Xi’an Travel Guide: How to Make the Most of a Three-Day, Two-Night Trip
Xi’an, an ancient capital for six dynasties, has an incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage. The recent hit TV series The Qin Empire got me curious about the city. In early December, I booked a flight from Hubei to Xi’an for a solo trip. After browsing travel guides online, most recommended staying near the Bell and Drum Towers, and I agreed—it makes getting around much easier.
My travel dates: December 2–5.
Preparations for the Xi’an trip: personal ID, a change of clothes, toiletries, an umbrella, and during the pandemic, you’ll also need the Xi’an Health Code (you can register in advance), as well as the Xi’an Metro QR code and bus QR code.
Transportation: round-trip flights from Wuhan.
Since I booked my hotel online in advance, I headed straight there after landing. I stayed at the Li Cheng Hotel Yi (Xi’an Bell and Drum Tower branch) on Hanguang North Road in the Beilin District. The location is excellent, with convenient transport. It’s very close to the Bell and Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter, and getting to other attractions is also easy. The price is a steal—for a four-star hotel in this area, it’s hard to beat. The environment is quite nice, elegantly decorated, and the rooms are spacious. The front desk staff were very friendly, and the hotel also has a breakfast buffet where you can sample local Xi’an specialties.
The main popular attractions currently open include: the Xi’an Bell and Drum Towers, Tang Paradise, the Ming City Wall, the Beilin Museum, the Shaanxi History Museum, the Terracotta Army, and Huaqing Palace. The first-entrance ticket for Huashan is free for medical workers nationwide. To control visitor numbers, all major scenic spots now require advance reservations; without a booking code, you won’t be able to enter.
Bell Tower transport guide: take buses 611, 251, 43, 218, 201, 610, 609, 610, 15, 26, 36, or 32 and get off at the Bell Tower stop.
The Drum Tower is located at the southern end of Beiyuanmen on West Street in the city center, very close to the Bell Tower. The two ancient structures echo each other beautifully, and the night view is especially stunning.
The evening scenery is lovely. Interior attractions require tickets. The “tumbler” performances are at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m.
Shaanxi History Museum
Transport guide: take buses 5, 19, 24, 26, 27, 30, 34, 400, 401, 521, 527, 610, 701, or 710 and get off at Cuihua Road, then walk.
The Shaanxi History Museum is a large modern museum, home to cultural relics that bear witness to the history of thirteen dynasties. It’s the most profound historical museum I’ve ever seen. It’s located at 91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, Xi’an. The museum also arranges volunteer guides who offer free explanations; check at the guide contact point in the main hall for details.
Xi’an Beilin Museum
Hours: 8:30–18:30 (last entry 17:45)
The Beilin Museum is near Wenchang Gate. The museum complex includes the Forest of Steles and stone carving art, with the Forest of Steles—made up of ancient tablets and epitaphs—being the highlight. You’ll find calligraphy masterpieces by Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Huaisu, and others, along with two Tang Dynasty steles: the Shitai Xiao Jing and the Kaicheng Shi Jing. Buy tickets in advance and it’s recommended to hire a guide.
Muslim Quarter transport guide: from the hotel, take bus 915, then transfer to 286.
The Muslim Quarter is both a food paradise and a charming area to wander, with all kinds of snacks and local delicacies.
Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The more than a thousand life-sized pottery warriors unearthed here each have distinct expressions and vivid postures, making them a brilliant gem in the history of ancient Chinese sculpture and hailed as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Recommended local Xi’an snacks and food
Xi’an’s snack street is right behind the Bell and Drum Towers, walking distance from the hotel. For authentic snacks, just go to those small eateries—prices are low and the flavors are spot-on.
Biangbiang noodles
Any random little shop can surprise you. The broad, red-hued, shiny noodles create a visual and flavor explosion that immediately fires up your appetite. I’d only heard about Shaanxi noodles before; now I truly understand.
You can get authentic Shaanxi liangpi (cold noodles) in Xi’an.
Local specialties are available at almost every food stall.
That wraps up this Xi’an travel guide on how to enjoy three days and two nights to the fullest. Xi’an is an ancient city that needs to be savored slowly—the more you explore, the more charm you find. The bustling streets by day and the glittering lights by night leave every passerby nostalgic. Recalling the bygone beauty of Chang’an, the capital of thirteen dynasties, and gazing at the modern spirit of the 800-li Qinchuan plain, I hope all who visit are free and fearless.
