Xi’an was the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and the imperial seat of thirteen Chinese dynasties. With 48 hours in the city, you can explore archaeological treasures, cycle atop one of the best-preserved medieval defense walls in the world, and eat your way through fragrant night markets.
Day 1: The Terracotta Army and the Muslim Quarter
Dedicate your first morning to Emperor Qinshihuang’s Terracotta Army located 40 kilometers east of downtown Xi’an. Avoid expensive taxi negotiations by taking Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then hopping on official connecting bus 613 directly to the museum entrance, or booking convenient direct round-trip transport on Trip.com Transfers.
Arrive before 8:30 AM when gates open. Walk straight to Pit 1, the largest hangar containing over 2,000 reconstructed life-size clay warriors and cavalry horses standing in battle formation. Moving through Pit 1 first gives you clear views along the perimeter railing before tour groups arrive. Afterwards, inspect Pit 2 and Pit 3, where specialized vanguard archers and command officers remain half-excavated in their original loess trenches.
Return to central Xi’an in the late afternoon. Base yourself near the Bell Tower or book handpicked international hotels on Trip.com within the walled city. Head directly into the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) behind the Drum Tower. Skip the crowded main street and slip into Dapiyuan or Xiyangshi alleys for authentic local dining: steaming bowls of hand-torn pita bread soaked in lamb stew (Yangrou Paomo), cold sesame skin noodles (Liangpi), and freshly baked persimmon cakes.
Day 2: Cycling the City Wall & Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi’an’s 14-kilometer Ming Dynasty City Wall is completely intact, forming a grand rectangle around the inner city. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate (Yongning Gate) for 45 RMB and pedal along the wide stone brick top. The 100-minute loop offers changing perspectives of modern skyscrapers rising beyond the historic moats and defensive watchtowers. The best time to cycle is around 5:00 PM to catch golden hour sunlight and watch the red lanterns illuminate along the parapets at dusk.
In the evening, take Metro Line 3 or Line 4 south to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house Sanskrit Buddhist sutras brought from India by monk Xuanzang. The surrounding north square hosts Asia’s largest musical water fountain show every evening at 8:00 PM, set against illuminated Tang-style temple pavilions.
Practical Logistics for Xi’an
- High-Speed Rail: Xi’an North Railway Station connects to Beijing in 4.5 hours and Chengdu in 3 hours via the high-speed rail network. Book tickets in advance on Trip.com Trains.
- Subway Navigation: Xi’an’s subway system is modern, bilingual, and accepts contactless mobile phone payments via Alipay Transit QR Code.
- Admission: Terracotta Army admission is 120 RMB; City Wall ticket is 54 RMB. Both require original physical passports for turnstile entry.
