voyage a xian

Visiter Xi’an: Top 15 des choses à faire et à voir

Que faire à xi’an + où dormir.

La ville de Xi’an (西安), située dans la province du Shaanxi, est l’une des 10 plus grandes villes chinoises, avec sa population de plus de 8 millions d’habitants.

Forte de plus de 3100 ans d’histoire , c’est aussi l’une des villes les plus riches d’un point de vue historique et culturel.

Berceau de la première dynastie féodale crée par l’ empereur Qin (celui de l’armée de terre cuite ), elle fut la capitale de la Chine , sous le nom de Chang’an, pendant les dynasties Qin, Han et Tang.

Afin de profiter un maximum de votre visite de la ville, je vous propose un guide récapitulant les lieux d’intérêts incontournables à voir à Xi’an.

Et en bonus, vous trouverez également en fin d’article ma liste des meilleurs hôtels où dormir à Xi’an en fonction de votre budget.

Alors, que faire à Xi’an? Où dormir?

1. Huaqing Gong (Huaqing Palace, Hot Springs and gardens)

2. armée de terre cuite, 3. remparts de la ville de xi’an, 4. bell tower et drum tower, 5. quartier musulman de xi’an, 6. grande mosquée de xi’an, 7. grande pagode de l’oie sauvage ( big wild goose pagoda), 8. great tang all day mall, 9. spectacle des fontaines musicales de xi’an, 10. tang paradise, 11. manger un « hamburger chinois », 12. petite pagode de l’oie sauvage et temple de jianfu, 13. musées de xi’an, 14. tang dynasty show, 15. huashan (mont hua), visiter xian 2 jours, visiter xian 5 jours, où dormir à xi’an, impression personnelle sur xi’an, visiter xi’an: les incontournables.

Si je place cette visite en premier, c’est simplement parce qu’elle est à faire avant l’armée de terre cuite , pour des raisons de transport!

• Huaqing Gong est un site touristique majeur de Xi’an , classé AAAAA (la plus haute note) par l’office du tourisme chinois. Il est divisé en 3 parties:
• La partie basse , où se trouve le palais, les sources chaudes (Huaqin pool ou Hot Springs,华清池)et les jardins. Ils ont été construits pendant la dynastie Tang, en l’an 723.
• La montagne et ses escaliers , par laquelle vous montez pour atteindre la partie supérieur. Il y a quelques sites aménagés sur le chemin.
• La partie haute , avec le temple et les petits villages à visiter encore plus haut dans la montagne.

Le mieux est de commencer par monter jusqu’au temple, tout simplement parce que si vous commencez par le bas, vous risquez d’avoir la flemme de monter ensuite, surtout si il fait chaud!

Pour cela, 2 solutions:

• A pieds, par les escaliers , en visitant les quelques sections aménagées sur le chemin et en ayant le plaisir d’arriver en haut par ces propre moyens
• En téléphérique (payant), qui vous amène directement au temple du sommet (et enlève une bonne partie de l’intérêt de la visite du même coup)

Une fois en haut, il est possible de louer des chevaux pour 30-40 yuans (environ 5 euros) par personne, afin de visiter d’autres parties du site, plus éloignées.

C’est aussi sur ce site qu’à eu lieu l’incident militaire «  Xi’an Incident  » en 1936, un moment important de l’histoire de la Chine moderne.

Comment s’y rendre?

Prendre le bus 306 depuis la gare de Xi’an et arrêtez vous au 1er arrêt (vous ne pouvez pas ratez l’entrée du parc avec son immense statue). Si vous souhaitez faire la visite, allez-y tôt le matin et faites le avant l’armée de terre cuites. Le bus ne s’arrête pas à l’arrêt « Huaqing Gong » au retour!

L’ armée de terre cuite , que vous verrez souvent nommée Terra Cotta Warriors , son nom anglophone, est la raison pour laquelle les touristes vont à Xi’an lors de leur voyage en Chine !

En arrivant sur le site, j’ai été vraiment surpris: Aux abords du site se trouve un grand marché à ciel ouvert, avec des tas de magasins de souvenirs, et bien sur de restaurants et endroits ou acheter de la nourriture! Je n’imaginais absolument pas cela comme ça! Il n’y a pas à dire, ils savent monétiser leur patrimoine culturel les chinois x)

Pour la visite, vous commencerez par traverser un jardin sur quelques centaines de mètres, pas ultra intéressant. Vous arriverez ensuite sur la place principale ou se trouve tous les bâtiments abritant les guerriers.

Le mieux est de visiter dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d’une montre (de droite à gauche), afin de terminer par le plus intéressant!

Le premier bâtiment abrite un musée sur l’histoire du musée (Oui oui, vous avez bien lu, ils sont forts ces chinois!) qui vous occupera une dizaine de minutes si vous souhaitez tout lire.

Ensuite, direction les « pit » 2 et 3, qui sont les moins bons des 3: Les fosses en elles même ont assez peu d’intérêt, car tous les restes sont en très mauvais états, mais les guerriers en excellent état de conservation exposés en vitrine valent le coup d’œil!

Comme c’est l’un des sites les plus touristiques de Chine , il y a un nombre limité de ticket vendus chaque jour.

Je vous recommande donc d’acheter vos billets coupe file directement sur ce site en français:

Proche du pit 3 se trouve une zone de restauration (que je n’ai pas testé, ayant préféré manger a l’extérieur du site, au marché) et la boutique de site, qui vends des répliques miniatures des guerriers en terre cuite. J’ai préféré prendre une version « cheap » en résine, étant donné que celle en terre cuite n’aurait surement pas survécu au reste de mon voyage!

Pour finir, visitez le « pit 1 », qui est le plus connu et celui où les soldats sont le mieux conservés. C’est vraiment impressionnant de s’imaginer la main d’œuvre et le niveau de qualification qu’il a fallut pour bâtir tout cela!

Si vous souhaitez acheter des petits guerriers en terre cuite, je vous conseille de les acheter dans le quartier musulman de Xi’an dont je parle plus bas. Ils sont 2x moins chers que ceux en résine que vous trouverez autours du site, et ce sont exactement les mêmes.

Pour vous y rendre, prenez le bus 306 jusqu’à «  Terra Cotta Warriors  » son terminus. Environ 45min 1h de trajet.

En plus de l’armée de terre cuite, Xi’an est aussi célèbre pour ces remparts qui entourent le cœur historique de la ville.

D’une longueur totale de 13,7km, les remparts que l’on voit aujourd’hui on été bâtit lors de la dynastie Ming (1368-1644) et mesurent 12 mètres de hauteur pour 12 à 14 mètres de largeur.

Si vous souhaitez seulement voir les remparts de l’extérieur (sans y monter), le meilleur moment pour le faire est de nuit , car ils sont très joliment illuminés!

Pour ceux qui le souhaitent, il est possible de se promener sur les remparts et de faire un tour complet. Dans ce cas, Vous pouvez y monter depuis plusieurs endroits, dont les 4 portes principales: Sud, Nord, Est et Ouest. La porte Sud des remparts de Xi’an est la plus impressionnante des 4!

Pour faire le tour, il est possible bien entendu de le faire à pieds , mais aussi de louer des vélos , ou d’utiliser le service de voiturette pour se déplacer entre les différents points d’intérêts.

Le meilleur moment pour profiter des remparts est en fin de journée, ce qui vous permettra, si vous êtes chanceux, d’assister au coucher de soleil, a l’un des spectacles nocturnes et de profiter des lumières de la ville!

Construite en 1384 par l’empereur Zhu YuanZhang, la Bell Tower (Tour de la cloche de Xi’an) marquait autrefois l e centre géographique de l’ancienne cité de Xi’an . Elle se situe à environ 10 minutes à pieds de la porte Sud.

De l’extérieur, profitez de toute sa splendeur en allant la voir de nuit: c’est le moment ou elle est le plus photogénique!

La Drum tower , construite initialement durant dynastie Ming, est située à l’Ouest de la Bell Tower. Tout comme celle-ci, l’intérieur est visitable et le meilleur moment pour admirer son architecture est à la tombée de la nuit.

Si vous souhaitez visiter l’intérieur des 2, il est possible d’acheter un ticket joint Bell Tower et Drum Tower pour 50 yuans.

Le quartier Musulman de Xi’an , qui regroupe environ 20 000 habitants de confession musulmane, est particulièrement connu pour son marché de nourriture . Vous pourrez vous y délecter des spécialités locales musulmanes comme par exemple le Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡饃) , un délicieux ragout de mouton. Les chinois sont connus pour manger à toute heure, et à la vue de la quantité de bonne bouffe proposée ici, vous vous retrouverez avec l’obligation de faire de même!

En plus de la nourriture, vous pourrez aussi y acheter des souvenirs et objets typiques de la province du Shaanxi , comme des répliques de guerriers en terre cuite, à un très bon prix!

Il y a aussi un bazar un peu « caché » pour peu que l’on ne fasse pas attention: Quand vous arrivez au marché par le coté de la Drum Tower , au lieu de prendre la grande rue qui abrite tous les restaurants et stands de nourriture, continuez tout droit dans la petite rue couverte qui s’enfonce entre les habitations. Des dizaines de petites boutiques vendent des sacs/vêtements/souvenirs/jouets etc.. à un prix défiant toute concurrence. Et n’hésitez pas à marchander!

Ce quartier abrite également une dizaine de mosquée, dont la Grande Mosquée de Xi’an

La grande mosquée de Xi’an est l’une des plus anciennes et plus grande mosquée de Chine. Situé au cœur du quartier musulman, c’est l’un des endroits à visiter absolument à Xi’an, notamment pour son mélange d’architecture chinoise traditionnelle et musulmane!

Le prix de l’entrée est de 30 yuans, soit moins de 5 euros.

Vous partez à Xi’an?

Vous le savez: le plus dur est certainement de trouver un hôtel offrant un bon rapport prestations/prix!

Et c’est encore pire dans les grandes villes chinoises 😅.

Et oui, plus vous vous rapprochez de la date de votre voyage, moins il y aura de disponibilité . Des milliers de personnes vont visiter Xi’an aux même dates que vous , et vous pouvez être sûr que toutes les chambres les mieux placés et intéressantes d’un point de vue tarifaire auront déjà été réservées!

Heureusement, la solution à ce problème est simple: faites comme moi et prenez-vous y à l’avance!

Alors prenez dès maintenant 5 minutes pour jeter un œil à la liste des hôtels favoris des voyageurs à Xi’an.

Et si un hôtel vous plait, réservez-le!

L’annulation est bien souvent gratuite, c’est rapide, facile, et cela vous protègera contre le désagrément de ne plus rien trouver , hormis des chambres médiocres à des prix exorbitants.

Pour voir les meilleures offres du moment sur Xi’an, cliquez simplement sur le bouton vert ci-dessous 😎:

Une fois votre hôtel réservé, il est temps de poursuivre la lecture de ce guide!

La Grande Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage est un autre lieu d’intérêt de la ville de Xi’an. Haute de 64 mètres, elle fut bâtie en l’an 652 et forme avec le temple DaCi’en un édifice majeur du bouddhisme.

En plus de la pagode, vous pourrez faire un tour dans l es jardins alentours et profiter des coins ombragés et des nombreuses statues et petits pavillons. Si vous parlez chinois, c’est aussi l’occasion de rencontrer des gens et de discuter!

Le temple DaCi’en est visitable pour 50 yuans.

Pour 30 yuans supplémentaires, Il est possible de monter dans la Grande Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage et d’observer la vue depuis l’une des fenêtres en arche.

Au sud de la Grande Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage se trouve le Great Tang All Day Mall , une rue dont le centre est occupée par 3 parcs à thème autours de la dynastie Tang avec de grandes statues, sur 1.5km. La rue est bordée par des bâtiments dont l’architecture est inspirée de cette même dynastie, dont une salle de concert.

Comme souvent à Xi’an, le meilleur moment pour visiter est en soirée, car tout est illuminé.

Le spectacle des fontaines de Xi’an (Xi’an Musical Fountain Show) est le plus grand d’Asie.

Pour en profiter pleinement, allez-y de nuit , c’est la que le spectacle révèle toute sa splendeur! La dernière représentation est à 20:30 (21h pendant l’été).

Afin de profiter du spectacle, je vous conseille de faire 2 choses:

Commencer par le regarder depuis la plateforme en hauteur , afin d’avoir une vue sur l’ensemble du spectacle

Descendez, et allez entre les fontaines! N’hésitez pas, ce n’est pas interdit, même si juste quelques personnes y sont au début du spectacle, beaucoup de Chinois le feront vers la fin du show! Cela apporte une nouvelle perspective plutôt rafraichissante 😀

Le spectacle de fontaines musicales de Xi’an dure au total une vingtaine de minutes et est gratuit. Soyez présent une vingtaine de minutes avant le début du spectacle afin d’avoir une bonne place!

Tang Paradise est un parc à thème situé au sud-est de la Grande Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage. Il propose des reconstitutions sur le thème de la dynastie Tang. En plus des nombreux bâtiments, parcs et jardins d’architecture traditionnels, des spectacles à heures fixes (danse, kungfu, acrobaties, musique etc.. ) sont prévus tout au long de la journée, dans les 14 aires à thèmes que compte le parc.

Un grand spectacle nocturne à aussi lieu chaque soir.

Le « hamburger Chinois » (Rou Jia Mo – 肉夹馍) est la spécialité culinaire locale de Xi’an et de la province du Shaanxi la plus célèbre.

La brioche, traditionnellement cuite à la poêle, est fourrée d’une préparation à base de viande, le plus souvent, de porc: La Zhi Ro – 腊汁肉 dont les origines ont plus de 2000 ans!

Et une fois que vous y aurez gouté, aucun doute qu’il deviendra le plat incontournable de votre séjour.

La Petite Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage (Small Wild Goose Pagoda) mesure environ 45m de haut et fait partie de temple de Jianfu. Les jardins du temple sont vraiment magnifiques et valent le détour, d’autant plus que l’entrée est gratuite!

Comme pour la grande pagode, il est possible d’entrer et d’y monter pour 30 yuans.

Comme dans toutes les grandes villes de Chine, il y a beaucoup de musée à Xi’an. Voici un petit tour d’horizon des principaux! Je ne parle pas de l’armée de terre cuite car elle a été traité séparément plus haut.

• Shaanxi History Museum : Un musée sur l’histoire de la province. C’est selon moi celui à voir en priorité si vous êtes de passage en ville!
• TangBo art museum : Excellent musée sur l’art et la calligraphie chinoise.
• Xi’an Museum : Un grand musée, complémentaire avec l’armée de terre cuite, situé proche de la Petite Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage.
• Musée de la forêt des stèles : Situé dans un ancien temple de Confucius, ce musée rassemble plus de 3000 stèles qui pour la plupart font office de document historiques. Intéressant à visiter avec un guide si vous êtes passionné par l’histoire chinoise.
• Musée enterré Han Yan gling : Situé à Xianyang, proche de l’aéroport, il présente les figurines en terre cuite et en bois sculptés retrouvées dans la tombe de cet empereur (Suggéré par Aurélie dans les commentaires, merci!).

Le Tang Dynasty show est un diner spectacle, façon cabaret, sur le thème de la dynastie Tang qui a lieu au Tang Dynasty Palace, à Xi’an.

