visit xian

• Day Trip to Terracotta Warriors
• 2 Days Side Trips
• 3 Days Historical Xi'an
• 6 Days Beijing & Xi'an
• 1 Day to Luoyang
• Terracotta Warriors

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

• Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Shaanxi History Museum

• Great Mosque
• Muslim Quarter
• Mount Huashan
• Han Yang Ling Mausoleum
• Local Family Visit
• Cooking Class
• Zhangjiajie

Top 10 Things to Do in Xi'an

Xi'an, also named Chang’an in ancient times, served as the capital for 13 dynasties during more than 1,000 years. It enjoyed popularity equal to that of Cairo, Athens and Rome. Together they were called the "four ancient capitals of the world". The historical city is full of must-see places for tourists. Most people know the famous Terracotta Army. Are there any other fun things to do or great places to visit? Below are the top 10 things to do in Xi'an.  

Terracotta Army

Cycling on the City Wall

Bell tower – the very city center.

Muslim Quarter – Paradise for Foodies

Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew – Signature Dish of Xi'an

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Climbing Mt. Huashan

Qianling Mausoleum

Must-see attractions in Xi'an

Army of Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army isn't just Xi'an's premier sight: it's one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world. This subterranean life-size army of…

Xi'an City Walls

Xi'an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12m-high…

Big Goose Pagoda

This seven-storey pagoda, Xi'an’s most famous landmark, 4km southeast of the South Gate and formerly within the old (and huge) Tang dynasty city wall,…

Tomb of Emperor Jingdi

This tomb, also referred to as the Han Jing Mausoleum, Liu Qi Mausoleum and Yangling Mausoleum, is the burial place of the Han-dynasty emperor Jingdi (188…

Famen Temple

Dating way back to the 2nd century AD, this temple was built to house parts of a sacred finger bone of the Buddha, presented to China by India’s King…

Guangren Temple

The sole Tibetan Buddhist temple in the entire province, Guangren Temple dates from the early 18th century, but was largely rebuilt in the 20th century…

Great Mosque

Bigger than many temples in China, the Great Mosque is a gorgeous blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture and one of the most fascinating sacred sites…

Muslim Quarter

The backstreets leading north from the Drum Tower have been home to the city’s Hui community (non-Uyghur Chinese Muslims) for centuries, perhaps as far…

This impressive tomb, 85km northwest of town, is the final resting place of China's sole female emperor, Wu Zetian (AD 625–705), who is buried here with…

Tomb of Qin Shi Huang

In its time this tomb must have been one of the grandest mausoleums the world had ever seen. Historical accounts describe it as containing palaces filled…

Xianyang City Museum

More than 2000 years ago Xianyang was the capital of the Qin dynasty. These days it’s just a dusty satellite of Xi'an. Its chief attraction is this museum…

Little Goose Pagoda

Standing in the pleasant grounds of Jianfu Temple, Little Goose Pagoda had its top shaken off by an earthquake in the middle of the 16th century, but the…

Shaanxi History Museum

This museum naturally overlaps with Xi'an’s surrounding sights but makes for a comprehensive stroll through ancient Chang’an. Most exhibits offer…

Xi'an Museum

Housed in the pleasant grounds of the Jianfu Temple is this museum featuring relics unearthed in Xi'an over the years. There are some exquisite ceramics…

Forest of Stelae Museum

Housed in Xi'an’s Confucius Temple, this museum holds more than 1000 stone stelae (inscribed tablets), including the nine Confucian classics and some…

Banpo Neolithic Village

Banpo is the earliest example of the Neolithic Yangshao culture, which is believed to have been matriarchal. It appears to have been occupied from 4500 BC…

Occupying a central place at the frantic bulls-eye intersection of Xi Dajie, Dong Dajie, Bei Dajie and Nan Dajie, the domineering form of the Bell Tower…

While the Bell Tower originally held a bell that was rung at dawn, the Drum Tower, standing at the foot of the smoky and uproarious street of Beiyuanmen,…

Temple of the Eight Immortals

Xi'an’s largest Taoist temple dates from the Song dynasty and is still an active place of worship. Supposedly built on the site of an ancient wine shop,…

This tomb, 70km northwest of Xi'an, belongs to the second Tang emperor Taizong who died in AD 649. The tomb established the custom of building imperial…

A cone-shaped mound of rammed earth almost 47m high, the Mao Tomb is the largest of the Han imperial tombs. It's the resting place of Emperor Wudi (AD 156…

Tomb of Princess Yong Tai & Tomb of Prince Zhang Huai

Here you'll find the tombs of Princess Yong Tai (the grandaughter of Wu Zetian) and Prince Zhang Huai, who both fell foul of Empress Wu Zetian and were…

Huaqing Hot Springs

The natural hot springs in this park were once the favoured retreat of emperors and concubines during the Tang dynasty. It’s now an obligatory stop for…

This well-rounded historic residence also serves as an art gallery, entertainment centre and teahouse. Originally the home of the Qing bureaucrat Gao…

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How To Plan A Trip To Xi'an: Xi'an Trip Planner 2024/2025

"If you have not been to Xi'an, you have not been to China!” which is fairly true. Xian, together with Beijing and Shanghai, is the famous China tourism’s Golden Triangle that all travellers to China should never miss. In the ancient time, Xian was known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace) as the capital cities for Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang and other 13 dynasties for more than a thousand years. Over 70 ancient emperors ruled China here. That’s why there are so many historical sites, ruins, museums and ancient relics cultivated in Xian. Among all the historical places, Terracotta Warriors is the most epic site to visit. There are more than 8000 life-size, hand-molded figures buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. There are also many other places worth visiting, such as the best reserved Ancient City Wall, exotic Muslim Quarter where the Great Mosque locates, magnificent Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, grand Bell Tower, etc. You should also not miss out the nearby Mount Huashan which has the Plank Road in the Sky, one of the most adventurous experience in the world.

Now come to the most difficult question of how to organize everything in your Xian trip? Our Xian Trip Planner is here to help you focus on must do and see, where to stay, where to eat, when to go and more vital travel information you need to know before you go. Let us start it!

What You Must See in Xi'an?

Xi’an is famous for its long-lasting history and mixture of different culture, not a place with beautiful mountains and rivers like Yangshuo. Visiting Xi’an is unlocking some of the most important chapters of the book of Chinese history, which is the reason why Xi’an has so many historical sites and museums.

◆ Places You Must See in Xi’an:

Terracotta Warriors - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Word’s 8th Wonder, mausoleum of first emperor of China in history… there are too many reasons for you to take a look even if there may be tourists jam. It is located at northeastern suburb of Xi’an, approximately 1.5hrs’ driving away.

Ancient City Wall – was originally built in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), partly original and partly restored. Walking or biking around the wall is awe inspiring with interesting and different views of the old and new parts of Xi’an.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda - the bright pearl on the Silk Road with excellent architectural beauty, precious Buddhist relics, rich religious culture, stories of the famous ancient monk - Xuan Zang, etc.

Bell & Drum Towers – two grandiose towers used to tell time in ancient time, and now great places to get up to enjoy panoramic view of Xi’an.

Shaanxi History Museum – one of the most important museums in China, an art palace that fully shows Shaanxi history, culture, and Chinese ancient civilization.

Other recommended places to go if you have extra time: Tangbo Art Musuem, Hanyangling Mausolem, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, etc.

Keep Reading: - Xi'an Top Attractions to Go

Xi'an is full of places to see

What You Must Do in Xi’an

Xian is full of things to do

Sightseeing is most important thing during your trip while experiencing some featured local acitivities can make your trip more enjoyable, interesting and memorable. Xi'an has many this kind of thing do and below are some most popular ones:

Cycling on the Ancient City Wall – this is one of kind experience, cycling on the ancient wall is like cycling on the history of China. You can rent bike on the ancient wall, and the price is only 45 CNY/pp.

Hunt for local food and snacks at Muslim Quarter – Muslim Quarter offers only local favors, but also many snacks and food from other provinces even other countries. It also has bars and drink shops.

Enjoy a hearty dumpling meal – Xi’an is famous for making delicious dumplings in China. There are even special banquets of dumplings.

Watch a magnificent cultural night show – great way to learn about Chinese culture and relax at the same time. Xi’an has two great night shows: Tang Dynasty Show (dancing and musical performance) and The Song of Ever Lasting Sorrow (outdoor live-action show)

Keep Reading: - Xi'an Top Things to Do

Do Not Miss Mount Huashan

It is strongly recommended to make a day to hike Mount Hua during your trip in Xi’an. This one of the most beautiful and most legendary mountains in China is only about 2 hour’s driving from Xi’an. If you are solo travelers, you can also get there easily by high speed trains or tourist buses from Xi’an.

Mount Huashan has five very beautiful peaks: South Peak, North Peak, East Peak, West Peak and Central Peak. There are steep but accessible stone steps connecting the peaks together. The best highlight of the mountain is the Plank Road in the Sky which is said to be one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. It was constructed on the surface of a vertical cliff at the South Peak by a Taoist in 700 years ago.

We advise you to complete your hiking on Mount Huashan in a day because the guesthouses on the mountain are very poor but extremely expensive. To save time and energy, you can take North Peak Cable Car to get onto the mountain, and get down by West Peak Cable Car.

Recommended Xi'an Huashan Tour Packages:

- 3 Days Xian Mount Huashan Leisure Tour - 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

West Peak of Mount Huashan in September

How Long to Stay and How to Create Itineraries in Xi’an

Xian Tourist Map

1 Day in Xi’an – too short to get the essence of Xi’an, but can be a glimpse to see the city in brief way. You can visit the Terracotta Warrior in the morning, then the Ancient City Wall and nearby. 1 Day Xian Essence Tour

2 Days in Xi’an – 2 days are long enough to take the classic Xi’an city tour. Day 1 to visit the Terracotta Warrior, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower; Day 2 to visit the Shaanxi History Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and catch flight or train. 2 Days Xian City Break

3 Days in Xi’an - you can explore the city in a leisure pace. Beside the Must-Sees, you may find surprises if you put some other small places into your itinerary, such as Tangbo Art Museum, Hangyangling, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, etc. If you don’t mind haste, you can visit both Xi’an and Mount Huashan in 3 days. 3 Days Classic Xian Tour

4 Days in Xi’an - 4 days is the idea trip length of Xi’an tour with great flexibilities. You can spend a full day to hike Mount Huashan, and the rest 4 days to explore Xi’an’s historical sites, food and cultural activities. You also don’t have to catch flights (train) in a hurry. If you are not interested in hiking, you can place Mount Huashan with Luoyang. 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

5 Days in Xi’an – if you have 5 days in Xi’an, you can play in the city as much leisure as you want. You also have flexible extension trips choices, such as Mount Huanshan, Hukou Waterfall, Shaolin Temple, Pingyao, etc.

- 3 Days Best Xian City Tour Plus Hukou Waterfall - 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Sidetrip to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes - 6 Days Xian to Luoyang Highlights Tour with Sidetrip to Shaolin Temple

Travel in Xi’an With or Without Visa? - 144 Hours Transit Visa Free

Xi’an applies to the 144-Hour TWOV (Transit Without Visa). Travellers of 53 specified countries who make transits in Xi’an Xi’anyang International Airport and hold valid passport and connecting flight tickets to a third country or region can stay in Xi’an area up to 3 days without a Chinese visa, for examples: Singapore > Xi’an > Hong Kong; London > Xi’an > Macau. There is 144-Hour Visa-free Counters set up in Xi’an Xi’anyang International Airport with English signs. Please note the Lintong District where the Terracotta Warrior locates in applies to the 144 Hour TWOV but Mount Hua doesn’t because it is not an administrative part of Xi’an.

Since Xi’an has not many international flights, and the city is usually a middle stop of a China tour, we advise you to apply for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) before coming to China so that you can travel in a more secure and flexible way. You can apply for Chinese visa at Chinese Embassy and consulates in your country. Except special circumstance, applicants can get a Chinese Visa after 1 ~ 4 working days, even on the same day of your submission.

Best Time to Visit Xi'an Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in June Xi'an has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons. The summer is hot and rainy, the winter is cold and less rainy and snowy, the spring is warm and misty, and the autumn is cool and comfortable. The average annual temperature of Xi'an is around 13°C / 55°F. The annual maximum temperature is 35 / 95°F in July; the minimum temperature is -10 °C / 14°F in January. Daily temperature differs much between daytime and night. Precipitation varies greatly from year to year. About 78% of the rainfall is concentrated in May-October, and the rainfall from July to September accounts for 47% of the annual rainfall, and there are occasional heavy rains. The annual average relative humidity is about 70%. The annual average wind speed is 1.8 m/s, and the prevailing wind direction is the northeast wind. Generally speaking, you can go to visit Xi’an all year around, while the best two periods of time to visit is March to June and mid-September to early November. During this period, the weather there is neither too hot or too cold, and the number of tourists is relatively smaller than the summer time’s. Keep Reading: - Xian Weather & Seasons 7 How to Get to & around Xi’an? – Flights, Trains and Highways

Get to Xi'an by Flight - Currently you can take nonstop, stopover, or connecting flights to Xi’an from more than 50 countries and regions, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Sydney, Kuala, Bangkok, etc. Xi’an is also connected wide by domestic flights from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. - More details

Get to Xi'an by Train - Most of major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, etc., have high speed bullet trains or normal fast trains to Xi’an. There are nearly 50 high speed bullet trains running between Beijing and Xi’an each day. It is also very popular to take high speed train to Xi’an from Chengdu. Besides the normal high speed trains, Shanghai also has an overnight bullet train to Xi’an. Among the three railway stations in Xi’an, Xi’an North Railway Station serves for high speed trains while Xi’an Railway Station serves for normal trains. Xi’an South Railway Station is barely used by travellers. - More details

Get Around Xi’an by Highway - Xi’an has a widely connecting highway system. You can take bus or use private cars of travel agencies to get to most of the tourist destinations in Shaanxi Province, and most of the highways are under good road conditions. Traffic jams are usual on the roads in Xi’an and the roads to Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan.

Xian North Railway Station

Where to Stay in Xi'an? - Bell & Drum Towers, Xincheng District...

Bell & Drum Towers Area - strongly recommended for first-timers, easy access to Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and popular restaurants. Hotel rates are higher than other areas, but you have a lot of choices of different standards.

Xincheng District - not very far from the city center as well as Xi’an’s main attractions, recommended for families as there are shopping center and parks to enjoy a stroll.

Yanta Distict – Yanta District is on the south of the city center, also near main attractions, including Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, History Museum, etc. It has many hotels of budget class.

Sofitel on Renmin Square Xi'an (No.319 Dongxin Street, Xi'an) ET House (Xi'an Bell Drum Towers) (Crossing of Dachejia Alley and Fen Alley, Beilin District) Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel (No.32 Weiyang Road, Xi'an) Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square (No.319 Dongxin Street, Xincheng District, Xi'an) Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (No.172 Lianhu Road, Xi'an) Ramada Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an (No.79 North Street, Xi'an)

- More Recommended Hotels & Hostels in Xi'an

What and Where to Eat in Xi’an?

Xi’an is an essential part of Chinese food culture. Influenced by Silk Road and Muslim culture, the food and cuisines of Xi’an are quite different from Sichuan Cuisines, Cantonese Cuisine, etc. Cooked wheaten snacks and mutton dishes are very popular here, including Flatbread in Mutton Soup, Meat Burger, Cold Noodles, Pepper Beef Ball Soup, Biangbiang Noodles, etc.

Where to eat the most authentic Xi’an food? Among various food streets in Xi’an, the Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang Area are the two most popular ones, especially at night. Muslim Quarter as various local food and snacks of halal style, while Yongxingfang also offers cuisines of traditional Chinese dishes. Besides, there are some popular food streets and their locations for your reference.

Beiyuanmen Night Market 北院门夜市 Location: Bell-Drum Tower Square, Lianhu District, Xi'an 西安市莲湖区钟鼓楼广场

Eastern Street Night Market 东新街夜市 Location: Eastern Street in the middle of Jiefang Road, Xi’an City. 西安市新城区解放路中段

Nanshaomen Night Market 南稍门夜市 Location: Outside the South Gate in Yanta District. 西安市雁塔区南门外南稍门

Boshulin Night Market 柏树林夜市 Location: Near Forest of Steles Museum, Duanlvmen, Xi’an City 西安市新城区端履门内，碑林博物馆旁

Keep Reading: - Popular Xian Food, Snacks & Cuisines - Top 10 Best Xian Restaurants

Xian Food & Snacks

Best Xian Tours Packages for 2024/2025

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Xian, China Discovery always has a suitable tour for you. We are also specialized in high-quality private tours as well as tailor-made tour packages that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc. Below are the Most Popular Xian Tour Packages 2024/2025. If you have no idea where to start, pleaste don't hesitate to contact our travel experts for help.

