2025 Xi'an in-depth travel guide | Poetry and fireworks through the thousand-year-old capital

🌟 Must-see attractions 1. Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Highlights: One of the eight wonders, the military formation in Pit 1 is breathtaking. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or one hour before closing time to avoid the crowds. Hidden gameplay: Visit the Bronze Chariot and Horse Exhibition Hall, where the detailed craftsmanship is comparable to modern micro-carving, and the official explanation is more in-depth. 2. The Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps The best choice for night tour: free! 200,000 lanterns recreate the night scene of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. The interactive performance of "The Secret Box of the Heyday of the Tang Dynasty" and the "Doll Lady" are must-sees. It is recommended to wear Hanfu for taking photos. Performance tips: After 19:30, the lights will be on, so reserve your seat in advance to watch the musical fountain (4 shows per day). 3. Shaanxi History Museum Cultural Treasures: Free but tickets must be purchased 3 days in advance. The museum's treasures, the "Gold-Inlaid Animal-Head Agate Cup" and the "Tang Dynasty Tri-Colored Camel Carrying Music", are not to be missed. In-depth experience: Rent an AR interpreter and the cultural relics will instantly turn into dynamic historical scenes. 4. Xi'an City Wall Cycling through: The total length is 13.74 kilometers. Rent a bicycle (45 yuan/3 hours) to ride from the South Gate to the East Gate. The light and shadow are beautiful at sunset. 5. Huaqing Palace & Song of Everlasting Regret Imperial romance: Yang Guifei Hot Spring Site + Mount Li Cableway overlooking the panoramic view, the night live performance of "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" can be called the "Chinese version of The Phantom of the Opera". 🍜 Local food crit 1. Carbohydrate binge Roujiamo: I recommend "Zhangji on Ziwu Road", crispy white steamed bun with cured meat, served with Bingfeng soda. Mutton soup with steamed bun: Experience the hand-torn steamed bun at "Laomijia" in Huimin Street, the soup is rich and has no smell of mutton. Biangbiang noodles: as wide as a belt and spritzed with chili peppers, the most authentic one is from the old shop next door to "Maer Sour Soup Dumplings" in Sajinqiao. 2. Night Market Fireworks Sajinqiao: A local’s secret food court, with Fatty’s Zonggao, Liu Xin’s stir-fried steamed buns, and Lao Jin’s egg and vegetable steamed buns. Yongxingfang: a gathering place for intangible cultural heritage delicacies, including Zichang pancakes, Qishan臊子面, and the experience of breaking wine bowls. 3. Dessert Healing Tea Talk: Xi'an version of "Cha Yan Yue Se", recommends "Gui Hua Yin" and "Mei Zhan Yao Hong". Shaanxi 13: The chili oil-flavored ice cream is a must-try if you’re curious, and the Qinsu souvenir is very beautiful. 🗺️ Recommended itinerary 📅 3 days 2 nights essence version Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Palace → Night Performance of "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" Day 2: Shaanxi History Museum → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps Day 3: Cycling along the city wall → Muslim Street → Bell and Drum Tower night view 📅 5 days and 4 nights in-depth tour Additional experience: One-day challenge at Mount Huashan, check-in at the Tang Paradise in Hanfu makeup, and night tour of Qujiang Lake ruins. 🏡 Accommodation Guide 1. Bell Tower/Muslim Street Area With convenient transportation and rich nightlife, we recommend the "Westin Xi'an" (Tang-style design + city wall view). 2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda/Qujiang New District Close to the city that never sleeps, it is suitable for night tour enthusiasts. "Hilton Canopy Qujiang" is a 5-minute walk to the scenic area. 3. Lintong Hot Spring Hotel Next to Huaqing Palace, soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue. Huaqing Yutang Hotel is the first choice for family travel. ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Transportation: Scan the QR code to get on the subway; for the Terracotta Warriors, take the official bus No. 5. 2. Tickets: Shaanxi History Museum and Terracotta Warriors require reservations 3-7 days in advance. Huashan recommends taking the West Peak cable car. 3. Shopping: Most of the "Lantian Jade" in the scenic area is a synthetic product. Recommended souvenirs include "Demaogong Crystal Cake" and "Fuping Persimmon Cake". 4. Hanfu: Rent around the Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps (about 150 yuan/day), and avoid the high-priced photography packages in the scenic area. The beauty of Xi'an lies in the array of Terracotta Warriors, in the mottled bricks and tiles of the city walls, and in the rising aroma of mutton soup steamed buns. This guide will help you avoid the crowd trap and unlock the dual charm of the ancient capital's poetry and market life!