Le spectacle d’1h15 est d’excellente qualité et vous permettra de découvrir l es costumes, danses et musiques traditionnelles de cette dynastie! La cuisine est elle aussi très bonne.

Plusieurs formules sont disponibles, allant du spectacle seulement (sans repas) pour 35 euros au « Banquet Royal Luxueux » à 180 euros par personne.

Adresse : No.75, North Chang’an Road, Xi’an, China

A environ 1h30 de Xi’an (30 min de train express + un peu de minibus) se trouve Huashan , une des 5 montagnes sacrées de Chine . Cette randonnée, assez physique car composée majoritairement d’escaliers, vous fera découvrir des panoramas parmi les plus impressionnants de Chine.

La visite du Mont Hua débute par le pic Nord, que vous pourrez atteindre de 3 façons différentes:

• En téléphérique : C’est le moyen choisi par la plupart des touristes. Vous pouvez faire la montée, la descente, ou les 2 en téléphérique. Si vous ne faites pas les 2 en téléphérique, vous pouvez mixer téléphérique + sentier des gorges ou téléphérique de descente + sentier des soldats pour la montée.
• Le sentier des gorges : C’est la voie « normale », la plus touristique. Elle n’est pas facile pour autant, surtout sur les 2km avant la fin, ou les escaliers sont très raides!
• Le sentier des soldats est la voie la plus difficile. 4000 marches, parfois pratiquement à la verticale, qui vous permette d’atteindre le pic Nord en 2h d’intenses efforts. Il est fortement déconseillé de descendre par ce chemin, car les marches sont parfois extrêmement abruptes (80% de pente)

Une fois au Pic Nord, il y a 4 pics à visiter (Sud, Nord, Est, Ouest), ce qui vous prendra environ 4h. C’est clairement un incontournable lors d’un voyage en Chine!

Combien de jours rester à Xi’an?

Et bien, cela dépendra de ce que vous avez choisi de visiter. Voici un petit itinéraire de 5 jours à Xi’an , en fonction de ce qu’il est possible de visiter en une journée. A vous ensuite de choisir ce qui vous intéresse le plus!

Pour les plus pressés d’entre vous, 2 jours complets à Xi’an même (sans compter Huashan) est vraiment un minimum pour profiter de ce que la ville a à offrir.

Si vous n’avez que 48h à Xi’an , je vous recommande l’itinéraire suivant:

• Jour 1 : Huaqing gong et Armée de terre cuite. le soir, photos des remparts et de la Bell tower illuminées.
• Jour 2 : Bell Tower, Drum Tower, quartier musulman, marché, mosquée, Grande Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage, Great Tang All Day Mall, spectacles de fontaines musicales de nuit.

En 5 jours à Xi’an , vous aurez le temps de faire pratiquement toutes les activités proposées dans ce guide

• Jour 3 : Petite Pagode de l’Oie Sauvage, Tang Paradise, promenade sur les remparts en soirée (ou assister au spectacle nocturne du parc Tang Paradise)
• Jour 4 : Mont Hua (Huashan)
• Jour 5 : Journée un peu plus tranquille pour se reposer de Huashan, Un ou 2 musées de la ville et Tang Dynasty Show en soirée.

Voici la liste des meilleurs hôtels où dormir à Xi’an , en fonction de votre budget:

• The Silk Road in Chang‘an Youth Space : Je vous recommande cette auberge de jeunesse située en plein centre-ville. Dortoir moderne à partir de 8€, petit-déjeuner en supplément à 4€. Les plus: accueil très sympathique et terrasse sur le toit.
• Xi’an See Tang Hostel : Hôtel très bien situé à 400 mètres des remparts de la ville. Chambre moderne et lumineuse à la décoration épurée à partir de 34€ la nuit, petit-déjeuner à 4€. Le plus: superbe terrasse avec verrière sur le toit pour prendre son déjeuner.
• Time Tunnel Designer Hotel : Hôtel de luxe situé en plein dans le quartier d’art de Xi’an, à 30 minutes du fameux musée des soldats en terre cuite. Chambre magnifique au design élégant à partir de 65€ la nuit, petit-déjeuner à 8€. Les plus: son design; pass métro fourni gratuitement, baignoire et mini bar gratuit dans toutes les chambres. Le meilleur rapport prestation/prix de la ville, mon coup de cœur à Xi’an!

Ce qui m’a impressionné à Xi’an, c’est la richesse de la ville : Les avenues sont très larges et propres, les magasins de luxe et centre commerciaux gigantesques sont partout. La ville a l’extérieur des remparts est immense et continue de se développer à une vitesse effrénée. C’est assez loin de l’image que je m’étais faites de Xi’an ! Comme dans la plupart des villes de Chine, les habitants sont vraiment très sympathiques, toujours prêt à vous aider.

Et vous, qu’avez-vous prévu de visiter à Xi’an?

Guides de voyage Chine

• Acheter le guide du Routard Chine sur Amazon.fr
• Acheter le Lonely Planet Chine sur Amazon.fr

Vous partez en voyage en Chine? A lire également

Les meilleurs circuits en Chine : Notre sélection des meilleurs circuits en Chine, pour un voyage de rêve sans se ruiner!

• Découvrez tous nos articles sur la Chine : tous les articles de Voyage Tips sur l’empire du milieu sont répertoriés ici.
• Itinéraire de 3 semaines en Chine : un exemple d’itinéraire, idéal pour une première visite!
• Guilin: Top 10 des choses à faire et à voir
• Lijiang: 11 choses à faire et à voir absolument
• Pékin: 13 choses à faire et à voir absolument
• Shanghai: Top 10 des choses à faire et à voir

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Créateur du blog Voyage Tips, amoureux de voyages et de photographie. Je vous donne tous mes meilleurs conseils pour planifier votre prochain séjour.

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Discussion 29 commentaires.

Le mont Huashan est clairement sur ma liste pour un prochain séjour à Xian 🙂 Je rajouterais un petit 16 à ta liste : le musée enterré Han Yangling, autour du tombeau de Liu Qi. Cet empereur s’est fait enterrer avec tout plein de personnages en bois et terre cuite. J’ai trouvé cette visite très intéressante, et bien plus émouvante que celle de l’armée de terre cuite (beaucoup moins de monde…)

Salut Aurélie, Effectivement, Huashan c’est vraiment un incontournable lorsque l’on visite Xi’an! Mais il y a tellement de chose à faire dans cette ville, que c’est difficile de choisir, à moins d’y passer au moins une semaine ^^ Merci pour le musée de Han Yangling, je ne le connaissais pas! Je l’ai ajouté dans les musées du coup!

Bonjour, Merci pour ton programme bien détaillé, nous partons dans une semaine avec ma femme pour Xian et avons prévu d’y rester 12 jours j’espère pouvoir bien en profiter ! J’ai une question : quel budget faut il prévoir à ton avis sur place pour faire toutes les activités et la bouffe sur place, sans compter l’hôtel et les billets qui sont déjà payés (nous avons le petit déjeuner à l’hôtel) ? Nous ne voulons pas faire les « gros touristes » mais pas se priver non plus 😉 Merci d’avance !

Génial, vous allez bien profiter! Pour ma part je serai en Chine dans 3 semaines ^^

Pour les activités, si vous voulez vraiment tout faire à Xi’an, il faut compter environ 120-150 euros par personne. Pour la nourriture, en Chine ça varie vraiment énormément. Il est possible de manger pour 1 euro par repas comme pour 20 euros! Mais dans la moyenne, si vous allez au resto, je pense que compter 5 euros (35-40 yuans) par repas par personne, c’est une bonne base. Donc pour 12 jours à 2, je dirais environ environ 200-250 euros de budget nourriture, sans vous priver du tout!

Si vous avez d’autres questions sur Xi’an ou la Chine en général, n’hésitez pas.

Merci pour ta réponse super rapide je m’y attendais pas x) On part du 15 au 27 Mars, donc 250 euros de budget pour les 12 jours ? J’avais prévu de prendre 1000 euros ! J’ai changé 500 euros en yuan hier (3785 yuan) et je voulais garder 500 euros sur moi à changer si besoin sur place… Bon on a eu les billets AR à 390e par personne + l’hotel à 330 euros + le visa 252 pour nous deux donc je me plains pas je trouve que ça reste raisonnable pour un voyage pareil. J’ai vraiment hâte d’y être j’espère qu’on pourra toujours louer les chevaux à Huaqing Gong, tu sais si c’est toujours d’actualité ? Deuxième question : le tang dynasty show vaut vraiment son prix ? Pour finir, j’ai vu des blogs sur le mont huashan, si tu montes jusqu’en haut tu es obligé de faire la route en planches qui a l’air super dangereuse ? Perso je tenterais bien le défi mais pour ma femme c’est non catégorique haha

Merci d’avance pour tes réponses, j’ai déjà fais Shanghai mais -72h sinon je n’ai aucune idée de ce qui nous attend là bas, mais je sens que je vais apprécier 🙂

Pas de souci, c’est avec plaisir!

Ma réponse n’était peut être pas très clair, 250 euros pour la nourriture pour 2, et 120-150 par personne pour les activités, donc ca ferait dans les 550 au total. Allez, disons 600 avec les transports etc..

Par contre c’est vrai, je n’avais pas compté le Mont Huashan! En comptant (très) large, tu peux rajouter 200 euros (100 par personne). Donc je dirais que vous devriez dépenser 800 euros max à 2. (Je ne connais pas votre « style » de voyageur donc c’est assez difficile à budgéter précisement, surtout pour la nourriture!)

Pour le Tang Dynasty show, le spectacle est de bonne facture, après il ne faut pas être à la recherche d’authenticité c’est certain, ça reste un spectacle pour touristes (chinois) ^^. Disons que ca occupe une soirée, et on est pas en Chine tous les jours.

Pour Huaqing Gong, ça devrait, c’est le gagne pain des habitants des villages un peu excentrés, donc ça m’étonnerait qu’ils arrêtent!

Le Tang Paradise par contre, vous pouvez peut être faire l’impasse, c’est assez inégal en fait. Peut être que le weekend tu as plus de spectacles, je ne sais pas trop, mais en semaine c’est moyen.

Pour Huashan, c’est optionnel cette partie, pas d’inquiétude là dessus! Tu peux faire une très grande partie de la montée en télécabine en plus, et la journée devient de suite plus relax x)

Oui, je pense que tu vas aimer, personnellement j’ai adoré l’ambiance de la ville. Après en 12 jours tu vas pouvoir prendre vraiment ton temps (5-6 jour sont généralement suffisant pour tout voir, Huashan inclus)

Merci pour ta réponse ! Je te laisserai un petit commentaire à mon retour 😉

Super, profites bien!

Bon voyage!

Je te remercie énormément pour tous ces tips et ces conseils ! On part pour Xi’an dans quelques heures, et grâce à toi j’ai enfin pu avoir une vision précise de ce que nous ne devons pas rater hahaha ! Merci encore 🙂

Salut Valentin,

C’est avec plaisir, profites bien de ton séjour à Xi’an!

Bonjour vincent, tout d’abord félicitations pour ces tips, explications, photos car ton site est vraiment un des meilleurs pour la préparation d’un voyage. Pour ma part je dois partir avec mes deux filles fin octobre pour une semaine sur Pékin et XI’AN et je souhaiterais avoir quelques infos si possible :

Pour Pékin :

* je souhaite visiter la grande muraille à Mutianyu, ne souhaitant pas perdre de temps, je souhaite opter pour le taxi, est ce une bonne solution ? je pose la question au vu de tous les commentaires que j’ai pu voir sur las arnaques. sinon quel est le meilleur moyen d’y aller ou dois je passer par une agence locale ( certainement pas trés fiable je pense ? )

* Pour effectuer les visites des sites , les distances entre les principaux sites sont ils importants ( à faire obligatoirement par métro ou autres ) ou possible à pied ?

Pour XI’AN :

* Pour le site des soldats en terre, idem, est ce une bonne idée d’y aller en taxi ?

* Le site huaging gong, hot springs est il si intéressant que cela à faire ?

* Qu’est ce exactement le tang paradise ? intéressant ?

Voilà dans un premier temps mes intérrogations

Je te remercie par avance de ton retour pour la mise en place de mon voyage

Bonjour Pascal,

Ravi que tu apprécies mon site!

1) Pour la grande muraille, le Taxi sera la plus simple c’est certain, si vous ne voulez pas vous embêter avec le bus! Par contre, à moins de parler chinois, tu devrais arranger cela avec ton hôtel en avance.

Pour te donner un ordre idée, cela devrait couter environ 700-800 yuans avec le chauffeur qui vous attend sur place le temps que vous visitez. Si tu souhaits avoir une voiture avec chauffeur pour la journée complète, il faut compter environ 1000 yuans.

Je ne te conseille pas de faire un tour organisé, ils vont t’emmener perdre ton temps dans des magasins de jade au lieu de profiter de la Muraille!

2) Pour les distances à Pékin, vous pouvez faire Tian’anmen, la cité interdite et Temple du Ciel à pied, par contre le Palais d’été est vraiment éloigné, il faut prendre le métro.

3) Pour le taxi pour aller aux Terra Cotta Warriors, cela dépend de votre budget. Vous pouvez sinon en prendre un jusqu’à Xi’an Railway station et ensuite le bus 306. Impossible de vous tromper, les soldats en terre cuite, c’est le terminus!

4) Moi j’ai bien aimé, les temples en haut sont jolis, après ce n’est pas une attraction touristique majeure, donc il faut voir en fonction de ton planning et du temps que vous aurez à Xi’an.

5) Tang paradise, c’est un parc de reconstitutions historiques. Le problème c’est que c’est très inégal en fonction des jours: des fois vous avez plein de spectacles, et des fois rien du tout! C’est joli de nuit surtout, en journée c’est juste un parc. Si vous allez au Palais d’Eté à Pékin, pas besoin d’aller là!

Si tu as d’autres questions sur la Chine, n’hésite pas!

Bonjour vincent

Je reviens vers toi car j’aurais besoin de ton aide sur certains points :

* j’ai vu sur ton site qu’il y avait des liens pour des réservations de tickets tel que la cité interdite, temple du soleil .. se sont bien des liens fiable et dont il est intéressant de réserver à l’avance ou est ce des sortes de pub qui se sont intégrés dans ton site ? je pose la question car sur un autre site j’ai lu qu’on ne pouvait réserver les billets pour la cité interdite que sur un site bien spécifique de la cité interdite, ainsi peux tu m’éclairer stp

* Par ailleurs pour quel site de pékin ou xi’an est il indispensable de réserver ses billets à l’avance pour éviter les queues ?

* J’ai lu également sur un site que lorsqu’on acheté ses billets à l’avance , on devait aller dans un office bureau sur place pour les transformer en ticket d’entrée, est ce comme cela que cela se passe ?

* Pour me rendre de Pekin à Xi’an j’ai vu qu’on pouvait prendre le TGV, penses tu que c’est une bonne idée ? En lieu et place de l’avion et du train couchette

* Le site Huaging gong, hot springs à Xi’an vaut il le détours ?

Voilà mes questions du jour vincent

Merci encore de ton aide

1) C’est toujours bien de réserver ces billets en avance, et c’est pratiquement indispensable pour la Cité Interdite, étant donné le monde qu’il y a là bas chaque jour! Ils ont d’ailleurs mis des quotas d’entrées en place et encouragent à l’achat de billets en ligne.

