Cited city facts
Key facts for visiting Xi'an
Over 8,000 terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots estimated in total
Only about 2,000 figures have been fully excavated and restored since the 1974 discovery; archaeologists deliberately leave much of the site unexcavated to preserve it for future technology
Xi'an City Wall stretches 13.7 km in circumference
Built in 1370 under the Ming Dynasty on foundations from the earlier Tang capital, it is the most complete ancient city wall surviving in China and one of the largest military fortifications in the world
13 dynasties chose Xi'an as their capital
From the Western Zhou around 1046 BCE through the Tang Dynasty until 904 CE, no other city in China served as the seat of imperial power for as long or as frequently
The Muslim Quarter's Great Mosque dates to 742 CE
Founded during the Tang Dynasty, it is one of the oldest and largest mosques in China, blending traditional Chinese temple architecture with Islamic worship space across 12,000 square meters
Source: tour-guide.com — Free to cite with attribution
Things to see
What are the top attractions in Xi'an?
- Terracotta Army Pit 1 — Stand before 6,000 warriors in the vast main excavation hall
- Cycling the City Wall — Rent a bike and circle the entire fortification at sunset
- Muslim Quarter feast — Try roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), paomo soup, and persimmon cakes
- Great Mosque — Discover one of China's oldest mosques hidden in a peaceful garden compound
- Tang Dynasty show — Watch a grand performance of music and dance from China's golden age
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda — Climb a seventh-century Buddhist pagoda for panoramic city views
⛪ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A thirteen-century-old tower of faith rising above Xi'an's southern skyline
🏘️ Muslim Quarter
A sensory feast of Silk Road flavors in the heart of ancient Xi'an
🏺 Terracotta Army
An underground legion of clay soldiers standing guard for over two millennia
🏛️ Xi'an City Wall
A monumental Ming-dynasty fortress encircling the ancient city center
Guide planning
How much does a tour guide cost in Xi'an?
| Tour Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Walking Tours | ¥150-300 | $20-40 per person |
| Street Food Tours | ¥300-500 | $40-68 with tastings |
| Half-Day Private | ¥600-900 | $82-123 |
| Full-Day Private | ¥1,200-2,000 | $165-275 |
Season planner
When is the best time to visit Xi'an?
- Best months — September-November (golden autumn weather) or April-May (comfortable spring temperatures)
Spring
Mar-May
Summer
Jun-Aug
Autumn
Sep-Nov
Winter
Dec-Feb
On the ground
How do you get around Xi'an?
Xi'an has a modern metro system with multiple lines connecting the city wall area, the train station, and major sights within the urban core. For the Terracotta Army, 40 km east of downtown, take tourist bus 5 (306) from the train station or arrange private transport through your guide — allow a full morning as the site takes 3-4 hours to explore properly. Cycling the 13.7 km City Wall circuit is a highlight but wear comfortable shoes. The Muslim Quarter is best explored on foot, and small vendors there often prefer cash over mobile payments. Only buy souvenirs from official museum shops — fake antiques are everywhere near the Terracotta Army.
Travel Guides for Xi'an
Xi'an & the Terracotta Army Tours picks up where this Xi'an overview leaves off, with room for the practical detail an overview has to skip.
Browse all travel guides →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Xi'an?
Best months: September-November (golden autumn weather) or April-May (comfortable spring temperatures).
How much does a tour guide cost in Xi'an?
Group Walking Tours: ¥150-300 ($20-40 per person). Street Food Tours: ¥300-500 ($40-68 with tastings). Half-Day Private: ¥600-900 ($82-123). Full-Day Private: ¥1,200-2,000 ($165-275)
How do you get around Xi'an?
Xi'an has a modern metro system with multiple lines connecting the city wall area, the train station, and major sights. For the Terracotta Army, 40 km east of downtown, take tourist bus 5 (306) from the train station or arrange private transport through your guide.