Xi’an, one of China’s most ancient cities, is famous for its rich history and as the starting point of the Silk Road. It offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, archaeological wonders, and traditional Chinese architecture.
Top places to visit in Xian:
The Terracotta Army
Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is a massive collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago.
- What to Do: Visit the three pits that contain over 8,000 soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and armor. Explore the on-site museum to learn more about the history of the Qin Dynasty.
- Visit Qin Shi Huangdu Mausoleum Complex at Lishan Mount if you have enough time.
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and consider hiring a guide to gain deeper insight into the significance of this archaeological wonder.
Read more: The Terracotta Army in Xi’an visiting guide
Xi’an City Wall
The ancient Xi’an City Wall is the best-preserved city wall in China and offers a panoramic view of the city. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall stretches 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) around the city and is an excellent way to explore Xi’an’s history.
- What to Do: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the top of the wall to explore its impressive gates and towers. The ride offers views of both the ancient and modern parts of Xi’an.
- Tip: Visit in the evening to see the city illuminated, as the wall and surrounding areas are beautifully lit up.
Read more: Everything you should know about Xi’an city wall
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
One of Xi’an’s most famous landmarks, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda originally built in the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.
- What to Do: Climb the pagoda for views of the surrounding Temple complex. Stroll through the nearby Pagoda Square, where you can catch the impressive musical fountain show in the evenings.
- Tip: The fountain show is best viewed at night and is one of the largest in Asia.
Read more: Big Wild Goose Pagoda – landmark of Xi’an city
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)
Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a bustling area filled with street food stalls, local shops, and historical sites reflecting the city’s Islamic heritage. The area is a lively mix of Middle Eastern and Chinese cultures, thanks to the city’s history as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
- What to Do: Sample local delicacies such as roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with flatbread), and pomegranate juice. Explore the vibrant market streets and visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
- Tip: Visit in the evening when the streets are busiest and filled with aromas of freshly cooked food.
Read more: Muslim Quarter in Xi’an – the history of islamic culture in China
Great Mosque of Xi’an
Located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the largest and oldest mosques in China. Unlike traditional mosques, it features classic Chinese architectural styles, with pagodas, courtyards, and traditional roofs.
- What to Do: Explore the tranquil courtyards and beautifully carved stone tablets with Islamic scriptures. The mosque is still an active place of worship, so be mindful of religious practices.
- Tip: Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the mosque, and avoid visiting during prayer times to ensure the peaceful atmosphere is maintained.
Read more: One of the oldest mosques in China – The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the best museums in China and offers a fascinating journey through Shaanxi province’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty.
- What to See: Highlights include artifacts from the Tang Dynasty, ancient ceramics, bronze items, and the famous Tang Dynasty murals.
- Tip: Admission is free, but it’s best to arrive early as the museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Read more: For history lovers – Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a peaceful and less crowded alternative to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built during the Tang Dynasty and has survived numerous earthquakes, retaining its ancient charm.
- What to Do: Explore the serene surroundings of the Jianfu Temple and climb the pagoda for a view of the temple grounds. The adjacent Xi’an Museum showcases artifacts from Xi’an’s history and is worth a visit.
- Tip: Visit both the pagoda and the museum for a quiet, reflective experience, away from the tourist crowds.
Read more: Small Wild Goose Pagoda – why is it worth visiting?
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Located at the heart of Xi’an, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Both towers date back to the Ming Dynasty and served as timekeepers for the ancient city.
- What to Do: Climb both towers for panoramic views of the city center. Inside the Bell Tower, you can learn about ancient timekeeping methods, and in the Drum Tower, watch traditional drum performances held several times a day.
- Tip: Visit in the evening when the towers are illuminated, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere around the square.
Read more: The heart of Xi’an – the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Huaqing palace
Located at the foot of Mount Li, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Xi’an, the Huaqing Palace have been a retreat for emperors and their concubines for centuries. The complex is a mix of natural hot springs, beautiful gardens, and imperial palaces.
- What to Do: Explore the imperial bathing pools, pavilions, and beautiful gardens. Learn about the romantic legend of Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei, who spent time here.
- Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor or Terracotta Warriors to make a full-day excursion.
Read more: What is Huaqing palace in Xi’an and how to visit it
Mount Huashan
One of China’s famous five sacred mountains, Mount Huashan is a popular destination for adventurous travelers. Known for its steep cliffs and breathtaking scenery, it offers challenging hikes and stunning vistas.
- What to Do: Hike the famous Plank Walk for a thrilling experience, or take the cable car to the North Peak for incredible views. The mountain is also dotted with temples and other ancient structures.
- Tip: For the most adventurous experience, hike up the mountain at night to catch the sunrise from the East Peak.
Read more: Mount Huashan or The Death Trail in China
Other activities in Xi’an
Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise is a large theme park recreating the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, offering cultural shows, pavilions, and beautiful gardens.
- Tip: Stay for the evening light and water show, which is a spectacular visual display of Tang Dynasty culture.
Read more: The spirit of ancient China at Tang paradise in Xi’an
Visit the Silk Road Monument
Since Xi’an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, the Silk Road Monument is a symbolic site that pays homage to this important trade route. It’s located near the Da Ming Palace ruins, the Tang Dynasty imperial palace.