Le site est fiable, pas de problème avec ça, c’est un revendeur de billets agréée pour l’international.

2) Celui que je recommande vraiment, c’est la Cité interdite. Le temple du Ciel est généralement Ok niveau file d’attente (hors vacances chinoises/période très touristique). Pour Xi’an, il n’est pas possible d’acheter les billets pour les Terra Cotta Warriors en ligne, à moins d’être chinois.

3) Pour la Cité interdite, pas besoin d’échanger les billets. Votre passeport suffit pour entrer une fois que vous avez acheté vos billets en ligne (ils sont nominatifs).

4) Oui, le train express est une excellente solution. Niveau temps total de trajet (en comptant l’attente à l’aéroport + les transferts), c’est à peu prêt équivalent à l’avion!

5) Pour Huaqing gong, c’est ce que tu m’avais demandé l’autre fois, je t’avais répondu juste au dessus ^^. Cela va vraiment dépendre de ton planning et de si tu veux profiter de la ville ou que tu as deja tout visité. Tu peux le décider à la dernière minute ça, pas de soucis!

Bonne soirée et à bientot!

Milles mercis pour tes réponses rapides et pertinentes

je continue à préparer le planning

Bonne journée à toi

Votre blog m’aide beaucoup pour organiser mon voyage en chine.

Nous voulions arriver le matin par le train, visiter Xian et repartir le soir en train de nuit. Est ce que vous savez si nous pouvons laisser nos bagages a un endroit pour visiter sans prendre d’hôtel ?

cordialement

Ravi que mon blog vous soit utile pour préparer votre voyage en Chine et à Xi’an! Il y a bien une consigne bagages à la gare de Xi’an, c’est le plus pratique dans votre cas puisque vous repartez avec le train. Il me semble que c’est une vingtaine de yuans par bagage.

Bon séjour et si vous avez d’autres questions, n’hésitez pas!

Bonjour Vincent,

Votre blog est super !

Est ce que la queue est longue pour acheter les billets d’entrée sur le site de l’armée de terre ou bien est-il préférable de les acheter en ligne (pas sur le site officiel n’étant pas chinois si j’ai bien compris) ? Y’a t-il un quotas de billets à vendre par jour car je ne souhaiterais pas arriver sur site à 11 h et que le guichet m’annonce qu’il n’y a plus de billets pour la journée?

Sachant que je voyage avec ma fille de 15 ans , c’est bien gratuit pour les moins de 16 ans ?

Merci d’avance cécile

Bonjour Cecile,

Ravi que mon blog vous aide à préparer votre voyage en Chine!

Si vous n’y allez pas tôt le matin, il vaut mieux prendre vos billets coupe file, car les bus de touriste arrivent vers 10h sur le site. Il y a également un nombre limité de tickets d’entrée vendus chaque jour.

Vous pouvez acheter vos billets coupe file directement sur ce site en français (cliquez-ici)

Ce n’est malheureusement gratuit que pour les enfants de moins d’1m20 (cela fonctionne en fonction de la taille en Chine, et pas en fonction de l’age). Du coup, ça sera payant pour votre fille.

Bon voyage en Chine, et si vous avez d’autres questions, n’hésitez pas!

Bonjour Vincent. Sans vs mentir j’ai appris beaucoup de choses sur votre site et j’aimerais avoir quelques conseils car je viendrai à xi’an ds 2semaines pour étudier à siyuan . Merci d’avance

Je suis content si mon site vous aide à préparer votre séjour à Xi’an. Que voudriez-vous savoir?

Ok merci beaucoup à vous aussi car vous ne ménagez aucun effort pour l’épanouissement des étrangers ✨

Ok j’aimerais savoir plus sur la vie de xi’an en tant que étudiant et combien je peux dépenser par mois (estimation d’une manière générale). Et plus loin je vous demanderai quelques conseils pratiques 🤝 vu que je serai un nouveau pour un cursus de 1 an.

Merci d’avance

Alors malheureusement pour le coût de la vie en tant qu’étudiant, je ne peux pas vous dire car j’ai seulement découvert Xi’an en tant que voyageur et pas étudiant. Par contre pour les conseils pratiques et informations touristiques pour visiter Xi’an et les alentours, aucun souci si vous avez des questions!

Petite question, en ce qui concerne les horaires du bus 306 pour touriste le premier bus arrive seulement sur le site à 10h? Sachant que je souhaite arriver le matin en payant mon billet sur place pourrais-je m’y rendre avec le bus 306 tôt le matin ou devrais-je prendre un taxi?

Bonjour Rimus,

Tu pourras arriver tôt aux guerriers de terre cuite en prenant le bus 306, le premier départ est à 7h du matin.

Bon séjour à Xian, et si tu as d’autres questions n’hésite pas!

Merci beaucoup pour ta réponse, et j’hésiterais pas si j’ai d’autres questions c’est noté !

De rien, et à bientot sur le blog 🙂

je trouve tes conseils tres interessants, nous partons à 4 amis dans la province du Yunnan pour 2 semaines en Avril 2020, et nous préparons le voyage, ensuite nous voulons visiter Xi’an, environ 5 jours, puis finir par Pekin une semaine.

Je n’hésiterais pas a te poser des questions pour profiter de ton expérience.

bonne journée. Sylviane

Bonjour Sylviane,

Ravi que mes articles sur la Chine vous aide a préparer votre voyage! Je ne sais pas si vous les avez tous vu, mais ils sont disponibles ici: destination Chine .

Bon voyage en Chine, et oui, si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas 🙂

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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Xi’an in 3 Days

China is a country with the deepest respect and admiration for its Imperial past, and there’s little wonder why. The city of Xi’an not only marks the centre of China’s ancient Kingdom but in modern times the city is known for some of the most significant archaeological discoveries in human history, the Terracotta Warriors.  

From some of the most earliest forms of civilization to the finest of dynasties, Xi’an is an encyclopaedia of Chinese history, and a worthy stop on any itinerary. In the article, I’ll show you how to hit all of Xi’an’s biggest highlights in just 3 days!

Table of Contents

The Attractions

Xi’an is not only the ancient Chinese capital but also was the site of some of the earliest clusters of civilization. As such, the city is full of relics and artefacts that display the incredible history of this city. From excavated villages and tombs to megalithic palaces and religious landmarks. So plenty worthy sites to add to your Xi’an itinerary.

One day of your itinerary should be spent exploring what put Xi’an on the map in the first place, the excavated pits of the Terracotta Warriors! It’s best to start as early as possible anyway because it will be very busy very quickly.

The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors

Obviously, this will be the first and most important stop on your Xi’an itinerary! Not only is it clearly the most famous landmark in the city, but its one of the most significant archaeological excavations in human history and one of China’s greatest national treasures.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a large collection of life-size sculptures organised in battle formations that stand in underground corridors. Each figure represents a member of the imperial guard that was put here to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the man who became the first emperor of a newly unified Imperial China.

The collection of figures which include infantry, archers and horses, are spread across 3 pits, numbered in the order of their discovery. Pit 1 is by far the most impressive with between 1,000-2,000 figures lined up one after the other in battle formations. For more details on visiting the warriors for yourself, check out the guide Travel Plan: The Terracotta Warriors .

There are free shuttle buses that regularly leave between both museums, as long as you have a ticket to either museum. Otherwise, you can take tourist bus number 5 (306) from one museum to the other.

Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park (Lishan Garden)

The Terracotta Warriors are a relatively new discovery, and relics are still being found to this day! One recent discovery was the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the man that’s being protected by the Terracotta Warriors! It was found next to other major sites, such as the ritual sacrifice pits and the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics.

Though it’s been discovered, Emperor Qin’s tomb remains unexcavated, and will probably stay that way. The park’s curator wants to protect the tomb and hopes that future technology will allow us to see its contents without disturbing the sleeping souls within. Though it’s pretty tempting! Ancient texts and modern-day tests show that the inner palace may be full of precious stones and rivers of mercury that flow through mountains of bronze!

You can take Bus Line 5 (306) from Qintang Avenue to Huaqing Pool .

Huaqing Palace

Continuing with our Imperial theme, your next stop is the old play area for royalty, the Huaqing Palace. Throughout the extensive grounds of the palace are a handful of hot springs that were used by members of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). As the grandeur of the palace shows, the emperors had no problem with spending a ridiculous amount of money to create a place of luxury relaxation.

Inside are 5 hot springs that were used during the height of Imperial China, such as the Lotus Pool (named after the flower it’s shaped like) which belonged to the Emperor. The top choice by most must be the Star Pool, which didn’t have a roof so you could bathe at night while enjoying the stars.

Take bus number 307 from Huaqing Pool to Banpo Museum .

Who would have thought Xi’an had so many valuable things hiding underground?! Banpo site (or Banpocun) is yet another historically important archaeological site, though it gets much less attention than the Terracotta Warriors! The large Neolithic settlement dates back to 4500-3750 BC and left behind over 10,000 stone tools and artefacts, 250 tombs, and almost 100 building foundations to be excavated.

It was discovered in 1953 by workers hired to dig up the ground for a new factory before it turned into the first large-scale archaeological project in China. Soon after the Banpo Museum was opened to display artefacts from the site and reconstructions of what the buildings must have looked like. The site is also used as a model of the Yangshao Culture, which flourished in the Yellow River Valley between 5000-3000 BC.

Take Metro Line 1 from Banpo to Kangfu Road Station . Sorry that subway routes aren’t visible on the map, google is banned in China after all.

Temple of the Eight Immortals

Originally built for the God of Thunder, the Taoist temple was then renamed as a tribute to the Eight Immortals, who according to Chinese mythology, were capable of giving life and overcoming evil. The is also called Ba Xian An Palace after Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi hid in the temple after the Eight-Power Allied Forces invaded Beijing in 1900.

Within the temple are a set of black plates inscribed with the basic principles of Taoism and their dedication to the five sacred mountains of Taoism. The temple also has ancient manuals on proper breathing techniques and how to increase vital energy ( chi ) to achieve immortality. So the secret to life may be a worthy reason to include the temple on your Xi’an itinerary!

Travel Plan: Zhangjiajie National Park

Another day on your itinerary should be spent exploring the incredible spectrum of sites in the south of Xi’an. There’s a lot of ground to cover and a whole lot of architecture to appreciate across many dynasties! From spiritual homes to military defences, there’s a bit of everything!

Qinglong Temple

Also known as the Green Dragon Temple, Qinglong Temple has played a vital role in Japanese Buddhism. Many Japanese monks were sent to the temple during the Tang Dynasty to study Buddhism. In 805, the monks returned to Japan and founded Shingon Buddhism. To this day it’s still one of the most followed sects in the country, just look at how many temples are dedicated to it in my Travel Guide: Kyoto .

That’s not the reason most people come here! Around the grounds of the temple are over 1,000 cherry blossom trees that burst into life every spring. Every year, endless streams of wannabe Instagram models flock to the blooms of pink-tinted flowers to demand their boyfriends to give them a candid photo shoot.

Take subway Line 3 from Qinglong Temple to Dayanta . From there transfer to Line 4 to Datangfurongyuan .

Lotus Paradise

Another royal-themed site for your Xi’an itinerary. What was once a hang-out for imperial family members, today the Lotus (or Tang) Paradise is the first ancient style park that focused on the culture of the Tang Dynasty. In modern times the gardens they were revived to give everyone a look into Imperial luxury.

Performances are held regularly within the grounds of the park, including an Imperial Costume Show, Chinese Kongfu Show, Lion Dance, and acrobatics. There’s even a water fountain show which is the biggest of its kind in China and prety damn impressive!

You could take Line 4 from Datangfurongyuan back to Dayanta . Otherwise you can walk there in the same amount of time.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

It’s no secret that Xi’an prides itself on its ancient past, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most iconic relics of all. Standing in the Da Ci’en Temple complex, the UNESCO World Heritage is yet another significant site for Buddhists.

Originally built in 652, the pagoda was used to collect Buddhist materials that Xuanzang brought from India, the cradle of Buddhism. In total, he collected 1,335 sutras, all of which had to be translated from Sanskrit.

But why is it called Giant Wild Goose Pagoda? Legend tells there was a branch of Buddhism that was okay with eating meat, but one day they couldn’t find any. As a large group of geese flew by, a monk wished the merciful Buddha would give them some. At that moment, the leading goose broke its wings and fell to the ground. The monks were shocked and thought that Buddha was trying to tell them to be more devoted. They built a pagoda where the goose fell and stopped eating meat forever.

Firstly, take Line 3 from Dayanta to Xiaozhai then transfer to Line 2 towards Nanshaomen.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Hang on, deja vu? An almost identical square-based pagoda? Well, the people of Xi’an thought so too, so the Jianfu Temple Pagoda was soon renamed the “ Small Wild Goose Pagoda ” after its bigger brother.

The pagoda is yet another UNESCO Heritage Site that has survived from the Tang Dynasty. Though the pagoda isn’t as famous as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, it’s much more peaceful and tranquil with the surrounding park.

Like its bigger twin, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda also played a vital role in introducing Buddhism to China. Buddhist sutras brought back from India were stored inside, which later would come to help integrate Buddhism with the culture of the Han people.

You can take Line 2 from Nanshaomen towards Yongningmen. Otherwise you could just walk for 5 minutes.

Xi’an City Walls

Also known as the Fortifications of Xi’an, the walls that encircle 8 miles around the centre of the city are the most complete that has survived in China, and a worthy inclusion on the itinerary. The 12-meter high wall is also one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

There are a few places you can access it, but by far the best and most time-honoured is the South Gate (Yongning Gate). Meanwhile, two museums inside the barbican and the archery tower of the South Gate are also open to the public.

Though 8 miles might sound a bit too much to walk, why don’t you just use a bike? You can rent them in the South Gate and ride them along the whole perimeter of the wall.

If you find yourself on the South Gate again, then you can easily walk for 15 minutes or so to your next stop. Since you’re there, you may as well pass and pass some interesting architecture along the way.

Stele Forest Museum

The Stele Forest, also called Beilin Museum, focuses on displays of over 11,000 stone steles, epigraphs and stone sculptures from past dynasties. The collection tells visitors of the religions and lifestyles of ancient times in a unique way. They also show an outline of Chinese history and how China would interact with other countries. Among these relics, there are 19 groups that are seen as national treasures.

You can also walk to the next stop. Believe me its easier than trying to figure out which bus you can take.

Built in 1384 when Xi’an was an important military point, the Bell Tower has always marked the geographical centre of the ancient capital. The tower became a way to dominate the surrounding countryside and provide an early warning of attack by rival rulers.

When it was first built, it stood near the Drum Tower of Xi’an on the central axis of the city. As the city grew, however, the geographical centre changed. Therefore, in 1582, the tower was moved 1,000 meters east of the original site. Except for the base, all parts are original.

The amazing contrasting colours of the grey square base, the dark green glazed tiles and gold plated roof makes it pretty. It looks even better when the sun goes down and the entire tower is illuminated! It has to be one of the best highlights on the Xi’an itinerary!

You can see it across the square, so walk to it!

And now to the Bell Tower’s former neighbour! The Drum Tower is located just to the northwest across the aptly named Bell and Drum Tower Square. As the name suggests, the tower is known for the drums it houses. In ancient China, the drums were used to signal the time and on occasion were used as an alarm for emergencies.

