Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is a haven of ancient Chinese buildings. The inner city is surrounded by a rectangular fortress wall, and there are many old buildings to be found inside and outside of these walls. The highlight is probably the Terracotta Army, located on the outskirts of Xi’an. Unlike other places in China, there is also a significant Chinese Muslim community in Xi’an. This is a consequence of Xi’an having been the eastern end of the Silk Road and Muslim traders who settled here.
How to get to Xi’an from Chengdu
There is a direct bullet train connection between these two cities, which takes less than four hours.
Things to do in Xi’an
Here are the highlight of Xi’an which can be done in 2 days:
- Visit the Terracotta Army. Being some 30 km outside of the center, the easiest way is to go to the train station near the northern city wall (not the bullet train station) and find a taxi. This cost 60 Yuan (ca. 7.5 €), which felt okay for a one-hour ride. There should be a tourist bus, but I could not find it. The way back will be easier since there are many buses stationed around the tourist area.
- Get on top of the huge city walls and rent a bike to make the loop.
- Visit the Muslim Quarter and try Chinese Muslim food.
- Visit the Chinese mosque in the Muslim Quarter, which is very different from the usual mosques.
- Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
- See the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, which are beautifully lit at night.
- Visit Yongxingfang near the eastern walls for a great selection of street food.
Click on one of the pictures to open the Xi’an gallery :
