What are the things to do in Xi’an? On Day 7, we would make our way to this ancient China city known for its rich history that dated back to 3,000 years ago.
To soak in everything this city has to offer, we would spend six nights here, covering sites within and around Xi’an, including the popular Terracotta Army and Mount Huashan.
To recap, we’d started the trip from Beijing and travelled towards Xi’an making several stops in between to check out the lesser known sights. For a chronological story flow, check these out first before continuing to Day 7 in the next section.
Don’t miss:
- Day 1: From Singapore to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven
- Day 2: Step back in time at Pingyao Ancient City (UNESCO Gem)!
- Day 3: Hanfu & Photoshoot Experience in Pingyao Ancient City
- Day 4 (AM): Yellow River Waterfall: Travel Hiccups & Most Stressful Day
- Day 4 (PM): Hidden Gems at Mount Yun
- Day 5: Great Ladder Cliff of Yellow River
- Day 6: Lee Family Courtyard in Shanxi
Getting to Xi’an City by Bus
Today, we would depart Hejin city. Prior to that, let’s filled our stomach with a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Although H Hotel (Hejin) was pretty “atas”, the breakfast wasn’t as good as that offered in Orange Hotel, Linfen. Spread was decent, but taste was average. Thankfully, there were eggs and fruits – these couldn’t go wrong.
From Hejin to Xi’an City by Bus
After breakfast, we hailed a taxi to Hejin Bus Station. There, we waited to board a 10am bus ride to Xi’an, booked two days ago in person (¥90 per pax).
The bus came on time – but we were a tad disappointed with the small 14-seater. As expected, the 3.5 hour bus ride felt a little cramp, but manageable.
We had a good nap and reached Xi’an bus station (三府湾客运站) earlier than we would if we’d taken a high-speed train.
Where we stayed in Xi’an for 6 Nights: Hotel Accommodation
(2pm)
A taxi drop us off at a spot near Ibis Hotel (Xi’an Bell Tower) – our Xi’an “home” for the next six days.
The best thing about this hotel is its location (Google | Baidu). It’s basically surrounded by lots of eateries, food street and shops.
Not only that, Ibis Bell Tower Hotel is also within walking distance to attractions such as Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower and Bell Tower.
This area was such a vibrant place it got us excited as soon as we alighted from the taxi. That’s me below walking through a random alley that connects our hotel to Bell Tower Station (exit B).
Checking into Ibis Hotel (Xi’an)
(2.45pm)
We booked a Business Queen Room that came with a separate bedroom and living room (with so many seats we could invite a whole gang to our room).
Layout of the hotel wasn’t idea, e.g. no TV at “living area” – then what do we do there? Also, there was no unblocked view, and the room received the west sun.
But its’ excellent location more than compensated for these imperfections.
Travel Tip: Many hotels we’ve travelled to did not come with a vanity desk. These days, I would bring along a lightweight foldable desktop mirror. With that, I can apply makeup while comfortably seated.
Things to do in Xi’an (Around our hotel)
After dropping our luggage, we got out of Ibis Bell Tower Hotel to explore the sights around it. We were so impressed with what we saw and knew we need not venture anywhere else for the rest of the day – this place has enough things for us to see, do and explore.
Follow our walking path in chronological order!
1. Drum Tower
Drum Tower (西安鼓楼) was built in 1380 during the Ming dynasty and now housed a museum.
It isn’t the most popular attraction in Xi’an, especially when compared with Bell Tower. But no harm taking some photos as it was along the way to our next destination – Muslim Quarter (Location: Google | Baidu).
Admission is affordable – you can pre-purchase tickets here.
Did you know: Drum tower was used in ancient time to announce the time and important events.
2. Muslim Quarter
A rather touristy street with numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and street food, Muslim Quarter (回民街) is the hub of the Muslim community (Location: Google | Baidu).
Do turn into the small alleys that offered better-priced souvenirs, such as traditional fan, hair pin and apparel.
We saw a few Hanfu (Chinese costume) rental shops here, but they were not as large or established as those in Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (大唐不夜城), which we would visit on Day 9 for another Hanfu experience.
>> RELATED: Hanfu experience in Pingyao Ancient City
TIP: We would visit Muslim Quarter several days since it’s near our hotel. One thing you shouldn’t miss buying is Jun Jun Green Bean Cake (清真军军绿豆糕) – see location. So good I’m missing it already!
3. Food Hunt: Further into Muslim Quarter
(4pm)
The man did his “Douyin” research on food recommended by locals. These stores were located further away from the main Muslim Quarter.
Zheng Gao (甑糕)
A very popular stall among the locals, people were queuing to buy the Red Date Glutinous Rice (¥10) – see location.