It was initially built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) but has some architecture styles across both the Tang and Qing Dynasties too. It also has some impressive feats of engineering such as being built with no iron nails. Inside are 24 drums, each representing the Solar Terms, the weather calendar created by the Chinese ancients to guide agricultural production.

Luckily, it’s directly next to the tower!

The Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen)

You may be surprised to learn that China has quite a large thriving Muslim community! Here in Xi’an, an entire quarter of the city is dedicated to the ever-growing neighbourhood. The Muslim Quarter is home to over 20,000 descendants of foreign diplomats and merchants that originally travelled here for business and never left.

Any Xi’an itinerary would be incomplete without a visit to the Beiyuanmen Muslim Market, which specialises in street food and souvenirs. Along both sides of the street are Ming and Qing Dynasty designed buildings filled with family-run businesses. Above all, the star of the show is the authentic hand-made Muslim food including crumbled bread in a mutton stew, fried rice with pickled Chinese cabbage and mutton or lamb roasted over a fire.

Top 20 Highlights – Shanghai

For the most part, we have already hit the city’s biggest highlights. If you’re short on time, then 2 days should be enough to cover all the bigger spots. But if you have the time, I’d highly recommend adding one more day to your itinerary to hit the last highlights Xi’an has to offer.

Danfeng Gate

Though China isn’t short of stunningly adorned gates, none surpass the pure size of Danfeng Gate. It’s actually even bigger than the Heaven Gate of Tiananmen Square, probably the most famous of them all!

Coloured light brown to represents the royal family, it was chosen to illustrate the magnificent momentum of the Tang Dynasty. A museum inside the gate also gives a little more info and history of the structure.

Since the gate marks the entrance to the palace, you’re already there!

Daming Palace

Functioning during the height of the Tang Dynasty, Daming Palace would be the base to design the  most famous Chinese palace of them all, none other than the Forbidden City.

Originally, Emperor Li Shimin built it as the summer palace for his father. The Daming Palace is split into two areas, one where emperors held court, and another used for living and relaxing. Inside the compound, the separate Hanyuan Palace was used as an international exchange centre. On every New Year’s Day, the emperors would hold great ceremonies there, and welcome ambassadors from across the world.

The easiest way to get there is the subway. Take Line 4 from Hanyuandian and transfer at Wulukou onto Line 1 to Sajinqiao before walking the rest of the way.

Guangren Lama Temple

Built-in 1705 for the Grand Lama of Tibet as he passed through on the way to Beijing to meet with the emperor, Guangren Temple has since been the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province. It stood as a symbol of the cooperation and cultural communication between the Tibetan and Han nationalities.

Inside are a few halls such as the Mahavira Hall, the Sutras Keeping Hall and the Bodhisattva Hall. Outside of the pavilion is the Devajara Hall in which a statue of Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara on the lotus throne.

This next step is a little awkward. You could walk back to Sajinqiao and take Line 1 and transfer to Line 2 at Beidajie . From there you need to go to Zhonglou and walk for 20 minutes. It would actually be much easier to walk there, which should take the same amount of time anyway.

Great Mosque of Xi’an

This isn’t like any mosque you’ve ever seen before, it comes with a distinctively Chinese twist. Right in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque is the largest and one of the most important Islamic sites in China.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as early as 742 in the midst of the Tang dynasty. Additions were made as the Dynasties rolled on, making it a complex representative of many periods of time. The mosque is a combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic art.

Since it’s just down the street, why not walk?

Du City God Temple

The last stop on your Xi’an itinerary is the largest city god temple in Shaanxi Province. As one of the two remaining Taoist temples in Xi’an, it’s been listed as a key historical and cultural site. With a history of more than 600 years, the temple is still a magnificent sight today.

As one of the largest town god temples in China, the Xi’an City God Temple exercised control over all town god temples in China’s northwest provinces.

Watch Here For More!

Thank You for Reading! Check Out These Other Helpful Links!

Thank you so much for reading The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Xi’an in 3 Days ! Check out these other helpful articles!

• The 20 Best Highlights To See In Xi’an
• The Ultimate Travel Plan: The Terracotta Warriors
• The 20 Best Highlights To See In Shanghai
• The Ultimate Travel Plan: Zhangjiajie National Park

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Xian Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Xian

Xian , the ancient imperial capital of China, is an essential destination for travelers who want to visit China . Boasting over 3,000 years of history, Xian is a treasure trove brimming with cultural relics and historical landmarks. The world-famous  Terracotta Army  alone makes the visit worthwhile. Featuring over 8,000 life-size soldier statues and horses, it is one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world. Other highlights include the majestic Xian City Wall, iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, vibrant Muslim Quarter and the insightful Shaanxi History Museum. You need at least 2 to 3 days to explore the city's historical sites  and immerse in the rich cultural heritage. Xian's delectable cuisine, from Biangbiang Mian to Roujiamo, also promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. A trip to Xian offers a glimpse into the illustrious ancient past of China. For an in-depth exploration, 4 to 5 days in Xian is ideal . This provides more opportunities to uncover hidden cultural gems and appreciate them at a leisurely pace.

Check our ultimate Xi'an Itineraries , designed to help you plan the perfect 1, 2, 3, or 4-day trip to this enchanting city. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, our itineraries provide a range of activities and attractions to cater to your interests and ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Xi'an.

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How to Spend One Day in Xian

If you only have one day to spend in Xi'an , make the most of it by visiting the city's top attractions . Start your day by exploring the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a stunning archaeological site that is a must-see for any visitor to Xi'an.

Afterwards, head to the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, and take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along its ramparts. From there, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local culture.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

• Terracotta Army - No trip to Xian is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the sculptures and 3 pits housing the army.

• Xian City Wall - After lunch, visit the well-preserved Xian City Wall. You can rent a bike and cycle around the 14km wall.

• Muslim Quarter - In the evening, stroll through the Muslim Quarter and explore the bustling night market. Have some delicious Xi'an snacks like Biangbiang Mian and Roujiamo.

Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an Highlights Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

How to Spend Two Days in Xian

On day one , explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the Great Mosque and sampling delicious street food. In the evening, witness the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day two , travel back in time to the ancient world by visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Hanyangling. Marvel at the intricate details and historical significance of these world-renowned attractions.

• Terracotta Army

• Xian City Wall

• Muslim Quarter

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda - A well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda surrounded by manicured gardens.

• Shaanxi History Museum - Learn about the rich history of Shaanxi province. The museum housing many artifacts from ancient dynasties.

• Muslim Quarter - Return to further explore the alleyways and shops.

• Tang Dynasty Show - In the evening, watch a spectacular cultural show showcasing the traditional music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

Recommended Itinerary: 2 Days Xi'an Historical Tour: Terracotta Warriors and Hanyangling Museums

How to Spend Three Days in Xian

On day one , arrive and take a leisurely evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for the city's charm.

On day two , delve into the history and culture of Xi'an by visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Ancient City Wall, and the bustling Muslim Quarter. In the evening, be mesmerized by the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day three , explore the rich heritage of Xi'an further by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum, where you can learn about the city's impressive past. Then, head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent structure that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. To truly immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Xi'an, try on a Hanfu, traditional Chinese dress, and take a trip back in time.

Recommended Itinerary: 3 Days Xi'an Essence Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Tang Dynasty Everbright City

How to Spend Four Days in Xian

On day one , arrive and settle into your accommodations.

On day two , explore Xi'an's rich history and culture by visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Ancient City Wall, and the lively Muslim Quarter. In the evening, be mesmerized by the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day three , embark on a one-day round trip to Mount Huashan from Xi'an, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in China. Take in the stunning scenery and challenge yourself with a hike up the mountain's famous trails.

On day four , visit the Shaanxi History Museum to learn about Xi'an's impressive past, and then head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent structure that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. To truly immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Xi'an, try on a Hanfu, traditional Chinese dress, and take a trip back in time. Departure follows, but you'll leave with unforgettable memories of your trip to Xi'an.

• Mt. Huashan - Take a day trip to Mt. Huashan , one of the 5 great mountains of China. Splendid mountain vistas, cliffside stairs and plank walks.

Recommended Itinerary: 4 Days Xian Panorama Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

How to Spend Four Days in Xian with Cultural Experience

On day one , arrive in Xi'an and get a taste of the city's vibrant culture by taking an evening stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling night market, and then head to the Bell & Drum Tower Square to enjoy the music fountain and watch the locals engage in square dancing.

On day two , explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Ancient City Wall and enjoying a family visit. Then, head to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses , a stunning archaeological site that is a must-see for any visitor to Xi'an. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture by watching The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at Huaqing Pool or the Chang'an Impression - Tang Dynasty Grand Welcoming Ceremony at City Wall South Gate.

On day three , continue your exploration of Xi'an's rich heritage by visiting the Xian Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Tangbo Art Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. To truly immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Xi'an, try on a Hanfu, traditional Chinese dress, and take a trip back in time. In the evening, witness the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day four , visit the Hanyangling Museum, the tomb of Emperor Jingdi and his wife, and marvel at the intricate details and historical significance of this world-renowned attraction. Then, it's time to say goodbye to Xi'an as you depart for your next adventure.

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda - A well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda surrounded by manicured gardens.

• Tang Dynasty Show - In the evening, watch a spectacular cultural show showcasing the traditional music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

• Tangbo Art Museum - a great place to experience Chinese calligraphy, paintings and folk culture.

• Xian Museum - showcase the 3,000-year history of Xian, the one-time capital of 13 dynasties.

• Hanyangling - the tomb of Emperor Han Jingdi and learn more about the Western Han emperor's funeral system.

Recommended Itinerary: 4 Days Xian World Heritage Tour with Culture Experiences

1 Day Xian Cultural Tour with Terracotta, Family Visit & Calligraphy Experience 3 Days Best Xian Tour with Mount Huashan Leisure Hiking

Discover Xian with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Based in China, with our office conveniently located in Xi'an , the local team at Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable experience for those who visit this historic city. We offer a variety of carefully designed Xi'an tours , including Classic Xi'an 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 Xi'an is a worry-free vacation.

If you're looking to extend your stay in Xi'an into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China tours from Xi'an . Our professional travel consultants are ready to assist you in customizing a tailor-made Xi'an Tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Xi'an today!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

Ask Us for More Information

Recommended Related Trips

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2 Districts
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 4.1 By Metro
• 4.3 By taxi
• 4.4 By bike
• 5.1.1 Museums
• 5.1.2 Historical sites
• 5.1.3 Religious sites
• 5.2.1 Museums
• 5.2.2 Historical sites
• 5.2.3 Parks and nature
• 7.1 Souvenirs
• 7.2 Clothes
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 13 Stay safe

Xi'an (西安 Xī'ān , read as SHEE-AHN) is a city in Shaanxi Province in China . The oldest surviving capital of ancient China, Xi'an is home to thousands of years of Chinese heritage and history. The city has a pleasant cosmopolitan flair to it and it is worth visiting for the famed Terracotta Warriors. It has often been said that, "if you have not been to Xi'an, you have not been to China!"

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ]

Xi'an is more than 3,000 years old and was known as Chang'an (长安) in ancient times. For 1,000 years, the city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here. Xi'an is the undisputed root of Chinese civilization having served as the capital city for the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. With so much history within the ground the city lies upon, it is no wonder that there are so many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics to be found here. It was already influencing the world outside of the Great Wall of China (长城) as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road (丝绸之路). Here traders from far and wide brought goods and ideas for sale and took goods and ideas back with them to their native countries. In present-day Xi'an not much of its former glory remains within the city confines, due to the constant warfare and political changes that swept China particularly throughout the 20th century.

Climate [ edit ]

Xi'an has most of its annual precipitation from August to late October in the form of rain. It is characterised by hot summers and cold, dry winters. Spring and autumn will be somewhat brief and dry.

Districts [ edit ]

Xi'an is a rapidly expanding city, so the municipality has incorporated large areas around to the city as districts to be under its own administration. But frankly speaking most of these surrounding areas are just undeveloped and sometimes rural inter-city residential areas.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Most people use taxis or the airport bus to reach town from the airport. A taxi will cost about ¥150 from the airport to the Bell Tower downtown. You will pay around ¥50-75 more if you take one of the climatized Japanese black taxis rather than the typical green taxis. At the airport, both types of taxis are waiting at the same spot to pick up passengers.

Line 14 of the Xi’an Metro runs from the airport to Xi'an North station (more specifically, the metro station named "Beikezhan (Beiguangchang)" ), where there are connections to lines 2 and 4 as well as to the long-distance rail network.

The airport bus leaves the airport from 08:00 until 01:00, a ticket costs ¥25 and takes about one hour; there are several lines but the most useful are Airport Bus No. 1 (no stop to the terminus in front of the Melody Hotel, at the beginning of West Street near the Bell Tower) and No. 2 (to the railway station). As long as there is an arriving flight, there will be a bus, so don't worry about arriving late at night or early morning. Buses will often depart as soon as they fill up. The airport bus route is the best way between city and the train station.

Getting to the terracotta warriors from the airport is complicated but can be done. Immediately when you walk out of the airport you can take bus #2 (¥27) to the Xi'an train station. From there, take bus 306 to the terracotta warriors (see more details below ). Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately ¥85 plus toll charges of ¥15.

By train [ edit ]

Most visitors arrive by high-speed train at 34.3768 108.9342 2 Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站 Xī'ānběi Zhàn), 15 km north of city center. The main services, on 200 km / hr "D-trains" or 300 km / hr "G-trains", are to Zhengzhou (2–3 hours), Chengdu (4 hours), Wuhan (4–8 hours), Guangzhou (8 hours), Shenzhen (9 hours), Changsha , Shijiazhuang, Beijing (4–6 hours), Shanghai (7 hours) and Lanzhou (3 hours) - change at Lanzhou for the 12-hour train to Ürümqi.

The North Railway Station is an enormous modern transport hub. To reach the city center take Metro line two (red), whose terminus (北客站 Beikezhan ) is at the station.

The old railway station, 34.2796 108.9577 3 Xi'an Railway Station (西安站 Xī'ān Zhàn), is at the north end of Jiefang Road (解放路 jiěfànglù, just outside the old city walls. This is served by conventional trains for regional journeys.

There is no reason to use Xi'an South Railway Station (西安南站 Xī'ān Nán Zhàn), a long way south-east of the center, with limited services.

By bus [ edit ]

The main long-distance bus station (Shaanxi Province Long-distance Bus Station) is about 100 m south of Xi'an railway station, with the city wall between them (there is an underpass). Bus service is available to: Huashan (2–3 hours), Lanzhou (8–10 hours), Luoyang (5–7 hours), Taiyuan (12 hours), and Zhengzhou (9–12 hours).

By car [ edit ]

See Driving in China .

Get around [ edit ]

The old city is surrounded by a rectangular city wall. The Bell Tower (钟楼 Zhōnglóu) is in the dead center of the rectangle, and is considered the center of Xi'an. From here, the four main streets radiate along the four points of the compass.

• North Street (北大街 Běidàjiē)
• East Street (东大街 Dōngdàjiē)
• South Street (南大街 Nándàjiē)
• West Street (西大街 Xīdàjiē)

Do not get confused by different names in tourist guides, addresses and bus stops: Nandajie, Nanda Street, South Street, and South Avenue are all the same street.

