Xi'an, formerly Chang'an, was an imperial capital and a major starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Begin with the Terracotta Army's Qin-era ranks, the city walls and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda's Buddhist heritage. Shaanxi History Museum adds context to the region's ancient civilizations, while old-city streets offer noodles and roujiamo. Give the Terracotta Army in Lintong a separate day from the central sights.
The best of Xi'an
Lintong DistrictAbout 4 hoursCNY 120
Terracotta Army
Construction of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum began when he became king and continued for decades; historical accounts describe more than 700,000 labourers mobilised for the wider project. The Terracotta Army is only one part of that complex, arranged as infantry, archers and chariots. Villagers digging a well found fragments in 1974. Armour plates, hairstyles, patterned soles and surviving paint now bring details of clay figures buried for over two millennia into close view.
BookingAll visitors need real-name online booking through official museum channels and the original booked identity document; passports are accepted.
Location
Qinling North Road, Lintong, Xi'an, Shaanxi.
Opening hours
Mar 16–Nov 15: 08:30–18:30, last entry 17:00; Nov 16–Mar 15: 08:30–18:00, last entry 16:30.
Admission
Adult admission to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and Lishan Garden. CNY 120 year-round, including the museum's two areas and the shuttle between them.
Central cityAbout 2 hoursCNY 54
Fortifications of Xi'an
Xi'an's surviving walls largely took shape under the Ming, incorporating earlier defences with rammed-earth cores and brick facing. Barbicans created enclosed spaces beyond the main gates, while projecting bastions allowed defenders to fire along the walls. The broad wall-top supported patrols and troop movement. Gate towers, the moat and projecting structures still reveal how these elements worked together as a defensive system.
Opening hours
The operator lists South Gate hours of 08:00–22:00; other gates and ticket cutoffs need separate checks.
Admission
Standard adult wall admission. A 2025 government reply confirms standard admission at CNY 54; rentals and performances are separate.
Yanta DistrictAbout 2 hours
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
After returning from India, Xuanzang oversaw the building of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to house scriptures and Buddhist images. Daci'en Temple was also an important translation centre. Successive rebuilding shaped the brick tower's present tiered form. Steles preserve texts associated with emperors Taizong and Gaozong, connecting a monk's journey with the translation of Buddhist learning at the Tang capital.
Location
Inside Daci'en Temple, Xi'an, Shaanxi.
Admission
A current public tariff was not verified. Temple entry and tower ascent must be checked separately; ticket-printing procurement values are not a visitor tariff.
What to eat
Roujiamo
Xi’an roujiamo uses baiji bread, crisp outside and soft within, split open and filled with chopped pork braised in a spiced broth so the juices soak into the bread. Around the Muslim Quarter you will also find beef and lamb versions, so check the filling when you order.
Lamb paomo
Paomo begins with your own hands: tear the firm flatbread into pea-sized pieces, then the kitchen cooks them in rich lamb broth. The finer the pieces, the more flavour they absorb. It comes with pickled garlic and chilli sauce, and is a meal to sit down for.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Xi’an Xianyang is the airport gateway; check the exact station when arriving by rail. Settle into the city first and plan a separate transfer to the Terracotta Army in Lintong.
Getting around
Use the metro for city districts and walk around the Bell and Drum towers and city walls. The Terracotta Army is in Lintong, a separate journey from central Xi’an.
Where to stay
A base near the Bell Tower or South Gate suits old-city walks. Consider a southern metro-connected base for the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang, then compare station transfers.
Start at the South Gate or another chosen gate, then explore lanes around the Bell and Drum towers. Choose wall-top and street-level walking to suit your energy.
Route 2
Terracotta Army
Make the Terracotta Army the focus of a Lintong outing. Confirm booking and entrance arrangements and allow for galleries and the return transfer.
Route 3
Pagoda and Tang heritage
Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area. Add the Shaanxi History Museum with its own reservation if you want more context, allowing time for each collection.
More planning advice
Consider visiting the Terracotta Army in Lintong on a different day from the city walls. When booking the museum, review the visit scope for both the Terracotta Warriors Museum and Lishan Garden.
Choose your entry and exit gates before visiting the city walls, then check the hours for those gates. The South Gate's schedule should not be assumed to apply to every entrance.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands inside Daci'en Temple. If you want to enter the temple and climb the tower, check both admission and opening arrangements separately before deciding how much to include.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Xi'an?
Allow 3–4 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Xi'an?
Suggested months: Mar · Apr · May · Sep · Oct. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Xi'an your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
