3 Days in Xi'an, China

Where to Stay:

People struggle to comprehend the sheer size of China before experiencing it firsthand. Xi'an is a massive city with a population of 12 million people! This means you'll want to choose a hotel, airbnb, or hostel within the Old City Walls to ensure that you are within walking distance of most of Xi'an's best sights.

How to Get There:

There are 2 train stations in Xi'an - Xi'an Railway Station (near the inner city walls) and Xi'an North Railway Station (14 km North of the city). The bus from Xi'an Railway Station is the most simple, cost-effective, and straightforward route to the warriors.

1. Bus from the East Square of Xi'an Railway Station • Take the Tourist Bus Line 5 (306) • Freq: 10 - 30 minutes, 7 am - 7 pm • Cost: 7¥/person (1 hr trip) 2. Take a Taxi • Cost: ~160¥ (1 hr trip from center) • Chinese Name: 3. Shuttle from Xi'an North Station • Take the free shuttle • Req. same-day HSR ticket & pre-purchased warrior tickets

Beware:

Scammers wearing red arm bands will try to pull you over to their more expensive tourist busses. Bus (5)306 should be clearly labeled. Simply get in the line and wait. You will pay after getting on the bus.

Final Tips & Insights:

1. Take a break after your visit to Pit 1 and experience a Chinese Tea Ceremony. This is a great chance to learn about Chinese medicinal teas.

2. Your guide may try to guilt you into buying souvenirs, books, and expensive foods. He/She will offer a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to have a book signed by one of the famous farmers who discovered the warriors. You might enjoy buying a signed book anyway, but be warned, there is no guarantee of authenticity! 

What to Expect:

The most famous part of the Muslim Quarter is Huimin Jie (Translated to Muslim Street), along with other neighboring streets like Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan, Huajue Lane and Da Xuexi Lane.

1. Try local foods Try the "roujiamo," a Han version of the Hamburger dating back to the Qin Dynasty.

2. Buy cheap tourist items Like that Terracotta warrior set you deemed to be too expensive at the museum...

3. Enjoy Islamic Architecture and Mosques There are 10 mosques dispersed in this area. The Great Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in China!

Get there:

Metro: Zhouglou Station Taxi: 回民街 (Huimin Jie)

How to Get There:

Take the High Speed Train From Xi’an North Station (30 min) • Buy your ticket before entering the station by following signs to the Ticket Office

• Xi’an Bei Zhan -> Huashan Bei Zhan (54¥) • Upon arriving in Huashan, you have 2 options: 1. Small bus (free) 2. Taxi to 华山 (15-20¥)

Pro tip: ALWAYS be prepared with the Chinese address for locations you travel to in China. Many taxi drivers will not pick you up if they are unable to read the address you give them.