Locals often speak about Within the city walls (城里 chénglǐ , CHUNG-lee) and Outside the city walls (城外 chéngwài , CHUNG-why) when talking about locations. Outside the walls, the southern part is the most interesting - it offers shopping streets, bars and some nightlife.

Basically the inner Xi'an, the part inside the City Walls, is the old Xi'an, which is equivalent to the term "downtown" used to describe certain parts of a North American city. The buildings are mostly pretty short due to government policies. People who live inside the City Walls largely preserve a traditional way of life. For example, they are used to going to farmers' market for grocery, and also the provincial dialect is more prominent there. There is much more folklore to be found inside the City Walls than elsewhere in the city. Interestingly, there is a Roman Catholic church in the inner city, which was founded more than 300 years ago by the missionaries from the west.

There has been several urbanization projects happening since the 2000s in the southern part of Xi'an, outside of the City Walls, notably Xi'an Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone. That's where you can find the new, and urban aspects of Xi'an. Large-scale shopping malls around that area are very popular among the new generations. Each shopping mall usually is a combination of restaurants, shopping areas, groceries, and entertainments. Also a considerable population from other parts of the city have relocated to this area for their children's education, since there are few prestigious schools in the area.

As usual in China, subways are the easiest way to get around if they serve your destination. There are also plenty of buses traveling everywhere at short intervals (main lines run every 5–10 minutes). If you are not confident enough with orientation, or if you do not like packed buses, the cheap taxis (出租车 chūzūchē , literally translated as "rented car", which is pronounced as CHOO-TSOO-CHUH) are the best alternative, broadly available, except for during rush hours.

By Metro [ edit ]

Xi'an has four Metro lines, with further lines planned or under construction. A single ride costs ¥5. Bags are x-rayed prior to entry, water bottles should be taken out of bags as they will be scanned by security staff separately.

• Line 1 runs east–west and does not cover any interesting tourist spots.
• Line 2 runs north–south, intersects with Line 1 at Beidajie to the North of the bell tower. It connects the North Railway Station, the City Library (your starting point for visiting the Hanyangling mausoleum), the Bell Tower, and Xiaozhai near the Shaanxi history museum.
• Line 3 runs southwest–northeast, intersecting with Line 1 at Tonghuamen, and Line 2 at Xiaozhai. It serves the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta station).
• Line 4 runs north–south, mostly to the east of Line 2.

It's much more convenient to have a Changantong (长安通) card, that the locals use to pay for the fare. You can get one at any metro station with a valid ID and some money as process fee. Ask the staff at the reception desk at each metro station for help when you want to apply for a Changantong card. Nowadays you can also pay with Wechat pay or Alipay, by scanning your phone at the terminal. It takes slightly more time than using a Changantong card (1–2 seconds).

Regular buses within the city cost ¥1 (¥2 for air-conditioned, marked with a snowflake) no matter how far you go. Since there are many buses in the city, it can be useful to go to the Tourism Office Center (which is situated near the Drum Tower) and ask for a free map (地图 dìtú) of the city, with the bus lines on it.

A popular line for tourists is #610 (also labeled "游8" meaning "tourist #8") which connects the railway station, the Bell Tower, the Small Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, the Shaanxi Historic Museum, and the Big Goose Pagoda. Unfortunately it is not one of the most frequent (sometimes you can wait for half an hour, though usually it comes in a few minutes). Near the Bell Tower, it stops at the beginning of West Street; take it westwards to then go south to the museums and pagodas, take it eastwards to then go north to the railway station. Near the railway station (there are many stops for different lines) you can catch it at the third block on the main street going straight south from the station.

Another useful line is #609 that connects the Bell Tower, the South Gate and the Big Goose Pagoda. Near the Bell Tower, it stops at the beginning of South Street.

Although the 609 and 610 can be infrequent, the 611 is very frequent (multiple departures every minute in the rush hour), and connects the train station and the Bell Tower, continuing to the west from the latter. Look for its stop across the road from the station (within the city walls). Its route is a loop at the railway station, so you can board the bus at the same stop for the city center where you got off for the railway station. At the Bell Tower its stop towards the railway station is at the beginning of the East Street.

Bus 500 takes you from the Railway Station to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in 12 stops. This area has the Great Tang All Day Mall as well as the Tang Paradise and the South Lake.

There are many buses leaving regularly for the Terracotta Warrior museum in front of the Xi'an bus station (east to the train station, outside (in the north) the city walls).

• Bus 306 (also called Tourist Bus #5) leaves from the lot in front of the train station (on the east side, i.e. to your right when looking towards the station) and will take you to a parking lot right in front of the museum. Travel time is about an hour (up to 3 hours in case of traffic jams). A one-way ticket costs ¥7 (pay on the bus). It also stops at several other tourist attractions along the way, e.g. the hot springs. Make sure you don't make the mistake of going to the nearby bus station on the inside (south) of the city wall. That's where there are touts with signs saying bus 5 and bus 306, trying to hustle you onto their private bus. Although they do take you to the destinations, you are forced to go to visit attractions you might not want to go to. If in doubt about whether you have the right 306, stand back and observe. The official bus attendants will not hustle you to get on their rapidly filling bus. They will confirm it is the correct bus and nothing more. The official bus will also fill up very quickly with locals who know which one is the correct bus.
• Another local bus that goes to the Warriors is 307 (last stop again, normally ~60 minutes, possibly up to 3 hours in case of traffic). 307 also goes to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Small buses which are also used by the locals (mainly number 914). These buses will also take you to the Museum, but they use local roads (no highway express like bus 306) so they are a bit slower. 914 is however more frequent during the day than 306. One-way ticket price is ¥7 (pay on the bus). Not a bad trip if you want to see how locals travel.
• Most hostels and hotels run tours to the warriors with an English speaking guide. These aren't necessarily better, be prepared to spend a good portion of the day (as with any Chinese tour) visiting "terracotta factories," "museums", "Chinese medicine shops", and other tourist traps. But you will get to your destination without dealing with the bus (the warriors are quite far outside of town) and not all of the public buses that go there are legitimate.

By taxi [ edit ]

The availability of taxis varies across the whole city, throughout the day. It also has special non-regulated schedules on holidays. It's very hard to find free taxis during shift changes. It can take a rather long time to find a vacant one and even then - given their choice of fares - they may decide to decline your destination for a more profitable one that is closer. Watch the taxi drivers in Xi'an as the industry is not regulated as it is in other larger cities. You may find yourself being taken on a long ride around town to get where you are going. It can also be difficult to convince them to take you anywhere (even to the railway station). If in doubt, get your hotel or hostel to write down the place you want to go in Chinese. Between 15:00 and 17:00 the taxis change their shifts. This means the drivers are rushing to their handover points, so they won't pick you up even if they are empty.

Trips within the city walls are generally around ¥10. Longer trips to the attractions south of the city are ¥12-20. It is always good advice to insist on using the taxi meter, especially for longer rides like to/from the airport. However, taxis will often refuse to go the airport on meter, you will have to discuss a price in advance, usually between ¥100 and ¥120.

The rate for the normal (green) taxis is ¥9 for the first 3 kmand then ¥2 for every additional kilometer. Waiting times longer than 2 minutes will be charged ¥2 per minute. After 23:00 the starting price is ¥10. At the airport and around some of the big hotels you might also find black taxis. They charge ¥2.4 per kilometer, but are more spacious and comfortable.

With the introduction of online taxi platforms like Uber, drivers working for the city-run taxi corporations may refuse your taking even when no passenger's in the car, because they are on their way to take an online customer. So it's still best to learn how to use local taxi-taking apps for convenience.

By bike [ edit ]

Xi'an's main sites (with the notable exception of the Terracotta Warriors) are bunched fairly close together. Be wary of the narrow streets and cars that squeeze you out of the way. Bike lanes are available on some streets, however, places to lock bikes, typically are not.

In some parts of the city, the roads are built with a "biking" lane, that you can find at the right side of the road, sometimes separated from the motorized lanes. That type of biking lane is especially common in the southern part of the city. However, not all roads have such features, and when there isn't any biking lane, you should always stick to the right of the road, close to the sidewalk. Also be extra careful when you ride your bike, the traffic in China in general is not friendly to cyclists. Never ride bicycle on sidewalks, mainly because the locals would get annoyed by you doing so.

Online bike-sharing platforms like Mobike are exceedingly popular, to a point where nobody purchases his or her own bicycles anymore. Shared bikes are everywhere on the street. So learn how to use the app to unlock them and you will be fine.

See [ edit ]

Inside/near the city [ edit ], museums [ edit ].

• 34.221808 109.021551 2 Sanqin Museum of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression ( 三秦抗战纪念馆 ), 68 Changming Road, Dengjiapo Subdistrict, Yanta District (雁塔区等驾坡街道长鸣路68号) ( near Matengkong Metro Station on Line 5 ). 09:00-17:00 . A museum about the Second World War in Shaanxi (Sanqin is an old name for Shaanxi). Free . ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 34.261529 108.946733 3 Shaanxi Art Museum ( 陕西美术馆 ), 587 East Avenue, Xincheng District (新城区东大街587号) ( Zhonglou Metro Station (Line 2); about 400 meters east of the Bell Tower ), ☏ +86 29 87217870 (Development Department), +86 29 87287716 (Exhibitions Department), +86 29 87270108 (Curator's Office) , [email protected] . 09:30-17:00, closed on Mondays . Not to be confused with the Shaanxi Province Art Museum (listed below). The Shaanxi Art Museum is the smaller of the two museums and mainly displays paintings and calligraphy. Free . ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 34.197489 108.941954 5 Shaanxi Nature Museum ( 陕西自然博物馆 ), 88 Chang'an South Road, Yanta District (雁塔区长安南路88号) ( Exit B, Huizhan Zhongxin Metro Station, Line 2 ), ☏ +86 29 85331352 , +86 29 85331256 . 09:00-17:00, no tickets sold after 16:00, no entry after 16:30 . The museum has exhibitions on nature, science and technology. There is also an exhibition hall devoted to the coal industry, as well as a dome cinema and a 5D cinema. ¥30 (nature exhibition plus coal exhibition), ¥20 (science & technology exhibitions), ¥40 (science and technology exhibitions plus dome cinema), ¥30 (dome cinema only) . ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 34.265523 108.951513 6 Shaanxi Science & Technology Museum ( 陕西科学技术馆, 陕西科技馆 ), 252 Dongxin Street, Xincheng District (新城区东新街252号) ( near the Xincheng Square (新城广场) bus stop, which is served by bus nos. 16, 32, 46, 102, 182, 251, 286, 309, 601, 603, 702 and Tourist Bus 7; about 805 meters northwest of Dachashi Metro Station on Line 4 and about 876 meters east of Zhonglou Metro Station on Line 2 ), ☏ +86 29 87215521 . 09:00-17:00, no entry after 15:00, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays . The museum has four floors. The first floor focuses on the history of human technological development. The second floor is devoted to electromagnetics. The third floor is concerned with optics, mechanics and mathematics. The fourth and uppermost floor has multimedia and electronics exhibitions. Tickets are free but there are strict limitations on visitor numbers. From Wednesday to Friday, there are no more than 600 tickets available per day, and on the weekend, there are no more than 1000 tickets available per day. Visitors cannot visit the museum more than once on a single day . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.232695 108.939668 7 Shaanxi Province Art Museum ( 陕西美术博物馆 ), 14 Chang'an North Road, Beilin District (碑林区长安北路14号) ( Tiyuchang Metro Station, Line 2 ), ☏ +86 29 85268292 . 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays . One of the largest art museums in western China. Not be confused with the Shaanxi Art Museum (listed above). Free . ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 34.212595 108.958654 8 Xi'an Art Museum ( 西安美术馆 ), Zhenguan Culture Square, Great Tang All Day Mall, Qujiang New District (曲江新区大唐不夜城贞观文化广场) ( about 840 meters northwest of Datang Furongyuan Metro Station on Line 4 ), ☏ +86 29 85352880 , [email protected] . 10:00-22:00, closed on Mondays . Displays a wide range of artworks from both Chinese and foreign artists. Free . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.243227 108.975215 9 Xi'an Jiaotong University Museum ( 西安交通大学博物馆 ), 28 Xianing West Road, Beilin District (碑林区咸宁西路28号) ( about 500 meters east of Taiyi Metro Station on Line 5; in the soutwest corner of the campus ), ☏ +86 29 82665634 . 09:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, closed on Sundays . Maintains a collection of around 5000 historical and cultural artefacts. Free . ( updated Jan 2021 )

Historical sites [ edit ]

• 34.274222 108.95018 14 Eighth Route Army Xi'an Office Museum ( 八路军西安办事处纪念馆 ), No. 1 Qixianzhuang, Beixin Street, Xincheng District (新城区北新街七贤庄1号) ( 770 meters from Beidajie Metro Station (Lines 1 and 2) and about 800 meters from Wulukou Metro Station (Lines 1 and 4); bus nos. 511 and 703 stop nearby ), ☏ +86 29 87214661 . 09:00-17:00, closed on most Mondays, except Mondays that fall on a public holiday . The Eighth Route Army was a Communist-controlled group army that was created from the Red Army in 1937 when the Communists and the Nationalists formed the Second United Front against Japan. From 1937 to 1946, this site served as the army's official liaison office for coordinating communications with the Nationalist authorities in Xi'an. Visitors to the site are required to make a booking on WeChat before visiting (see website for QR code). Free . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.264411 108.938658 15 Gao Family Compound ( 高家大院, Gao's Grand Courtyard ), 144 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District (莲湖区北院门144号) ( Zhonglou Metro Station (Line 2); near the Great Mosque ), ☏ +86 29 87401029 . 10:00-19:00 . Built over 400 years ago during the late Ming Dynasty, this 86-room courtyard mansion is the former residence of a famous scholar-official by the name of Gao Yuesong (高岳崧). The mansion has been fully restored and turned into a museum. It also functions as a venue for puppet shows. The Gao Family Compound should not be confused with Gao Peizhi's former residence on Xinglong Lane, another traditional residence which is sometimes also referred to as 'the Gao Family Compound'. ¥15 (entry ticket only), ¥30 (entry ticket + puppet show) . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.273098 108.935133 16 General Yang Hucheng's Zhiyuan Villa ( 杨虎城将军止园别墅 ), 117 Qingnian Road, Lianhu District (莲湖区青年路117号) ( about 700 meters east of Sajinqiao Metro Station on Line 1 and about 800 meters west of Beidajie Metro Station on Lines 1 and 2 ), ☏ +86 29 87333971 , [email protected] . 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays . One of two heritage properties administered by the Xi'an Incident Museum (西安事变纪念馆). the other being General Zhang Xueliang's Official Residence (listed below). Generals Yang Hucheng and Zhang Xueliang were the leading conspirators behind the Xi'an Incident. Free . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.258689 108.963038 17 General Zhang Xueliang's Official Residence ( 张学良将军公馆 ), 69 Jianguo Road, Beilin District (碑林区建国路69号) ( about 600 meters from Dachashi Metro Station on Line 4 ), ☏ +86 29 87418247 , [email protected] . 08:30-17:00, closed on Mondays . The Xi'an Incident Museum's main exhibition halls are at this site. Free . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 34.249134 108.903325 18 Tang West Market Museum ( 大唐西市博物馆 ), 118 Laodong South Road, Lianhu District (莲湖区劳动南路118号) ( 725 meters east of Fengqing Gongyuan Metro Station (Line 5) and 757 meters north of Xibei Gongye Daxue Metro Station (Lines 5 and 6); the nearest bus stop is the Great Tang West Market (大唐西市) bus stop, which is served by bus routes 24, 28, 43, 106, 107, 156, 184, 201, 322, 503, and 734 ), ☏ +86 29 84351808 , [email protected] . 09:00-17:30 (summer), 09:00-17:00 (winter), no entry in last 60 minutes, closed on Mondays and the eve of Chinese New Year . Said to be China's first ever privately run on-site archaeological museum. The museum is located at the site of the excavated ruins of the West Market, probably the most important market in China during the Tang Dynasty. Thousands of artefacts have been unearthed at the site, including not only Tang Dynasty artefacts, but also artefacts from earlier and later dynasties. General admission is free. Tickets for the special exhibitions are ¥60. Tickets for the epitaph collection are ¥150. . ( updated Feb 2021 )

