First Time in Xi’an: A Practical 2-Day Plan from Airport Arrival

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, my heart raced a little—not just from the 10-hour flight, but from the thrill of stepping into a city where emperors once ruled, where the Silk Road began, and where history isn’t just in museums, but in the air. As a first-time visitor, I wanted to make every count: no wasted time, no tourist traps, just the good stuff. After two days of exploring (and a lot of dumplings), I’ve put together this practical, step-by-step guide for anyone else planning their first Xi’an trip. Let’s start from the very beginning: arriving at the airport.

Part 1: Airport Arrival – Getting to Downtown Like a Local

My flight touched down at Terminal 3, the modern, bustling hub for most international and domestic flights. The first thing I noticed? Signs in English and Chinese (pinyin), which was a relief. Here’s what you need to know to get from the airport to your hotel smoothly:

Option 1: Metro (The Cheapest & Most Efficient)

I chose this, and it was a game-changer. From Terminal 3, follow the signs for “Metro” (地铁). You’ll buy a card at the vending machine (cash only, so have small bills handy) or use Alipay/WeChat Pay to scan a QR code for a temporary ticket. The Airport Line (机场线) is direct, clean, and takes you to North Railway Station (北客站) in about 40 minutes, where you can transfer to Line 2 (the main line for downtown). From North Railway Station, Line 2 takes you straight to Bell Tower (钟楼), the heart of Xi’an. Total cost: ~8 RMB. Total time: ~1 hour. Pro tip: Download the “Metro Xi’an” app (or just use Google Maps) for real-time schedules.

First Time in Xi’an: A Practical 2-Day Plan from Airport Arrival

Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus (Convenient for Groups)

If you’re with others or have heavy luggage, the shuttle bus is comfy. There are several lines: Line 5 goes to Xi’an Railway Station (25 RMB, 45 minutes), and Line 603 goes to South Railway Station (20 RMB, 50 minutes). From either station, you can grab a taxi or metro to your hotel. Buses leave every 15–20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (For Comfort, But Beware)

Taxis are available outside Arrivals Hall 2 and 3. Always insist on the meter—if the driver refuses, find another one. The ride to downtown (Bell Tower area) should cost 80–120 RMB (depending on traffic) and take 40–60 minutes. For ride-hailing, use Didi (China’s Uber); set your destination in English, and the app will handle pricing. Avoid “black taxis” (unlicensed cars) touting services inside the terminal—they’ll overcharge.

Where to Stay?

I booked a hotel near the Bell Tower (钟楼), and it was perfect. It’s central, walking distance to the Muslim Quarter (回民街), the Bell Tower itself, and the metro hub (Line 2). For budget travelers, the South Railway Station area has cheaper options, and for luxury, the Qujiang New District (曲江新区) is upscale but farther from downtown. I stayed at the Bell Tower Hotel—clean, safe, and with a rooftop view of the tower at night. Win.

Part 2: Day 1 – Terracotta Warriors & The Old City’s Flavors

Day 1 was all about “bucket list” stuff: the Terracotta Army. But I didn’t want to waste half the day getting there, so I planned smart.

Morning: Terracotta Army (8:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

The Terracotta Army is 40 km east of downtown, so going early avoids crowds (and summer heat). Here’s how to get there:

• By Bus: Take Bus 5 (游5) from East Gate Bus Station (东门汽车站) (near Bell Tower) directly to the Terracotta Army. It departs every 10 minutes starting at 7:00 AM, costs 7 RMB, and takes 1 hour. Tip: Board at the first stop to get a seat!
• By Private Car/Group Tour: If you prefer convenience, book a group tour online (e.g., on Klook or Trip.com). They pick you up from your hotel, include a guide, and cost ~200 RMB/person. I chose the bus—cheaper and a chance to chat with locals.

At the Terracotta Army:
Buy your ticket (120 RMB) at the entrance. The site has three pits (1, 2, and 3) plus the Exhibition Hall of Bronze Chariots and Horses. Start with Pit 1—the largest, with thousands of soldiers lined up in battle formation. It’s breathtaking. Then hit Pit 2 (cavalry and archers) and Pit 3 (the command center). The Exhibition Hall has intricate, life-sized bronze chariots—don’t skip it!

Pro Tips:

• Hire a guide (100–150 RMB) at the entrance—they’ll explain the history (e.g., how each soldier’s face is unique, how the army was “discovered” by farmers in 1974).
• Bring water and snacks—there’s only one overpriced café inside.
• Allow 2.5–3 hours; rushing ruins the experience.

Afternoon: Huaqing Palace & Back to Downtown (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

Next to the Terracotta Army is Huaqing Palace (华清宫), the imperial hot spring where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei once bathed. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Terracotta Army entrance (or take the free shuttle bus). Tickets cost 120 RMB (combo ticket with Terracotta Army is 150 RMB—worth it!).

Huaqing Palace is beautiful: gardens, ancient pools, and the “Huaqing Pool” where Yang Guifei bathed. The highlight is the Five-Room Hall (五间厅), where Chiang Kai-shek stayed during the Xi’an Incident—you can still see bullet holes in the walls.

From Huaqing Palace, take Bus 5 back to East Gate Bus Station (1 hour, 7 RMB). By 4:00 PM, I was back at my hotel, showered, and ready for dinner.

Evening: Muslim Quarter & Street Food (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Xi’an is a foodie paradise, and the Muslim Quarter (回民街) is ground zero. This isn’t just one street—it’s a maze of lanes near the Bell Tower, packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, and historic mosques.

