Timeline
18:37
Grab a coffee or tea at Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore. It is a short walk from the center, and the upstairs area offers the perfect vantage point. Check that you have enough time to settle in before the light changes.
19:02
Watch the sunset. On these dates, the sun sets directly behind the Bell Tower from this spot, creating a striking visual alignment around 19:02 local time.
19:17
Walk to Li Ming's Dumpling House for a late dinner. The family-run spot serves exceptional guotie and baozi. It is open until 21:00, so you can enjoy a warm meal after the evening chill sets in.
Local tip
The bookstore is open until 20:00, so arrive early enough to secure a good spot near the window or balcony before it closes. The alignment is precise, so arrive with time to spare.
Check before you go
- Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore is open 09:00-20:00. Ensure your visit fits within these hours.
- Li Ming's Dumpling House is open 11:00-21:00. Arrive before 21:00 to be seated.
- The sunset alignment occurs around 19:02 local time. Verify the exact sunset time for your specific day in late March or early April.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Xi'an (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).