Religious sites [ edit ]

• 34.262446 108.932656 21 City God Temple of Xi'an ( 西安城隍庙, 西安都城隍庙 ), 129 West Avenue, Lianhu District (莲湖区西大街129号) ( about 900 meters west of the Drum Tower ), ☏ +86 29 87278333 . 08:30-17:30 . A Taoist temple dedicated to the city god of Xi'an, the protector god of the city whose earthly incarnation was the Han Dynasty general Ji Xin. The temple was originally established in 1387 at a site near the city's east gate. It was moved to the present location in 1432 and rebuilt in 1723 after being destroyed in a fire. It is one of the largest city god temples in China. Free . ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 34.265695 108.975242 23 Eight Immortals Temple ( 万寿八仙宫; Wànshòu Bāxiān Gōng, 八仙庵 Bāxiān Ān ), 12 Beihuo Alley, Changle Lane, Beilin District (碑林区长乐坊北火巷12号) ( about 1 km southwest of Kangfu Lu Metro Station on Line 1 ), ☏ +86 29 82488214 , [email protected] . 08:00-18:00 . An active Daoist temple built for the famous Eight Immortals, including the Eight Immortals Bridge, lots of steles in the walls with text and illustrations, and multiple worship halls. ¥3 .  

Outside the city [ edit ]

• 34.120198 108.878072 29 Shaanxi Archaeological Museum ( 陕西考古博物馆 ), Intersection of Wenyuan South Road and Zhongnan Avenue, Chang'an District (长安区文苑南路与终南大道交汇处) ( take bus no. 738 and get off at Wenyuan Road South Entrance (文苑路南口); you can catch bus no. 738 from Weiqunan Station on Metro Line 2 ), ☏ +86 29 89251666 . 09:00-17:00, tickets must be collected between 09:00 and 12:00 or between 13:00 and 16:00, visitors must enter by 16:20 . Opened in 2022, this new museum displays artefacts from several important archaeological sites in Shaanxi Province. Visitors are required to make a booking on the Shaanxi Archaeological Research Institute's WeChat account before visiting the museum. The WeChat account name is 陕西考古 (Shaanxi Archaeology). Free . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 34.184223 109.489491 33 Lantian Man Site ( 蓝田猿人遗址 ), Gongwangling, Jiujianfang Town, Lantian County (蓝田县九间房镇公王岭) ( take bus no. 904 from Sanfuwan Bus Station (near Xi'an Railway Station), get off at Qiancheng (前程), then walk from there ), ☏ +86 29 82971807 . 09:00-16:30 . In 1964, at this site in Lantian County, the cranium of a hominid was discovered. The discovery came just one year after a mandible belonging to a similar individual had been found in another part of the county. The two individuals were later classified as belonging to a subspecies of Homo erectus known as Homo erectus lantianensis or Lantian Man. A small museum at the site displays both the cranium and the mandible, as well as a collection of stone tools and animal fossils, which were also found in the area. Free . ( updated Mar 2022 )

Parks and nature [ edit ]

• 34.058446 108.35181 35 Qinling National Botanical Garden ( 秦岭国家植物园 ), Guanzhong Circuit, Jixian Town, Zhouzhi County (周至县集贤镇) ( take the Huanshan No. 1 bus (环山1号线) from the bus stop on the east side of Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza (大雁塔北广场); get off at the bus stop called Fortune God Hometown (财神故里); the journey will probably take about two and half hours; alternatively you can take bus no. 106 from the Zhouzhi Bus Station in the county seat of Zhouzhi County ), ☏ +86 29 85187555 , [email protected] . 08:30-17:30 (March to October), 09:00-17:00 (November to February); no tickets issued in last 60 minutes . Covering an area of 639 square kilometers, the Qinling National Botanical Garden lays claim to being the largest botanical garden in the world. ¥65 (March to November), ¥45 (December to February) . ( updated May 2023 )
• Taiping National Park ( 太平国家公园 ) ( 44 km southwest of Xi'an, north slope of Qinling Mountain ). Famous for its waterfall and the largest area of wild Zijing flower (the city flower of Hong Kong) in north China.  
• Xiangyu Forest Park ( 祥峪森林公园 ) ( 37 km south of Xi'an, north slope of Qinling Mountain ).  

Do [ edit ]

• Stroll round the Drum and Bell Tower area after dark, when they're brilliantly illuminated.
• 34.2618 108.9407 1 Hui Muslim Quarter ( Huimin Street (回民街 Huímínjiē) ) ( northwest of the Bell Tower ). Walk through the Muslim quarter sampling food and buying souvenirs. The Hui Muslim Quarter (回民街 Huí mín jiē , hwei-min-jyeh) is a series of small alleys located in a high-density Hui community (very much like Chinatown in North America) inside the city walls, where the residences open up small restaurants and food shops. Street food is also very common as well. Some of these restaurants are among the most famous ones in the city, regarded as the "true Xi'an cuisine" by the locals. The food served is very special in flavour compared to other kinds of local food. However, visitors from outside the city may dislike the environment while the locals may not, because garbage can be seen almost everywhere on the street. ( updated Aug 2021 )

• Walk the City Walls . Walk along the city walls and see the South Gate (南门 Nánmén , literally translated as "The Southern Gate"), which is illuminated at night. The area outside of the "Gate" is full of big shopping malls that are popular among the locals, marked with the iconic glass-curtain walled buildings. The area is one of the busiest places of interests in the city. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Bike the City Walls . Bicycling around the city walls will take about 2 hours leisurely and just over an hour if you only stop a little. Bicycles can be rented on each of the four main gates for 180 minutes, ¥45 per person (=¥90 for a tandem), and it may to be returned to any of the other stations (however, be sure to verify this before starting your ride or if they are still open as the other gates close at ~20:00). Remember to take your passport with you as a deposit for the bike that you rent, or ¥200. Make sure that you keep the deposit ticket, as the bike vendor will not give you the deposit back without it! Also, the bikes are generally relatively new and well maintained, but check the tire pressure and whether the brakes work before choosing yours. It's good to enjoy the scenery while biking the City Walls, but the biking experience may not be very pleasant. Because the City Wall's ground is very bumpy in nature (it was paved around 200 years ago), most people give up in midway because they can't bear the uncomfortable riding experience. Also choose a day when the weather is friendly, usually in Spring and Fall. ( updated Aug 2021 )

Buy [ edit ]

Souvenirs [ edit ].

Xi'an souvenirs include small copies of terracotta warriors, wood-carved Buddhas and dragons, Tang Tricolored Pottery, hand made paper cut (by many regarded as the most important arts form in Xi'an), all other kind of folk art and also fake western products.

• Terracotta Warriors ( 秦始皇兵马俑 ). If you are visiting the Terracotta Warriors, be prepared to meet some of the most hardcore hawkers you are likely to meet anywhere. If you keep quiet, they will usually bargain themselves down in front of you in desperate pleas for your money. A box of 15-cm-high Terracotta Warriors cost ¥5-10 (if you're lucky) or ¥15-25 (more likely) even if they offer it to you for ¥45. Wood-carved Buddhas and Dragons for about the same. They are fortunately kept at a distance from the actual site. Many travelers report enjoying this experience. It is definitely not a reason to avoid seeing the Terracotta Warriors. The exit from the pit areas to the parking lot leads through long avenues lined with souvenir stalls and shops. The barkers will try to get your business, but are not as aggressive as the touts at the entrance or immediate exits.  
• Calligraphy Street (书院门步行街) ( Near South Gate inside the city wall towards the east, walking down South Street on the left side, continue to where the road splits in front of South Gate and turn left to find the entrance gate next to a small pagoda, midway do a slight dog leg to the right, at the far end is the Forest of Steles ). This is another souvenir shopping area. Less hectic than the Muslim Quarter.  
• Tang Tricolored Pottery Factory ( 唐朝三色陶器厂 ). Tang Tricolored Pottery is a style that was lost and has now been recreated from pieces of pottery found in tombs. It is graphic in image and eye-pleasing in color. The factory recreating the style offers over 100 varieties of items, like statues, animals and utensils.  

Clothes [ edit ]

Xi'an is a great place to buy clothes.

• East Street ( Dong Dajie ) ( The eastern of the four big streets descending from the central Bell Tower ). Has regular fashion shops. On the right side of the street there is an underground mall (called LuoMaShi) where one can find cheap socks, knockoff goods, and local brands  
• South Street ( Nan Dajie ). Has finer clothes and shoes, and is home to boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Marc Jacobs.  
• Baihui Market ( 百汇市场 ) ( In Xiaozhai (小寨), ¥10 by taxi from the city center ). Local youngsters shop here. It is one of those fake-brand markets. Sport shoes should be less than ¥150, pullovers and nice jeans sometimes less than ¥100, lots of cheap fashion accessories. This is also a great place for DVDs and CDs but understand these are mostly pirated copies.  
• Kangfu Road ( Outside the east city wall, straight through the Northeast Gate ). A great place for a bargain. Nothing is (bargained for) over ¥50 and most clothes can be bargained down to about ¥20 if you are really aggressive. But this place is full of poor quality stuff.  
• Shida Lu . A trendy place to shop in a largely student populated area in the south of the city. Shida Lu has lots of hair salons, and clothing boutiques.  
• Century Ginwa . This luxury shopping mall has three locations in Xi'an. One downtown by the Drum Tower, one in Gaoxing on Keji Lu, and one just outside of the South Gate.  

Books [ edit ]

• Foreign Language Bookstore ( 外文书店 ), 349 Dong Dajie, Xincheng District; 西安市新城区东大街349号 , ☏ +86 29 8721 9872 . The best place to hunt down an English language novel or book. Almost every major city in China has one these days, but don't expect to be overwhelmed by the fabulous selection of English books – whether in Xi'an or in any city in China. Expect to find a handful of popular novels and classic prose. You'll also find bucket loads of English language text books and dictionaries for studying purposes. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Jiahui Hantang Book City ( 嘉汇汉唐书城 ), 111 Chang’an Zhonglu, Yanta District; 西安市雁塔区长安中路111号 , ☏ +86 29 85219888 . 09:00-21:00 . The largest bookstore in Xi'an, Book City has a fairly decent selection of imported English books. You'll find a wide range of books here, from educational ones, to classic novels, and modern literature to children's books. The place gets swamped with people at the weekends, so for a more pleasant browsing experience, come during a weekday. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Xi'an Book Building ( 西安图书大厦 ), 214 Jiefang Lu; 西安市新城区解放路236 , ☏ +86 29 87416666 . 09:00-21:00 . Four floors of books as far as the eye can see. Though the vast majority of books are in the Chinese language, you will find a small selection of English books on the second floor. The building also houses a small audio and video section, as well as a café. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore ( 钟楼新华书店 ), 377 Dong Dajie; 西安市东大街377号 , ☏ +86 29 8724 0844 . 09:00-20:00 . Another very small English language book selection can be found at the Bell Tower Xinhua Bookstore. Unless you're nearby, your best bet for English books is still the Foreign Language Bookstore or even the Book City. However, if you're also looking for stationary, cards, wrapping paper etc. then it may be worth checking out and to trying to kill two birds with the one stone. Otherwise don't expect an English-language book Mecca here. ( updated Oct 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

The Xi'an as is today is very different from like 10 or 20 years ago, when there were only certain restaurants known by the locals to serve delicious food. Now the restaurants are everywhere, especially ones like KFC and McDonald. Unfortunately the younger generations don't seem to appreciate the traditional cuisines and rather choose to eat fast food. Therefore, some of good old restaurants are forced to close down, being taken over by the newer ones.

Xi'an specialties include:

• Yángròu Pàomó (羊肉泡馍) is one of the signature dishes of the area, it consists of a piece of thick, chewy bread and a kettle of lamb soup. The diner shreds the bread with his hands and places the shreds in a bowl, the soup is then poured over the shreds (along with meat, maybe some noodles or scallion, etc.) The trick is to shred the bread into pieces that are "as small as possible", like the size of your pinky fingernail. Most first-timers will shred their bread in pieces that are too large. In some restaurants, they have already shredded the bread for you. It is normally also served with pickled garlic and chili. If you don't like lamb, some restaurants also offer a beef version. The best, and the most authentically made of this dish can be found in the Hui Muslim Quarter.
• Ròu jiā mó (肉夹馍) is the closest thing to a hamburger. This is a local tradition and should be very easy to locate. Sandwich-like, with pork, beef or lamb, this is a must-try item for anyone who is in this area. Still, as a dish that is derived from Hui people's cuisine, the best Ròu jiā mó restaurant is to be found usually within the City Walls, specifically in the Hui Muslim Quarters. Not every Ròu jiā mó restaurant in the city serves the food just like the original. A recommendation of such an "authentic" restaurant would be Yú Lǎo Dà (literally translated as "Mr.Yu's") located in the Wuxing Street, just across the Roman Catholic church. It mostly serves food for breakfast, so get in there in the morning just in case it closes at noon.
• Xiǎo lóng bāozi (小笼包子) are basket-steamed dumplings (one basket ¥3), common as a midnight snack. Look for its big brother "Da baozi" only available first thing in the mornings, like a steamed Cornish pastie, but very nice.
• Guàn tāng bāozi (灌汤包子) are steamed buns served with sauces inside.
• Shìzi bǐng (柿子饼) are buns made from persimmons, stuffed with something (e.g. black sesame paste), and deep-fried, so they're quite sticky-sweet. You can find many sellers in the Muslim Quarter, and they are only ¥1 each or less!
• Lǜdòu gāo (绿豆糕) are literally green bean cakes (come in small cubes), but they're more moist than you may find elsewhere and also come with a variety of mixings (e.g. sesame). Half a Jin should be about six cubes and cost about ¥5 at a cart in the Muslim Quarter.
• Ice Peak, or BīngFēng (冰峰) is a kind of carbonated orange-flavoured beverage that is a provincial specialty. Its taste is very similar to the orange-flavoured Fanta, but locals still prefer the "traditional" Ice Peak. It is usually served in traditional restaurants, mostly within the City Walls, such as Biáng biáng miàn restaurants. It is known by the locals to be made with better-quality oranges, and therefore the company is not making as much profit as, for example, Coca-Cola. The price for one glass bottle is usually ¥2-3.

