Timeline
16:54
Grab a quick bite of guotie (potstickers) at this tiny, family-run spot near the museum. It is a great way to start the evening with authentic flavor before the crowds arrive.
17:10
Enter the Beilin (or Stele) Museum. Wander through the collection of inscribed stone tablets. The golden light filtering through the windows by sunset highlights the texture of the 7th century Nestorian Stele in Showroom 2.
18:25
Head to Small World Cafe for a drink or light meal. Run by a Dutch-Chinese couple, it offers a relaxed European cafe feel to unwind after the museum visit.
18:55
Stroll down Calligraphy Street. The area is less hectic than the Muslim Quarter and perfect for an evening walk. Browse the shops selling traditional rice paper and ink stones.
Local tip
The museum closes at 18:00 in December and February, but stays open until 18:30 from March to November. On October 15, sunset is at 18:10, so arriving an hour before ensures you see the golden light before closing. Small World Cafe is open until 22:30, giving you plenty of time to linger.
Check before you go
- Beilin Museum: Mar-Nov 08:00-18:30; Dec-Feb 08:00-18:00. No entry in the last 45 minutes.
- Small World Cafe: 11:00-22:30.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Xi'an (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).