Xi’an is a city that is a true Chinese heritage and legacy to the world. The city which Marco Polo would have seen and the beginning of the Silk Road sits close to the Terracotta Army museum and offers an impressive insight into the beginnings of the Chinese nation.

But what else can you uncover in Xi’an? Read more and find out how Xi’an is a city that stood as Imperial China’s first capital and the cornerstone of its inception.

Overview

Xi’an is a fascinating blend of old and new, a city that truly encapsulates China’s rich cultural history while embracing modern vibrancy. Attractions in Xi’an range from ancient landmarks to bustling markets, making it a city that caters to all types of travellers.

Once the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and the capital for several dynasties, Xi’an is now a thriving metropolis where ancient walls and temples coexist with bustling streets and lively markets.

During our time in Xi’an, we found ourselves swept up in this incredible mix of heritage and energy, from ancient monuments to the rhythms of local life.

Travel to and Around Xi’an

Travelling to Xi’an

Getting to Xi’an was straightforward for us, as it’s well connected by plane and rail. Beijing to Xi’an trains are particularly popular, offering a comfortable and efficient journey.

We opted for the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an which was a smooth experience. The train’s speed was 350 km/h and the journey was so comfortable.

Our trip with the bullet train was straight after a 12 hour long flight from London to Beijing however, we found the experience to be relaxing and went like a breeze. If you are also going to be doing the same, make sure you allow plenty of time between your flight arrival and train departure as the high speed train stations are West of Beijing. It can take up to 2 hours to get from the airport.

If you’re coming from other major cities like Shanghai or Chengdu, similar rail links and domestic flights make reaching Xi’an easy and convenient. We found that booking tickets in advance online saved us a lot of stress—especially during busier holiday periods.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Xi’an

Once in Xi’an, getting around was both manageable and enjoyable. The city is home to an efficient metro system, which proved useful for visiting key attractions and keeping to our schedule.

We found that buying the 24 hour metro pass was excellent value for money and we managed to squeeze a lot of journeys whilst visiting. In 2024 the pass was $2 and you can only buy it from a manned ticket office.

We also used local taxis via Didi as they were reliable and reasonably priced, especially for late evenings when public transport was less frequent.

Walking is also a great option for exploring the city centre—particularly around the historic landmarks and the bustling Muslim Quarter, where getting lost in the streets is part of the adventure.

One other thing to note is that in the metro networks across China, there is airport style security at every stop and entrance. The time it takes is minimal and we haven’t noticed any major bottlenecks.

Where to Stay in Xi’an?

Choosing where to stay in Xi’an can shape your experience in the city. The best location to stay in Xi’an largely depends on what you want to see and do, but staying within the city walls certainly added convenience for us.

The area near the Bell Tower is particularly lively, full of restaurants, shops, and cultural spots within walking distance. There are also fantastic options outside the city walls if you prefer a quieter stay with a bit more space—areas like Qujiang New District offer proximity to parks and more modern amenities.

We would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Xi’an for your specific dates.

We chose to stay at Ramada Bell Tower Hotel Xi’An within the ancient city walls, which gave us easy access to most of the attractions. If you would like to learn more about the hotel and why we chose it, check our review of the Ramada Bell Tower Hotel Xi’An.

Ideally, as a tourist you would like to find accomodation somewhere along line 2 (red line) as it connects the city centre to the high speed railway station and you will find using it the most to go in between attractions.

Best Time to Visit Xi’an

Xi’an has distinct seasons, and our visit during autumn gave us warm days and comfortable evenings. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are probably the most enjoyable times to visit, as summer can be quite hot, and winter temperatures can drop significantly.

If you’re wondering about the best time to go to Xi’an, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather without the extreme temperatures. We found that visiting at the end of October meant fewer crowds compared to peak summer months.

Things to do in Xi’an

One thing you must note about China in general, which is that most state owned museums and touristic spots require advance booking either on the website of the venue or via WeChat.

As a word of advice, don’t go to the ticket office on the day hoping you will get a ticket – you likely won’t. If you don’t have a reservation it’s best you assume you should cross off your list that attraction.

In the below article we will let you know which attractions require advance booking and how you can secure your spot.

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on Trip.com and Klook and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions for Xi’an at reasonable prices.

To understand more about what apps are allowed in China and how you can pay for your attractions and make reservations, read our dedicated Essential China Apps article.