Travel the best highlights and the unique historic relics of the ancient capital Xian at an enjoyable pace in 3 days. This is the most classic Xian itinerary, with visits to all the bests of this ancient capital!

Visit the Terracotta Warriors on the first day, then drive to Huashan.Use cable car to ascend and descend the mountain, and hike the most highlighting trails.

Visit 3 World Heritage Sites (Terracotta Warriors, Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple) also hike Mount Huashan.

Visit the best attractions in Xian, then take a side trip to hike Mount Huashan which is famous for its thrilling hiking routes and Plank Walk.

Explore the best attraction of Xian and World Heritage Site - Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Your time and money are efficiently used.

Ideal for those who have brief 2 days to stay in Xian but want to explore the best part of the city. Perfectly designed to cover the symbolic attractions in Xian. Pick up from hotel, train station and airport.

How to visit Xian and hike Huashan in a leisure way? Take our private tour package which has your own private vehicle, tour guide as well as featured itinerary.

Visit classic attractions in Beijing and Xian, and enjoy one-day hike to Mount Hua.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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Xian Travel Guide - Visit Xian with Xian Travel Itinerary

Xian , the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties, is the top tourist destination renowned for its world heritage sites , such as Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It's one of the four ancient capitals in the world with a rich history, fascinating culture, and unique Shaanxi food culture. As the eastern departure point of the Silk Road , Xian is a place where people can embrace old and new cultures.

Xian 's legacy spans over 3,000 years , with a history that includes several important dynasties, imperial palaces sites, and famous landmarks. You can explore the city's many historical attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors , Xian City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum, and Hanyangling Mausoleum. Xian (formerly Chang'an) used to be the largest, most populous, cosmopolitan, and civilized city in the world, as well as a hub of diverse ethnic identities and religious beliefs. When you arrive in Xian , you'll surely love to travel back to Chang'an to see China's First Emperor's 8,000 Terracotta Army from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and imagine its golden time in Tang Dynasty (618-904) through its world heritage sites, streets, museums...

Check this Ultimate Xian Travel Guide to view the latest travel information, including best places to visit, top attractions to see, things to do, best time to visit, how to get to and around, and recommended travel itineraries for ultimate planning. Get inspired!

Xian Travel Essentials - Travel to Xian Before You Go

Explore Xian Top Attractions on Map

Best things to do in xian.

Xian Travel Itineraries 2023/2024

Take a unique Xian tour and explore the ancient capital with best local prices! We offer a variety of carefully designed  Xian tours , including Classic Xian Tours, Terracotta Warriors Tours, Day Tours , and Mount Huashan Tours , tailored to meet your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tour with a flexible itinerary or a small group tour  without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has the perfect tour for you, ensuring that your journey to Xian is a worry-free vacation.If you're looking to extend your stay in Xian into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China tours from Xian . Our professional travel consultants are ready to assist you in customizing a tailor-made Xian Tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Xian today!

1. How long should I spend in Xian? +

The amount of time you should spend in Xian depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical itinerary includes 2 to 3 days to visit the major attractions in Xian , but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Xian? +

Xian has many must-see attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum , the Ancient City Wall , the Shaanxi History Museum , the Big Wild Goose Pagoda , and the Muslim Quarter .

3. What are the Terracotta Warriors? +

Those terracotta warriors and horses  were made about 2,200 years ago. They are life-size terracotta warriors to defend the army of Qin Shihuang (which was the first emperor in Chinese history). Those warriors and horses were discovered in March 1974.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Xian? +

Xian  is a historical destination that can be visited throughout the year . However, the best seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) . During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Additionally, the springtime brings beautiful cherry blossoms to the city, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. If you're interested in experiencing Xian's winter season, you can visit during this time to view the  snowy landscapes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Spring Festival  (also known as Chinese New Year), which typically falls in late January or early February.

5. How do I get to Xian from other parts of China? +

Xian is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing , Shanghai , Chengdu , Guilin , Zhangjiajie , Dunhuang, Pingyao, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, and more. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

6. What are the best options for accommodation in Xian? +

Xian offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay in Xian include the city center, near the Bell Tower, and near the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall . Before booking your Xian tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

7. What types of cuisine can I expect to try in Xian? +

Xian is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like  biang biang noodles , rou jia mo (Chinese-style hamburgers), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread). The city is also renowned for its street food, especially in the Muslim Quarter. If you're interested in trying dumplings, we offer a family visit experience where you can learn to make dumplings or a Dumpling Dinner (Jiaozi Banquet) where you can enjoy a variety of dumplings.

8. Are there any day trips or excursions from Xian that I should consider? +

There are many day trips from  Xian , including a visit to the nearby Huashan Mountain (Mount Hua) , a hike along the  Hukou Waterfall , or a trip to the nearby city of  Luoyang  to see the Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Kungfu at Shaolin Temple.

Check the sample itineraries from Xian :

>> 4 Days Xian Panorama Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

>> 4 Days Luoyang Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Kungfu Experience from Xian

Create a tour based truly on your preferences, including all aspects of your travel in the destination

13 amazing things to do in Xi’an China

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Other than the warriors what is there to do in Xi’an China? So many people just stared at us and had no idea. It was our mission to get out there and find as many things to do in Xi’an as we possibly could when we were visiting Xi’an China. We planned on finding the most epic places to visit in Xian and we were not disappointed with what this amazing city had to offer us.

Using a VPN in China

• Emperor Qing Shihuang's Mausoleum Site park

Alley Youth Hostel

There are some places that are on the well-beaten tourist track and they certainly should not be missed when you are planning a trip to Xian but there are some that we had no idea about and really enjoyed. Here are the best things to do in Xi’an China.

Know before you go! Our best Xi’an travel tips

We spent one month in China and we did it independently! There are so many things to consider for your trip to Xi’an but lucky we have put together this section so you can start planning a trip to China and Xi’an. So let’s start with some great first-hand knowledge on important things like accommodation in Xi’an and using the internet in China.

There are so many things to do in Xi’an and location is something that you will need to consider as well as the price. For anyone visiting Xian getting around can be difficult if you do not speak Chinese or have a translator app with you.

Where to stay in Xian

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Xi’an. In Xi’an, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget . If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using   Booking.com   and  Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Xian. We spent 8 nights in Xi’an and stayed in two very different accommodation styles while we were there.

• Luxury:  Located a 2-minute walk from Bell Tower, Merlinhod Hotel Xi’an features the onsite massage, sauna, free bike hire attraction tickets and currency exchange. All this luxury is yours starting at $150 USD per night
• Mid-Range : Located on a street that leads directly to the old town area is TRYP by Wyndham . Featuring rooms for families and couples, an onsite restaurant and microbrewery await you. Downstairs is a shopping centre and a cinema.
• Budget : Located in the Muslim Quarter of Xian is the Alley Youth Hostel . Just meters from the famous food street and weekly markets. Alley Hostel features nightly activities such as dumpling making and Chinese calligraphy.

Xi’an Airbnb alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Xian, Shaanxi Province, then an apartment is the best choice for you. There are so many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options as well. Check out the map below to find the perfect Xian apartment. 

How to get to Xi’an

• You can  book an airport transfer   from Xian Airport to your hotel
• Xian North railway station is one of the largest hubs for high-speed rail in the north of China. The station has 34 platforms and is located 10 kilometres from the city centre.  You can book your China trains here .
• Long-distance buses arrive and depart from Xian Fangzhicheng Bus Station. It is serviced by Xian metro line 1.
• The main highways in China are fine for travelling by car. Pick up a rental car at any main airport and travel around China by car.

How to get around Xi’an

Xian has a public transport system serviced by buses and trains. You will need to purchase a metro card and top it up with the money to use the train or bus. You can find vending machines at all train stations. For Westerners visiting Xian, it would be much easier to grab a taxi or a Didi (Chinese Uber). If you use a taxi make sure you have a picture of where you are going. Taxi and Didi prices were very cheap.

Internet and phones in China

We were all prepared for no internet for the month we would be travelling in China for. We knew we would need some for our work but at the same time knew it may have been an issue as we had been told that the internet in China for tourists was hard to get even in hotels.

We decided to purchase Chinese sim cards from home in Australia before we left and had them in our luggage to put in our phones when we arrived in China. This is one of the essential things you need for travelling to China. If you are unable to do that we have some great deals here for you to check out.

We downloaded Express VPN in Australia before we left and we have not had a problem with it while travelling in China. It does reconnect sometimes but we have not had any other issues. This is an essential tool if you want to use the internet in China. If you plan on using the internet this is one of the top things you need for travelling to China.

The very best things to do in Xi’an China

As we have said above most people visit Xian for the Terracotta Warriors but there are just so many more wonderful things to do in Xi’an. You can spend so much time wandering this magnificent city finding more brilliant things to see in Xian.

Attractions in Xian – Drum Tower of Xi’an

The Drum Tower in Xi’an is one place you can’t miss and is a must on any Xian itinerary. During the day you can watch the hustle and bustle of the square below and even stop for ice cream at the McDonalds there if you are struggling with food in China.

At night you can wait and watch the sun go down from the balcony at the top of the tower and then walk around it as the lights come on and light it up.

It is a stunning way to see the Drum Tower in Xian and visiting the Drum Tower at sunset has to be one of the top things to do in Xian at night.

Travel in Xi’an China tip: The very busy street right near it is a top Xian attraction that leads into the Xi’an Muslim Quarter. The Xi’an street food there is amazing and you can find some great bargains if you are looking for souvenirs. If you go at night it will be a fight to make your way down it but if you can go in the morning it will be much better for you with hardly any tourists there.

Learn More:  If you are  planning a trip to China  there are some things you need to know. Use our epic guide to make sure you have everything you need before you leave home for your vacation in China

The Beiyuanmen Muslim Market

If you have just visited the Drum Tower on the left side down the busy Xian Muslim Quarter Street there is the Beiyuanmen Muslim Market. It is easy to see as there are t-shirts and souvenirs hanging on the outside of the entrance of this fun Xian tourist attraction.

I found this market really good for souvenirs and other things like a North Face bag and some LV. If you are planning on doing any shopping in Xi’an you should plan to go here.

I bought a few things there when we visited. We had originally seen it at night and the number of people there was crazy so we returned during the morning when it was just getting started.

It is a long very narrow street with a cover that makes it extremely hot even at the start of the day! I could not have thought about walking through this street shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of others at night in the Xi’an heat.

Here are a couple of examples of things I bought there and an idea of what I paid.

*I actually bartered the price of the 2 LV items to 110RMB for both of them.

I loved this market the most during my time in China. It was the typical market that I was used to and found to it be a heap of fun. I made plenty of the stallholders mad with my bartering there too. Barter hard where ever you are. Know your conversion rate and pay what you think is a fair price in your currency. If you are doing any Xi’an shopping, do it here in this Silk Road market.

Tourist attractions in Xian – The Xi’an Bell Tower

In the middle of a roundabout is the amazing Bell Tower Xian. Another beautiful building that is a highlight of Xian. You can climb to the top and have a look over the square to the Drum Tower and see cultural relics inside.

You have to take a pedestrian underpass to the Bell Tower as crossing the road would be too hard. Make sure you get the correct exit or you end up on corners of the roundabout and not the Bell Tower.

Xi’an China travel tip: You can get a combined ticket to the Drum Tower and Bell Tower when you purchase your ticket at the Drum Tower. We suggest you do this as the ticket office at the Bell Tower can be hard to get to if it is busy then you can accidentally skip it and get straight in line for the Bell Tower where the scanners are. You won’t realise until you are trying to get into the Bell Tower and don’t have the right ticket.

Top tips for the Xi’an Bell Tower:

• You have to have your bag scanned to get entry
• If you have a lighter it will be taken off you and put into a container. People will check them and take the fullest one with them when they collect!
• There are security guards manning the entrance. If you are unsure if you have a combined ticket ask them. You don’t want to line up to be denied entry when you finally get to the Tower entrance
• If you go to the left just after you have your ticket scanned it takes you out the front for a great photo opportunity

What to do in Xian at night -The Muslim Quarter

WOW! This was an epic place to stay in Xian and we had the best time there. It is an absolute hive of activity all day every day with stalls, markets, tiny tuk-tuks, food and drinks. People yell their wares and some just know what they sell is good and have no need to.

In the morning you will find the butchers cutting the meat to sell right on the street in their stall. As the day passes you will see the streets become busier with fresh food being cooked on the street all the way into the night.

If you find a good spot that has good food (there are so many) know when they are open and go back to get their food whenever you can. This has to be one of the best places to stay in Xian just for the activity!

Top tips for the Muslim Quarter:

• Try Chinese pie. They are a round pastry with meat on the inside and they are sold until around lunchtime
• You may not be able to get a Didi into or out of the Muslim Quarter as there are not too many cars allowed in the streets
• You can always get something amazing to eat on Muslim Street. Don’t be afraid to try something
• If there are a lot of locals eating in one place, they are definitely eating something good
• Get off the big, bright tourist strip and have a look in some of the smaller streets for food
• Some shops have a large drink dispenser with juice inside. Get a cup and enjoy it. We can’t tell you exactly what it was but it was amazing

Thursday and Sunday Market in the Muslim Quarter

The streets are already narrow in the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an but on a Sunday and a Thursday, they get smaller with many of the streets extra crowded with market stalls. From fresh fruit to bric-a-brac you can find anything there.

*Just a warning that there are turtles, crickets, birds, kittens and other animals on sale there too.

Go on a food tour of the Muslim Quarter

Going on a good food tour in any city will give you the confidence to order and know what you are eating. There are many myths regarding food in China and thankfully Michelle from Lost Plate Food Tours was able to show us some of the best food to have while we were staying in the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an.

It is also a great way to try some food you would normally have the courage in trying. This was where we tried the Chinese Pie and the wraps that became our stable for when we were wandering the city of Xi’an. It was great to learn some phrases too to help with ordering food that is not as spicy!

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

As you are walking towards the Wild Goose Pagoda it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. If you are visiting Xi’an it has to be on your list of things to see in Xi’an. This Xian pagoda is a good example of Chinese traditional architecture

*Around the outside of the Pagoda area (before you actually go inside) there are fountains, murals, statues and shaded areas to sit and take in the area around you. On a hot day, it is also a great place to get a drink and stop for a rest.

Grand Tang Mall

After you have had your time in the Wild Goose Pagoda head up to the Grand Tang Mall. It is a beautiful walk and there are so many places to sit and have a nice drink on a hot day or an ice cream. There are also some small souvenir shops for you to have a look at as well.

You will also find many artworks, huge monuments and some amazing buildings that are just stunning. It is definitely a top spot for Xi’an sightseeing, especially for travelling families.

Other places at Tang Mall:

• Xi’an Tourist Visitors Information Office
• Shopping Centres
• Restaurants

Interesting places to visit in Xian China – Danfeng Gate

This was one of the best places we visited in Xi’an and we are so glad we did. It is not well known to visit for foreigners and it is such a shame.

Danfeng Gate was originally one of the gates leading to the Daming Palace. Over the years it was destroyed and over time it was lost. In 2008 excavation started at the site and the original foundations of the gate were unearthed.

What you see now, the large brown gate is a recreation of what the original gate would have looked like. Under this building now are the foundations of the original gate which you can go in and see. While there is a lot of information about the gate and how it is being preserved for future generations it is the short video that you must stay to see.

There are English subtitles so you can all of the information on the gate and the history behind it.

Top things to do in Xian – Daming Palace

After you have finished your visit to Danfeng Gate you can walk over the large square towards Daming Palace. It is a large open space that the Royalty of the Tang Dynasty called home. The palace is now mainly in ruins but with large stunning gardens for you to wander, it is a beautiful place to see and a top Xian attraction. There is a large scale model of what the Palace would have looked like back before it was destroyed.

The complex is so large there are golf carts that you can buy a ticket for and they will take you around to all the sites that you will need to see.

Banpo Village and Museum

Now, this is a place we had not heard of at all and have found very little information about it on the internet after we left China. It is only because one of the guys in our Lost Plate Food Tour was a history student that we knew about it. It has to be one of the most unusual things to do in Xi’an because there are so many people who don’t know about it

Banpo Village is a historical site just out of Xi’an city. Any person who has an interest in ancient China times and how man developed would love the place. It has excavated townsites from 6000 years ago and there are burial sites there as well.

There is not a lot of information in English but there is enough for you to understand what was found here and why it is being worked on to preserve the site. If history is your thing, this must be on your Xi’an itinerary.

*One section of the Banpo Museum was closed on the day we went and is still under some renovation. We are unable to tell you what is in that section or what will be in the future

What to do in Xian – Cycle Xian City Walls

This is a complete must and one of the top places to visit in Xi’an. For us riding the length of the Xi’an city wall was high on our list of things to do in Xi’an. There are 13.7k’m of the Xi’an city wall in which you can ride or walk around.