We were not quite used to sweet rice and it was too much carbo for us. Still a worthy try to know what the locals like.
“Shorty” Pastry (矮子酥饼)
The next try was a hit – freshly baked pastry served piping hot (10 pieces for just ¥15). We bought all 5 favours to try and really enjoyed the “mochi-like” filling within (see location).
Shi Jia Bun Eatery (石家包子)
At Shi Jia Bun eatery (see location), we ordered four signature buns and a bowl of seafood Vermicelli.
All were tasty and worth a try if you are craving for buns of unique flavours!
4. The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Done with the food tour, we reversed our track, ventured into small alleys and passed by The Great Mosque of Xi’an (清真大寺).
This mosque is a major tourist attraction and a heritage site known for its Chinese-style mosque architecture (see location on Google | Baidu).
You could pay a fee to enter if you are into heritage and architecture. For us, we are more into food and scenic places.
5. Shopping for Souvenirs
We saw some “pasar malam” stalls near the mosque, that seemed to sell cheaper products.
6. Drum & Bell Tower Square (Xi’an)
The Drum & Bell Tower Square is a place we would pass by often from our hotel. There, we could see the Bell Tower from a distance, and a prominent Starbucks on the left. Can you spot them?
For info, our hotel is located on the left side of this photo (the red building).
Behind where I stood was this sizable souvenir shop that offered the best rates I could find in this area. It was a shopping haven for me and I bought lots of stuff, from hairpins, hair clips and portable mirrors to pouches and pearl bracelets.
6. Sky Garden Experience (Ibis Bell Tower Hotel)
After a long walk, we decided to return to our hotel to drop off our loot and have a rest. But, let’s visit the hotel’s sky garden first!
Located on the fifth floor, the roof-top garden was quite tastefully designed – small but nice landscaping.
Most importantly, check out my view at the garden. I caught the sun setting behind the drum tower.
7. Xi’an Bell Tower
(8.30pm)
After some rest, we walked out again and passed by the beautiful and extremely popular Xi’an Bell Tower (西安钟楼). Such bell tower in China served to alert on important happenings such as an attack (Location: Google | Baidu).
Did you know? Xi’an used to be known as Chang’an in ancient times.
This Bell Tower in Xi’an is the biggest and best-preserved in China (view admission rate). I highly recommend visiting the tower at night when it’s all beautifully lit.
Here, you’ll spot many pretty ladies in Hanfu (traditional Chinese costume) posing against the tower backdrop. Hey, I would also be like them on Day 9. Stay tuned! :)
TIP: The Hanfu style in Xi’an is Tang style, which features large and grand head pieces and “baby doll” style, i.e. no waist line (see samples here).
As you strolled by, you would be approached by freelance photographers asking you if you like to have your photos taken – think ¥10 or ¥20 per piece.
8. Kaiyuan Shopping Mall
Opposite the Bell Tower is a large and modern shopping mall (Location: Google | Baidu). The purpose of our visit at Kaiyuan Shopping Mall (开元商城) is not to shop, but to get a vantage view of the Bell Tower from Level 6.
It isn’t that easy to find the viewing deck, so do ask the sales assistant for direction.
9. Dinner at Xi’an Food Street (Jiefang Market)
After exiting the shopping mall, we walked around and chanced by a popular food street along Jiefang Market Street (解放市场) – (Location: Google | Baidu).
Here, we enjoyed beef balls and prawn balls paired with vermicelli – the latter was so yummy with rich and tasty broth (¥36 in total).
Next, we saw a very well-patronised eatery and knew we had to give it a try. We ordered Mala Vermicelli and Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Burger) (Y20).
The mala is super “ma” (numbing), but the Rou Jia Mo was once again a miss.
We then came to the conclusion that the authentic Rou Jia Mo is probably made of thick bun, not the crispy pastry-like version we’ve tried in Singapore. I don’t know – any Chinese native can share?
The man – still not full – bought more mini buns (生煎包) from another food stall which were not bad (Y16).
We’ve clocked many steps for the day and our legs were aching. Time to call it a day. Stay tuned as we have another five more days in Xi’an and will share the great sights and food in the region. Stay tuned!
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- Day 1: From Singapore to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven
- Day 2: Step back in time at Pingyao Ancient City (UNESCO Gem)!
- Day 3: Hanfu & Photoshoot Experience in Pingyao Ancient City
- Day 4 (AM): Yellow River Waterfall: Travel Hiccups & Most Stressful Day
- Day 4 (PM): Hidden Gems at Mount Yun
- Day 5: Great Ladder Cliff of Yellow River
- Day 6: Lee Family Courtyard in Shanxi
