Home to the Terracotta Army, Xian was the starting point of the Silk Road and one of ancient China’s most important imperial capitals.
Why Visit Xian
Xian’s Terracotta Army, discovered by farmers in 1974, remains one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, with thousands of life sized clay soldiers buried to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. As the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, Xian was one of ancient China’s four great capitals, and its intact city walls, the most complete in China, still encircle the old town today. The Muslim Quarter’s night market adds a completely different, food focused side to a visit.
Top Experiences
- Terracotta Army: thousands of life sized clay soldiers built to guard China’s first emperor, discovered in 1974.
- Xian City Walls: the most complete surviving ancient city walls in China, open for walking and cycling.
- Muslim Quarter: a historic neighborhood and night market known for Xian’s distinct Hui Muslim cuisine.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD to house scriptures brought from India.
- Shaanxi History Museum: a museum showcasing over a hundred thousand artifacts from the region’s ancient dynasties.
Book Xian Tours & Activities
See the Terracotta Army, cycle the ancient city walls, or explore the Muslim Quarter’s night market with guided tours from Xian.
2-Day Xi'an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Private Custom-Made Combo Tour
Terracotta Warriors Ticket with Professional English Guide
Xi'an: Terracotta Army & City Highlights Private Day Tour
Practical Tips
- The Terracotta Army site includes three separate pits, Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive.
- Cycling the full loop of the city walls takes about two hours and offers a unique perspective on the old town.
- The Muslim Quarter is best visited in the evening when the night market and food stalls are in full swing.
- Xian is well connected to Beijing and Shanghai by high speed rail.
FAQ
How was the Terracotta Army discovered?
Local farmers digging a well in 1974 accidentally discovered fragments of the buried clay soldiers, leading to one of the most significant archaeological excavations in history.
How many days do you need in Xian?
Two days covers the Terracotta Army, city walls, and Muslim Quarter comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Xian’s Terracotta Army alone justifies a visit, but the city’s intact walls and Silk Road history make it one of China’s most rewarding stops for history focused travelers.
Planning your trip? See our full Xian Travel Guide for top attractions, practical tips, and easy day trips.
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