Start your 16 hours in Xi'an with a visit to its number one attraction – the world-famous Terracotta Army. This collection of imposing clay soldiers lies some distance outside the city proper, so you should make it your first port of call. Get an early start, and catch the 914 or the tourist bus from the East Square of Xi'an Railway Station, or negotiate the fare with a taxi driver.

While you're in the area, you should take a peek at Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, about two kilometers away from the Terracotta Army. Then head back to the city on the bus, and have lunch at a restaurant near the excellently preserved Ancient City Walls. Your diverse options range from a Chinese dumpling banquet at Defachang to Italian at Il Satiro Danzante near the south gate. Whatever style of cuisine you opt for, you'll appreciate the atmosphere in this bustling part of town.

Walk off the lunchtime excess with a wander through the well-preserved Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There are three parts to this attraction: The Da Ci'en Temple, the North Square and the pagoda itself. Bathe your soul in enlightenment, then take a short stroll to the serene Tang Furong Lotus Garden. Considered China's first large-scale Imperial Garden, the park is filled with Tang Dynasty style garden features and architectures.

Then browse the impressive souvenir shops around Jiefang Road for calligraphies, potteries, folk paintings, green porcelains, and, of course, Terracotta Warrior replicas. Be sure to bargain hard! More modern cultural relics like Mao memorabilia can be picked up at a huge outdoor market in the Muslim part of town, while visitors seeking bargain-priced apparel should head for Dongdajie.

The Tang Dynasty Dinner Theater is the place to go for your evening meal – a combination of the best food and entertainment from China's golden age. The menu includes delectable dishes like Xi'an dumplings, prawns with honey glazed walnuts and a whole lot more. Wash all this down with flavorsome jasmine tea or rice wine. Don't forget the camera for this fascinating cultural extravaganza. You're advised to book ahead, as this popular nightly show often sells out.

Round off your visit to the Ancient Capital by experiencing its modern nightlife options: there's the pricy Xi'an Diwang Club, the youngster-oriented Xi'an Longdu Disco Club, or the Western-inclined One Plus One… take your pick, or hop from one to the other!