Must-Try Foods:

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger”—crispy bread stuffed with spiced pork, beef, or chicken. I tried the liang rou (cold meat) version at Laobian Roujiamo (老边肉夹馍)—juicy, flavorful, and 15 RMB.
• Yang Rou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): “Bread soaked in lamb soup.” Tear the bread into small pieces, add them to the hot broth, and let it soak. Top with meat and garlic. I went to Lao Mi Yang Rou Paomo (老米羊肉泡馍)—locals line up here, and for good reason. 30 RMB/bowl.
• Liangpi (凉皮): Cold noodles with chili oil, vinegar, and cucumber. The suan liangpi (sour version) is my favorite. Jianhua Liangpi (建华凉皮) is a legend—8 RMB/serving.
• Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Candied hawthorns on a stick. Sweet, tangy, and perfect for walking.
• Biangbiang Noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and veggies. The name has 57 strokes—fun to try to write!

Pro Tips:

• Eat where the locals eat—look for stalls with long lines (they’re usually the best).
• Bargain for souvenirs (e.g., small terracotta warrior figurines), but not for food!
• Visit the Great Mosque (大清真寺)—it’s free and stunning, with Chinese-Islamic architecture. Open until 8:00 PM, so go after dinner.

Part 3: Day 2 – City Walls, Museums & Modern Xi’an

Day 2 was about diving deeper into Xi’an’s history and soaking up the local vibe. I started early to beat the heat.

Morning: Xi’an City Wall (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

The Xi’an City Wall is the best-preserved ancient city wall in China, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (14th century). It’s 14 km long and 12 meters high—walking or biking it is a must.

How to Get There: Take Line 2 to South Gate (南门) or Yongning Gate (永宁门, the main gate). I got off at South Gate, which is lively and has bike rental shops.

Tickets: 54 RMB (bike rental is extra—45 RMB for 3 hours, 100 RMB deposit).

Activity: Rent a bike and cycle the wall. The top is wide and flat, with views of the city on one side and the moat on the other. I cycled from South Gate to East Gate (2 km), stopped for photos, then back—total 1.5 hours. Tip: Go early (8–9 AM) to avoid crowds and the midday sun.

Lunch: Yongxingfang Food Street (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

After the wall, I walked to Yongxingfang (永兴坊), a “food theme park” featuring Shaanxi’s most famous snacks. It’s more organized than the Muslim Quarter, with each stall representing a different region of Shaanxi.

Must-Try:

• Biangbiang Noodles: At the Shaanxi Snack stall, the noodles are fresh and spicy. 20 RMB/bowl.
• Zhagao (炸糕): Fried glutinous rice cakes with red bean paste. Crispy outside, chewy inside. 10 RMB/2 pieces.
• Tiger-Skin Peppers (虎皮椒): Stuffed peppers with meat, fried until “tiger-spotted.” 15 RMB/serving.

Yongxingfang is also great for buying souvenirs: aged vinegar, chili oil, or dried fruits.

Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

No trip to Xi’an is complete without the Shaanxi History Museum. It houses over 370,000 artifacts, including Tang Dynasty pottery, bronze ware, and the famous “Wild Goose Pagoda” relics. Tip: This museum is huge—allow 3 hours.

Tickets: Free (but you must book in advance on their official website or WeChat account, 7 days ahead). If you can’t get a free ticket, paid tickets are 30 RMB.

Highlights:

• Tang Dynasty Gold and Silver Ware: Intricate jewelry and tableware—so detailed you’ll think they were made yesterday.
• Terracotta Army Miniatures: Smaller versions of the warriors, showing how they were originally painted.
• Oracle Bones: Ancient Chinese inscriptions on turtle shells—dating back 3,000 years!

Pro Tips:

• Rent an audio guide (30 RMB) or hire a guide (100 RMB) to understand the artifacts’ stories.
• Start at the “Ancient Shaanxi” hall on the first floor—it sets the stage for the rest of the museum.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash.

Evening: Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Dynasty Show (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

To end my trip on a high note, I headed to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔), a 7th-century Buddhist pagoda built to house sutras brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.

Activity:

• Walk around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square—it’s beautiful at night, with fountains and lights. Free.
• Watch the Tang Dynasty Show at the nearby Tang Dynasty Palace. The show includes traditional music, dance, and costumes (e.g., the “Rain of Tang” dance with silk umbrellas). Tickets cost 180–680 RMB (I got the 280 RMB seat—great view).

Dinner: After the show, I ate at Dejiawa (德发长), a famous restaurant for dumplings. They serve over 100 types of dumplings, including “flower-shaped” ones and “soup dumplings” (xiao long bao). 60 RMB/person.

Part 4: Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Weather: Xi’an has four distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are best. Summer is hot (35°C+), and winter is cold (below 0°C) but less crowded.
• Cash: While most places accept Alipay/WeChat, bring some cash for small stalls or buses.
• Language: Most young people speak English, but older locals may not. Download a translation app (like Google Translate) with Chinese offline packs.
• Transport: Use the metro (buy a “Chang’an Tong” card for discounts) or Didi. Taxis are cheap, but always use the meter.
• Pace: Xi’an has a lot to see, but don’t rush. Spend 2–3 days to really soak it in—this 2-day plan is intense but doable!

Final Thoughts

Leaving Xi’an, I felt like I’d traveled through time—from the Terracotta Army’s silent sentinels to the lively Muslim Quarter’s spices, from the ancient city wall to the modern Tang Dynasty show. It’s a city where history isn’t just preserved—it’s alive. For first-time visitors, this 2-day plan (airport arrival to departure) covers the must-sees without overwhelm. Pack comfortable shoes, an empty stomach, and a sense of wonder—you’re in for a treat. Xi’an isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.