Xi'an, at the Start of the Silk Road

Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road and the home of the Terracotta Army. The old city sits inside a square of walls, and the metro ties the main sights together. This guide splits the trip into the army site and the city itself.

The Terracotta Army lies about an hour east of the center, so allow half a day or more. Below is a route and a 4-day outline.

The bottom line: a day for the army, a day and a half in the city

The Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace sit in the same direction, so pair them in one day. In the city, the wall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter fit into about a day and a half.

Key sights: the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace

The Terracotta Army occupies pits east of the emperor's tomb, with Pit 1 the largest. Admission is by passport, and you reach it by private car or tour bus from the city.

• Visit Pits 1, 2, and 3 in that order.
• Huaqing Palace is known for its hot spring remains and modern history.
• Pairing the two in one day is standard.

In the city: the wall, the towers, and the pagoda

The Xi'an city wall rings the old town in a rectangle with a perimeter of about 14 km. Renting a bike on top and riding the loop is a favorite.

The Bell and Drum Towers face each other at the center, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands to the south. In the evening, the Great Tang All Day Mall glows with lights.

Getting there: air and rail

Xi'an is served by Xianyang International Airport, connected to the city by airport rail, bus, and taxi. High-speed trains leave from Xi'an North Station.

Getting around: metro and bus

Line 2 links Xi'an North Station with the Bell Tower, while Lines 1 and 3 cross the center.

• Line 2: Xi'an North Station, Bell Tower, Xiaozhai
• Lines 1 and 3: downtown transfers
• Tourist shuttle: routes toward the Terracotta Army

Suggested 4-day itinerary

Food and practical notes

Xi'an's staples include roujiamo, lamb paomo, liangpi, biangbiang noodles, and hulatang. The Muslim Quarter serves skewers and a wide range of snacks.

• The army site is hot in summer and cold in winter.
• The Muslim Quarter is very busy in the evening.
• Lamb paomo is served with bread you tear into pieces yourself.