Hear my words before your trip to Xi’An

#chinatravelitinerary Went to Xi’An last Dec. Personally found 4 days enough (5 days if you planned to go to Huashan Mountain too); and here’s a list of some places and food that I found worth recommending. 【Attractions】 1. Terracotta Warriors A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the greatest archaeological finds, showcasing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Includes Pits 1-3 and bronze chariots, but the latter is not exactly easy to go if you’re not following a tour because they were distanced rather far apart 2. Ancient City Wall A massive, intact Ming Dynasty fortification encircling old Xi’an. Perfect for walking or cycling with views of the city’s blend of past and present. But I don’t recommend walking from one gate to another, because it would take minimum 45min (if you sorta run) and the view up there was minimal and mundane. 3. Muslim Quarter A bustling street market area with a mix of Hui culture, food stalls, and the historic Great Mosque. Ideal for wandering and soaking in local vibes. Rather touristy & pricey if you’re along the Main Street, so do walk into small aisle and compare prices 4. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda A Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda with serene gardens and a nearby musical fountain show. A cultural gem tied to monk Xuanzang’s travels. 5. Bell Tower & Drum Tower Iconic landmarks in central Xi’an, offering a glimpse into ancient timekeeping traditions and panoramic city views from their upper levels. If you’re not holding a professional camera, I recommend going in the day 6. Huaqing Palace A historical hot spring retreat linked to Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, featuring elegant pavilions and scenic grounds near Mount Li. Worth to go if you’re into Chinese history of Tang Dynasty ***Shaanxi History Museum A treasure trove of artifacts (370,000+), especially from the Tang Dynasty, highlighting Xi’an’s role as a Silk Road hub. Free entry with online booking. It should have been number one must-go, but during my visit it’s impossible for foreigners to book through the official website. Luckily starting January 2025 their official website is open to foreign passports 【Food】 1. Rou Jia Mo Often called the “Chinese hamburger,” it’s a soft bun stuffed with slow-cooked shredded pork (or beef) and spices. A street food staple. Any stall will do. 2. Yang Rou Pao Mo A hearty mutton stew with crumbled unleavened bread, served with garlic, chili paste, and pickled sides. You break the bread yourself—a fun ritual. Not necessarily something you enjoy coz the texture is not pleasant but worth trying for the sake of cultural exposure 3. Liang Pi Cold, slippery rice noodles tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce with sesame paste and veggies. Refreshing and flavorful. 4. Biang Biang Mian Wide, hand-pulled noodles (named for the sound they make when slapped) served with chili oil, pork, or veggies. A Shaanxi specialty with a chewy bite.