Top tips for the Xi’an City Wall:

• The bikes aren’t in great condition but they are ride-able. They are also not changed to suit your body so test it out and if it is no good swap it for another before you go too far
• When you hire the bikes you will need I.D or a credit card
• If it is raining they will give you disposable raincoats
• Your bike has to be returned to the place you started
• Go as early as you can. The crowds can get crazy there
• Take plenty of water with you

It is a brilliant experience but as you can imagine with the city walls age it is uneven, bumpy and in some places hard to navigate. Please take this into consideration if you are planning on visiting the Xi’an city walls on your Xi’an trip. Xi’an Ancient City Walls are the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. The wall was erected in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty.

Xian sightseeing places – Tang Paradise

If you want to see just how much the Chinese people love nature and how well they plan out a park then Tang Paradise is the place for you. Tang Paradise is a park that is constructed on how the traditional Chinese gardens would have looked back in the time of the Tang Dynasty. It is one of the unusual things to do in Xian

You would not even realise that many busy roads run right up against the sides of the park once you are inside it is just that beautiful.

From large traditional buildings, small traditional gardens and so many loti you can get totally lost in the beauty here. If you need to relax during your Xi’an trip this is it.

If you are able to I would see the Tang Dynasty show Xian if there is a performance when you are visiting the park Even if it is in Chinese I still think that it would be a sight to see while you are visiting Xi’an.

Fun things to do in Xian – Xingqinggong Park

Another beautiful park where you can join in aerobics, singing and dancing or enjoy a walk around the lake. But Xingqinggong Park is also home to a small amusement park that would make any kid happy after a few weeks without some fun. It is a brilliant place in Xi’an for families.

While there are no extra huge and scary rollercoasters there are some dodgem cars, a Ferris wheel , a haunted house and a few other rides that our kids liked. There were also plenty of rides for much smaller kids and an in build climbing course. If you are visiting Xi’an with kids this has to be of your best places to visit in Xi’an.

*Rides are very cheap there and they start at 4RMB per ride

We know because we go!  Are you planning on travelling to other cities like Beijing, Chongqing or Chengdu on your trip to China? The rail system in China is amazing and easy to use .  Our China train guide: how to book, collect, board and ride is exactly what you need to read .

Terracotta Warriors

Don’t even bother asking what to do first day in Xian, there is only one answer. Visiting the Xi’an UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Warriors has to be the most popular of the Xi’an tourist attractions. I can guarantee you they are at the top of every Xi’an itinerary on the planet.

YOU MUST arrive early if you want to enjoy your time there. We spent 2 hours at the Terracotta Warriors and we were some of the first to get to the pit. By the time we came back after wandering the park, we couldn’t get in the door.

Top tips for visiting the Terracotta Army:

• Be there well before opening time
• Go straight to pit 3 when you get there
• Later on, after you have wandered and seen the pit lookout for volunteers in lime green shirts who will give you a free tour. Their information is so good
• Take water with you as it can get crazy hot out there

Emperor Qing Shihuang’s Mausoleum Site park

What a lot of people don’t know is that with your Xi’an Terracotta Warrior ticket you are also entitled to go to the Mausoleum of the First Qing Emperor . This is the Emperor’s tomb that the warriors are protecting. Xian was once one of the ancient capitals of China and home to Emperors.

How do I get to the Mausoleum?

Once you have done all that you want at the Terracotta Warriors site you go back to the place where you bought your ticket. Behind the giant warrior monument in the main entry square is a bus station. There you line up and get the free bus that will take you to the mausoleum site.

* With your ticket, you are allowed to ride the bus and get entry so you must keep it.

What is at the Mausoleum site?

This is the site where the Emperor is buried. It was under heavy renovations when we visited so there was not much to see. The mound where the Emperor is buried is what you really come to see and there is only really a small plaque there for it.

You can catch a small cart around to some of the other excavation sites that are there too. It is an extremely large area so please make sure you have lots of water with you if you plan on walking around. The commentary in the cart is only in Chinese.

The mound is yet to be opened as there is not a great amount of knowledge on how to best preserve it so the Chinese Government has decided not to open it until they can be certain that it will be well preserved when they do.

Some other places you may consider when you are visiting Xian:

• Xi’an Great Mosque – is the largest mosque in China.
• Huaqing Pool – is a complex of hot springs located at the northern foot of Mount Li,
• Guanzhong Folk Art Museum – the leading centre for the study and enjoyment of Shaanxi folk art
• Shaanxi History Museum – home to many ancient artifacts from the area

Day trips from Xi’an

Xian in China, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is also a great place to visit for day trips. There are many things to do near Xian, but here are some of the most popular ones

• Mt Huashan – is the “Western Mountain” of the Five Great Mountains of China 
• Qianling Mausoleum – This is the only  mausoleum in China, where two emperors were buried
• Louguantai Temple – is one of the most revered places of Taoists.
• Taiping National Forest Park – is home to a large amount of plants and animals

Where did we stay in Xi’an?

We spent 8 nights in Xi’an China and we stayed at two very different places. We can highly recommend them both and they both have amazing facilities. If you want to be right in the action through a stay at the Alley Youth Hostel in the Muslim Quarter is the perfect place for you.

Tryp by Wyndham

Rating an 8.8 from 48 reviews and starting at $US75.00 per night for a family room. Tryp by Wyndham has a location score of 8.5 and offers guests in-house dining, breakfast, kids playground, free wi-fi and an on-site bar.

*We spent 3 nights at Tryp by Wyndham and it was fantastic. It is extremely clean and spacious. Some of the fronts of house staff had a little issue with communicating with us but it wasn’t anything google translate couldn’t fix!

You can read our review on Tryp By Wyndham here

Rating an 8.6 from 797 reviews and starting at $US35.00 per night for a family room for 4 with a private bathroom. The Alley Youth Hostel has a location score of 8.8 and offers guests breakfast, washing facilities, organised group activities, English speakers and large family rooms.

*We spent 5 nights here and we absolutely loved it. It was right in the heart of the Muslim Quarter and the staff were so helpful. The kids did a dumpling-making class and got to practice their Chinese.

If you are looking for more Xian accommodation alternatives please check the booking.com map below for more options.

You can read our review of Alley Youth Hostel Here

Money in china.

The official National Currency in China is the  rénmínbì  ( RMB ) or some call it the Yuan. They come in 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 RMB banknotes as well as 1 yuan, 5 jiao, and 1 jiao coins. We found for tourists you needed cash and smaller notes were better to have. Most Chinese pay through Wechat or Alipay. The ICBC bank was the easiest to use with an English language option and fewer fees than other banks for withdrawals.

Using ATM’s in Xi’an

You will find many ATM’s around the cities in China. They dispense anywhere up to 20000 yuan at a time sometimes higher in the tourist areas. They are normally very secure with your own little booth to withdraw money from but you must take all of the usual precautions when you are carrying money. We found the ICBC bank in China to be the best as it had an English menu that was easy to use.

Like most major cities you need to be aware of your surroundings and be careful of skimmers on the machine. We used numerous ATM’s in China and we had no issues. You should probably alert your bank as well if you are travelling to China to make sure they are aware and do not see your transactions as fraudulent and possibly cut off access to your money.

Our time exploring Xi’an attractions was amazing and we absolutely loved it there, it was a highlight of our China trip. It was a city that so many people know because of the Terracotta Warriors but there are so many other historical places in the city to be discovered. We did as much as we possibly could and we still didn’t get to see it all while we were there.

We hope this article from us here at   Wyld Family Travel   has you inspired to visit China and stay in Xi’an. There are so many things to do in Xi’an with kids that will have you entertained for your families whole stay in Xian.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in China click through to our  China Destination Guide page   for more brilliant inspiration for planning a trip to China.

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The Travel Momento

Captivating Xi’an Itinerary: Best Things To Do & See In 3 Days

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When we started planning China travel, there was no doubt Xi’an would make it on this list due to the famous Terracotta Warriors. But there is so much more to discover in the first Chinese capital ruled by 13 dynasties and we will show you this in our 3 day Xi’an itinerary below. Visiting Xi’an also means seeing the easter end of one of the most significant trading ties with the West, the Silk Road. It was the heart of the development, where thousands of Arabian and Persian traders stop while travelling on trade routes or diplomatic trips to visit the emperors.

Don’t be fooled, Xi’an is still a huge city, but it’s surprisingly easy to find your way around it. As part of our China itinerary, you should set aside two days for Xi’an.

Follow our Xi’an itinerary to avoid the mistake of skipping must-see places and experience the most in a limited time.

2 Day Xi’an Itinerary

This Xi’an itinerary will help you plan the visit of top attractions while including suggestions for additional days, days trip, local food, and providing you with the inside tips and recommendations.

Due to our travel during the national holidays in October, we needed to visit the Terracotta Warriors on the first day. However, you can also start your visit by swapping the days and dive deep into the city and its culture first.

Table of Contents

How to get to xi’an.

Depending from where you are heading to Xi’an, you can either come by high speed train or plane. You can find all the information on how to travel from Xi’an airport to city centre here . 

We recommend taking the train if you are coming from Beijing and the plane from Shanghai as the train takes too much time.

Is Xi’an worth visiting?

Xi’an was once the most important city in China. It was the capital to 13 Chinese empires and kingdoms making it a centre of great historical, political and economic importance. This is why we absolutely recommend visiting it. You can see the fantastic experience this city offers in our Xi’an itinerary below. 

How many days to spend in Xi’an?

You can cover all the main attractions in 2 days. We dedicated to spend 2,5 days as part of our 3 weeks China Itinerary with the connecting flight to Guilin in the afternoon of the 3rd day. 

Therefore, we think 3 to 4 days is more than enough if you want to include some day trips to our Xi’an itinerary. 

Xi’an Day 1: Meet the eight world wonder

Start the day by visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors and conclude it in the heart of the city. 

Terracotta Warriors

  Recommended time: 5 – 6 hours

The most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century is at the same time a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of clay warriors and horses were created to safeguard Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was the founder of the Qin Dynasty, in his life after death. The masterpiece took 11 years to be made. The farmer and was discovered by farmers looking to discover pottery ruins found them in 1974.

The Terracotta Warriors consists of 3 pits: number 1, 2, and 3.

Pit number 1 It is the largest of all three and the first one discovered. Here you will find a formation of over six thousand battle-ready terracotta warriors and horses in life-sizes. This is the most famous part except the largest crowd here. It’s also really hard to make a nice photo of yourself with the warriors.

Pit number 2 The units of the warriors in the second pit are more complete. This floor contains various other clay subjects, including cavalry, chariots, and archers array. The most interesting part is the up-close statues of different ranks of terracotta warriors – archer, soldier, general, and horse.

Pit number 3

The smallest part of all three served as the command center. It’s supposed to feature high-level official. They stand face to face along the passageways to the main hall.

How you can get to Terracotta Warriors from Xi’an?  We decided to book a tour with hotel pick.up, but you can also take a taxi. Keep in mind that the sight is located almost 40 km from the city centre of Xi’an. Having said that, the taxi will probably be expensive. 

The best time to visit Terracotta Warriors

The best time to visit is early in the morning before 9 am because all the major tours arrive around 10 am. We have visited it during the Chinese holidays. Being there early, we didn’t notice bigger crowds than they usually are. In fact, we passed the security and entrance in just a few minutes.

The Mausoleum Site Museum

  Recommended time: part of the Terracotta Warriors complex

Before exiting the sight, make sure to visit the Exhibition Hall with weapons, tools, and different jewellery with the main focus on the two large scale models of chariots and horses made of bronze.

The Bell and Drum Towers

  Recommended time: 10 – 45 minutes (if going inside)

One of the first buildings you will see coming into the city is the Bell Tower. It’s a traditional building from the Ming Dynasty that once represented the heart of Xi’an. The bell was used to signal the start of the day, whereas the Drum Tower nearby indicated the sunset (the end of the day) and emergencies. They are gorgeous at night when they light up.

Inside the Bell Tower, you can find a replica of the original 8-foot-tall bell known as the Jingyun Bell.

The Drum Tower features the largest drum in China and musical performances by locals dressed up in traditional costumes. At the top, you can enjoy some great views of the city.

How to find the towers? You can take metro line 8 and get off at Shichahai Station (Exit A2) or take metro line 2 and exit at Guloudajie Station (Exit G).

The Great Mosque

  Recommended time: 30 minutes

It’s an interesting clash between the Confucius and Buddhist temples you have seen so far. What is interesting is that this mosque is the oldest and the largest in China. You will be surprised as it doesn’t look anything like a typical mosque with minarets. With five courtyards and 20 buildings, it kept a combination of Muslim and traditional Chinese look. The tour around it will give you insights into similarities and differences between the Islamic World and Chinese Islam.

How to find it? If you are situated in the city centre you can just walk up on the main street (East Street or West Street depending from which site you are coming). Coming from the outside, you can use metro line 2 and get off at Zhonglou Station (Bell Tower) using Exit B. 

Muslim Street Market

  Recommended time: 1 – 2 hours

One of the heritage of many merchants that travelled the Silk Road and settled in Xian live in the quarter known nowadays as a Muslim Quarter. You can notice the Arabic influence in the cuisine of Xi’an. It’s the perfect place to wander around and try delicious street food, buy all sorts of souvenirs or simply watch people.

Try beef skewers, Shaanxi sandwiches (Chinese hamburgers), Roujiamo (steamed bread sandwiches stuffed with shredded beef), noodle bowls, squid on the stick and desserts of different types. Regardless of which time of the day you decide to come, it’s lively and busy.

To reach the street use the same instruction as for The Great Mosque above. 

Suggestion for the night: We have concluded the day by watching a musical performance in front of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It was one of the most impressive performances we have seen.

Make sure to be there at least half an hour before the show. Otherwise, you won’t see much.

Xi’an Day 2: City at glance

Start the second day by exploring the city walls. And there is no better and more fun than to rent bicycles and ride on top of the walls. Make sure to start early in the morning as it can get challenging to ride a bike with enormous crowds.

Xi’an City Wall Cycling

  Recommended time: 2 – 3 hours

The centre of Xi’an is surrounded by a 14 km long city wall build under emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in the 14th century for defence purposes. The most preserved city wall remained is accessible through 18 gates. However, each gate has different operating hours.

Bicycles can be rent only at the main four gates: North, South, East, West. These gates also feature watchtowers that used to decide when the city will open and close. Take time and enjoy this fun activity, but also make some stops and take photos. You can cycle the whole length or stop at the next gate.

The most beautiful gate is southern, where you can observe the changing of guards (09:30, 15:30, and 18:40 ). Afterwards, they are available for photos.

Travel Momento Insider Tip : Make sure to bring something to drink with you as there are not many vendors. 

Shuyuanmen Street

  Recommended time: 20 minutes

If you finish your Xi’an City Wall tour at the South Gate, make sure to take a promenade through the so called Calligraphy street. It’s the cultural centre of Xi’an, where you can find different art and hand crafted products. From books, keepsakes and paintings to calligraphy and tools.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

  Recommended time: 1 hour

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist landmark build in 652 in the Tang dynasty. It’s made in a typical Tang architectural style.

Its main purpose was to collect Buddhist scripts and relics. Inside the pagoda, you will find numerous murals painted on the wall.

The North square features one of the largest fountains in Asia, where you can admire a spectacular water show every night. On the other side, you can find the Great Tang Mall.

We would recommend visiting it before closing hours so you can stay for a pleasant evening walk with music, food and incredible public art sculptures.

How to get there? You can either take metro line 3 / line 4 to Dayanta Station directly or metro line 2 and get off at Xiaozhai Station (Exit C).

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Originating back over 1,300 years in the time of Tang Dynasty, it’s one of the most-well preserved pagodas. It was build for the transport of Buddhist texts from India. Due to the earthquakes, it now only has 13 or 15 stories.

How to reach it? Take metro line 2 and take off at Nanshaomen Station (Exit A1 or A2). 

Suggestion for the night:  Dinner in a theatre with a magical traditional performance – Tang Dynasty Show.

Xi’an Day 3: Relax at the park

We decided to spend the last day in Xi’an in one of the two famous parks, Daming Palace National Heritage Park. 

If you have the whole day available, you can continue your adventure in the Tang Cultural Paradise Park.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

  Recommended time: 3 hours

Nowadays, you can only find ruins of what used to be the Daming Palace, which had the equivalent meaning to the city as the Forbidden City has for Beijing. This park area is three times the size of Versailles and consists of several museums and exhibits to show you the artefacts, photos, maps, and small scale models to understand the place better.

A portion of the park is free for visitors. But you have to pay the entrance fee to visit the area with the ruins and history of Xi’an. It’s easily accessible by the metro just north of the city wall.

Places to add to this 3 day Xi’an itinerary

If you have some additional time you can spend in Xi’an than you can add some of below places to your Xi’an itinerary. 

