Muslim Quarter, Xi'an
AsiaCultureHistoryFood

Xi'an

City walls, warriors and old quarters

Plan with AISee the 2 itinerariesPhoto: Qianeal, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Typical trip length7–14 days
On travli2 itineraries

About Xi'an

Xi'an preserves centuries of Chinese history in its streets and structures. The old city centers on the Bell Tower of Xi'an. The Muslim Quarter spreads out from there with the Great Mosque of Xi'an. The Xi'an City Wall marks the boundary of the historic area.

Outside the center, the Terracotta Army stands as a major draw. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum add to the cultural offerings. This destination suits trips centered on history and ancient sites.

Why travelers love it

Bell Tower of Xi'anThe Bell Tower stands at the center of Xi'an's old walled city.Great Mosque of Xi'anHistoric mosque in Xi'an that mixes Chinese and Islamic architecture, founded by tradition in the 8th century.Muslim Quarter, Xi'anThe Muslim Quarter is a historic district in central Xi'an with markets and food stalls.Terracotta ArmyThousands of life-sized terracotta warriors guard the tomb of China's first emperor near Xi'an.Huaqing PalaceHuaqing Palace is a historic site with hot springs and Tang Dynasty structures near Xi'an.Shaanxi History MuseumThe Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an holds artifacts from the region's long history.

Top attractions

Muslim Quarter, Xi'an
NeighbourhoodMuslim Quarter, Xi'anXi'an, China
Terracotta Army
MuseumTerracotta ArmyXi'an, China
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
MonumentBig Wild Goose PagodaXi'an, China
Xi'an City Wall
MonumentXi'an City WallXi'an, China
Bell Tower of Xi'an
MonumentBell Tower of Xi'anXi'an, China
Great Mosque of Xi'an
MonumentGreat Mosque of Xi'anXi'an, China
Huaqing Palace
MonumentHuaqing PalaceXi'an, China
Shaanxi History Museum
MuseumShaanxi History MuseumXi'an, China
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square
ViewpointGiant Wild Goose Pagoda SquareXi'an, China
Forest of Stone Steles Museum
MuseumForest of Stone Steles MuseumXi'an, China
Shuyuanmen
NeighbourhoodShuyuanmenXi'an, China

2 Xi'an itineraries

Beijing, China
Beijing, ChinaBeijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 7 Days7 days · By travli
Beijing, China
Beijing, ChinaBeijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 14 Days14 days · By travli

Xi'an questions

What food is available in the Muslim Quarter?

Street vendors sell roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and lamb skewers.

How do I get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an?

Buses and taxis depart regularly from the city center. The trip takes about an hour by bus, less by taxi.

When was the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built?

It was completed in 652 during the Tang dynasty.

Can you walk on the Xi'an City Wall?

Yes, the top is open for walking and cycling.

Can visitors climb the Bell Tower?

Yes. Stairs lead to the upper level for views over the city.

Is the Great Mosque of Xi'an open to tourists?

Yes. Non-Muslims can visit the courtyards and gardens for a fee.