Card payments aren’t widely accepted, and we found that China is a cashless society, using Alipay or WeChat Pay is therefore paramount. We linked our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

1. Discover Shaanxi History Museum – Qin Han Museum

Our first stop was the Shaanxi History Museum (Qin Han Museum), a perfect introduction to the rich history of Xi’an and the surrounding province. One thing to note here is that there is a need to pre-book your visit however, the main Shaanxi Museum is not bookable for foreigners.

As a result you can only visit the newest branch of the Shaanxi Museum which is the Qin Han Museum which is outside the city. The museum is easily accessible via metro but it can take up to 1 hour from the city centre.

On your WeChat go to the “Shaanxi History Museum” WeChat official account for real-name ticket reservations. Read more from their official webpage on how to book your visit, here.

The exhibits span several dynasties and highlight Xi’an’s role as a cultural crossroads.

We were especially captivated by the artefacts from the Qin and Han periods, which brought to life the origins of China’s imperial history. It’s worth setting aside a couple of hours to really absorb everything here. The museum is vast, think, British Museum in London.

2. Explore Daci’en Temple

The Daci’en Temple, home to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is a peaceful retreat right in the middle of the city. Walking through the temple grounds, we felt a sense of calm, with the pagoda towering above us as a reminder of Xi’an’s Buddhist heritage.

Climbing to the top of the pagoda is optional, but even if you decide to stay on the ground, the temple offers plenty to explore, including beautiful courtyards and gardens.

3. Climb up the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

A visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a must when in Xi’an. The ticket is extra and you can buy it from the entrance to the pagoda, behind the temple.

This iconic structure is not only visually striking but also deeply significant in Chinese history, especially in relation to Buddhism. The pagoda was first built to house sacred texts brought from India.

Nowadays, inside, the decor is very basic with very few exhibits but overall, provides a good experience to see central Xi’an from above. The climbing is fairly intense so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and are in good fit.

4. Learn about the City at Xi’an Museum

The Xi’an Museum, located near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, offered us a deeper look into the city’s history. The main reason we went there is because the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is in the same estate and requires the same booking to see both the pagoda and the museum.

The exhibits were well curated, and we enjoyed learning more about Xi’an’s evolution through the centuries. The museum isn’t too large, which made it an easy stop for an hour without feeling rushed.

Overall, it’s ok, not great but the gardens leading to the museum from the pagoda are amazing and worth sitting on a bench and enjoying the ambience.

To get here you have to book via the WeChat mini program by searching for the Xi’an Museum channel.

5. Admire the Small Wild Goose Pagoda

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, while less famous than its larger counterpart, has its own charm. You can’t climb the pagoda however, it does make for some really interesting shots with the nearby gardens.

The surrounding park was a lovely place to stroll, and we found fewer tourists, which made it feel more relaxed and intimate.

To get here you have to book via the WeChat mini program by searching for the Xi’an Museum channel.

6. Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an

Nestled within the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the oldest and most unique mosques in China.

Unlike most mosques, its architecture is distinctly Chinese, and we found ourselves lingering in its serene courtyards, taking in the intricate woodwork and peaceful surroundings. Whilst non-muslims can’t enter the prayer room, it was a beautiful example of Xi’an’s cultural diversity.

7. Wander Xi’an Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter

The Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter was an unexpected delight—a peaceful residential area that offered a contrast to the busier tourist spots. We wandered through the narrow lanes, admiring the mix of traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.

Here you can also see many stalls and vendors selling their merchandise. Overall, we found here much cheaper prices for souvenirs than in other major Chinese cities. It’s a good spot to do some tourist shopping.

8. Eat Your Way Through Huimin Street

Huimin Street is the heart of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and a paradise for street food lovers. Among the places to visit in Xi’an, Huimin Street or Muslim Street in English stands out for its vibrant energy and incredible variety of street food.

We spent an evening sampling a variety of local dishes—the seafood skewers, roujiamo (a type of meat sandwich), and freshly made biangbiang noodles were all highlights.

The energy of Huimin Street, with its bright lights, sizzling grills, and friendly vendors, made for an unforgettable experience.

9. Walk the Fortifications of Xi’an

There isn’t a particular place to go and visit just pick any gate or side as most of the fortifications have been restored to their original look. Additionally, you can even climb on the walls taking in the views during the day.

We didn’t get the chance as the stairs close after a certain time but it should look nice. We went to the South Gate and it was a nice short walk from our hotel.

10. Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are iconic landmarks in Xi’an’s city centre. We visited both, appreciating the views they offered of the surrounding streets.

The towers meant to signal the start and end of the day. The Bell Tower signaled the start of the day and the Drum Tower signaled the end of the day. On different occasions such as festivities they would beat different drums to signal a more special day.

