Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in the country, offers a perfect 2-day mix of history, culture, and cuisine. This guide covers top attractions in Xi’an, where to eat, stay, and how to get around—ideal for first-time travelers planning a short China trip in 2025.Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, Xi’an is a living museum. From the world-famous Terracotta Army to delicious street food and majestic city walls, it’s the ultimate destination for travelers wanting to explore the roots of Chinese civilization.

1. Main Sightseeing Attractions in Xi’an

1. Terracotta Army Museum

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Terracotta Army Museum[/caption]

Highlight: View over 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (daily)

Ticket Price: ¥120 / ~$17(Adult)

Visit Duration: 2.5–3 hours

How to Get There:

Public Bus 306 from Xi’an Railway Station (about ¥10 / ~$1.40)

Taxi: ~1 hour, ¥100–120 / ~$14–17

Rating: ★4.7/5 on TripAdvisor from over 9,000 reviews

2. Xi’an Ancient City Wall

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Xi’an Ancient City Wall[/caption]

Highlight: Bike or walk on China’s best-preserved ancient city wall (14 km loop).

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Ticket Price: ¥54 / ~$7.50(Adult)

Visit Duration: 1.5–2 hours

How to Get There:

Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (South Gate)

Rating: ★4.6/5 on Google Reviews

3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda

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Big Wild Goose Pagoda[/caption]

Highlight: Iconic Buddhist site with tranquil gardens and evening fountain show.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ticket Price: ¥50 / ~$7 (Pagoda grounds), additional ¥30 / ~$4 to climb the tower

Visit Duration: 1–1.5 hours

How to Get There:

Metro Line 3 to Dayanta Station

Rating: ★4.5/5 on Dianping

2. Best Local Food & Restaurants

1. Fan Ji Roujiamo

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Fan Ji Roujiamo[/caption]

Dish to Try: Roujiamo (Chinese pork sandwich)

Price Range: ¥10–15 / ~$1.50–2

Location: Muslim Quarter

Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Why Visit: It’s the "Chinese hamburger" and a must-try street food.

2. First Noodle Under the Sun

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First Noodle Under the Sun[/caption]

Dish to Try: Biang Biang noodles with chili oil

Price Range: ¥25–35 / ~$3.50–5

Location: Near Bell Tower

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Why Visit: A great introduction to spicy Shaanxi cuisine.

3. Xi’an Dumpling Banquet at Defachang

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Xi’an Dumpling Banquet at Defachang[/caption]

Dish to Try: Dumpling banquet (up to 16 flavors!)

Price Range: ¥100–150 / ~$14–21 per person

Location: Bell Tower Square

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Why Visit: Sit-down restaurant perfect for sampling multiple dishes.

3. Where to Stay in Xi’an (Hotel Options)

1. Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton Xi’an

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The Ritz-Carlton Xi’an[/caption]

Room Types: Deluxe King, Executive Suite

Avg. Price: ¥1,300–1,800 / ~$180–250 per night

Best For: Couples, luxury travelers

Location: Gaoxin District (Tech zone), ~20 mins to downtown

Facilities: Spa, pool, rooftop bar, English-speaking staff

2. Budget Option: Alley Youth Hostel

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Alley Youth Hostel[/caption]

Room Types: Dorm beds, private double rooms

Avg. Price: ¥180–280 / ~$25–40 per night

Best For: Backpackers, solo travelers

Location: Near Xi’an Railway Station

Facilities: Courtyard, communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, tour bookings

4. Suggested 2-Day Xi’an Sightseeing Guide

Day 1: Ancient Wonders

Morning:

Visit the Terracotta Army (allow 3 hours)

Transport: Bus 306 or private car

Lunch: Roujiamo at Fan Ji Roujiamo

Afternoon:

Explore Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Catch the evening fountain show (~8 PM)

Dinner: Biang Biang noodles at First Noodle Under the Sun

Daily Budget: ~$45–60/ ¥320–430

Day 2: Urban Culture

Morning:

Bike around the Xi’an City Wall

Rent bike: ¥45 / ~$6.30

Lunch: Dumpling tasting at Defachang Restaurant

Afternoon:

Free time to explore the Bell Tower & the Muslim Quarter

Optional tea ceremony or souvenir shopping

Dinner: Street food or your hotel restaurant

Daily Budget: ~$40–55/ ¥280–400

5. Transportation & Essential Travel Tips

1. From Xi’an Xianyang Airport:

Taxi: ¥120–150 / ~$17–21(45–60 mins)

Airport Shuttle Bus: ¥25 / ~$3.50 to Bell Tower

Metro: Line 14 > Line 2 (city center)

2. From Xi’an North Railway Station:

Metro Line 2 > Bell Tower or Yongningmen Station

6. Local Tips for Travelers

1. Transit:

Buy a Xi’an Metro Card (¥20 deposit) for unlimited rides

Metro fare: ¥2–6 / ~$0.30–0.80

2. Payment:

WeChat Pay or Alipay widely used—set up before arrival

Carry some cash (RMB) for smaller shops and street food

3. Language:

Most signs in English at major attractions

Use Google Translate or Pleco app for help

7. Ready to Visit Xi’an?

Xi’an is a crucial stop on your China journey. With just 2 days, you can explore ancient dynasties, taste centuries-old recipes, and bike along fortress walls—all at an affordable price.

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