Travel Guide: Top 7 Sights in Xi’an, China

Waking up with a view from the Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an, China

WELCOME TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF XI’AN

Tucked away in north central China, Xi’an is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and the tip top of the Silk Road. The capital of the ancient world, Xi’an was center of the Chinese universe for 13 imperial dynasties. A popular tourist destination for its rich history and foodie culture, 1 million people a year come to visit the Terracotta warriors and check this wonder of the world off their bucket list (especially during peak season May – August).

2-Days in Xi’an is all you need to fall in love with it’s historic past and trending present. After comfortably flying direct from LAX on Hainan Airlines, my group visited both Xi’an and Beijing with Shangri-La Hotels. We had such a blast, I needed to share our perfect 2-day Itinerary to this must-visit city on your trip through China with my TOP 7 SIGHTS IN XI’AN.

Top 7 Sights in Xi’an, China

A 2-DAY TRAVEL GUIDE

DAY 1

MORNING

🇨🇳 Uncover the amazing history of the Terra-Cotta Army Museum

🍜 Enjoy handmade Biang Biang noodles at Old Xi’an Restaurant while meeting one of the farmers that discovered the Terracotta Army in 1974

AFTERNOON

🚲 Bike the top of the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortifications of Xi’an

DAY 2

MORNING

🖋 View beautiful artwork and take a Calligraphy class at the Tang Bo Art Museum

🏯 Sightsee & stroll the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda grounds

AFTERNOON

🥟 Muslim Street Market

🔔Visit the Bell Tower & Drum Tower

Why Xi’an?

When we first arrived in Xi’an, the Shangri-La Hotel coordinated a tour guide and this expertly crafted itinerary above.

Our Day Visiting the Terracotta Army.

Built in 209-210 BCE, this collection of statues was made to protect Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, in the afterlife. The warriors weren’t discovered until centuries later in 1974 when three farmers accidentally discovered this ancient treasure when digging a well for their village — crazy, right?!

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors be sure to eat at The Old Xi’an Restaurant around the corner. A secret gem travelers might overlook, their Biang Biang noodles are hand pulled and famous in Xi’an. Plus you will even get to meet one of the famous farmers that discovered the Terracotta Army back in 1974.

I’m so grateful to check this city off my bucket list. For those already planning on going to Beijing or another major city in China this is a great addition to your itinerary if you’re looking for a second city filled with history and culture!

How to Get to Xi’an?

When booking international travel, it is always worth finding a direct flight to make the most of your trip. This helps you acclimate to the time difference, avoid the stress of making a flight connection, and of course, have more time to enjoy your final destination!

The LAX to XI’AN Hainan Airlines direct flight is the ultimate way to travel the 13 hour journey. When you fly business class, you’ll be able to recline your seat, wear soft Hainan Airline pajamas they provide, take home their premium amenities kit, and enjoy both Chinese & American dishes off their luxury dining cart & menu.

You’ll feel spoiled and relaxed not only in their business class but also the plush economy seats.

Where to Stay?

For a five-star experience, look no further than the Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an. It gives you that old-world elegance of an Imperial Palace while providing the modern amenities for a luxurious stay. The friendly staff is helpful and eases the anxiety of being in a foreign country by helping with tours, reservations, and any other needs you may have. Named after the earthly paradise described in the book Lost Horizon, the hotel lives up to its namesake and makes you feel like you’re staying in a mystical utopia ✨