army to the majestic City Walls and vibrant Muslim Quarter, it offers a deep dive into the city's imperial grandeur and rich cultural tapestry. Experience ancient dynasties, spiritual landmarks, and local traditions that shaped Chinese civilization.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Roujiamo 95 · Outstanding
Biangbiang Noodles 87 · Outstanding
Yangrou Paomo 78 · Very good
Guan Tang Bao 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Terracotta Army Museum 95 · Outstanding
Cycle The Ancient City Wall 91 · Outstanding
Explore The Muslim Quarter 87 · Outstanding
Visit Shaanxi History Museum 83 · Very good
See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda 78 · Very good
Bell And Drum Towers 74 · Good
Taste Yangrou Paomo 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
History 89 · Outstanding
Culture 83 · Very good
Budget 76 · Very good
Friends 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Learn basic Mandarin phrases for easier communication. 95 · Outstanding
Bargain respectfully in markets, especially in the Muslim Quarter. 83 · Very good
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring historical sites and the city wall. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Xi'an

Straight-line distance from the centre of Xi'an.

Getaways from Xi'an

Places people from Xi'an travel to, from our own travel research.

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