If you’re thinking of China travel, you must visit Xi’an or at least anticipate traveling to this historic and culture-filled city. It’s a city I’ve greatly appreciated in the past and one I made sure I returned to, before leaving China. You know a place is special when you make an effort to come back to it. That’s how I feel about Xi’an. From its vibrant Muslim Street Market, where you can find a unique combination of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors to its historic city wall built over 600 years ago, Xi’an will fill your itinerary with all the experiences you’ll love.
There’s so much to Xi’an, and to acknowledge just how much there is to appreciate, here’s a 5-day travel guide to all things Xi’an. Enjoy!
About Xi’an
Xi’an is a city located in the northwestern part of China, in the province of Shaanxi. It is one of China’s oldest cities, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. Xi’an was once the capital of several ancient Chinese dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang, and played a significant role in shaping China’s cultural, economic, and political development.
Today, Xi’an is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 12 million people. It is an important center of education, technology, and tourism in China, and is home to several universities and research institutes.
When to visit
The best time to visit Xi’an is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) months. During these times, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The skies are usually clear, making it a great time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and landmarks.
Summer (June to August) in Xi’an can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 30°C (86°F). It can also rain heavily during this time, which can make sightseeing challenging. However, summer is still a popular time to visit Xi’an due to the school holidays and festivals.
Winter (December to February) in Xi’an can be cold and dry, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, if you don’t mind the cold, this can be a great time to visit Xi’an with there being fewer crowds. Additionally, there are fewer tourists during this time, which can make it easier to explore the city’s attractions at a more leisurely pace.
Be weary, Xi’an has noticeably bad pollution and if you’re sensitive, I’d recommend always keeping a mask on when outdoors. Additionally, I’d advise you to regularly check the AQI.
How to get around
- Xi’an Metro: The Xi’an Metro has a large network of lines and stations that cover most of the city’s popular tourist destinations and commercial areas. Using the metro can help you get to your destination quickly and easily without the hassle of navigating through busy streets and crowded public transport.
- DiDi: Didi Chuxing is a popular ride-hailing app in China that can be used to order a taxi or private car to take you to and from places.
- Bicycle: Xi’an, like many Chinese cities, is very bike-friendly. There are many bicycle rental services available. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights. Here are a couple of apps where you can access bike-sharing options, also my favorites:
- Walking: Xi’an is a city with many historical sites and attractions located in close proximity to each other. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city center, particularly within the city walls and areas with pedestrian-friendly streets.
It’s worth noting that during peak hours, traffic in Xi’an can be congested, especially in the city center. It’s advisable to plan your trips accordingly and allow extra time for potential delays.
Where to stay – Feiman Hotel
Located near the Muslim Street Market, Drum & Bell Tower, and the subway station, this hotel was in the perfect location for me to access many of the landmarks I planned to visit.
It was clean, modern, convenient, and a very comfortable stay. I’d highly recommend this hotel, especially for its location, service, and overall cleanliness.
For more details, here’s how you can book your stay.
Where to eat – Muslim Street Market
The Muslim Street Market is every Muslim traveler’s dream. The market is situated in the heart of Xi’an, near the Drum Tower and the Great Mosque. The area is filled with narrow streets and alleyways, lined with a wide variety of shops, stalls, and food vendors. From the streets of halal food to how vibrant it is throughout the day, it’s a perfect place to grab a quick snack or eat your way through the street.
You’ll find a diverse range of products and delicacies, with various selections of traditional Islamic clothing, prayer rugs, jewelry, and handicrafts. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs such as miniature terracotta warriors, calligraphy art, and other cultural items.
The highlight of the market is undoubtedly the food, and some of the local favorites to indulge in are lamb kebabs, cumin-spiced beef, hand-pulled noodles, stuffed dumplings, sesame cakes, and various types of bread. One of the most popular dishes is the Xi’an specialty called “yangrou paomo,” a soup with shredded flatbread and tender lamb.
