Digging this thread up as looking to head to Xian around 8th December for a whirlwind tour. Arriving about 19:30 to the airport Friday evening (with Hold luggage), and departing 13:30 on the Sunday, so essentially will have the Saturday and a couple of hours Sunday morning to see stuff.
Saturday AM Clearly the Terracotta warriors are top of the list
Saturday PM there are a few options: Huaqing Palace or Big Wild Geese Pagoda ( is doing both possible?)
Sunday AM Maybe bell tower and city walls?

Seen comments that its easiest to just get a driver, is this still the case?

Potentially keep close to the center on Sunday and walk the city walls?

Any good places to eat?

From Previous comments I'm looking at the Novotel (i.e close to the bell tower).