Xi'an, the ancient capital, is home to the Terracotta Army, the City Wall, the Muslim Quarter and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The food is superb. April to May and September to October are most comfortable.
Good to know
- Visit the Terracotta Army early to beat tour buses.
- Rent a bike to ride on the City Wall.
- Hire an English-speaking guide for the army; signage is limited.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried to guard the first emperor.
Imperial hot spring where Emperor Xuanzong bathed with Yang Guifei.
Cycle 14 km around one of China's best-preserved city walls.
Dumpling banquet followed by a Tang-dynasty music and dance performance in period costume.
Mix of Chinese pagoda and Islamic design, peaceful gardens.
Wide hand-pulled noodles with chili and vinegar.
Tang dynasty pagoda with a fountain-light show outside.
Free museum showing Tang dynasty gold and Silk Road treasures.
Ming-dynasty Bell and Drum Towers at the city's heart, with drum performances and beautiful night lighting.
Museum of over a thousand ancient stone tablets with classic texts and masterpieces of calligraphy.
Lamb skewers, roujiamo and sweet snacks in lively alleys.
Cliffside trails on one of China's five sacred mountains.