Things to see within the city :

• Forest of Stone Steles Museum
• Shaanxi History Museum
• Qujiangchi Relics Park

Day trips from Xi’an to see its surrounding:

• Hukou Waterfall
• Huaqing Palace and Lishan
• Yuanjia Village
• Yangling Mausoleum of Han Dynasty
• Mount Hua Shan

Following this Xi’an itinerary will help you avoid the mistake of skipping must-see places and experience the most of Xi’an in a limited time. Hope you enjoy it!

Let us know how you find the city in the comments below 🙂

We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!

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16 comments

It’s great to know that you can see a lot of the city in just 3 days! The last time I was in China, I wanted to add on a trip to Xi’an from Beijing, but I didn’t have enough time in my itinerary. I’m definitely going to save this for my next visit! Thanks for the suggestions!

If you are not into hiking, 3 days or even 2 days are enough to see the city without running around like crazy. We would definitely recommend to visit Xi’an. Not only the sight, the food is also really amazing.

Wow what an interesting place with so much to explore. Thanks for sharing 😊

I have not traveled to China yet, but it is on my list! Going going to save this itinerary for my future trip and will make a point to visit the historical city of Xi’an. Thank you for sharing!

It’s such a memorable experience. You’ll love it 🙂

You managed to do quite a lot in only a few days. I liked that you put the approximate time you spent at each places. Thank you for sharing, hopefully we can travel again soon 🙂

We try to see as much as possible as we are both working 9 to 5. However, we didn’t feel our days were too packed. I hope the same 🙂

I really hope to travel to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors and your post is very helpful in crafting a great itinerary around the visit. I would especially enjoy biking along the wall and visiting Shuyuanmen Street and Daming Palace National Heritage Park. Thanks for all of the tips!

Make sure to take some time and explore other beautiful sights besides Terracotta Warriors. Biking around the Xi’an City Wall was a highlight for us.

This sounds like an incredible experience!

It really was an incredible experience.

Wow it looks like there is loads to do on Xi. The pagoda would be at the top of my list

Depending on your travel style and how much you want to see. We found it just the right amount without the need to run around but rather to enjoy it.

China is on our bucket list of future travels. What a well-organized and thoughtful travel guide. Will definitely be referring back to when the time comes! It looks wonderful! Thank you!

Wow! This is so fantastic. I went to see Terracota in Liverpool, UK but a dream is to visit China one day and this is a perfect itinerary for me! Saving it for later, thanks 🙂

So so happy to hear you like it 🙂 If you have any questions or would need some additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Where to visit in xian — 8 must-see & best places to visit in xi an, china.

Xian is not only an ancient city in China, but also the capital of the Chinese state over several millennia under great emperors of the Zhou, Jin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties with a rich history and cultural value. Over 2,000 years ago, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first ruler to unify China, built his capital of Xianyang just east of modern-day Xian. So, where to go in Xi’an (where to go in Xian), where to visit in Xian? Let’s check out our suggested 8 best places to visit in Xi’an (best places to visit in Xi’an china, Xian china places to visit), top Xian attractions as follows!

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An ancient imperial capital and eastern departure point of the Silk Road, Xian (formerly Changan) has long been an important crossroads for people from throughout China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, and thus a hub of diverse ethnic identities and religious beliefs

The most famous attraction in Xian is the Terracotta Warriors, which represents Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s imperial guards and is located 1,500 meters from the emperor’s Imperial Tomb.

More than this, there are many interesting places to visit in Xian. Let’s check out and experience how to learn about the long-lasting history of Xian through your trip!

Where to go in Xian: Terracotta Warriors (Terracotta Army)

The Terracotta Warriors in Xian are one of the must-visit attractions for all travelers to China. The dramatic exhibition reveals the secrets behind the 2,000-year-old army of clay statues that guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor until a chance discovery in 1974. Shi Huangdi (also known as Shi Huangti) was the king of the Qin state, who unified China from 221 BCE and then founded the Qin dynasty. He ruled as China’s first emperor until he died in 210 BCE. One of the most famous aspects of Qin Shi Huang’s life is his elaborate burial site, known as the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, located in Lintong, Shaanxi Province. This site is most famous for the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife.

Until now, the size of the crypt has been reduced by half after 2,000 years due to soil and water erosion, but its scale is still quite impressive – 76 meters high and the space is up to 120,000 square meters.

Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne at the age of 13 and unified the warring states of China, establishing the Qin Dynasty. As a powerful ruler, he had a grand vision of creating an elaborate burial complex that would accompany him into the afterlife. This complex included the famous Terracotta Army. This action contradicts the Confucian notion that a son should show respect for his father by building the grandest possible memorial and that a man should never ascend the throne. Plan your funeral rites. The entire Terracotta Army took around 40 years to finish and was built by more than 700,000 laborers.

On March 29, 1974, the first in an extensive collection of terra-cotta warriors was discovered in Xian, China. Local farmers came across pieces of clay figures, and these shards led to the discovery of an ancient tomb, vast in size, and several artifacts. The excavation and archeology process took place from 1976 to 1978. On October 1, 1979, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum in the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang began exhibiting for visitors from both domestic and foreign countries.

The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3 respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. Pit 1 is the largest and has had the most restoration done. Pit 1 features infantry regiments and chariots. It has five inclining approaches in the east and west ends and is partitioned by ten compacted-earth walls. Pit 2 contains more than one thousand warriors which are the backbone of the whole underground army. It features a mixed force consisting of infantry, cavalries, and chariots. The arrangement of the troop is permeated with great pomp. The pit is now still under excavation, and it is estimated that the pit has over 1,300 pieces of warriors and horses, more than 80 chariots, and tens of thousands of weapons. Pit 3 is the command post of the underground terrace cotta army. It is the smallest pit of the three pits.

Where to visit in Xian: Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda or Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved holy place for Buddhists with a history of over 1300 years. Big Wild Goose Pagoda, understood as “big wild goose”, is a landmark pagoda of Xi’an and an extremely important national cultural relic. The pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty.

Xuanzang, the eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty, used to study in India from 629 to 645. He saw this kind of pagoda in India. When he was back home, for storing Buddhist text and figures of Buddha, he built a pagoda in Cien Temple imitating the structure of pagoda in India, and named it Goose Pagoda. One of the pagoda’s many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Monk Xuanzang.

Xian China places to visit: Xian Ancient City Wall

The ancient city wall will be the first destination for tourists who come to Xian. Xian City Wall, also known as the Fortifications of Xian, is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. The first city wall of Changan was begun in 194 BC. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. While the wall was being built, the south and west walls were constructed on the base of the wall of the Tang Dynasty.

The size of this structure is massive, measuring 13.7km in circumference, 12m in height, and 15–18m in thickness at the base. There is an enemy tower every 120 meters standing out of the wall, as high as the city wall, which is used for shooting enemies. There are 98 enemy towers around the city wall. Out of the wall, there is a city moat, which is 20m wide and 10m deep, forming a complete defense system with the city wall.

Xian Ancient City Wall has four gates in the south, north, east, and west, four directions including Changle Gate, Anding Gate, Yongning Gate, and Anyuan Gate. Outside each gate, there is a barbican. Each gate has three buildings including the gate, the embrasured watchtower, and the inner building. The inner building is 7-room wide, and 2-room deep, 36m high, while the embrasure watchtower is 11-room wide, and 2-room deep, with a height of 33.4m. The embrasure watchtower has 4 layers of windows, and each window has 12 holes.

Xian City Wall International Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November each year. It has been a kind of special tourism product in recent years. The competition has attracted a total of more than 4,000 foreign athletes from over 50 countries to participate in the competition since 1993. Today, the tournament has been named by the State Sports General Administration and the National Tourism Administration as a national sports tourism gold project with a certain amount of international influence.

Best places to visit in Xi An: Shaanxi History Museum

Located in Xian City to the northwest of the Big Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum is an interesting destination for tourists. The museum has an area of 65,000 m2, a building place of 55,600 m2, cultural relics storerooms of 8,000 m2, and exhibition halls of 11,000 m2. The museum exhibit consists of 113,000 artifacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. Constructed in 1983, this history museum was completed in 1991 and has been opened to the public. Taking a Tang style architectural art, the Shaanxi History Museum conveys the idea that “hall in the center, storied buildings in corners”.

It is an elegant building that mixes traditional and modern technology harmoniously with chronological exhibitions taking you through the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is an ideal place to learn about the origins and development of ancient Chinese history.

Best places to visit in Xi’an China: Bell tower

626-year-old Xian Bell Tower, one of the top ten attractions in Xian, is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China. It is used to tell people that time has the same function as the Drum Tower, bell-ring means morning is coming and drumbeat means the night is falling in the ancient time. This is the largest bell tower in structure and shape and the best preserved in China.

Constructed in 1384 at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the 36-meter tall (118 feet) Xian Bell Tower is 35.5m (116 feet) long at each side and is crowned by three-layer eaves and an area of up to 1,377 m2. Some of the bells here were cast in large bronze from the Tang Dynasty. The main bell tower is a unique structure built of brick and wood, decorated with dark blue glazed tiles, blue and green paintings, and gold touches.

Legend has it that the Guanzhong area experienced earthquakes during the Ming Dynasty. Many citizens were injured and they had found the reason for these frequent earthquakes. It was the dragon in the river flowing across the center of Xian city. To lock the dragon, the Bell Tower was built by the government. One of the officials believed this tower could suppress the dragon firmly and bring happiness to the city. And just as he thought, the earthquake did not occur in Xian again.

In fact, in ancient times, the bell tower became one of the castles with strategic military significance. In addition to building walls around the city, digging moats, and setting drawbridges, it also accompanied the bell tower in the city center as a command center. At peacetime, it was used for reporting time, and so could the drawbridge opening and closing on time. At the state of siege, it was used as a city defense command.

Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace is the model of the royal garden in Shaanxi Province. In 1982, it was listed as the first batch of China’s key scenic spot. In 1996, the State Council announced that Huaqing Hot Spring was the fourth group of key sites for units of cultural relics protection in China. Huaqing Palace, the Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan Garden, and Chengde Mountain Resort are also known as the four royal gardens of China.

Huaqing Palace is a natural spring at the foot of Mt Lishan in Lintong District, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. This hot spring is known as China’s famous hot spring resort. Huaqing Hot Spring has 6,000 years of history of hot spring use and 3,000 years of history of royal garden architecture.

The thermal spring water is not only suitable for taking a bath or shower but also for a particular treatment of dermatosis, rheumatism arthritis, and muscular pain. The bath building covers an area of about 3,000 square meters and has over 100 bath pools various of shapes. The big bath building can serve nearly 400 people at the same time.

Visit Huaqing Palace, in addition to the hot spring bathing area, you can visit the Tang Dynasty-style royal Furong Garden, the wall of books engraved with the poem Song of Regret, or enjoy royal soups such as lotus soup, Hitom soup, prince soup, etc. In addition, you can also visit Kowloon Lake, the five-room hall, or enjoy the royal music of the Tang Dynasty.

Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter in Xian downtown is a block consisting of a couple of streets over 1,000 years old. It is very famous for its abundant delicious local Xian snacks and rich culture of ancient immigration. Being a symbolic site of Xi’an flavor, this street is well-known for its nearly 300 sorts of food sold here, which attracts several foodies to please both their noses and taste buds. You can sample specialties such as dumplings, grilled beef, grilled fish, kebabs, pancakes, and steamed mutton. Therefore, this place is known as “a street for gourmets”.

Muslim Quarter is always swarming with people in the daytime. However, the bustle remains at night when local citizens come out to find some real food with all kinds of cakes, dried fruits, candied fruits, and snacks. Behind, local snack restaurants are also filled with customers both inside and outside. Smoke from lamb Kebobs and boiled meat skewers wafted, blending right under the bright light, filling the entire street. When it comes night, the whole street is wreathed with a strong life atmosphere, fewer tourists amid night erase an intensely commercial feeling while those stands and restaurants still open up, with soft light casting on the stone path, which looks different from the appearance of daytime.

Huashan Mountain

Also known as the Great Western Mountain, Huashan is one of the five famous sacred mountains and the birthplace of Chinese civilization. This mountain is celebrated for its majestic breathtaking crags, steep paths, and beautiful scenery and it is said to be the most precipitous mountain in the world. Mt. Huashan is huge complete granite. Its history can be traced back 120 million years before.

Known as the “Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven”, Huashan is one of China’s five sacred Taoist mountains and has a long history of religious significance. The mountain has five main peaks, the highest of which is the southern peak at an elevation of 2,160 meters. This is where Laozi Peak is located, which is said to contain alchemy and the eight trigrams tank, associated with the legend of Lao Tzu. The South Peak is also home to the most dangerous hiking trail in the world. On the south peak, a golden temple was built during the Ming Dynasty, also known as Baidi Temple to worship the god Huashan.

Knowing so many things about Xian from the must-visit places as above, you can enjoy this city, and make your trip more memorable. So it would be better to travel to this city.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Xian you can refer to

• Xi’an Highlights Day Tour
• Cultural Xi’an One Day Tour
• Xi’an Ancient Chinese Culture Day Tour with Banpo Neolithic Village, Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and More
• One-day Huashan Adventure Tour (upper and lower from the West Peak) – Chinese commentary (departures every day)
• Xi’an Popular Attractions Private Charter
• Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Half Day Tour
• Morning Food & Market Tour
• Terracotta Army Ticket Xi’an
• Classic Xi’an 2 Day Private Tour
• Xi’an City Life Half Day Tour
• Private Xi’an North Railway Station Transfers for Xi’an
• Xi’an Terracotta Army Half-Day Tour
• Han Yang Ling Museum Ticket Xi’an
• Hukou Waterfall Park Ticket (Near Xi’an)
• Dream Back to Tang Dynasty Dance Show Ticket Xi’an
• Xian Qinling Wildlife Park Admission Ticket
• Cuihua Mountain National Geo-Park Admission Ticket
• Shaanxi History Museum Xi’an Admission Ticket
• Qujiang Hanyao Heritage Park Admission Ticket
• Qianling Mausoleum Ticket Xi’an

Check out more China guide here . An Xian travel guide here .

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Xi’an Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Xi’an, China

1. Things to know if you're visiting Xi'an for the first time

2. xi'an xianyang international airport - xi'an airport guide (xiy), 3. xi'an transportation, xi'an getting around, 4. best time to visit xi'an, 5. things to see and do in xi'an, 6. food in xi'an, 7. shopping in xi'an, 8. local customs in xi'an.

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An ancient gathering place of cultures, religions, and commence, the city of Xi’an has a rich history of more than 3000 years and is today the provincial capital of Shaanxi Province. Amongst the city’s modern architecture and congested roads, there is still a plethora of ruins and historical monuments.

Located in the south-central part of the province, Xi’an has the Qinling Mountains to the South and the Weihe River to the North. There are 11 urban districts in total, with Beilin District being the city center where famous landmarks are located like the Bell Tower and the City Wall; to the west is Lianhu District, a residential and commercial area with luxury hotels and is popular amongst business travelers. Around the center districts, visitors can find Xincheng District with a quieter environment and many shopping options; and Yanta District where several universities are located together with another cluster of top attractions like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Formerly known as Changan, Xi’an has been the seat of the capital for 1200 years covering 13 dynasties. Since the Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 24AD), this ancient city was the starting point of the Silk Road, an intersection of cultural and economic exchange. It reached its heyday in the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907AD) when it became a booming metropolis as important as Rome. Today Xi’an’s long history can still be seen in its ancient monuments, centuries-old temples, and archeological treasures.

Xi'an has an astonishing 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, among which is one of the world’s greatest archeological discoveries – the Army of Terracotta Warriors. But the list of visit-worthy attractions in this city is vast and diverse. Besides the Bell and Drum Towers, the ancient city wall, and the Daming palace site, Xi’an is also home to awe-inspiring natural wonders like Cuihua Mountain and Heihe National Park.

Getting to and around Xi’an is simple and convenient. In addition to the usual modes of public transportation like the metro, bus, train, and taxi, there are several special tourist bus lines and sightseeing hop on hop off buses to make it easier for visitors to explore the city. The most common ways to reach Xi’an are by air (Xianyang International Airport) and by train. In fact, riding the overnight trains from Beijing or Shanghai is a favorite travel experience for many foreign visitors.

Xi’an is an ancient yet vibrant and modern city with world-class attractions, diverse cuisines, and an energetic atmosphere. Xi’an’s most pleasant seasons are Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November). The cool breezes and mild temperatures are most suitable for sightseeing. Tourist areas can get extremely busy, so avoid visiting on weekends or during national holiday periods like Labor Day or Chinese New Year.

