Life of Travel
Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, Silk Road heritage, and incredible street food
Xi'an was China's capital for over 1,000 years and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The Terracotta Warriors guarding Emperor Qin's tomb are one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. Inside the impressive Ancient City Walls, the vibrant Muslim Quarterserves some of China's best street food. Xi'an is where Chinese history comes alive.
City Walls
Muslim Quarter
Wild Goose Pagoda
Roujiamo
April to May
Pleasant weather, flowers blooming. Perfect for cycling the city walls.
September to November
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures. Best overall time to visit.
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8,000 life-size clay soldiers guarding an emperor's tomb
Best for: History • Must See • Half Day • Photography
14km of intact Ming Dynasty walls perfect for cycling
Best for: Cycling • Sunset • Photography • City Views
Vibrant Hui Muslim neighborhood with incredible street food
Best for: Street Food • Culture • Night Market • Atmosphere
Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda with nightly fountain show
Best for: History • Evening Show • Buddhist Heritage
Roujiamo: Chinese hamburger. Slow braised meat in fresh baked flatbread. Incredible
Biang Biang Noodles: Wide hand-pulled noodles with chili oil. Name from sound of slapping dough
Lamb Skewers: Cumin-spiced lamb kebabs grilled over charcoal. Muslim Quarter specialty
Yangrou Paomo: Lamb soup with shredded bread. You tear the bread yourself
Persimmon Cake: Sweet fried persimmon pastry. Street food dessert favorite
Timing
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Allow 3 to 4 hours minimum.
Getting There
50km east of Xi'an. Tourist bus 5 from train station (1 hour) or hire a driver.
Three Pits
Pit 1 is the impressive main hall. Pit 2 and 3 smaller but interesting. Don't skip them.
Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the history. Or hire a guide at entrance ($50 to 80).
2 to 3 days is ideal. Day 1 for Terracotta Warriors, Day 2 for city walls, Muslim Quarter, and other sites. Add a day for nearby Huashan Mountain.
Absolutely, yes. One of the world's most remarkable archaeological discoveries. The scale and detail are awe-inspiring. Don't miss it.
It's open all day but comes alive at night when food stalls fire up and crowds gather. Evening is the best time, but daytime is less crowded for exploring.
Yes! It's 14km around. Bike rental available on the wall ($5 to 10 for 2 hours). Takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Sunset is magical.
Excellent for families! Children are fascinated by the Terracotta Warriors, and a good guide can bring the history alive for them. Cycling the city walls is great family fun, and the street food in the Muslim Quarter is engaging for all ages.
Let us take the stress out of planning your perfect family holiday. We'll arrange private guides who engage children with the Terracotta Warriors' history, family-friendly hotels, and manageable itineraries for all ages.
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