For all things halal food in Xi’an, check out my guide.
What to visit
Great Mosque of Xi’an (Huajue Mosque)
The Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the oldest and most renowned mosques in China. It was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (8th century), however, the current structure dates back to the Ming Dynasty (14th century) and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries.
The mosque is located in the Muslim Quarter of Xi’an, which makes it a very convenient place for Muslims to attend to their daily needs.
Entrance to the mosque is granted to all, although the prayer spaces are strictly for worshippers. It’s also recommended to make a small donation if you can.
During my visit, I was fortunate to meet the Imam of the mosque and have him give me a history lesson about the Muslims in Xi’an, and more specifically the history of the mosque and its significance.
Drum Tower
The Xi’an Drum Tower, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a traditional Chinese building known for its distinctive architectural style. It stands at the intersection of four main streets and served as a key timekeeping and public announcement center in ancient times. The tower’s structure features multiple tiers, intricate woodwork, and a prominent drum on the top floor.
The Drum Tower is famous for its drum performances, which take place regularly throughout the day. You can also find exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and traditional instruments of the region inside the tower.
There is an entrance fee of 30¥.
Xi’an City Wall
The Xi’an City Wall is one of the most famous landmarks in Xi’an. It is a well-preserved ancient city wall that encircles the city center. The wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is considered one of the largest and most complete ancient city walls in China. The wall has a history of over 600 years and is a testament to the city’s rich past. It served as a defensive fortification during ancient times and played a crucial role in protecting the city.
You can rent bicycles and ride along the top of the wall, which is a popular way to explore. There are also options for taking a leisurely walk or hiring a golf cart.
To enter the attraction, there is an entrance fee of 54¥. Additionally, if you’re looking to rent a bike, it will cost 145¥ (100¥ will be for the security deposit, which leaves 45¥ for the actual bike rental).
Qinglong Temple
A beautiful temple and museum, the Qinglong Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple with a history dating back over 1,300 years. It is situated in the southern part of the city, and near the Xingjiao Temple subway station.
The temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (8th century) and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries. It was an important religious center during the Tang Dynasty, and even today, it remains an active place of worship and cultural significance.
The surrounding courtyards are excellent places for public outings, wedding photos, enjoying the scenery, and relaxing.
Entrance is from 8:30 am to 6 pm and is free.
You’ll find that in many cultural and scenic places, locals will come dressed up in traditional clothing for photos and to appreciate their history. I asked to capture the image of the little girl above, and her mom was so kind as to allow me to do so.
Giant Goose Pagoda
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda located in Xi’an. It was originally built during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
The pagoda has a combination of Chinese and Indian architectural styles, with influence from Buddhist art and symbolism.
Entrance to the pagoda is from 8 am to 5 pm, with tickets starting at 20¥.
Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City
Xi’an Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City is a large cultural theme park. It was designed to showcase the grandeur and splendor of the Tang Dynasty, which was considered a golden age in Chinese history. The theme park is situated at the Qujiang Resort District in Xi’an, adjacent to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Da Ci’en Temple. It covers a large area and offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options.
It’s very lively during the evening, which is when I’d highly recommend you visit or after your visit to the Giant Goose Pagoda.
Coffee Shop & Chill
Last but not least, I made sure to sit and relax in coffee shops as often as I needed. The weather in Xi’an can get very hot during the warmer seasons, and it’s necessary to take breaks during the hottest times of the day. You’ll find a plethora of coffee shops, malls, and indoor activities all over the city, it’ll just be up to you to choose what you’d like best.
Xi’an is a marvelous city that can’t be missed. If this travel guide doesn’t convince you to visit, I don’t know what will. It’s a city that can offer so much to any individual who’s looking for adventure, relaxation, food, nature, and so much more.
As always, happy travels. I hope this guide provides you with all the inspiration you need to plan your next trip regardless of where you venture to.