Where to stay in the city? Choosing the right location for your trip can be a headache, especially for your first visit. Depending on the purpose of your visit, here are a few popular areas to consider. The busiest area in Xi’an is the City Center around the Bell Tower (Beilin District). Many first-time visitors tend to prefer this region as it has a cluster of top landmarks like the Ancient City Wall and Muslim Street. For business travelers, Lianhu District in the west of the city is filled with luxury hotels, commercial areas, and serene parks. Traveling with family? Xincheng District is comparatively quieter with many conveniences like Wanda Plaza and Xincheng Plaza for shopping and dining, as well as the Daming Palace National Heritage Park to keep the kids entertained.

There are so many first-rate scenic spots on offer in Xi’an, it is impossible to see them all if you only have a few days. For first-timers, the famous must-see destinations are the Terracotta Army Museum, the Great Mosque, the Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall, and The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Food in Xi’an is hearty, flavorful, and ethnically diverse. Be sure to savor local specialties dishes like cold noodles, flatbread in mutton soup, hot and sour soup dumplings, and biangbiang noodles. For shopping fans, the city is full of high-end retail centers (e.g., Century Ginwa Shopping Mall) and lively street markets (e.g., Huimin Street), providing excellent opportunities for visitors to top up on souvenirs, food products, and handicrafts.

Being the provincial capital of Shaanxi province and a major transportation hub in central China , Xi'an has excellent transportation options. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main airport serving the city and the largest in the northwestern part of China. Over 62 domestic and international airlines operate out of the airport, it is also the base for China Northwest Airlines, which runs daily flights to and from key cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. Make sure to have extra time for the security check at the airport, as it can be very crowded during peak seasons. XIY offers a wide range of facilities, such as duty-free shops, eateries, free wireless internet, ATMs, currency exchanges, medical services, and luggage storage.

Situated about 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Xi'an's CBD, visitors have several transfer options including taxi service, metro, or shuttle service. The metro is one of the fastest options as it's not affected by traffic conditions. From Airport West Station (linked to T1/T2/T3), passengers can get on the Airport Metro Line or Line 14 to reach downtown in around 30 minutes. Fares range between 2-9 RMB.

For more destinations across the city, opt for the Airport Shuttle Service. For 25 RMB per person, passengers can choose from 13 lines. Tickets can be purchased at the 1st Floor of T2 and the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) of T3. Most buses operate from 8:00 to 20:00, departing every 20 to 40 minutes, and routes take 50 to 90 minutes.

For a hassle-free transfer, taxi service is available from T1-Arrival Hall, T2-outside Gate No.211 on 1F, and T3-Ground Transportation Center on 1F. Journeys typically take 40-60 minutes for 120-150 RMB.

One of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to travel around Xi’an is by metro. Presently there are 9 metro lines in operation, but further expansions are in the works. Single ride ticket starts at 2 RMB and will increase with distance traveled. If you plan to use public transport a lot, Xi'an Metro Pass has One-day and Three-day Pass options. All the signs of Xi'an metro system are in both English and Chinese. Tourists can easily reach top attractions by metro, such as Bell Tower, Shaanxi History Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, along with major bus stations.

In addition to local public buses, Xi’an also offers several tourist bus lines which take visitors to major attractions in urban areas and further afield like Terracotta Army Museum (Tourist Bus Line 5 - No. 306). Line 5 can be very busy on the weekends as many locals and students use it too, so expect long queues. There are even more bus options available if you want to hit a few attractions in one day. Seven urban sightseeing bus lines, like the Imperial Sightseeing Bus, will stop at key scenic spots on each route, and visitors can hop on and hop off at their own convenience.

Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced in Xi’an. Most taxis are green with a yellow stripe, some are bright yellow or blue with a white stripe, and the black taxis are for airport transfers only. Although taxis operate 24 hours a day, hailing a taxi can be difficult during peak hours. The standard fare starts at 8.5 RMB in the daytime and 10 RMB at night. As drivers don’t normally carry small change, it’s advisable to round up the fare. Also, taxi drivers rarely speak or read English, so it is best to prepare your destination name in Chinese or in Pinyin.

Located in central China and at 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, Xi'an is known for its cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. There are four distinct seasons, with the coldest months being December and January (average high temperature: 5 °C / 41 °F) and the hottest months are June and July (average high temperature: 32 °C / 90 °F). There is a rainy season with frequent showers from July to September. The most pleasant seasons are Spring (March to May) and Fall (mid-September to early November). The cool breezes, mild temperature, and sunny days are most suitable for outdoor activities.

As many people only visit Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army, it is worth noting the best time to view the site, not in terms of weather (indoor venues) but more for the crowd. If possible, avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, and get there early (8:30 am opening time) or go in the late afternoon when most tour groups have left.

Other peak times for Xi’an, on the whole, are national holiday periods when millions of domestic tourists tend to descend on the city. To avoid extreme crowds, pick your dates carefully. Major Chinese holidays are the Chinese Spring Festival (late-January or early-February), Labor Day (beginning of May), National Holiday (first week of October), and Student Summer Holiday (July to August).

With its ancient history, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and diverse local cultures, Xi’an is considered one of the top tourist destinations in China. While the list of visit-worthy attractions is vast, but here are three world-class sites that shouldn’t be missed.

The Terracotta Amy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. One of the greatest archeological discoveries in the 20th century, the expansive burial complex of the first emperor of China was accidentally found by workers digging a well in 1974. Today, thousands of clay soldiers, horses, chariots, and other artifacts have been unearthed and restored. The Museum complex consists of three vaults and The Exhibition Hall of the Bronze Chariots, be sure to visit all of them as each has its unique exhibits. For example, in Vault 1, visitors can marvel at up to 2000 terracotta warriors and horses made back in 246–206 BC.

Considered to be the largest Islamic place of worship in China, the Great Mosque with its traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles is a visual representation of Xi'an's merging cultures. The Mosque complex has several courtyards, gardens, and buildings of significance, but it is also a working mosque and the only mosque in the country that is open to visitors. So please note that non-Muslim visitors will not be allowed to enter the main prayer hall.

While everyone’s heard of China's Great Wall, Xi'an's city wall is also well worth exploring. China used to have walls around all its cities. Most have come down over time, but the one in Xi'an remains intact around the old town. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances. One thing visitors like to do on the massive city wall is to rent a bike and cycle around it (walking around the wall will take about 4 hours).

While internationally people associate Xi’an with the Terracotta Army, in China the city is also famous for its unique local dishes. Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has a long and rich culinary history. Also known as Shaanxi cuisine, the dishes are full of exotic flavors and are typically meat and carb-heavy.

Flatbread in mutton soup (Yangrou Paomo) is a much-loved local snack, ‘Paomo’ for short, this flavorful dish has a history dating back to the 11th century BC. The way to eat it is to tear up the pieces of flatbread then put them into a bowl of hearty meat stew (lamb or beef). Popular local vendors include Tongshengxiang Restaurant and Liuxin Niuyangrou Paomo.

Pita Bread Pork Sandwich or Xi’an Meat Burger (Roujiamo) is another favorite street food. There are two versions of this marinated grilled meat stuffed inside pita bread. Halal style made with beef by Muslims / Hui people, or with pork for Han people. Restaurant WangKui Lazhi Roujiamo opened in 1982 and serves bread fresh off the furnace.

Xi’an can feel like a furnace in the summer, that’s why a bowl of cold noodles (Liangpi) is a welcoming treat. Originated in Shaanxi province, the thinly sliced cooked rice noodles can be made spicy or sweet and sour, then topped with diced garlic, bean sprouts, and sliced cucumber.

In Xi’an, great shopping opportunities are clustered in a few locations around town. First up are the areas around the Bell and Drum Towers. For your typical big department stores and supermarkets, head to the Bell Tower Commercial Area which is the largest shopping area in the city. Nearby is the famous tourist spot, Muslim Street, where you can top up on souvenirs, food, and handicrafts. Other large upscale malls and one-stop shops include Kai Yuan Shopping Mall, Century Ginwa Shopping Mall, and Minsheng Departmental Store.

Another cluster of retail activity is around the Goose Pagodas and Shaanxi History Museum. The ancient architecture in this area makes it a promising shopping destination as well as a sightseeing location. Visitors can browse through the stores in Xi’an Antique Market (Zhuque Antiques Market). Curio collectors can easily spend a day looking for small coins, pottery, and jade articles. Great Tang All Day Mall and SAGA Shopping Mall are two large luxury retail centers that can cater to your every need.

Not sure what to bring home as a souvenir? Here are a few popular and typical items from Xi’an: terracotta warrior replicas, calligraphy rubbings, paper-cuts, peasant paintings, Tang tri-color porcelain replicas, dry-cured beef, and dried persimmon, walnut & Shaanxi jujube.

In terms of public safety, Xi’an is relatively safe overall for tourists. But due to the high number of domestic and foreign visitors in the city, many locations like scenic spots, trains stations, and food streets can be very crowded. Of course, this will lead to an increase in petty crimes such as pickpocketing, so be careful with your valuables.

The official currency used in China is Renminbi (RMB) which is also known as Yuan. While tipping is not customary in China, it is acceptable to leave a gratuity for guides, drivers, and hotel porters.

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2 Day Xi’an Itinerary – What To See in this Walled City of China

Last Updated February 24, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 2 Day Xi’an Itinerary – What To See in this Walled City of China

If there’s a city that has more historical significance than Beijing, it’s the city of Xi’an.  Geographically at the heart of China, and the terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an is in league with great ancient civilization cities like Cairo, Rome, and Athens.  Think in those perspectives and you realize that there is so much history and culture to take in.

Here is a a full break down of all the things you have to see and do with this 2 day Xi’an itinerary that covers everything you need to do within the city before or after you’ve explored the Terracotta Warriors.

“Go to Shanghai and you will find a 100-year-old China; go to Beijing and you will find a 1000-year-old China; go to Xi’an and then you will find a 3000-year-old China.” – Chinese saying

• Surreal Terracotta Warriors experience
• The Terracotta Warriors itinerary
• Watch the ‘Journey to the Terracotta Warriors’ extended cut
• Death defying plank walk on Mount Hua

Where to stay in Xi’an?

• While in Xi’an we booked the  ibis Xi’an South Gate Hotel  which turned out to be an awesome property in that it twas right by the South Gate and was close to a lot of street food and restaurants.

In This Article

Map of places you need to see in Xi’an

Day 1 in xi’an, day 2 in xi’an, looking for a tour in xi’an, lost in translation, the perfect xi’an 2 day itinerary.

To put some context around this itinerary, we started off our trip to Xi’an with a full day to see the Terracotta Warriors followed by full day at Mount Hua (including the viral plank walk ).  The map below shows you all the different spots we went to during our time in the city.

Xi’an City Wall

Without a doubt, the fully intact and complete city wall and its gates were the most impressive part of the city.  While I know for sure that this is the only complete wall in China, I’m going to say that this might be the largest in the world.  The walls are complete with gates at all four compass directions which are augmented by towers, ramparts, battlements and even a draw bridge over the moat.

The best part about City Wall is that the top of the wall is fully accessible and best enjoyed by bicycle.  It’s easy to underestimate the wall because it’s hard to picture the scale but once you hop on your bike, you realize that you easily need two hours to do a full loop.  Just be sure to adhere to some of the tips I mention down below.

When you plan your city wall biking excursion, it makes sense to finish off at South Gate just because most of the main attractions within the wall are in that area.  For us, we started at East Gate and worked our way counter-clockwise around to South Gate.

By the end of it all, our butts were pretty sore and a little sunburnt but I couldn’t complain one bit because it was such a fun way to see the city on these ancient city walls.

Ancient Street of Shuyuanmen

Right off the South Gate, we made our way to the street of Shuyuanmen .  This is one of the cultural streets of Xi’an and is mainly composed of arts and crafts like calligraphy, jade, paintings, books, and keepsakes.

You won’t find too many Terracotta Warriors for sale here but there were a few stores that carried them.  We made the mistake of purchasing our first two here when we probably should’ve waited until the Muslim Quarter.

This street was a great place to wander aimlessly after our noodle lunch.

• Small Wild Goose Pagoda

We decided to head over here on a whim and as a result we squeezed 3 of us in one of these tricycles for hire.  While the ride was really fast because he was able to duck in and out of traffic and use the motorcycle lanes, the cost was way more than it would’ve cost by normal cab.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is adjoined to the Xi’an Museum but by the time we got there it was closed.  Luckily, that didn’t mean the pagoda or the temple were closed so we had a chance to walk the grounds and snap a few photos.

This pagoda is the little cousin to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and was one of the main temples used to translate Buddhist texts from India .

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda

We already had a chance to check out this area the day before but we felt like there was still more to see so we grabbed short cab ride over here.  Off to the west side of the large square are a ton of little side streets like this one where food and souvenir vendors line up the streets.  Let’s just say there was a lot of snacking along the way.

While we ate to our heart’s content, the real reason why we stayed here so late was because we wanted to catch the 8:30PM musical fountain show right in front of the pagoda.  The fountains here produce the largest show in all of Asia with 1,024 burner caps that cover 15,000 square meters.

To set the stage properly, you have to understand that there are sections of fountain subdivided horizontal walking platforms that people use to take photos and what not.  In the photo above, we’re pretty much on one of the last platforms before the giant “Fire Mountain” fountain.

Wanting to capture the best shots, I thought it was an acceptable risk to set up my tripod and GoPro smack in the middle here.  While the shots turned out great, let’s just say we got rained on really hard thanks to the 20 meter high fountain behind us.

The show itself was quite long, running a good 40 minutes but we ended up staying through all of it.  Aside from the rainfall, the other disadvantage from our position was that we didn’t really see much of the fountain show that was happening behind us.  That being said, if you want clean shots like this, I’d recommend standing here (if you’re not afraid of a little water) or moving to the platform in front.

Table of Contents

• Shaanxi Museum

The next morning, we started off the day with a cab ride out to Shaanxi Museum in the southern end of the city near Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

However, being a Saturday, we arrived with a massive line up ahead of us.  Turns out, the museum hands out a bunch of free tickets a day as long as you have your ID with you.  We were totally fine with purchasing the tickets which cost 20 RMB but because of crowd control, they actually stopped selling all tickets.

Lucky for us, a sketchy looking Chinese guy came up to us asking how many tickets we needed.  Long story short, we ended up negotiating his free tickets down to 70 RMB.

I was a bit annoyed by the fact that my GoScope pole  was flagged by security.  Turns out, selfie sticks are not allowed and so I had to go back out and drop them off like coat-check.

Considered by many to be the cradle of Chinese culture , the Shaanxi Museum features a miniature overview of two thousand years of history broken down into 3 exhibition halls.  There were a lot of interesting artifacts to see but of course we had to skip quite a few sections simply because there were way too many people especially with the large school groups.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (again)

Yes we somehow managed to come back for the third time.  This time, we instead focused on the new southern part of the space which features a bunch of shopping malls, restaurants and a beautiful sculpture garden.

• Muslim Quarter

Simply put, the Muslim Quarter of Xi’an is snack central.  As the name implies, this area is home to 20,000 Muslims and has become an incredibly popular spot for food and souvenirs.  In fact, I ended up buying two of my Terracotta Warriors here and the price here was much cheaper than anywhere else.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Muslim Quarter actually starts from the Drum Tower and so after we finished there, we simply made our way back.  Since it didn’t seem like the Drum Tower had great views, we bolted over to Bell Tower and made it in just in the nick of time before closing.  We ended up spending 30 minutes in the tower before they kicked us out.  I would highly recommend the Bell Tower over the Drum Tower simply because it is right in the middle of a roundabout and gives you straight line views of North and South gate of the wall.

Xi’an South Gate

After having a snack at Honeymoon Dessert and dinner at a local dumpling shop, we walked down to the South Gate to see the whole area illuminated.  This was a great opportunity to see it from a totally different vantage point since we had only seen south gate from the city wall the previous day.

GetYourGuide is my activity booking platform of choice.  If you’d rather join a tour in the city or for the Terracotta Warriors, you can check out these ones and book them before they sell out.

I always have a side quest when I travel in China and that’s the finding what I call “lost in translation” signages, products, and the things I witness.  Here’s a few that I spotted in Xi’an.