Tip: don’t miss the drum performance at the Drum Tower. Performances are at : 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30 and 16:20. The Drum Tower was particularly impressive at night, when it was beautifully lit

We also want to note that at the security check they will take your lighter as no smoking is allowed. They will return it however on your way out.

These towers are great for getting a feel of Xi’an’s historical core. Don’t miss to climb up the towers and enjoy the views of Xi’an!

11. Take a trip to the Terracotta Army (Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum)

No visit to Xi’an would be complete without seeing the Terracotta Army. We took a day trip to this astounding archaeological site, located about an hour’s drive from the city centre.

By public transport you can go by metro to Huaqing Palace and from there you get a special tourist (express) bus, service number 613. You can buy tickets from the driver using Alipay. No pre-booking is required. More information on how to get to the Terracotta Army by public transport here.

We really suggest you go as early as possible as school kids group and tourist groups arrive after 12pm and the place (particularly Pit 1) become overcrowded.

The army consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each one uniquely crafted to serve Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Walking through the excavation pits, we were struck by the sheer scale and detail of the work, imagining the dedication and skill it must have taken to create such a masterpiece over two millennia ago.

The museum onsite also provides fascinating context about the discovery of the army and the history behind it. Be prepared for crowds, but don’t let that deter you—the experience is both humbling and awe-inspiring, and it offers an unparalleled insight into China’s ancient past.

12. Music Fountain Show

The Music Fountain Show is a free show at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It is a spectacular experience, especially in the evening. The fountains, accompanied by synchronised music and vibrant lights, make for a mesmerising show.

We found it to be a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. The atmosphere was lively, with both locals and tourists gathering to enjoy the display, and it gave us a real sense of Xi’an’s community spirit.

13. Datang Everbright City

Datang Everbright City is a vibrant pedestrian area that really comes to life after dark. It stretches along the route to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and is filled with colourful lights, live performances, and interactive displays.

As we wandered through, we were captivated by the mix of cultural performances, modern light shows, and the overall festive vibe. We even found a fountain which turned on only when passing by people would shout at it. Needless to say it created a funny spectacle seeing people shout at a fountain, which we also did ourselves.

This area showcases a modern twist on Xi’an’s historical culture, and it’s an ideal spot for an evening stroll, with plenty of shops and food stalls along the way.

14. Walk in Daming Palace National Heritage Park

The Daming Palace National Heritage Park was once the imperial palace complex during the Tang Dynasty, and it served as a political centre and residence for emperors. Covering an expansive area, it is often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, but on a larger scale.

We found the park to be a perfect spot for understanding the grandeur of Tang architecture, with its open spaces, reconstructed structures, and informative exhibits.

A stroll through the park gave us a real sense of the historical importance of this site, and it was easy to imagine the opulence of the palace at its peak. It’s an excellent place for both history enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by history.

What to Eat in Xi’an?

Xi’an’s culinary scene is rich and varied, and we made sure to try as many local dishes as possible. Biangbiang noodles, known for their thick, hand-pulled shape, were one of our favourites—perfectly chewy and often served with a spicy, savoury sauce. The closest thing you can compare them to are Japanese udon noodles.

We tried some Biangbiang noodles in the market at a family run restaurant. They were good, but we could’ve done with more topping as it felt at some point we were just eating noodles with hot sauce.

Another must-try is seafood skewers with flatbread, which we found comforting after a long day of exploring. The heavy middle-eastern spices combined with the tasty caramelised seafood meat is really a nice combination.

One thing that is a must and we didn’t see it in the rest of China was the Rou Jia Mo – a Chinese hamburger. Essentially this is a braised pork belly bun.

They are really tasty and with the right amount of spice. The spices really give you a nice kick and the meat is nice and soft with the bun simply soaking all the juices. Needless to say… we had a few.

Another thing worth considering more for the aesthetics than the taste is the steamed jujube-cake is one of traditional food items for breakfast in Xi’an. The ingredients for making the steamed cake include glutinous rice and red jujubes making it a sweet treat. Overall, it’s ok, but not great, worth having it as a first time.

The street food scene, especially around Huimin Street, was incredible—we recommend going with an empty stomach and an open mind!

Final Thoughts

From ancient temples and bustling streets to quiet corners and rich culinary traditions, Xi’an offers an experience that is both enriching and engaging. We hope our guide helps you navigate this incredible city, whether you’re interested in its storied past or its dynamic present.

Whatever your plans, Xi’an is a place that will reward your curiosity and leave you with lasting memories, as it did for us.

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