Xi'an

1. Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Visit the Terracotta Army: As one of the world's eight wonders, the Terracotta Army is a must-see for any visitor to Xi'an. Buy tickets online in advance and go in early morning to beat the crowds.
  • Make sure go there on a weekday, avoid Chinese holidays.
• Bike or Walk the Ancient City Wall: Experience the unique charm of this historic city and get a sense of the grandeur of its ancient defenses. You can rent bikes or walk along the wall.
  • Take a morning run will be a good idea. It offers awesome views of the old town and is about 14 kilometers in total.
• Explore the Muslim Quarter's Food Scene: This is a great place to experience Xi'an's nightlife and get a best taste of local food culture.
• Check out the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This pagoda is a symbol of Tang Dynasty Buddhist art and offers great views of the city.
• Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆): It's THE best museum in China. So it may take several times before you manage to book tickets.

Don't

• Skip the Street Souvenirs: You might find some low-quality goods at inflated prices from street vendors. Stick to reputable shops or official stores within the attractions.
• Don't Fall for Cheap Tour Groups: Especially around the Terracotta Army, there are many fake tour groups. They might take you to a different location to see fake terracotta warriors.
• Avoid Unofficial Ride-Hailing Services: Especially in smaller areas, there are lots of "black cabs" (unlicensed taxis). Stick to legitimate ride-hailing apps like Didi.

2. Where to Stay

• Near the Bell Tower: This is the city center, with easy access to transportation, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's perfect if you like being in the middle of everything.
• The Muslim Quarter: This area has a vibrant cultural atmosphere, with lots of unique restaurants and craft shops. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more immersive cultural experience.
• South of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This area is close to the pagoda and the Tang Paradise, with a more relaxed and scenic atmosphere. It's a good choice if you prefer a quieter stay.

3. What to Eat

Near the Bell Tower

• 老孙家饭庄 (Lǎo Sūn Jiā Fànzhuāng): Lao Sun Jia Restaurant (try the authentic mutton paomo)
• 贾三灌汤包子 (Jiǎ Sān Guàntāng Bāozi): Jia San's Soup Dumplings (famous for its delicious soup dumplings and other traditional dim sum)
• 德发长饺子馆 (Dé Fā Cháng Jiǎozi Guǎn): Defa Chang Dumplings (they have all kinds of dumplings, from pork and chives to seafood)
• 同盛祥饭庄 (Tóng Shèng Xiáng Fànzhuāng): Tongshengxiang Restaurant (a well-established restaurant known for its mutton and beef dishes)
• 西安饭庄 (Xī'ān Fànzhuāng): Xi'an Restaurant (offers a wide variety of Shaanxi cuisine in a nice setting)

The Muslim Quarter

• 老马家腊汁肉夹馍 (Lǎo Mǎ Jiā Làzhī Ròu Jiāmó): Lao Ma Jia Rou Jia Mo (try this crispy bun filled with delicious braised pork)
• 张记肉丸胡辣汤 (Zhāng Jì Ròuwán Húlàtāng): Zhang Ji's Spicy Mutton Soup (a century-old establishment famous for its unique spicy and savory soup)
• 魏家凉皮 (Wèi Jiā Liángpí): Wei Jia Liangpi (they have different kinds of cold skin noodles, perfect for a hot day)
• 贾三灌汤包子 (Jiǎ Sān Guàntāng Bāozi) (Branch): Jia San's Soup Dumplings (another location to try these tasty dumplings)
• 红红酸菜炒米 (Hónghóng Suāncài Chǎomǐ): Honghong Pickled Cabbage Fried Rice (fried rice with pickled cabbage—a unique and tasty dish)

4. Getting Around

• Shared Bikes: Xi'an is pretty flat, so biking is a great way to get around, especially near the city wall.
• Public Transportation (Buses and Subway): Xi'an has a good public transportation system with an extensive subway network. You can use a local transportation card or mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay).
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Use Didi.
• Getting to the Terracotta Army: Take the Tourist Bus 5 (游5路). You can also join a day tour, which takes care of transportation.
• Getting to the Huaqing Palace: Take the Tourist Bus 5 (游5路) from the East Square of Xi'an Railway Station or book a day tour.

5. Best Views

• Sunrise on the City Wall: Watching the sunrise from the city wall is an amazing experience.
• The Big Wild Goose Pagoda at Night: The pagoda looks especially impressive when it's lit up at night.
• Tang Paradise at Night: The night shows and light displays at Tang Paradise are spectacular.