Terracotta Army & ancient walls
Xi'an
Xī’ān · The start of the Silk Road
Once Chang'an, the greatest city on earth and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Xi'an guards the Terracotta Army, an intact Ming city wall you can cycle, and a Muslim Quarter that is a feast on foot.
Top sightsSights
Terracotta Army
Thousands of life-size clay warriors guarding China's first emperor — one of the great archaeological wonders.
Ancient City Wall
Rent a bike and ride the full 14km loop atop the world's best-preserved city wall.
Muslim Quarter
A maze of food stalls, spice shops and the serene Great Mosque.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
A 7th-century Buddhist pagoda with nightly fountain shows in the plaza below.
Bell & Drum Towers
The floodlit heart of the old city, best seen after dark.
What to eatFood
Roujiamo
The "Chinese hamburger" — spiced braised meat in a crisp flatbread.
Biangbiang noodles
Belt-wide hand-pulled noodles doused in sizzling chili oil.
Yangrou paomo
Torn flatbread in a hearty mutton soup — tear it yourself.
Good to know
- Take the metro or a tour bus to the Terracotta Army, 1 hour east.
- Cycle the wall at sunset for the best light and cool air.
- The Muslim Quarter is best explored hungry and after dark.
Getting there
Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and a central high-speed rail hub linking Beijing (4.5h), Chengdu (3h) and Shanghai (6h).
Next city
Lhasa