Know Before You Go

• The hours vary between the gates but all open at 8AM.
• South Gate closes at 8PM Nov – Mar and 10PM Apr – Oct
• Remaining gates close 6PM Nov – Mar and 7PM Apr – Oct
• 54 RMB adults, 27 RMB for students
• Every additional 10 minutes is 5 RMB for a single and 10 RMB for tandem
• Bikes can be returned at any station (one at every gate)
• Hat and sunscreen – There’s not much cover up there.
• It’s all cobblestone up on the wall so be prepared for a bumpy bicycle ride
• Riding tandem on the city wall wouldn’t be a lot of fun so I would recommend against it despite it seeming like a good idea
• 8AM – 5PM
• 30 RMB adult, 15 RMB student to climb the pagoda itself
• Tips:  The best spot to stand to see the whole show is behind the super big spout (the first fountain if you’re looking towards the pagoda).  We stood right in front of the big spout which is great for getting wet
• Closed Mondays
• 9AM – 5:30PM (Nov 15 – Mar 15), 8:30AM – 6PM (Mar 16 – Nov 14)
• There are 2,500 free tickets before 12PM and 1500 tickets after 1PM.  No tickets are sold between 12-1PM
• Regular admission is 20 RMB
• You have better things to do than stand in line for tickets especially when they only cost 20 RMB per person.  There should be no lineup for the paid ticket booth
• Know that you’re going to have to check-in your selfie stick if you have one. You could try to sneak by security if you tuck it in your bag
• If you want to do the free tickets, make sure you bring your passport
• If you can, avoid weekends and definitely don’t go during any Chinese holidays
• 35 RMB adult, 17RMB student
• 8:30AM – 5PM
• Max 1 hour here
• Refer back to the Terracotta Warriors day for details.
• Great find on Agoda   We were very happy with this hotel throughout out our entire stay there.  It’s clean and kept to the ibis European standards which we appreciated.
• We were a bit surprised about the cash deposit required upon check in (300 RMB for each room) but turns out this is pretty normal around here.  Remember to bring enough cash.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve paid in full online or not.
• Don’t underestimate distances between places in Xi’an.  For instance, we thought we could easily walk back from Big Wild Goose Pagoda back to our ibis hotel but turned out to be a big mistake.
• Cabs are ridiculously hard to grab – one of the annoying things about the city.  You just have to be really patient
• Bring that student card if you have one!
• So how come we didn’t use a guide for this part of the trip?  For one, Michael was already booked these days but it actually worked out for us because the two days we had in the city were a nice break in our schedule to just do our own thing.

2 day Xi’an Itinerary Highlights

• Walk to East Gate from the hotel
• Explore East Gate
• Bike the City Wall from 10:45AM – 1:30 PM
• Lunch at a local noodle shop
• Roam around Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda markets
• Dinner at a Chinese fast food restaurant
• Watch musical fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Accommodations:   ibis Xi’an South Gate Hotel
• Lunch in the Muslim Quarter
• Dinner at a dumpling restaurant

Are you planning a trip to Xi’an and need advice putting together an itinerary? Just drop a comment down below!

What you should read next

• A Journey To The Terracotta Warriors – A Detailed Itinerary
• Top Unusual Roadside Attractions
• Journey To the Terracotta Warriors Extended Cut
• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• A Visual Journey Along the Inca Trail

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Dave Hallam says

September 14, 2023 at 1:13 PM

Great article and loads of advice, we aim to do a South AsiaTour and after seeing a very small exhibition of Terracotta Warriors in Alicante Spain we aim to put it in on our schedule.

William Tang says

September 14, 2023 at 11:08 PM

It is quite the spectacular sight to see in person. The scale of it is just massive! I hope you get to see it soon!

MCQUINNE says

November 6, 2019 at 12:15 PM

I wanna visit Xi’an on January during the winter will it be ok How can I get an itinerary highlights

Will Tang says

November 6, 2019 at 12:55 PM

I’d say in January expect the temperatures to be quite cold so roughly around 5 degrees celsius during the day and below 0 at night so definitely bundle up. That said, you can do all the things that you’d do outside of winter so you can still visit the Terracotta Warriors, you can still explore the wall, see the pagodas, walk the local streets etc as I have laid out in this 2 day itinerary.

February 20, 2019 at 12:27 PM

Is there enough light at the Terra Cotta warriors for good pictures without flash?

Do they restrict tripods?

All of your pictures looked like it was fair weather all the time…

I also notice that you tend to stay at the more high-end hotels – and not at the hostels — which most of us can afford!!!

I have been travelling and planning in advance without engaging expensive tour guides or services. It’s outrageous when you find out what it actually costs to get around vs paying a guide or service.

My advice – if you want to save money – do it yourself! All the resources for planning are on the internet.

Also, if you don’t like the ‘foreigner’ prices you are charged, negotiate – and don’t feel badly to just say ‘no…

February 20, 2019 at 12:59 PM

Yes there is! The way that the canopy is set up, there’s a lot of light that comes in. From what I remember I don’t think tripods are allowed or at least I know I definitely didn’t bring one in just because I knew how insane the crowds were going to be. If you want really clean photos you’ll have to be the first one in, otherwise it’s a struggle for most of the day.

In terms of hotels, sure you can stay at hostels but since I was travelling with my parents and wife, we found a lot of great options for the 4 of us that were comfortable and cost effective. The nice thing about China is that the hotels aren’t that expensive so we were pretty happy with our choices.

And travelling in China without a guide is certainly possible and since we speak the language I think we’d get by okay but for convenience and efficiency, I was very happy that we hired a guide.

July 6, 2017 at 9:53 PM

Hello, thank you so much for this really informative post! Would like to ask a question though… When you refer to student card/student prices, does this apply too to international students? Because a few websites have said that in China student prices do not apply to international students, and I was wondering how much to budget for entrance fees. Thank you so much!

July 7, 2017 at 1:24 AM

Hey Amy, I wonder if it’s a situation where it depends on the person that’s at the ticket booth but for me, I was able to show my old student card (no expiry luckily) and I paid the student price. It worked for me and I’d definitely attempt it if you have a card!

April 17, 2017 at 4:53 AM

Great post! Very informative and helpful, Thanks!

April 17, 2017 at 8:55 AM

You’re welcome Tina!

Tuan Do @BikeFolded says

November 9, 2015 at 12:16 PM

What an amazing journey. I really like the blog post which is full of beautiful pictures. I plan to travel with my bike later this year, I definitely can find a lot of useful info here. Thanks

November 9, 2015 at 1:41 PM

Thanks for reading Tuan! Yeah the 2 free days we had in the city were a lot of fun. You’ll love the biking on the wall!

Frank @ FoldingBikeGuru says

July 26, 2015 at 1:19 PM

Wow such nice tips. I always tend to look for itinerary that allows me to use bicycle to explore. Thanks!

Wayne Seto says

June 9, 2015 at 1:28 PM

Thanks for this post Will! I have to do a visa run here in Thailand and still have an entry to spare on my China visa; so I’m considering Xian since I missed it on my previous passes through China. Do you book your tours through your hotel? How do you suggest I go about it. I’m travelling solo. Also, do you take the trains in or out of Xian? Have you done train travel in China, as I hear trains get booked pretty quick and you have to plan in advance. Thanks Will :)

June 15, 2015 at 4:35 PM

Hey Wayne, I actually booked everything online through my research on TripAdvisor. The guides were recommended there and I reached out to them myself. It obviously made a lot more sense since I was travelling with a big group (my family) but I’m sure something can be worked out if you were solo. I remember Michael telling us stories of other solo travelers he’s guided.

To get into and out of Xi’an I personally would recommend flying. The city is pretty big and there are a lot of flights going in and out. We took a long-d train back to Shanghai and I would say that even though we paid more for the sleeper car, the experience was less than ideal. I’ll have a post up on that soon. If you do want to go the train route, I def recommend buying in advance if it’s long distance. I think you can do it on Ctrip but we had trouble with that so we got our guide to purchase the tickets for us. For short distance trains (i.e. Luoyang to Xi’an) we purchased those tickets only a few days before just because they run so much more frequent.

Hope that helps! Def e-mail me if you have more q’s.

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5-Day Xi'an Itinerary

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• Xi'an in 5 days
• 1-Day Xi'an Itinerary
• 2-Day Xi'an Itinerary
• 3-Day Xi'an Itinerary
• 4-Day Xi'an Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, day 4: keep it simple, day 5: visit yongxingfang, emperor qinshihuang's mausoleum site museum.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Fortifications of xi'an, great mosque of xi'an, bell tower of xi'an, ancient city wall.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Daci'en temple, datang everbright city, tang paradise, shaanxi history museum, shaanxi xi'an botanical garden, small wild goose pagoda, xi'an museum, daxingshan temple, kaiyuan shopping mall, catholic church.

Don’t forget to pack anything

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Yongxingfang

Shanxi grand opera house, du city god temple, xi'an city wall scenic ticket office, popular road trips from xi'an, what's the weather like in xi'an.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Xi'an for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Xi'an in January
• Weather in Xi'an in February
• Weather in Xi'an in March
• Weather in Xi'an in April
• Weather in Xi'an in May
• Weather in Xi'an in June
• Weather in Xi'an in July
• Weather in Xi'an in August
• Weather in Xi'an in September
• Weather in Xi'an in October
• Weather in Xi'an in November
• Weather in Xi'an in December

All road trips from Xi'an

• Xi'an to Beijing drive
• Xi'an to Hong Kong drive
• Xi'an to Shanghai drive
• Xi'an to Hanoi drive
• Xi'an to Seoul drive
• Xi'an to Chengdu drive
• Xi'an to Macau drive
• Xi'an to Chiang Mai drive
• Xi'an to Hoi An drive
• Xi'an to Luang Prabang drive
• Xi'an to Hangzhou drive
• Xi'an to Guangzhou drive
• Xi'an to Suzhou drive
• Xi'an to Hue drive
• Xi'an to Nanjing drive
• Xi'an to Chongqing drive
• Xi'an to Chiang Rai drive
• Xi'an to Busan drive
• Xi'an to Halong Bay drive
• Xi'an to Qingdao drive
• Xi'an to Xiamen drive
• Xi'an to Luoyang drive
• Xi'an to Lijiang drive
• Xi'an to Fukuoka drive
• Xi'an to Zhangjiajie drive
• Xi'an to Wuhan drive
• Xi'an to Bagan drive
• Xi'an to Pingyao County drive
• Xi'an to Yangshuo County drive
• Xi'an to Vientiane drive

Explore nearby places

• Jingyang County
• Gaoling County
• Lantian County
• Sanyuan County
• Liquan County
• Fuping County
• Zhashui County
• Zhouzhi County
• Wugong County
• Chunhua County
• Qian County
• Yongshou County
• Zhen'an County
• Fufeng County
• Pucheng County
• Dali County
• Xunyi County
• Luonan County
• Linyou County
• Shanyang County

All related maps of Xi'an

• Map of Xi'an
• Map of Xianyang
• Map of Jingyang County
• Map of Gaoling County
• Map of Hu County
• Map of Lantian County
• Map of Sanyuan County
• Map of Xingping
• Map of Liquan County
• Map of Weinan
• Map of Fuping County
• Map of Zhashui County
• Map of Zhouzhi County
• Map of Wugong County
• Map of Chunhua County
• Map of Qian County
• Map of Tongchuan
• Map of Hua County
• Map of Yongshou County
• Map of Zhen'an County
• Map of Fufeng County
• Map of Pucheng County
• Map of Shangluo
• Map of Mei County
• Map of Dali County
• Map of Xunyi County
• Map of Huayin
• Map of Luonan County
• Map of Linyou County
• Map of Bin County
• Map of Shanyang County

Xi'an throughout the year

• Xi'an in January
• Xi'an in February
• Xi'an in March
• Xi'an in April
• Xi'an in May
• Xi'an in June
• Xi'an in July
• Xi'an in August
• Xi'an in September
• Xi'an in October
• Xi'an in November
• Xi'an in December

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How to Plan a Trip to Xian

Reading Guideline:  

• Why Visit Xi’an  
• Best Places to Visit in Xi'an  
• What to Pack for Xi'an Tour  
• How to Get to Xi'an  
• When to Visit Xi'an & Best Time to Visit Xi'an  
• Hong Long to Stay in Xi'an  
• Where to Stay in Xi'an  
• Getting around in Xi'an  
• Notes for Solo Travelers  
• Quick Q & A about Xian Tour    

Why Visit Xi'an

 Best Places to Visit in Xi'an 

Xi’an never fails you, only surprise you in its wonders and greatness.  

 What to Pack for Xian Tour

Must bring:.

Passport, tourist visa, credit card（MasterCard or Visa card）, mobile phone or other electronics , notes of emergency contact  

What to pack:

Spring and Autumn: sweater, coat, long sleeve shirts, trousers, sneakers

Summer: T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, hat, sandal, slipper

Winter: down jacket, beanie, mittens, boots.  

Notes: Xi’an is located in the middle of China, 34°N /108°E. It has a hot summer, and a cold, dry winter. December, January and February are the cold months, and its cold temperature could be -10℃ to -5℃(14℉-23℉). June, July and August happen to be hot summer days, with a temperature around 30℃(86℉). It has a mild temperature in Spring and Autumn days. Xi’an does not rain a lot, but has a small peak in July and September, in January, it will have some snowy days. Please check X’an Climate &  Weather .

How to Get to Xi'an

Xi’an is convenient for tourists and visitors to come  with modern infrastructure, one international airport, and three railway stations, and several bus stations.  

►By train . Xi’an has three railway stations, Xi’an Railway Station, Xi’an South Railway Station, Xi’an North Railway Station High speed train and high speed bullet train are highly recommended to you, for its high speed and comfortable environment. Xi’an is one of the biggest transport centers, where you can catch a train and go to anywhere in China.

HIGHT SPEED TRAIN from Xi'an North Railway Station to  

► By bus : bus is usually used when having a short trip to counties in Xi’an and cities around Xi’an. But it is not recommended to you.  

When to Visit Xi’and Best Time to Visit Xi'an

How Long to Stay in Xi'an

How Many Days in Xi'an  

Notes: this does not count your arrival time and departure time.  

Where to Stay

Xi’an center area is enclosed by Xi’an City Wall, and  Bell Tower is in the center of this center area.  

Close to the center： hotels around Bell Tower

Hotels where airport shuttle bus has a stop:  xi’an hotel(西安宾馆), orient hotel xi’an(西安东方大酒店), longhai hotel(陇海大酒店)，tangcheng hotel(唐城宾馆).

Read more, go Where to Stay in Xi’an  

Getting Around in Xi’an

Taxi: available in anywhere & anytime  

Metro: Line 1, Line 2 & Line 3  

Line 2: Xi’anbei station(西安北站) to Xi’an North Railway Station, Bell Tower station(钟楼站) to Bell Tower, South Gate station(南门站) to Xi’an City Wall, Nanshao Gate station(南稍门站) to Xi’an Hotel  

Notes for Solo Travelers & Independent Travelers  

• Easy to go. Travelling on your own in Xi’an won’t be a problem to you, in that  you will find modern facilities and English-speaking staff to meet you need.  
• English will do. Airport, railway station, metro use both Chinese and English signs, attractions has English-speaking tour guide.  
• Smart phone, big helper. Most staff on flights, trains, and in hotels, stores and restaurants can speak English, still body language, and smart phone will do you a big favor.  
• If online booking of flight, train, attraction entrance ticket won’t work, please go to the ticket office.  
• If you are in need of a single tour service, like car rental, please contact us. We offer tour packages, and also single tour service.  

Quick Q & A about Xian Tour  

What is xi’an famous for.

Ancient city with Terracotta Warriors  

What are the most popular attractions in Xi’an?/  Best places in Xi'an?

Terracotta Warriors & Mount Huashan  

Recommended reading: Best Places to Visit  in Xi'an .  

What to do in Xi'an?/ Things to in Xi'an

Ride a bike on Xi’an City Wall in daytime or nighttime

Enjoy Xi’an food at Xi’an Muslim Street

Watch the Tang Dynasty Show at NIGHT in the Tang Dynasty Theatre Palace  

Recommended reading: Xi'an Activities .  

What to eat in Xi’an?

Mutton Paomo(羊肉泡馍)

Xi’an Gourd Chicken(西安葫芦鸡)

liangpi(凉皮) & Rou jia mo(肉夹馍)

Qishan noodles(岐山臊子面)

Guokui(锅盔)  

Where to eat in Xi'an

Muslim Street

Xi'an Bell Tower

What to buy in Xi’an?

Replica of Terracotta Warriors

Lantian Jade

Mashao Facial Mask

Paper Cutting  

Where to buy in Xi'an?/ Xi'an shopping streets?

Shuyuan men

Xi'an Xiaozhai

Recommended Tour You Might Like

4 Days Xian and Mt. Huashan Tour

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Is xi’an worth visiting.

I only spent a few days in Xi’an, but they were fantastic. Compact and easily navigable, the city centre boasts lo many exciting attractions and fun neighbourhoods to explore. The city actually sprawls far beyond the city walls, but most of the things to do in Xi’an are located within the 14 kilometres of the wall itself. If you’re wondering is Xi’an worth visiting, read on to find out why I loved the city.

Is Xi’an Worth Visiting? Reasons to visit Xi’an

I’d really recommend adding a trip to Xi’an to your China itinerary because it’s a unique kind of city. It has been China’s capital numerous times in the country’s past and thus boasts an impressive range of history. From the fascinating Terracotta Army to the City Walls, there’s an interesting story from every historical era in Xi’an.

The Muslim influence of Xi’an means that it has a unique culture – a fusion of Far Eastern and Chinese Muslim. This society is well worth exploring; I could have spent days wandering around the Muslim Quarter and I loved the beautiful Mosque.

