Xi'an in 5 Days: The Super-Detailed Guide (Routes + Food + Tips)
Five days of walking Xi'an's ancient capital — Terracotta Warriors, city walls at sunset, Muslim Quarter eats, and the real food streets tourists miss.
Where to Stay
We stayed at three hotels: JI Hotel (Xiaozhai Metro), Atour (Dachashi Metro), and JI Hotel (Dachashi Metro). Both JI locations were close to the subway and solid. The Dachashi one was best — metro literally in the building basement.
Day-by-Day Route
5 Days in Xi'an
Arrive + Muslim Quarter
Arrive midday, settle into hotel. Evening: explore Muslim Quarter (回民街) for a first taste.
Terracotta Warriors + Lishan Garden + Sajinqiao
Take subway + taxi to Terracotta Warriors and Lishan Garden (combined ticket ¥120, book via "Qin Shihuang Mausoleum" WeChat). Metro to Huaqingchi station Exit C, taxi ~10 min. After: evening walk at Sajinqiao for late-night street food.
Xingshan Temple + Bell Tower District + Jiujiu Daqin + Muslim Quarter
Daxingshan Temple (free, famous for its cats!). Starbucks landmark store for photos. Bell Tower neighborhood for local eats. Jiujiu Daqin live show. Evening back at the Muslim Quarter + Bell Tower night view.
Tang Dynasty Makeover + Academy Gate + Shaanxi History Museum + Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Tang Dynasty Nightless City
Get a Tang Dynasty costume makeover (旅拍), then Academy Gate for calligraphy street. Shaanxi History Museum (free but HARD to book — try 5 PM exactly, 1 week ahead on WeChat). Big Wild Goose Pagoda area + Tang Dynasty Nightless City for the evening.
Defu Lane + Xiangzi Temple + Taiyang Temple CityWalk + Muslim Quarter
Final day citywalk: Defu Lane café street + Xiangzi Temple + Taiyang Temple Gate neighborhood walk. Last round at Muslim Quarter for anything you missed.
🍜 Xi'an Food Map
📍 Sajinqiao: Ma Wenzhang Pangzi Zenggao, Liu Xin Beef & Lamb Paomo Xiaochao, Ma Jiguang Rose Sticky Cake
📍 Bell Tower Neighborhood: Authentic Belt Noodles, Qiao Ji Longlong Roujiamo, Zuizui Xiang Spicy Strips, Yuze Gaijiao Noodles + Green Bean Cake
📍 Muslim Quarter: Xuexixiang Chuanchuan Skewers, Yixiang Yi Chuanchuan, Ma Er Dumpling House, Ma Hong Xiaochao Paomo, Hua Nainai Sour Plum Juice, Ma Bo/Feisaer/An Laohu BBQ
📍 Near Sai Ge Mall: Ziwulu Zhang Ji Roujiamo, Huzi Shuipen Yangrou, Guo Laosan Noodle House
