One day in Xi'an: an itinerary in the best order
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- 1 of 3 free; paid: Terracotta Army, Great Mosque of Xi’an
- Duration
- 8 h 20 min · 09:30–17:45
- Start and finish
- Terracotta Army → Muslim Quarter
- On foot
- ≈ 4 min in total
- Transport
- 1 ride, ≈ 1 h 56 min
- Lunch
- around 12:30
- With kids
- fine: short walks
- Best time
- Spring and autumn. The pits are hot in summer and cold in winter.
The plan, stop by stop
Times include walking and lunch. Drag a stop by ≡, remove it with the cross or add one nearby — the plan updates.
Xi’an09:30–17:45 · 3 places · 8 h 20 min
Terracotta Army
· 3 h · ¥120, passport booking ahead
- Lunch · 1 h
- 116 min · transport or taxi
Great Mosque of Xi’an
· 45 min · ¥25, ¥15 in winter; Muslims free
- 4 min on foot
Muslim Quarter
· 1 h 30 min · Free
Add nearby
Places near the plan — Yes puts one into the day and the times update.
What the route costs
1 of 3 are free; 2 charge entry — prices below, check them on site.
| 1 | Terracotta Army | 51 | 3 h | ¥120, passport booking ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Great Mosque of Xi’an | 44 | 45 min | ¥25, ¥15 in winter; Muslims free |
| 3 | Muslim Quarter | 42 | 1 h 30 min | Free |
| Total | 5 h 20 min | 1 of 3 free |
Tips for each stop
- 1
Terracotta Army. Pits of thousands of clay warriors by the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, ≈ 40 km from the centre. 120 yuan, passport booking only.
- 2
Great Mosque of Xi’an. A working mosque built like a Chinese temple: four courtyards and a pagoda for a minaret. 25 yuan, 15 in winter.
- 3
Muslim Quarter. Street-food lanes behind the Drum Tower. Free; best in the evening.
Who this route is for
- First time in Xi'an
- The Terracotta Army is the priority
- Independent, by metro and bus
- The pagodas and Shaanxi museum are day two
- Mount Hua takes a full day
Spring and autumn. The pits are hot in summer and cold in winter.
What to do in Xi'an in one day
The army is at Lintong in the east — go in the morning before the groups. It needs about three hours. The mosque, quarter and towers are in the centre, 4–10 minutes apart on foot.
Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, and add another one nearby — the times recalculate.
Getting to the Terracotta Army
Tickets are 120 yuan by passport booking only. From 16 March to 15 November entry runs 8:30–17:00. Take the metro to Lintong and a bus, or a DiDi taxi. Start with Pit 1, the largest.
Is one day in Xi'an enough?
For the army and the centre, yes. Cycling the 13.7 km City Wall costs 54 yuan plus 45 for the bike. The Shaanxi History Museum and the Giant and Small Wild Goose pagodas are day two.
How to do it right
- Book the Terracotta Army ahead with your passport.
- Do the Muslim Quarter in the evening, when the food stalls are busiest.
- Many museums and parks in China admit visitors only with a passport booking — via WeChat, the website or a mini-app, usually 1–7 days ahead. Carry your passport.
- China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay — link a foreign card before you go; keep some cash yuan as a backup.
- Dress modestly at the mosque; visitors are not admitted during prayers.
Questions
What can you do in Xi'an in one day?
The Terracotta Army, the Great Mosque, the Muslim Quarter and the Bell and Drum Towers.
How much is the Terracotta Army?
120 yuan, passport booking only.
How do I get to the Terracotta Army?
Metro to Lintong and a bus, or a taxi — about an hour.
How long do you need at the army?
About three hours.
Can I go without a tour?
Yes, though an audio guide or guide helps explain the pits.
How much does the day cost?
About 200 yuan in tickets, plus transport.
Is it good with kids?
Yes; there is a lot of walking at the pits.
When is the best time?
Spring and autumn.
How do I get to Xi'an from Beijing?
By high-speed train in 4.5–6 hours.
How do I pay in Xi'an?
China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay — link a foreign card before you go; keep some cash yuan as a backup.
Sources and fact-check
- Prices, opening hours and time on site come from each place's page, with its own sources and check date
- Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum: booking and hours
- Wikipedia: Terracotta Army