There’s so many things to see around Xi’an too; including sacred mountains, remote towns and villages, and the rest of China – it is a very central city, meaning that it’s a popular transport hub for trains crisscrossing all over the country.  Whether you’re on a tour of the East, coming North from Tibet or traversing the Chinese Silk Road (which Xi’an is the start of), this city is well worth a visit.

There’s so many things to love about Xi’an, and I wish I’d given myself more of my trip time there! But here’s the things I loved most about the city during my whirlwind visit.

Things to love about Xi’an

The city walls.

Exploring the city from above is a really unique activity, and this is possible in Xi’an. Lots of cities in China were once walled, including Beijing – but a great deal of them were torn down before and during Mao’s rule. But even though the walls in Xi’an are restored, they remain intact and possible to walk and bike around.

We walked around half of the City Walls, which took about 4 hours with lots of stops. It was possibly  not the best idea to walk around these from 12-4 on a hot day in August, but it was lovely all the same! There’s great architecture, interesting exhibitions and fantastic views of both sides of the city along the wall. It costs 54 yuan to go onto the wall, and when we went it was peaceful and quiet (maybe because of the inhospitable time we decided to walk them!)

The Great Mosque

Xi’an’s mosque is a unique blend of Oriental and Islamic architecture. Completely different from any mosque I’ve ever seen before, but also not quite resembling a Temple, the Mosque in Xi’an is well worth a visit to experience the harmony between the two cultures existing in the city.

The gardens are peaceful, and welcome a leisurely walk around. There’s also lots of information on Islam, both in general and in China specifically, which is a great source of education about the religion in the area. Admission is 25 yuan.

The Muslim Quarter

The mosque of Xi’an is based in the bustling Muslim Quarter, which is a busy area of the city full of restaurants, market stalls and street food. It’s another way to experience the fusion between Oriental and Muslim culture and cuisine, and the lively area makes a perfect destination for dining, shopping or people watching.

The Fantastic Street Food

It’s best in the Muslim Quarter, as mentioned above, but the street food in Xi’an deserves its own special mention. In the Muslim Quarter there’s all sorts of mouth-watering options, perfect for all palates. A lot of the food is heavily meat based, but there’s plenty of options for vegetarians too: including potatoes covered with spice, garlic and herbs and delicious tofu dishes. Outside the Muslim Quarter, there’s plenty of other street food options which include barbecued food and noodles; many places have tables and chairs set up outside, so you can really enjoy an authentic street food dining experience.

The Compact City Vibe

Xi’an is a large city, but the area within the walls is walkable and therefore it is an easy one to explore. Compared to gigantic Beijing or sprawling Chengdu, Xi’an seemed to me manageable and less crowded. (However, this is China, so less crowded is still crowded!) I felt like the somewhat compactness of Xi’an, plus the friendliness and helpfulness of the locals, made the highlights of the city easy to find, explore and really enjoy.

The Terracotta Army

Of course, no list of the best things to do in Xi’an can be complete without the Terracotta Warriors ! These take at least half a day to see and are an hour away by bus, but are so worth it. In 210 BC Emperor Qin commanded these warriors be built to protect him and guard him through to the afterlife. They weren’t discovered until 1976, and very soon after opened as a tourist attraction. Now, the marvel of the warriors is admired by millions of visitors every year.

There’s three pits of warriors, and make sure you leave pit one until last – it’s by far the most impressive! In pit two, there’s the opportunity to look at some figures close up and if you want to have your photo taken with some mock warriors, the chance is yours for 10 yuan in pit three. (I just went for the incredibly sweaty selfie.)

If you’re doing Xi’an on a budget, don’t bother with a tour to the Terracotta Warriors – it’s really easy to get there independently. Just head to the bus station by Xi’an main station and there will be coaches bound for the attraction. Have a note of the Chinese characters for “Terracotta Warriors” and show to any of the drivers, who will be glad to point you in the right direction. The buses cost 8-13 yuan each way and entry to the Terracotta Warriors costs 150 yuan.

The Closeness to the Mountains

Xi’an is just a two hour drive away from some of China’s best mountains. Mount Huashan actually has a name for being a bit of a rouge climb, but I found it didn’t quite live up to this reputation. There’s a few challenging stairs-which-are-more-like-ladders to ascend, and you do have to watch your foot in places, but apart from that the mountain is fine. There’s the option to do a ‘plank walk’, which I missed out on (just because of the really long queue, I swear…) but it’s easy to avoid danger on Huashan if you don’t want to find it.

But the reputation that Huashan did live up to was its beauty. The views are incredible and like no mountain I’ve ever seen, and the pathway is constantly adorned with beautiful padlocks and red ribbon. It was an absolutely charming place to walk around, and it was great to find this spot so close to Xi’an.

Today’s Best Xi’an Hotel Deals

 how to get to xi’an.

Getting to Xi’an from the rest of China is easy ! It’s located 6 hours on a fast train or 13 hours on a slow train from Beijing, 19 hours on a slow train from Shanghai or 11-15 hours on a train from Chengdu. It’s also the easiest city to reach from West China, and acts as a gateway between the two areas of the country. It also has a large airport with flights from lots of main Chinese cities.

Xi’an is the perfect break from the madness of cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and so far, it’s my favourite Chinese city. Therefore, I can answer your question ‘is Xi’an worth visiting’? with a resounding yes . If you’re taking a trip to China, make sure you don’t miss Xi’an!

Have you been to a city that pleasantly surprised you?  Tell me about it in the comments!

If you liked this post, please share it or follow me on Facebook !

Are you planning a trip to China? Check out my other posts about the country!

Visiting Jiuzhaigou: A Magical Valley on the Edge of the Himalayas

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20 thoughts on “ Is Xi’an Worth Visiting? ”

Loved this! I’ve been loving all your IG pics and couldn’t wait for a blog update. Xi’an looks amazing. I have only visited Beijing but really want to go back to China. It just seems so different and atmospheric. I loved it! Xi’an looks like my kinda city- those mountains look amazing!

I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog and insta Nicole 😀 Xi’an is great, so different to Beijing but in a great way! The mountain was so stunning! Let me know if you plan a trip and I can definitely give you some recommendations 🙂

Great post! Thanks for all the tips for visiting this place! My worst fear is not being able to read anything and therefore booking a tour, just to be safe. I’ve been thinking about visiting China, will read more posts for some travel inspo!

It can be a bit of a struggle but there’s always options, like looking up characters before and having them written down, or miming! China’s a very safe country though so even if you can’t communicate you’ll never be in any danger! 🙂 Let me know if you need any more China tips!

Wow! China is so exotic! Looks like you had a terrific time !

Great post. I am thinking about zipping over to China if we can get cheap flights from Phuket. I definitely want to see the Terracotta Army it just looks fascinating!

It’s awesome! You might be able to get a flight straight to Xi’an from Bangkok! 🙂

What a wonderful guide about Xi’an, Claire!

I lived for more than 3 months in China – in Beijing and Guangzhou – and I really miss this amazing country which needs many years to explore 🙂

I will definitely favourite this and come back to check it when I plan to go to Shaanxi 🙂

I’m glad you liked it Svetoslav 🙂 Guangzhou’s on my list for my next trip! There’s so much to see here, I’m sad to be leaving the country soon!

Glad you enjoyed Xi’an. It really is a special and unique city. We’ve lived here for two years now and it never ceases to amaze me! 🙂 Nicole

Aw that’s amazing, I’m thinking about maybe teaching English there in a couple of years 🙂 Glad to hear it’s still an amazing city even after living there for some time!

Your post brought back great memories- Xi’an was my favorite Chinese city too!! Much less hectic than Bejing and Shanghai and has such a positive vibe!

I’m glad to meet another Xi’an fan! Yes, it was calm in comparison to the huge cities! Loved it 🙂

I loved Xi’an also! Glad you had a great time 🙂

Thanks for the tips! I’m leaving Shanghai tomorrow to head to Xi’an. I’ll definitely be looking for the bus to get to the Terracotta Warriors.

Have you ever been to Yangshuo? That’s probably my favorite city I’ve visited so far in China. The people were friendly, the food was great, and there are plenty of beautiful hikes, bike rides, and sights to enjoy!

I loved Xi’an too. The City Wall is so cool! I was amazed by the Terracotta Army.

Climbing Mount Huashan looks like an interesting experience!

How did you get to Huashan? I’m going to China in March and was will be in Xi’an for 1 night. This hike looked awesome, but maybe too far for the little time I’m there. What do you think? Is it a must?

You need at least a full day for Huashan, but it is doable in one. We just got a bus from the Xi’an North Train Station!

We just booked our flight to Xi”an and will spend 8 days there (mid November). Thinking to visit all places you mentioned and using bus or train for travelling (if possible) as travelling with 2 teens and 2 kids (age 8 and 11)

Awesome! Enjoy 🙂

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Brief Introduction of Xian City

Xian, located in the middle of the fertile Guanzhong Plain with Weihe River in the north and Qinling Mountains in the south, is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and the cradle of the Chinese nation. It is one of the four famous ancient capitals in the world and ranks first among the ancient capitals of China as it was used as a capital for the longest time in China’s history, it served as a capital for the largest number of dynasties (the exact number is 13), and it was the most influential capital. Xian was once China’s political, economic and cultural center and the first city to open to the outside world. The famed Silk Road starts from Xian in the east, and Chinese silk, tea and porcelain spread across the world through the great road since its opening during the Western Han Dynasty (202BC — AD8). The “eighth wonder of the world” — Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army stands right in the Lintong District of Xian. The long history and more than 6,000 years (as archaeological excavation shows) of cultural accumulation make Xian a “Natural History Museum”. Nowadays, over 10 million permanent residents live in this 10,752 square kilometers area, and Xian continues to attract more people because this amazing city becomes better with each passing day. It’s a perfect place to learn about China’s past and see what’s happening right now in the country.

Xian is home to a lot of historical sites. It was named as a World Famous Historical City by UNESCO as early as 1981. It really has plenty to offer visitors. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum surely needs no introduction. No one misses this world-renowned site on their Xian trips . Tourists can easily spend a couple of hours marveling at the over 8,000 life-size clay soldiers and taking in the fascinating history. The Ming Dynasty City Wall , built more than 600 years ago, is the largest and most complete surviving city wall in China . The best way to explore the City Wall is making the round of it on a bicycle. If you get to Xian by a normal train, you will see the wall towering in front of you as you exit from the train station.

If you didn’t already know, the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West is based on the experience of master monk Xuanzang who went on a pilgrimage to India for Buddhist scriptures in the Tang Dynasty. After he get back to Chang’an (Xian was called Chang’an in ancient times), Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built to preserve the Buddhist sutras and statues he brought back. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to have some spectacular views of the city. Kill two birds with one stone by visiting Shaanxi History Museum on the same day as the museum and the pagoda are about only 2 kilometers away from each other. You totally can do it on foot or by bus. Shaanxi History Museum truly is a treasure house with a rich collection spanning more than one million years. Those precious cultural relics will tell you the splendid history and culture of Shaanxi Province.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the very heart of Xian are landmark buildings of the city. They look very impressive at night with lights on, and for shopping lovers, there are some shopping centers in the surrounding area. If you are craving for yummy local food, Muslim Quarter is the right place to go. Strolling down the bustling street in the stream of people, you just indulge yourself in the temping aroma of various snacks and try some here and there. BTW, don’t miss the unique Great Mosque hidden in the alleys.

If you think that’s all you can do in Xian, here are some simple questions for you. Just give “yes” or “no”. Have you watched the wonderful performance The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at the very place where the tragic love story between Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang took place 1,200 years ago? Have you conquered the most precipitous mountain under heaven, Huashan Mountain? Have you experienced the interesting shadow play and other folk customs at Gao Family Courtyard ? Have you walked around the Huancheng Park to have a glimpse of the life of local people?

Xian is a wonderful place and definitely worth your precious time. You will have a lot of fun here. It’s easy for you to navigate the city by bus, taxi and metro and also very convenient for you to go to other popular Chinese cities such as Beijing , Shanghai , and Chengdu by high speed train and flight. If you are interested in visiting Xian in the future, please feel free to contact us for any information. We will be very glad to share what we know about our lovely city and try our best to help you plan your ideal tours.

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How to Plan a Trip to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai (Itinerary, Costs, Transport…)

Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are China's most popular three destinations and are known as the "China's golden triangle". These top three cities offer a diverse and fascinating outlook on China's ancient history, modern development, and unique cultural experiences. This article will help you plan a perfect trip to these cities.

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• How Many Days to Spend
• A Classic Itinerary
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Hong many days to spend in beijing, xi'an, and shanghai.

The amount of time you should spend in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai depends on the pace of your trip and your preferences. However, we recommend you spend at least 7–8 days to deeply experience these cities' cultures and attractions. If you have around 9–10 days for your trip to China, you would ideally spend 3 days in each of these three cities.

However, if you have less time, you may need to prioritize which activities and landmarks you want to see or consider just visiting one or two cities in more depth.

A Classic 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Itinerary

With 8 days in these cities, you can cover most of the highlights and experience some cultural activities to enrich your knowledge about China.

Days 1–4: Beijing (Visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City)

In Beijing , spending two days for city sightseeing is recommended, including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. To help you get a better understanding of the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace, our private guide would help you explore 12 carefully-selected places in the Forbidden City, which is definitely an improvement on the standard group tours that are herded down the crowded central axis.

Spend a day to explore country's top landmark: the Great Wall of China. For travelers with kids or seniors, we suggest you visit a less-crowded and easy-walking section called Mutianyu. If you would prefer a more varied and active exploration, you could hike from the Jinshanling section to the Simatai section, where you could have a romantic picnic dinner on the Great Wall with our special arrangements.

If you are interested in authentic Beijinger life, we can arrange a hutong day tour , when you can visit a local family and take a rickshaw ride, and wander around a hutong community with local markets and parks.

Days 5–6: Xi'an

Xi'an is well-known for its historical relics. Spend a day to explore the different pits holding the Terracotta Army and learn about more about Chinese history. Our guide would show you around the Terracotta Army and unveil some secrets of this world wonder candidate. See the hundreds of life-size warriors at the site, and get to know how ancient craftsmen made them. Visit a traditional cave dwelling and learn how to make clay warriors. You can make a small one with some expert guidance and bring it home as a souvenir.

For the rest of your time in Xi'an, we would arrange a biking tour on Xi'an City Wall and a chance to try local street food and snacks in the Muslim Quarter.

Days 7–8: Shanghai

In Shanghai, join our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour to explore The Bund , which is a must-visit place in Shanghai. Our guide would lead you to the old parts of the Bund where you would travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s. You would walk a route that tourists seldom find by themselves, see the most authentic architecture, and hear some interesting stories that you'll never find in history books.

How to Travel Between Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

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Which City Should I Visit First?

Both Beijing and Shanghai are major entry/exit cities with abundant international and domestic flights. We recommend you start your trip in Shanghai or Beijing, with Beijing being the preferred starting city for most customers.

Costs for a Trip to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are popular travel destinations, which have a higher service cost than lower-tier and less-popular China cities. For a private tour, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person , including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.

For an 8-day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai tour that would be around US$1,760–2,800 per person. When you book with us, if you cancel up to three weeks before departure, you would receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights ( more details here⇒ ).

Accommodation Choices in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

In Beijing , if you prefer a more central location for entertainment and shopping, then you are recommended to choose a hotel in the Wangfujing area. If you want a traditional Beijing-style accommodation experience, we recommend a hutong-style hotel.

In Xi'an , if you would like to have taste of the traditional atmosphere of Xi'an, we recommend you stay in the Walled City Area near the medieval city walls of Xi'an. If you would like to have easy access to many restaurants and shops, we recommend the area near two iconic landmarks of Xi'an — the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

In Shanghai , hotels around the Bund and Nanjing Road are popular choices if you prefer a bustling vibe and great night views. If you would prefer relatively quiet surroundings with an old colonial vibe, we recommend the French Concession.

Best Times to Visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

For comfortable weather (warm, sunny, and dry), the best time to visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai is autumn, especially in September and October. The rainy season in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai typically occurs in the summer months between June and August, which is characterized by frequent afternoon rains that don't last for long. In case of rainy weather, we would adjust your itinerary to make sure your travel experience is not affected.

The peak seasons are the first weeks of May and October, followed by summer holidays. In these peak times, the price of hotels and airfares can go up by 50 to 100%. If you plan to travel during these periods, please book at least 6 months to 1 year in advance as hotels and train tickets particularly are sold out quickly during these times.

You would need to apply for a China visa to visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Although you can enjoy a 144-hour visa-free policy stay in Beijing, Xi'an, or Shanghai, the policy is not available for trips linking these cities. It is recommended to apply for a China visa in your home country.