Some good places to look for restaurants are:

• The Muslim Quarter close to the Drum Tower is a vibrant area with many restaurants spilling out onto the street and mixing with the street sellers. If you're looking for snacks, this area is also full of people selling dried fruit (especially dates) and nuts/seeds (sunflower, melon, pumpkin, etc.) Prices are per Jin (500 g) and are pretty much standardized throughout the area, so you can't really bargain unless you're buying a lot (but who wants 1 kg of peanuts anyway?) Watch out for the pits in the dates! As its name suggests, this is a good place to look for halal food. Since the Muslim Quarter is basically a series of small alleys, there are multiple entrances. The one commonly used by the locals is located behind a shopping mall called Bǎi Shèng (百盛) on the West Avenue, at the northern end of the South Guangji Street. Another one where you can find meat shops more easily is located at the northern end of Qiaozikou. Visitors usually are directed to the one behind the Drum Tower, where you can find more souvenir shops.
• Street food (mostly sold after sunset, or some near night clubs/bars after 23:00) presents a variety of local/regional dishes, ranging from noodle soups, dumplings, hot pot, and so on by tens of little food vendors on street side, each with a red lamp. There are a few roads running perpendicular to the Muslim Quarter road that have a larger variety of streetside food (at cheaper prices because these roads are harder to access). As streetside stores are nearly a model of perfect competition, look out for food sold at significantly higher prices, yet maintain a long queue as these are likely to be tastier. For instance, some vendors may unscrupulously sell beef mixed with lamb and pass the meat off as pure lamb meat to cut their cost, however those who sell real lamb meat usually charge a higher price.
• If Muslim food isn't your thing, you can find a few more typically Chinese restaurants on Dongmutou Shi (东木头市) southeast of the bell tower .

Budget [ edit ]

A good way if you do not want the expensive hotel food or just want to try real Chinese cuisine, is to simply go into a small restaurant and point to a dish somebody else is having and you will get a meal for less than ¥10 (seldom ¥20) per person. It's best to do so within the City Walls, as most restaurants there are family businesses and may have been there for a very long time. The real good old restaurants, especially those run by Hui people, usually serve very delicious food that is also very cheap. Most of these have been there for quite a long time, and are usually found within the City Walls. But such restaurants are scattered across the area. It's best to ask someone that you know for which ones to go to.

A good street for eating is Xiyang Shi running east–west near the mosque in the Muslim quarter.

• 34.269297 108.935563 1 Wen Xin Jiaozi Guan ( 温馨饺子馆 ), 123 Xushimiao Street ( Next to the Good World Hotel, off of Lian Hu Lu ). A good cheap place for jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). There is no menu, but endless supplies of fresh jiaozi of many flavors. From ¥4-5 a bowl . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 34.259032 108.948544 2 Lao Sun Jia ( 老孙家 ), 364 Dong Dajie . Has fantastic yangrou paomo which is very cheap but flavorful. No English spoken but easy to communicate with sign language! Franchises all across town. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC or its Chinese brother, Dicos, are widely available within city walls for a change from the daily Chinese cuisine. There are also three Starbucks within a 5-minute walk of the Bell Tower.

• 34.20545 108.97 3 [dead link] Caprice Restaurant + Bar ( 卡佩斯西餐厅 ), 11B Diamond Peninsula, Corner of Yan Nan 3rd Road and Furong West Road, Qujiang District (曲江新区雁南三路钻石半岛11B, 雁南三路芙蓉西路十字路口西南角) ( take the 500 bus, get off 1 stop past the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) at the Starbucks and walk east 500 m ), ☏ +86 29 89136510 , [email protected] . 11:00-22:00 . An upbeat restaurant designed like a Chicago-style steakhouse that has pretty authentic Italian and British pub food. For those only wanting drinks there is an Los Angeles-style lounge where they specialize in cocktails. Good portion size and popular with the local expats. If you go during lunch or in the early evenings you can chat with the Canadian owners for traveling tips. US$8-16 .  
• Highfly Pizza ( 高飞 ) ( Down the right hand street after coming out of South Gate (南门) ). Real pizza and other western food. Unfortunately the one out of the South Gate closed down a couple of years ago. But the brand continues to exist, under which several restaurants are run across the city, usually in big shopping malls, but the taste isn't all like before. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Green Molly Restaurant & Pub ( 绿茉莉 ) ( 200 m north of Ginwa Shopping Center on the intersection of Gaoxin Road and Keji Road (西安市高新区高科大厦副楼一层 (世纪金花商场后门向北200米路东)) ), ☏ +86 29 81883339 . 10:00-23:00 . A restaurant where you can indulge in the tastes of home, whether that be in the U.S., Europe or even Mexico. The restaurant owns only the second authentic pizza oven in Xi'an. Downstairs, the first and only real pub in Xi'an has a wide selection of beverages ranging from imported beers to wine and delicious cocktails.  
• Small World Cafe ( Jiànguómén 建国门 ), Huancheng Nanlu Dongduan 90# ( outside Jian Guo Gate (建国门外) ). 11:00-22:30 . Run by a Dutch woman and her Chinese husband. Known by the older generations as "the oldest western restaurant in Xi'an", which opened in the early 70s. Great European cafe feel. Good food. Pizza, salad, fried chicken and real cake. From the windows, one could see busy Huancheng Nanlu (环城南路), while it is really quiet inside. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Delhi Darbar ( 新德里餐厅 ), Dayanta West Road (雁塔区大唐通易坊东头路北) ( directly west of the Big Goose Pagoda on a street full of upscale bars and restaurants ). Authentic North Indian food run by a wonderful Indian manager. Service is good, food is divinely delicious, and prices are very affordable. Mango Lassi for only ¥10 is a must-have. Average meal price is about ¥40 per person.  
• Village Cafe . A nice urban cafe on Shi Da Lu that offers burgers, steaks, and all sorts of drinks and desserts. From ¥30-60 per person.  

Splurge [ edit ]

Luxury restaurants serving western food are virtually everywhere to be found in big shopping malls these days, mostly in the southern suburbs.

• La Seine , Nandajie (南大街) ( near Bell Tower ). French style restaurant.  
• Tang Paradise Hotel ( near the Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang Resort of Xi'an ). Dinner Show in a large 165 acres theme park. The charm lies in that all the buildings in the park are built in the luxurious style of the Tang Dynasty. The best time to visit is at night when most of the shows, including fireworks and dances, are performed.  
• Koi , Sofitel on Ren Min square . Japanese cuisine.  
• Village Cafe (32 Shi Da Lu, opposite of Bank of China). If you miss your burger, this is the place to go.

Drink [ edit ]

Night clubs in Xi'an are not abundant. All clubs play the same music, a mix of Chinese disco and some pop music. Most people go out between 22:00 and 01:00, but clubs are generally open until 04:00.

Be mentally prepared to be aggressively approached by club operators desperate for patrons.

In summer time, the area around South Gate (南门) is beautiful. East of it are three nice bars with terraces and gardens.

Along the short Nandajie (南大街) are the most clubs (you can also eat on the street as there are restaurants open past midnight).

• MIX ( Big light ad ). Rather nice places to sit and drink.  
• Palando . Rather nice place to sit and drink.  
• Night Cat . Dance floor, some foreigners and OK DJs.  
• Kulala . Dance floor.  

Other options include:

• 1+1 ( 一加一; pronounced ), Dongdajie (东大街) ( in the middle of the street ). Remains one of the most popular clubs and definitely the most popular among foreigners. The club has 2 dance floors: first floor is mostly J-pop music, second floor is mostly hip-hop. There is a relaxed open air bar on the 5th floor which has live music every night.  
• De Fu Lou Cafe & Bar ( De Fu Lou Paulaner Bar ), De Fu Xiang Street . In Bar Street (De Fu Xiang), one of the first bars ever to open in Xi'an and a favorite hangout for locals. Live football on the big screen and live music every night.  
• Salsa ( 莎莎; Shasha ), 7F, Parkson building, No.107 West Street . It is probably the most popular club. This club is your best bet on Fridays and Saturdays however yi-jia-yi is more consistent during the week. The dance floor, while smaller than yi-jia-yi's, is usually less crowded, so you have a bit more room to dance. Be careful if your group is mainly non-Chinese as they sometimes decide to limit the number of foreigners allowed in.  
• Off-road Tea Bar , Jiefang Road ( 800 m S direct to Xi'an Railway Station ). Has been checked by Google Business. Here, one could enjoy the fresh green tea in Southern Shaanxi and could meet local cycling and trekking lover.  
• Havana Bar , Renmin Square ( in Sofitel Hotel ). Has a Colombian band and makes good cocktails. It's not your average Buena Vista Social Club, though: they play loud music in between band performances and the band plays a wide array of pop and salsa. This location is more of a club than an actual Latin bar.  
• The Belgian Bar , 69 Shun Cheng Nan Lu Dong Duan ( 150 m east inside the South Gate ), ☏ +86 13201672369 . The first and only Belgian bar in Xi'an. Friendly pub atmosphere and huge range of beers. Popular with expats and locals. Awesome location facing onto the city wall.  
• Vice Versa , Wen Chang Men (Wen Chang Gate) ( Beilin History Museum (Beilin Bo wu guan) ), ☏ +86 151 092 72480 . 15:00-05:00 . Vice Versa is a cultural mix of east and west, found in one of the older districts of Xi'an. With a relaxed cafe/restaurant open during the day, a lively bar serving a mix of western and Asian beers/cocktails at night, and a crowd of expats and Xi'an locals. Has a skate shop on the third floor, run by Converse pro-skater Xiao Jian. It is next to the front gate of the Forest of Steles History Museum, next to the city wall at Wen Chang Gate; you can call Mike at 151 092 72480 if you get lost.  
• Park Qin ( basement Qin bar ), A-2 Shuncheng West Alley (inside the South City Gate), Beilin District, Xi'an ( go to South Gate. Walk along inside wall about 20 meters. Go into hostel and down stairs into basement ). An underground basement bar (underneath Xi'an Shuyuan International Youth [Party] Hostel [see listing below]). Always packed, with live entertainment and a lot of laowai. Go early to get a table. Entrance not marked. Press blue-lit buzzer beside door to get in. Can be a really wild party. ( updated Jan 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

As with most Chinese cities, several cheap run down hotels can be found near the train station. There are a few decent ones inside the city walls, on a road called Jie Fang Lu , going directly south from the train station. Bargaining is possible, especially if you are staying for more than one night. Expect to pay under ¥100 for a single room as getting a room for as low as ¥30 is possible.

There are at least six international youth hostels in the center of the city, and they are easy to find.

Booking on the Internet will usually save you money, prices start around ¥15.

• 3e Hotels International , 54 Nandajie ( between the South Gate and the Bell Tower, next door to a KFC on the W side of the street ). Single room with free broadband internet is ¥154. Right outside the door is a coffee shop.  
• Bob's Guesthouse , 85 Huan Cheng Bei Lu Rd ( just outside the city walls, a short walk from the train station ). Doubles with en-suite bathroom for ¥100; dorms from ¥25 (summer 2006) .  
• Ludao Binguan , 80 Xi Ba Lu (西八路) , ☏ +86 29 87420308 , fax : +86 29 82101222 . A nicer-than-average hotel and hostel. Dorm rooms are between ¥25-50, depending on the season. Reasonably nice hotel room for around ¥75. The manager Jim Beam is friendly.  
• [dead link] Hq Guesthouse in Xi'an , Hong Cheng Guoji Gong Yu, Xihuamen Shizi, 西安市, 陕西省, 710003 , ☏ +86 13149250037 . Small but cozy setup in a brand new apartment complex by the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an. Free pickup, free internet. 1-bedroom apartments from ¥300. .  
• Xi'an Shuyuan International Youth Hostel , Xi Nanmen , ☏ +86 29 87287720 , fax : +86 29 87287721 . Excellent location next to the South Gate. 8 people dorm from ¥35/night. There is an excellent pub under the hostel, and a very nice coffee house. Perfect place to hang out, surf internet, a 10-minute walk from Drum Tower and the Muslim snack street! Updated: 09.02.2012  
• Han Tang Inn Youth Hostel , 7 South Long Alley , ☏ +86 29 87231126 , +86 29 87287772 . The hostel is in a 4 floor building down an alley near the Bell Tower. Rates range from ¥30-160; doubles with en suite bathroom costs ¥120/night (as of June 2010; booked on hostelworld.com). The hostel includes a bar on the 4th floor with TV, pool table, movies and 3 guitars. Free computer use for internet in the lobby. The Wi-Fi in the rest of the building is iffy but you can ask for an Ethernet cable. The staff run lots of events (e.g. a dumpling party) each wee. Have a partner, Shuyuan Hostel, near the South Gate.  
• [formerly dead link] duolamaer gallery international youth hostel , 7 Shuncheng Avenue, Zhuque Gate ( 10 m from South Gate ), ☏ +86 15129032007 . Duolamaer is a painting-themed hostel providing a vibrant accommodation for independent travelers who require basic but clean living facilities. It is run by a bunch of arts enthusiasts, who give that place a creative and aesthetic atmosphere.  
• Warriors International Youth Hostel , No.98 Bei Ma Dao Xiang ( across the street from the West Wall, North from the main West Gate and South of the Lama Temple ). Great budget option, in a quiet spot along the inside of the West City Wall. Opened April 2012 - facilities are clean, spacious, and comfortable. Staff are young, friendly, have a good grip on English. Free train station pickup, A/C, Wi-fi, computer use, and one beer/coffee ticket. Train 103 within easy walking distance to/from train station. Dorms posted as ¥50, book online through a 3rd party for ¥20/night.  
• [dead link] Ancient City Youth Hostel ( 古城青年旅舍 ), 4 Lianhu Rd, Xi'an ( take the subway to Beidajie and take exit B; turn around and pass the police station to find the entrance in a backyard behind another hotel; from the main train station, take bus 9 or 103 to Beidajie, or ask them to pick you up ), ☏ +86 2987365338 . A cozy and modern place, clean and in very good shape. Well-heated rooms and comfortable beds. Staff speak good English and know all of the important bus routes. There is a very nice bar (Tsingtao ¥12), although your experience with the food may vary. The breakfast sets (¥20 upwards) are recommended, however. A pool table and a ping pong table are available, as is a fitness room. On the downside, rooms close to the bar tend to be noisy and draw smoke. ¥40 upwards .  
• 34.248882 108.986251 1 Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi'an , 159 Xingqing Rd, Beilin District , ☏ +86 29 8338 0588 , [email protected] . Offers 139 studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Amenities such as fully-equipped kitchen, gymnasium, business center are available. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Xian Central Serviced Apartments , Xihuamen Shizi , ☏ +86 15829031947 . Xian central serviced apartments are more than 100 m². Spacious, newly furnished, clean and about 1 min walk to the Muslim Quarter. Free PC and internet in every apartment. Provide free use of mobile phone for guests to use while out exploring the city  
• Qindao Business Hotel ( 西安秦道商务酒店 ), 100 Nan Guang Ji Jie ( along Xi Dajie across from the Parkson Shopping Center and entrance to the Muslim Quarter ), ☏ +86 29 87615888 . Free internet and cable TV in the rooms. Travel office and public computer available in the lobby. Complimentary breakfast at 4th floor restaurant of mediocre quality, but their regular menu items are quite good and the view from the balcony is great. Laundry service: 2 day turnaround ¥10/item. Beware of the massage place on the 7th floor. It is nasty. ¥286 for a double room (2 people) and up .  
• Grand Mercure on Renmin Square ( 西安豪华美居人民大厦 ), 319 Dongxin St ( in the grounds of Renmin Square. ), ☏ +86 29 87928888 , [email protected] . A heritage hotel of 202 rooms, 21 suites, first opened in 1957 and reflects the Sino Russian style of architecture.  
• Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an ( 西安美居人民大厦 ), 319 Dongxin St ( in the grounds of Renmin Square. ), ☏ +86 29 87928888 , [email protected] . A heritage hotel of 113 rooms, opened in 1957 and reflects the Sino Russian style of architecture. From ¥594 .  
• 34.262 108.949 2 Nanlin International Hotel , No. 8 Nanxin Street, Xincheng District, 西安市 SA , ☏ +86 29 87216000 . Nanlin International Hotel is a four-star hotel in Xincheng District. It is 3 km from Xi'an Railway Station and 40 km from Xianyang International Airport. Air-con room equipped with cable TV and free high-speed Internet access. Best rates on official website start at ¥287 .  
• [dead link] Warriors apartments , Building B, Hongcity International apartment, No.15 Xihuamen St., Xi'an , ☏ +86 13519197819 , [email protected] . Family-run, boutique apartment hotel. Qin-styled accommodations with 40 life-size warriors in the three apartments. Each apartment has terracotta warriors and has 1 or 2 bedrooms, bathroom, dining area, TV, bed quilts, oven, full kitchen facilities and broadband internet access.  
• Ibis Hotel , 59, Heping Road, Xian , ☏ +86 2987275555 . Part of Accor Group. Very basic facilities. Free broadband internet access. Price per night starts from ¥199 .  
• Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel ( 金花豪生國際大酒店 ), 18 West Section, Huancheng S Rd ( 200 m outside south gate of walled city ). 5-star in two modern towers with 324 rooms. From US$ 60 ppn . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• Golden Flower Hotel , JiaoDa ShangYe JieQu, Xincheng Qu ( 5 km east of walled city, take metro 1 to Tonghua Men B ). 5-star hotel, large rooms with views. Swimming pool, spa, 3 restaurants, lobby bar and shops. Double from US$50 . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• Sheraton Xi'an Hotel , 262 Feng Hao E Rd ( 2 km west of center, take Metro blue line or bus 611 ), ☏ +86 29 84261888 . Standard 4-star Sheraton offering. This quarter of town is being demolished so it's a bit forlorn. ( updated Sep 2018 )
• Garden Hotel ( 唐华宾馆 ), Ci'en Rd, Yanta District , ☏ +86 29 8760 1111 . Four-star hotel with a stunning imperial-inspired façade and 292 beautifully appointed rooms. Facilities include conference and banquet venues, three restaurants, and an indoor swimming pool. ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 34.336 109.017 3 Jin Jiang International Hotel ( 西安锦江国际酒店, formerly Kempinski ), 6 West Section, Euro-Asia Avenue, Chanba Ecological District ( at river confluence 10 km northeast of walled city ), ☏ +86 29 8355 0000 . 5-star luxury hotel with river view and extensive conference facilities. On opposite bank is Euro-Asia Economic Forum. from US$80 ppn . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 34.228997 108.933914 4 Xi'an Xindicheng, Somerset Serviced Apartments ( 西安盛捷新地城服务公寓 ), No.64 West Section of South 2nd Ring Road, Yanta District ( 400 m west of Metro red line ), ☏ +86 29 8790 9888 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Serviced apartments for short and long stays. Self contained rooms with kitchen, washing machine, shower. Spa on the top floor with gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Close to a university, which has a number of very tasty street food stalls in the morning, and after 23:00. From US$80 ppn . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• Grand Park Xian , 12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, 710068, Xian , ☏ +86 29 8760 8888 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Starting from US$54 .  

