2021 National Day Xi'an Travel Guide: Bell Tower, Terracotta Warriors, Mount Hua – Tickets, Itineraries, Hotels & Food

The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday are just around the corner. I’m sharing a 2021 Xi'an travel guide for the National Day holiday to help you avoid common pitfalls. It focuses on attractions and recommends several Xi'an itineraries based on your schedule. Also, as everyone knows, hotel accommodations are in high demand during short holidays, and many first-time visitors to Xi’an don’t know the best areas to stay for easy access to sights, dining, and entertainment.

Must-see attractions in Xi'an

2: Datang Everbright City

4: Tang Paradise

8: Xi'an City Wall

10: Shaanxi History Museum

Day 1: Arrive in Xi’an from across the country

Route 1: Xi'an City Wall – Bell and Drum Towers – Muslim Quarter

Route 2: Terracotta Warriors – Datang Everbright City

Route 3: Mount Hua day trip

Route 4: Shaanxi History Museum – Tang Paradise

Route 5: Qianling Mausoleum, Famen Temple

2021 Xi'an National Day Travel Tips

1. Book hotels, B&Bs, and tickets in advance. Most Xi’an attractions require reservations to avoid unnecessary waiting.

2. Some Xi’an attractions accept cash only for tickets – carry a small amount of cash.

3. Bring your ID and any discount cards like student or retirement IDs.

4. Keep an eye on the weather, bring an umbrella, and use sun protection.

5. Have several backup itineraries.

6. Visitors from outside Shaanxi (low-risk areas) must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours. Transportation hubs and tourist sites in Xi’an check this, so don’t take chances.

Xi'an City Transport Guide

1. Xi'an metro operates 6:00–23:00; airport buses run 7:00–21:00.

2. You can fly directly to Xi’an and take the metro airport line to the city center. Xi'an's metro is very convenient.

3. If you’re not far, high-speed trains to Xi’an are even more convenient than flying.

4. The metro is the best way to get around the city. On Alipay, search for 'Xi'an e-Metro Card' to scan and ride.

5. Many attractions are directly accessible by metro. For places the metro doesn’t reach, buses or coaches are available.

Where to Stay in Xi’an: Convenient Areas

Staying near the Bell Tower is generally recommended. There are many hotels, from 2-star to 5-star, all with easy access to Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and Datang Everbright City.

If you’re on a budget, go for a youth hostel – just book ahead.

For a more upscale experience, there are plenty of four-star hotels near the Bell Tower.

Orange Hotel Yi (Xi’an Bell Tower branch) – Five-star recommendation

The hotel is on Hanguang North Road, Beilin District, within a 10-minute walk to the Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower. Rooms feature smart voice control via 'Xiaodu' (just call out for lights, TV, curtains, AC – super convenient). Bathrooms have separate wet and dry areas, standard here. Complimentary drinks, mineral water, and tea are in the room – and you can ask for more. Service is excellent.

The hotel offers king, twin, and family-themed rooms – one room fits the whole family for National Day travels. For longer stays, there’s a laundry room with dryers.

Must-try Xi'an Foods:

Saozi noodles: thin, even noodles in a savory, fragrant minced meat sauce.

Wei’s Liangpi (cold skin noodles), a chain – the sesame paste and vinegar hit just right.

Hot and sour soup: Xi'an's version is Muslim-style meatball soup with beef meatballs, potato chunks, cabbage, and carrots, drizzled with sesame oil before eating.

Lamb pao mo (crumbled flatbread in soup): A bowl of authentic lamb pao mo is a must in Xi'an. The broth is white and mild; pair it with black fungus, vermicelli, and sweet pickled garlic.

Oil-splashed noodles: Incredibly fragrant, with chewy, well-seasoned noodles.

That wraps up the complete 2021 Xi'an National Day independent travel guide. It covers Xi'an city transportation, travel tips for the National Day holiday, where to stay conveniently, and local food recommendations. If you're planning to visit Xi'an during the 2021 National Day holiday, feel free to refer to this guide.