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Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in China. Let's create your dream trip! All our tours can be customized. Just contact us .

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Xi Jinping arrives in France with Ukraine and EU trade row at top of agenda

On his first visit to Europe since 2019, Xi is set to meet with Emmanuel Macron before heading to Serbia and Hungary

Xi Jinping has lauded China’s ties with France as a model for the international community as he arrived in Paris amid threats of a trade war over Chinese electric cars and French cognac.

On his first visit to the EU in five years, China’s president will meet his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen , who will urge him to reduce trade imbalances and use his influence with Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Ahead of the visit, Macron told the French newspaper La Tribune that an update of relations was necessary “because China now has excess capacity in many areas and exports massively to Europe”.

In September 2023 the EU launched an investigation into whether to impose punitive tariffs to protect EU producers against cheaper Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports that it says are benefiting from state subsidies.

On Sunday night, Von der Leyen signalled the EU’s continued discontent with China , which she said was “currently manufacturing with massive subsidies”. An oversupply of cars and steel due to weak demand at home was leading to unfair trade and unacceptable market distorting practices, said Von der Leyen, that “could lead to deindustrialiasion in Europe” and loss of jobs, particularly in the German car industry.

Macron will try to talk Xi out of retaliating over the EV investigation, potentially with import duties on French cognac and agricultural goods.

The EU is also expected to raise suspicions that sanctions on exports to Russia are being circumvented by Chinese companies trading with its neighbour. They believe multinationals based in Asia are selling legitimately into Hong Kong and mainland China but the destination of the goods is Russia.

Xi, who was welcomed in Paris by the French prime minister, Gabriel Attal, said in a statement released on his arrival that ties between China and France were “a model for the international community of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems”.

In a separate op-ed published in the French daily Le Figaro, the Chinese president said he was coming to France with three messages: that Beijing was committed to opening up “new vistas” in its relationship with France, opening up “ever wider” to the world, and to upholding world peace and stability.

“While opening up itself, China also encourages Chinese companies to go global,” Xi wrote. “France is advancing reindustrialisation based on green innovation, whereas China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces.”

On the war in Ukraine , he wrote that China “understands the repercussions of the Ukraine crisis on the people of Europe”. He emphasised that Beijing was not “a party to or a participant in it”, adding that “China has been playing a constructive role in striving for peaceful settlement of the crisis”.

Xi’s six-day visit to Europe is the first since 2019 and will also see him visit Serbia and Hungary . The latter is hoping to become the European hub of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturing after BYD in 2023 sealed a deal for its first EV factory in Europe.

One of Macron’s key priorities will be to warn Xi of the danger of backing Russia in its invasion of Ukraine , with western officials concerned Moscow is already using Chinese machine tools in arms production.

The west wants China above all not to supply weapons to Russia and risk tipping the balance in the conflict.

“It is in our interest to get China to weigh in on the stability of the international order,” said Macron in an interview with the Economist published on Thursday.

“We must, therefore, work with China to build peace.”

China opened an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the European Union in January, sparking fears cognac could suffer a similar blow to that taken by Australian wine when China introduced tariffs of more than 200%.

“We want to obtain reciprocity of exchanges and have the elements of our economic security taken into account,” Macron told La Tribune.

Von der Leyen said on Monday: “We have to act to make sure that competition is fair and not distorted. I have made clear that the current imbalances in market access are not sustainable and need to be addressed”.

The European Commission, the European Union’s authority on trade issues, has opened more than 20 competition probes targeting China in recent months including into the supply of cars, wind turbines and medical devices.

Beijing has reacted furiously to the most recent investigation, into suspected inequitable access to China’s medical devices market, calling it a sign of EU “protectionism”.

The EU’s 27 members – in particular France and Germany – are divided on their attitude towards China.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, will not join Macron and Xi in Paris due to prior commitments, according to sources.

“In Europe, we are not unanimous on the subject because certain players still see China as essentially a market of opportunities,” Macron said, without naming any countries.

France will also seek to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and resolve issues around the French cosmetic industry’s concerns about intellectual property rights, officials have said.

China may announce an order for about 50 Airbus aircraft during Xi’s visit, but it remains uncertain whether it will be a new deal, people familiar with the negotiations have said.

On Tuesday, Macron will take Xi to the Pyrenees, a mountainous region dear to the French president as the birthplace of his maternal grandmother, before Xi heads to Serbia and Hungary .

Reuters and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report

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Xi begins Serbia visit on the 25th anniversary of NATO’s bombing of the Chinese Embassy

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in European ally Serbia on Tuesday on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo.

Workers stick a Chinese national flag on a billboard in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

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Cleaners walk in front of a Chinese national flag placed on the building in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People walk in front of a Chinese national flag in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man walks in front of a Chinese national flag in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this photo provided by the Serbian Presidential Press Service, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, right, welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, and his wife Peng Liyuan during a welcome ceremony upon his arrival at the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Serbian Presidential Press Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the Serbian Presidential Press Service, Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his wife Peng Liyuan wave during a welcome ceremony upon arrival at the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Serbian Presidential Press Service via AP)

In this image provided by the Serbian Presidential Press Service, Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, reviews the honor guard with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic during a welcome ceremony upon his arrival at the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Serbian Presidential Press Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the Serbian Presidential Press Service, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, center right, welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan during a welcome ceremony upon his arrival at the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Serbian Presidential Press Service via AP)

Workers hang on ropes to install a giant Chinese national flag on a skyscraper that is a symbolic gateway leading into the city from the airport, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, May 4, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Chinese flags fly on lampposts, days before the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A statue of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius stands in front of the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, April 29, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday, May 7, falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Chinese and Serbian flags fly on lampposts, days before the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday falls on a symbolic date: the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo.

U.S. jets dropped five bombs on the Chinese Embassy compound in the Serbian capital on May 7, 1999, setting it ablaze and killing three Chinese nationals. Twenty other people were injured in the bombing, which has burdened relations between the two powers ever since.

Xi referred to the bombing in an op-ed published in Serbia’s Politika newspaper on Tuesday, saying that “we must not forget that 25 years ago today, NATO brazenly bombed the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia,” according to translations carried by Chinese state media.

“The Chinese people value peace but will never allow historical tragedies to happen again,” Xi added.

The Western military alliance had launched the air war in March that year to force then Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic to end a brutal onslaught against ethnic Albanian rebels in Kosovo.

The U.S. at the time apologized and said the embassy bombing was a mistake that happened due to faulty intelligence. The intended target, Washington said, was the headquarters of a Serbian state arms exporter located on the same street, a few blocks away.

“Imagine that somebody would, even by accident, strike an American Embassy somewhere around the world. The reaction would be immediate,” said Sven Biscop, a professor of European foreign and security policy at the Ghent University and Egmont Institute.

“So for a country like China, it is also clear that this is a big thing,” he added. “And, of course, it has not been forgotten.”

Angry protesters in China stormed U.S. diplomatic installations as the bombing fueled anti-American sentiments and speculation that the attack was intentional rather than accidental. Mistrust over the incident has endured to this day.

“We will probably never really conclusively know either way,” Biscop said. “But one thing is sure. In war, incidents like that do happen, and I usually tend to go for the most simple explanation rather than try to invent complicated theories.”

While straining Beijing’s relations with the U.S., the embassy bombing brought China and Serbia closer together. China has emerged as Serbia’s largest provider of foreign direct investment and its second-largest trading partner after the European Union.

Beijing opposed the NATO bombing campaign and has since backed Belgrade’s bid to counter the Western-backed push for independence in Kosovo, a former Serbian province. In return, Serbia has been a loyal ally to Beijing and has opened its doors without restraint to billions of dollars of Chinese investment, even as it formally seeks EU membership.

“The friendship forged in blood between the peoples of China and Serbia has become the common memory of the two peoples and will inspire both sides to move forward together,” Xi wrote. “We are willing to work with our Serbian friends to stay true to our original aspirations, join hands in progress, write a new chapter in national development and revitalization, and build a China-Serbia community with a shared future for mankind in the new era.”

Signs of pro-China sentiments were clearly visible ahead of Xi’s visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. In Belgrade, a huge Chinese flag was placed on a skyscraper along a roadway leading into the city from the airport. Smaller Chinese and Serbian flags could be seen downtown and along a highway.

Serbia’s air force MiG-29 jets escorted Xi’s presidential plane to the Belgrade airport.

Xi arrived from France and will later travel to Hungary as part of his first European tour in five years.

He is expected to visit the site of the former embassy and pay his respects to the bombing victims. A Chinese cultural center now stands at the spot where the embassy was once located.

The sprawling complex reportedly includes a Confucius Institute, workshops, exhibitions, offices, residential space and a hotel. It is seen as a symbol of China’s growing influence in Serbia and across Europe.

Near the institute, a group of visitors from China last weekend bowed in front of a simple black-marble monument and laid flowers in honor of the victims of the 1999 bombing. An inscription on the monument in both Chinese and English reads: “Honor Martyrs, Cherish Peace.”

Associated Press writers Sylvain Plazy in Brussels and Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

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On European Tour, Xi Jinping to Head to Friendly Territory in the East

After leaving France later Tuesday, the Chinese leader will visit Serbia and Hungary, whose authoritarian leaders offer a haven for China as tensions grow over the war in Ukraine.

By Andrew Higgins

Andrew Higgins, who has visited Chinese projects in Hungary and Serbia reported this article from Warsaw.

When China’s leader, Xi Jinping, last visited Europe’s formerly Communist east in 2016, the president of the Czech Republic hosted him for a flag-bedecked, three-day state visit and offered his country as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier” for Chinese investment.

That vessel has since sunk, scuppered by China’s support for Russia in the war in Ukraine and bitter disappointment over projects that never materialized. Also capsized are many of the high hopes that took hold across Eastern and Central Europe for a bonanza of Chinese money.

So when Mr. Xi returns to the region this week, after a visit to France, he will travel to Serbia and Hungary, two countries whose long-serving authoritarian leaders still offer a haven for China in increasingly turbulent political and economic waters.

“The Czechs, the Poles and nearly everyone else are really pissed at China because of the war,” said Tamas Matura, a foreign relations scholar at Corvinus University of Budapest. “But in Hungary that is not a problem, at least not for the government” of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Mr. Matura said.

Nor is China’s Kremlin-friendly stand on the war in Ukraine a problem for President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, who, like Mr. Orban, has maintained warm relations with Russia and China while securing billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

In an interview this week with Chinese state television, Mr. Vucic gave a foretaste of the flattery that will dominate Mr. Xi’s visit: “There are thousands of things that we can and should learn from our Chinese friends,” the Serbian president said.

“Taiwan is China — full stop,” he added.

Milos Zeman, the Czech president who welcomed Mr. Xi in 2016, was replaced last year by a former senior NATO general, Petr Pave l. Mr. Pavel has angered the Chinese government by talking with the president of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, and saying in an interview that China “is not a friendly country.” Chinese investment in the Czech Republic has slowed to a trickle.

Meantime, Chinese money has poured into Hungary and Serbia, cementing close ties underpinned by a shared wariness of the United States.

China’s showcase infrastructure project in the region, a high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest, has been slowed by regulatory and other issues. Of the about 200 miles of track planned, only about 60 miles are operating after five years of work — a sluggish pace for a project that Beijing sees as a key part of the Belt and Road infrastructure program, Mr. Xi’s pet foreign policy initiative.

But promised Chinese investment in other projects has raced ahead, totaling nearly $20 billion in Serbia , according to its minister of construction, transport and infrastructure, and totaling nearly as much in Hungary, including loans, the terms of which are secret.

Ivana Karaskova, a Czech researcher at the Association for International Affairs, an independent research group in Prague, said Hungary and Serbia look to China “not only for economic gains but also to demonstrate to their domestic electorate that they pursue an independent policy.” That demonstrates to the European Union and the United States that “they are not the only game in town,” Ms. Karaskova said.

China, she added, “understands this dynamic” and Mr. Xi will use it to try to reverse a steady souring of opinion on China in Europe, both among ordinary citizens and in institutions like the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union.

A s urvey last year of Eastern and Central European countries by Globsec, a research group in Slovakia, found that “negative perceptions of Beijing have soared,” particularly in the Baltic States and the Czech Republic. Even in Hungary, only 26 percent of those surveyed had a positive view of Mr. Xi, compared with 39 percent with a negative view. The rest said they were undecided.

But Hungary under Mr. Orban, no matter what the public thinks, has become a “safe political space” for Beijing, Mr. Matura said, and can be counted on to try to soften European Union policy on China and protect it from the fallout from the war in Ukraine.

The merging of economic and geopolitical interests is particularly pronounced in Serbia, which aspires to join the European Union but has balked at joining the bloc in imposing sanctions on Russia and frustrated E.U. efforts to broker a settlement over Kosovo. A former Serbian territory, Kosovo declared itself an independent state after a NATO bombing campaign, a status that Serbia, supported by Russia and China, has refused to accept.

Mr. Xi arrives in Serbia from France on Tuesday — the 25th anniversary of a mistaken strike by NATO warplanes on the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during the 1999 bombing campaign. Three Chinese journalists were killed.

That incident, which many in China believe was not an accident, created a “strong emotional bond between Serbs and Chinese,” said Aleksandar Mitic of the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade.

As part of a series of government-sanctioned events in Belgrade ahead of Mr. Xi’s visit, Serbian Communists on Monday unfurled banners reading “Welcome President” and “Kosovo is Serbia — Taiwan is China” outside the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, built on the site of the bombed embassy. They demanded that the street outside the center be renamed “Chinese Victims of NATO Aggression Street.”

Hungary, too, has bristled at what it sees as bullying by Washington and Brussels, despite its membership in NATO and the European Union, from which it has received billions of euros in aid.

Mr. Orban’s main interest in China, however, is money and he hopes to turn Hungary, with help from Chinese investors, into a manufacturing hub for E.V.s, batteries and other new technologies.

In just the past two years, China has committed to invest more than $10 billion in Hungary, most of it in ventures related to E.V.s — at a time when the European Union, worried about China’s growing dominance of the sector, is investigating whether Chinese E.V. manufacturers are unfairly subsidized and should be penalized with high tariffs.

BYD, China’s electric-vehicle juggernaut, announced in December that it would build an assembly plant in Hungary, its first production facility in Europe. Plans for a second, even bigger Chinese electric car factory in the country with investment from Great Wall Motor are expected to be announced during Mr. Xi’s visit on Wednesday and Thursday.

Those assembly lines will take years to build but, in the long run, will help protect Chinese E.V. manufacturers from any future efforts by the European Union to prevent China from dominating the market through tariffs.

Tariffs imposed on imported Chinese electric cars would not apply to those assembled in Hungary, which can ship goods duty-free across the E.U., though they could hit parts imported from China to Hungarian plants.

Unlike in most of Europe where governments regularly change — a democratic churn that can upset Chinese investment plans based on close ties to a particular leader — Mr. Orban and Mr. Vucic have both been in power for more than a decade and show no sign of going anywhere.

“The Chinese feel comfortable in Hungary,” Mr. Matura said. “The public might not be very fond of China but the government is.”

The start of construction last year on an enormous $7.8 billion Chinese battery factory in eastern Hungary stirred protests from local residents but applause from Mr. Orban’s government.

President Vucic’s government has also brushed aside public anger about a huge Chinese-owned mining venture in southern Serbia that environmental activists and residents say is poisoning the water supply.

By visiting Hungary and Serbia, Mr. Xi, according to analysts, wants to show that while China may be down as an influential player in East and Central Europe, it is not yet out. And, they say, it indicates he has not given up on a Chinese diplomatic initiative known as 16+1, a grouping of China and formerly Communist European countries built around Mr. Xi’s flagship Belt and Road program.

Furious about the war in Ukraine, three Baltic States have formally quit the grouping, which dates to 2012 and has been a cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy in Europe throughout Mr. Xi’s rule. Others, like the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, technically remain as members but have largely disengaged.

“The big debate now among experts around the region is whether 16+1 is dead or just a zombie,” Mr. Matura said.

Andrew Higgins is the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times based in Warsaw. He covers a region that stretches from the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Kosovo, Serbia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. More about Andrew Higgins

Macron, von der Leyen press China's Xi on trade in Paris talks

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• Xi visits Europe for first time in five years
• France, EU Commission, have toughened their stance on trade
• Europe is not united on China, though
• Xi in Paris Monday, in the Pyrenees Tuesday

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Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau, Tassilo Hummel, Geert de Clercq, Leigh Thomas, John Irish, Ingrid Melander, Dominique Patton, Mimosa Spencer and Gabriel Stargardter in Paris, Sudip Kar-Gupta in Brussels, Ryan Woo, Laurie Chen and Ethan Wang in Beijing; additional reporting by Andrew Gray in Brussels; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Stephen Coates, William Maclean, Nick Macfie and Tomasz Janowski

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