Xi'an

Xi'an Travel Guide

The starting point of the Silk Road and capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an is a treasure house of ancient Chinese civilization. The overwhelming scale of the Terracotta Warriors (hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World), the elegant Giant Wild Goose Pagoda from the Tang dynasty, and the perfectly preserved ancient city wall bring 3,100 years of history to life. Tasting Muslim Quarter street food in the Hui district and cycling the illuminated city wall at night are experiences unique to Xi'an. Highly recommended for travelers who want to dive deep into Chinese history.

Essential Xi'an Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Xi'an

★ 4.9

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army consists of roughly 8,000 life-sized clay warriors and horses created around 210 BCE to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Accidentally discovered by a farmer digging a well in 1974, the find stunned the world and is often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' Displayed across Pits 1, 2, and 3, the battle formation of some 6,000 warriors in Pit 1 is breathtaking. Remarkably, every figure has a unique facial expression, hairstyle, and armor. Admission CNY 120 (March-November), CNY 150 (peak season). About 1 hour by tourist bus 306 from the city center.

Hours08:30-18:00 (March-November), 08:30-17:30 (December-February).

LocationLintong, Xi'an

TipsArrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Hiring a guide (about CNY 150) gives you detailed historical context and makes the visit far more meaningful.

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★ 4.7

Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an City Wall, built in 1370 during the early Ming dynasty, is China's best-preserved ancient city wall, stretching approximately 13.7km in circumference, standing 12m tall, and 12-14m wide on top. Renting a bicycle on the wall and cycling the full loop takes about 1.5 hours, and the contrast between the old city and modern skyline is striking. At night, the entire wall is illuminated in golden light, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Admission CNY 54; bicycle rental CNY 45 (2 hours). Metro Line 2, Yongningmen Station.

Hours08:00-22:00 (April-October), 08:00-19:00 (November-March).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsGo up before sunset to catch both the twilight and the night illumination. Renting bicycles at the South Gate (Yongningmen) is most convenient.

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★ 4.5

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a 7-story, 64m-tall brick pagoda built in 652 by the Tang-dynasty monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures and statues brought from India, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Xuanzang's travel journal 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions' inspired the novel Journey to the West. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple was a major center of Chinese Buddhism. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an, and at night the northern plaza hosts one of Asia's largest musical fountain shows. Admission CNY 40 (pagoda climb CNY 30 extra). A 10-minute walk from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Station (Metro Lines 3 and 4).

Hours08:00-18:00 (March-November), 08:00-17:30 (December-February).

LocationYanta, Xi'an

TipsThe fountain show at around 9 PM (summer schedule) is free and lasts about 20 minutes. The interior stairs are steep but the view from the top is excellent.

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Must-Try Food in Xi'an

Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Bread Soup)

🍱 Traditional

Xi'an's signature dish: lamb broth with hand-torn bread pieces simmered together. The rich broth and chewy bread are a perfect match. About CNY 30-50 per bowl. Laosunjia on Muslim Quarter Street (Huimin Jie) is the original restaurant with over 100 years of history.

Biang Biang Noodles

🍱 Traditional

Xi'an's famous belt-wide handmade noodles tossed with chili oil and vinegar. Named for the 'biang biang' sound made when slapping the dough. About CNY 15-30 per bowl. Noodle shops on Muslim Quarter Street and near the South Gate are popular.

Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)

🍢 Street Food

A Chinese-style hamburger with slow-braised pork (or lamb) stuffed in a crispy baked bun. With 2,000 years of history, it's the quintessential Xi'an street food. About CNY 8-20 each. Try one freshly made from the stalls on Muslim Quarter Street.

Xi'an Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Xi'an?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are best, with pleasant weather. Summer is scorching (above 35°C), while winter is cold but quieter.

How much does it cost to travel in Xi'an?

Daily budget around 60,000-120,000 KRW (accommodation 30,000-60,000, meals 15,000-30,000, transport and entry 15,000-30,000).

How do I get around in Xi'an?

About 1 hour by airport bus from Xi'an Xianyang Airport to the city center; Metro Line 14 also connects the airport. The subway network (8 lines) is very convenient, and DiDi ride-hailing is useful. SIM cards are available at the airport, but Google and KakaoTalk are blocked without a VPN. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the main payment methods; foreign visitors should register for Alipay Tour Pass. Tipping is not customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Xi'an?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for 15 days (check 2024 extended-policy updates).

Is Xi'an safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but watch for fake tour guides and inflated prices at tourist spots. Touts for unofficial tours are common on the way to the Terracotta Warriors.

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