CN · Shaanxi · 34.26°N 108.94°E

xi'an

Terracotta Warriors, cycling the city wall and Muslim Quarter street food.

Best time
April to May and September to October are the most comfortable. Summers are hot, winters are cold and dry, and the big sights are packed during the October Golden Week.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Direct flights from KL take about 5 hours. Xianyang International Airport is about an hour from the city centre by metro or airport bus.
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CN · Shaanxixi'an34.26°N 108.94°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Terracotta Warriors, cycling the city wall and Muslim Quarter street food.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingXi'anCN, Shaanxi
KLxi'an
≈ 3,541 km from KL, as the crow flies
51550-Xian

Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

One of China's great ancient capitals, known for much of its history as Chang'an and the eastern start of the Silk Road. Most people come for the Terracotta Army, then stay for the city wall, the pagodas and the Muslim Quarter's food streets.

Makan

  1. RoujiamoChopped braised meat stuffed into a crisp flatbread. In the Muslim Quarter it's beef or lamb.Map ↗
  2. Yangrou paomoFlatbread torn into small pieces and soaked in a rich lamb broth.Map ↗
  3. Biangbiang noodlesBelt-wide hand-pulled noodles with chilli oil, famous for having one of the most complicated characters in Chinese.Map ↗
  4. LiangpiCold, slippery noodles with vinegar and chilli, good on a hot day.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Terracotta ArmyThousands of clay soldiers guarding the First Qin Emperor's tomb, about an hour east of the city. Pit 1 is the big one.Map ↗
  2. Cycling the city wallRent a bike on top of the Ming-era wall and ride the full loop of about 14 kilometres.Map ↗
  3. Muslim QuarterLanes behind the Drum Tower packed with food stalls, plus the Great Mosque, built in Chinese temple style.Map ↗
  4. Big Wild Goose PagodaA Tang-dynasty pagoda, with a long pedestrian boulevard of Tang-style lights and street shows south of it.Map ↗
  5. Mount Hua (Huashan)One of China's five great mountains, with steep cliff paths and cable cars, about 40 minutes away by high-speed train.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The Muslim Quarter is home to Xi'an's Hui Muslim community, so most food there is halal. Look for the qingzhen (清真) signs.
  • Book popular sights like the Shaanxi History Museum online ahead of time with your passport details. Slots fill up fast.
  • Malaysians can currently visit mainland China visa-free for short stays, but check the latest rules before you fly.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.