3–4 days · Sep–NovWhere the Silk Road begins
Xi’an
Xi’an was the start of the Silk Road and capital to eleven dynasties. The headline sight is underground — thousands of terracotta warriors — but the living city, inside its Ming-era wall, is just as compelling.
🗓
Best Time to Visit
March–May & September–November
Cool, dry and clear — perfect for walking the City Wall. Summers are scorching; winters are cold and grey.
📍
Must-See Attractions
- Terracotta Army — 8,000 life-size warriors; go early, allow 3–4 hours.
- City Wall — cycle or walk the 14km Ming wall that still rings the old city.
- Muslim Quarter — a haze of lamb skewers, breads and night-market energy.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda — a Tang-era pagoda with nightly fountain shows.
- Huaqing Hot Springs — Tang imperial baths at the foot of Mount Li.
🏨
Where to Stay
- Bell Tower / centre — inside the wall, walk to sights and night markets.
- Muslim Quarter — for food lovers who want the action at the door.
- Qujiang — a newer district with parks and larger hotels.
🍜
What to Eat
Biangbiang noodlesRoujiamo (flatbread burger)Liangpi (cold noodles)Yangrou paomo (bread stew)Persimmon cakes
🧭
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1 — City Wall cycling, Bell & Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter dinner.
- Day 2 — Terracotta Army (full day).
- Day 3 — Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Huaqing Springs.
- Day 4 — optional Mount Hua hike or a calligraphy alley before leaving.
