Xi'an is a large and historically rich city, and understanding its layout can make your trip much easier.
This page collects a series of practical maps, covering location, attractions, transport, accommodation, and nearby side trips.
You could use them to quickly get oriented, see how key sights are distributed, and plan a smoother itinerary with less guesswork.
1. Xi'an Location Map—Where is Xi'an in China?
Xi'an, known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), is located in central northern China and is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
It is about 2 hours by air from Beijing and 2.5 hours from Hong Kong.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province, located in central Shaanxi. This map also shows other major prefecture-level cities in Shaanxi.
2. Xi'an Attraction Map—What to See in Xi'an?
Xi'an is best known for its ancient landmarks and archaeological sites, many of which are still well preserved and easy to visit today.
To help you plan your visit more efficiently, the main attractions are grouped by area. Four attractions are marked as must-sees for first-time visits, while the rest can be added based on your time and interests.
1. Around the City Wall (city center, easy to explore on foot):
- City Wall: One of the best-preserved ancient city walls, ideal for walking or cycling.
- Muslim Quarter: A lively food street filled with local snacks and street life.
- Bell Tower & Drum Tower: Central landmarks marking the heart of the old city.
- Great Mosque: A unique blend of Chinese architecture and Islamic culture.
2. Big & Small Wild Goose Pagoda Area (a quieter area away from the busy city center):
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A famous Tang-era Buddhist landmark.
- Small Wild Goose Pagoda: A quieter site with a more local atmosphere.
3. Lintong District (about 1 hour from the city, best for a half-day or 1-day trip):
- Terracotta Army: Xi'an's most iconic archaeological site.
- Huaqing Palace: Known for its royal history and hot spring setting.
4. Near the Airport (convenient if arriving or departing):
- Hanyangling Mausoleum: An underground museum offering a closer look at Han Dynasty tombs.
At the Terracotta Army site, there are three main pits and one exhibition hall. Based on our experienced local guides, we suggest different visiting routes for peak and off-peak seasons to help you avoid crowds and explore more smoothly.
Read more details on Top Things to Do in Xi'an.
3. Xi'an Accommodation Map—Where to Stay in Xi'an?
The main areas to stay in Xi'an are around the Bell Tower and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
If it's your first visit, we suggest the Bell Tower area, as you'll be within walking distance of the City Wall and the Muslim Quarter, with easy access to other major attractions across the city.
You could choose the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area if you prefer a quieter setting with fewer crowds, while still having convenient access to key cultural sites.
4. Xi'an Transport Map—Getting from the Airport or North Station to the City Center
Xi'an has only one airport, and its main high-speed rail station is Xi'an North Railway Station. Both sites are located outside the city center.
From the airport (about 35 km away), a taxi or private transfer is usually the best choice, especially if you arrive late or have luggage. The metro is a cheaper option but takes longer.
From Xi'an North Railway Station (about 15 km away), the metro is usually the easiest and most efficient way to reach the city center, while taxis are a good alternative for a more comfortable ride.
For more details, see How to Get from Xi'an Airport or Railway Station to Xi'an City and the Terracotta Warriors.
5. Xi'an Itinerary Map—How Many Days in Xi'an?
For first-time visits, 2 days (excluding arrival and departure) is usually enough to cover Xi'an's main highlights.
On the first day, visit the Terracotta Army in Lintong District, outside the city center. If you're interested, you could also include Huaqing Palace.
On the second day, explore the city center, including the City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter, combining historical sites with local food and street life.
With 3 days or more, you could go beyond the main highlights and add either more cultural sites in the city or short trips to nearby destinations, such as mountains, historic towns, and unique natural landscapes.
Here are some popular options for extending your trip:
- Mount Hua (1 day): Known for its steep trails and dramatic granite peaks; good if you enjoy challenging hikes and mountain scenery.
- Luoyang (1-2 days): One of China's ancient capitals. You could see the Longmen Grottoes' world-class Buddhist carvings and visit the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu.
- Yucha Giant Canyon (1 day): Narrow sandstone gorges with flowing lines and striking light effects; ideal for photography.
- Jingbian Wave Valley (2 days): Colorful wave-shaped rock formations you rarely see elsewhere in China.
- Hukou Waterfall (1 day): A powerful section of the Yellow River squeezes into a narrow channel, creating an intense roar and mist.
- Pingyao (1-2 days): One of the best-preserved ancient towns in China, where you could wander traditional streets and old courtyard houses.
If you plan to visit Mount Hua, having a clear sense of the peaks and cable car routes will help you choose a route that fits your time and energy level.
See more on How Long to Spend in Xi'an and Day Trips from Xi'an.
Plan Your Xi'an Trip with China Highlights
These maps give you a clear overview of Xi'an and its surroundings.
If you'd like help turning them into a well-paced itinerary, we can design a private tour that covers transport, accommodation, and guided visits based on your schedule and interests. You could read about our trip to Xi'an for examples. To share your own plans, just contact us.