Learn [ edit ]

Xi'an Jiaotong University is a locally prestigious institution that offers study programs to foreign students. The website of its school of international education is [1]

Connect [ edit ]

It's not very easy to make friends with the locals in Xi'an, especially if you don't speak the language. Also the most common, or even the only way to keep in touch with anyone in China these days is through Wechat. The locals are mostly not used to using emails. However, in Defu Alley, you can find several bars where Football fans gather during the game seasons, which is a good place to socialize if you are interested in football. Also you may have chances at making friends in Coffee shops too, as that's where new generations like to spend time with friends on weekends.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Xi'an is, like other Chinese cities, generally quite safe. Just watch out for pickpockets in crowds, on the bus, and during national holidays.

Cope [ edit ]

Look at the Beijing#Cope notes as they apply to Xi'an, too. Most importantly, take paper tissue with you to toilets.

Generally, Western style accommodation will have western toilets, whereas the very inexpensive guest house ( zhao dai suo ) will usually have squat toilets. If you need to use western toilets, learn to plan your day accordingly. Major tourist attractions will have western toilets. There seems to be an unwritten agreement that foreigners can use the toilets in most hotels as necessary.

If you arrive in Xi'an by train, try not to be overwhelmed when you exit Xi'an's train station. There are usually aggressive hotel touts looking for customers. Just insist that you already have a place to stay and tell them no, with a serious faced, 不要！ / Bú yào！

Be aware that the taxi drivers at the railway station and near to the airport bus drop off points like to work off-meter and will charge up to ten times the normal fare if they can. Do take this into the context of your country's exchange rate; what may be 10 times the local fare may only realistically be an insignificant monetary cost in your home currency. Also remember that although it may be more expensive than what the locals pay, it may be a small cost for the only available option to get you where you need to go.

It is a good idea to leave your bags at the left luggage office and then go into town to look for accommodation. This way you will not be overwhelmed by the burden of carrying your heavy bags or luggage around.

Go next [ edit ]

• Xianyang was historically part of Xi’an and is closely integrated with Xi’an due to its close geographical proximity. You can reach Xianyang’s urban area just by taking a metro train. Lines 1 and 14 of the Xi’an Metro both connect Xi’an to Xianyang.

• Chen Lu: 3 hours' drive north of Xi'an, this community of artisans has been producing pottery since the Tang dynasty. You need private transport, and the road is hazardous in winter. Take in the Yaozhouyao Kiln Museum, 90 km north of Xi'an on the old road to Chenlu Town. There's fine Yaozhou porcelain from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), and the site of the original kiln.
• Hu Kou Waterfall (壶口瀑布 Húkǒu Pùbù ), 150 km north of Xi'an, can be combined with a trip to Huang Di Mausoleum. You need your own transport as the only bus of the day back to Xi'an departs around 10:00.
• Huashan National Park (华山 Huàshān) 120 km east of Xi'an, takes only 35 min by high-speed train, or 90 min by conventional train or bus. Huashan is a 2160-m mountain with spectacular views; either hike up the 6 km trail (4–6 hours) or take the 10 minute cable car for ¥70 (though the cable car often has lines lasting 2 hours.) Try to catch sunrise on the East peak, but it's cold up there. Accommodation is available but pricey.
• Louguan (楼观), 60 km southwest of Xi'an and two hours by bus, is the base for seeing Louguantai National Park, a Daoist temple complex. A further 2 km west is Daqin Pagoda (大秦塔 Dà Qín Tǎ), a seven-story octagonal tower, probably Buddhist and from the 11th century. But "Daqin" means Roman or Middle Eastern in early Chinese, and some claim the tower was built in 640 AD by Nestorians , Assyrian Christians who reached China via Persia and the Silk Road. It's far-fetched but has done wonders for the tourist trade.

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Once the terminus of the Silk Road and a gathering place of cultures and religions, as well as being home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors, the glory days of Xi'an (西安, Xī’ān; pronounced 'see-an') may have ended in the early 10th century, but a considerable amount of ancient Chang’an, the former city, survives behind the often roaring, modern metropolis . Xi'an’s Ming-era city walls remain intact, vendors of all descriptions still crowd the narrow lanes of the warren-like Muslim Quarter, and there are enough places of interest to keep even the most amateur historian riveted.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

Latest stories from Xi'an

Jan 8, 2020 • 1 min read

Archaeologists have uncovered 200 more terracotta warriors in China, during excavations close to the mausoleum of the country's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Jun 14, 2017 • 8 min read

Jun 8, 2017 • 4 min read

May 8, 2017 • 5 min read

May 5, 2017 • 5 min read

Jan 23, 2017 • 5 min read

Sep 5, 2014 • 7 min read

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Xi'an Travel Guide

Xi'an, anciently known as Chang'an, is the capital city of Shaanxi and the starting point of the Silk Road. It played a very important part in Chinese history.

Xi'an is proud of its profound history and numerous ancient heritage such as Terracotta Army.

Top Things to Do in Xi'an

Xi'an has plenty of sights and interesting places which will unfold its history to travelers. Following are the top 5 things you should not miss when traveling to Xi'an.

• Find the answer to why Emperor Qin built the Terracotta Army ;
• Try local street food at the Muslim Quarter;
• Cycle around the Ancient City Wall to feel and touch a piece of history;
• Visit Shaanxi Historical Museum which tells the stories of the 13 different dynasties which used Xi'an as their capital in Ancient China;
• Trek on the narrow plank along the cliffside at Mt. Huashan .

Read more on Top Things to Do in Xi'an .

Top Attractions in Xi'an

As one of China's seven ancient capitals, Xi'an served as the capital for 13 ancient dynasties over 1,000 years. Except for the world-wowed Terracotta Army of the First Emperor, there are countless other sights scattering the city.

• Terracotta Army
• Ancient City Wall
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Shaanxi Historical Museum
• The Muslim Quarter
• Mount Huashan
• All Xi'an Attractions

Best Time to Visit Xi'an

Xian has four distinct seasons and a moderate climate. The best to visit Xi'an is spring and autumn.

The period from April to May when the blossoms are in full bloom and the period from September to November when the weather is pleasant are the best periods for visiting Xi'an.

• Read more on Xi'an Weather.

Travel Xi'an with Us

Xian is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. While in Xian, you'll be amazed by the majestic Terracotta Army, immerse yourself in the historical and cultural atmosphere.

All these trips are flexible and ready to be customized to meet your interests, schedule, and budget.

2-Day Xi'an Highlights Trip

4-day xian with mt.huashan trip.

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A Xian itinerary | The perfect guide to this fascinating city

We had no idea that Xi’an is so old! In fact it’s over 3,000 years old and as the former capital of China for well over 1,000 years it has a huge amount of history to sink your teeth into. And not forgetting that it was the start of the ancient Silk Road, the route connecting Asia and Europe, moving goods and people for over 2,000 years – culminating in a fantastic mix of cultures. We absolutely loved exploring the city and hopefully have provided the perfect Xian itinerary, so you are in the know before you go!

Why go to Xi’an?

There is apparently an old saying ‘if you haven’t been to Xian, then you haven’t been to China’, which hopefully tells you all you need to know! However, if you need a bit more inspiration on why you should go to Xi’an – here’s a quick insight into why this city is so awesome:

• Being the ‘historical’ capital of China means that the city is littered with numerous cultural and historical sites to visit. You’ve probably heard of the Terracotta Warriors, but there is so much more to explore.
• If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can take on the scariest mountain hikes in the world – Mount Huashan
• With all the cultural diversity that you would expect at the end of the silk road, expect to try some wonderful cuisine
• It is so easy to get to around – the infrastructure is phenomenal, whether you’re arriving by plane or a bullet train. And don’t even get us started on how good the Metro is in Xian!

Read next: How to spend 2 weeks in China.

Our perfect 3 day Xian Itinerary

• Day 1 | Ancient City Walls, Beilin Museum, Chinese Calligraphy
• Day 2 | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• Day 3 | Bell Tower, Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter

How long do you need in Xi’an?

We’d suggest that you spend at least 3 days in Xian to explore all aspects that the city has to offer. We’ve built our Xian itinerary based on 3 full days in the city, however, if you have more time in the city, we’ve also added some bonus suggestions below on how you could further pad out your Xi’an itinerary.

If you are adding this as part of a larger itinerary, why not check out our recommendations for visiting Beijing ? We were lucky enough to spend a month exploring China , so do get in touch or leave a comment below if you’d like any other tips!

Where to stay in Xian

Xian has loads of great accommodation options for all budget levels, but we’d recommend that if you love walking the city streets to stay central within the city walls. It’s also good to note that although many places call themselves ‘Bell Tower’ or ‘Drum Tower’ they can be located quite far from these Chinese landmarks .

Budget: One of the most popular youth hostels in town, 7 Sages International has really great rooms at affordable prices. It was fully booked while we were in Xian but we did stay at their sister property 7 Sages Boutique Bell Tower which we also really enjoyed.

Mid-range: Only 5 minutes walk to the city walls, the Eastern House Boutique Hotel , is in a fantastic location, really wonderful rooms and gets amazing reviews!

Luxury: If you’re looking for extravagance and everything you’d expect from 5* luxury, the Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel is for you. It’s the kind of place that we wish we could stay…

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Day 1 in Xian

Walk (or bike) the ancient xi’an city walls.

Kick off your day with James’ favourite activity in the city: a tour of the ancient city walls .

The walls are hugely impressive, built in 1370 they are the largest city walls in the world – and provide a continuous loop of nearly 14km around the old city. There are 4 main gates: The East Gate (Changle Gate), West Gate (Anding Gate), South Gate (Yongning Gate) and North Gate (Anyuan Gate), with the South Gate being the most impressive of them all.

If you go early, you get whole sections of the wall completely to yourself, so a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Walking the walls takes about 3 hours if you’re at a relatively quick pace. You can also hire bikes on the wall to cycle around which is a bit easier, and there are even electric carts that you can take if you’re feeling super lazy.

The price for entrance is 54 RMB (7.50 USD/6 GBP) and if you’d like to hire a bike it’ll cost 45 RMB (6.20 USD/5 GBP).

Open: 8.00am to 6.00pm (Nov to Apr) and 8.00am to 7.00pm (May to Oct).

Beilin Museum

Located right next to the city walls and housed in a Confucius Temple, the Beilin Museum (also known as the Stele Forest) hosts over 3,000 stone monuments (steles), dating all the way back from the Tang dynasty. It may sound a bit weird to have a museum dedicated to stone tablets, but these are really impressive and well worth the visit.

The cost for the museum entrance is 65 RMB (9 USD/7.35 GBP) but you can also combine this with a ‘Museum and Walls’ combo ticket costing 100 RMB (14 USD/11.50 GBP).

Location: 15 Sanxue St, Zhong Lou Shang Quan, Beilin, Xi’an

Open: 8.00am to 6.00pm

Try out Chinese Calligraphy

In and around the museum area, you can get lost in the surrounding streets, and find yourself marvelling at the stores and stalls full of stunning Chinese calligraphy. It’s wonderful just observing these artists going about their business, but what better than to actually give it a try yourself? Note: it’s way harder than it looks!

You can give it a try at the Calligraphy Museum or there are a bunch of tours that you can try out.

Recommended: Hiking itinerary in Zhangjiajie National Park

Day 2 in Xian

Terracotta warriors.

One of the most famous sites in China, if not the world, you’ll need to set aside at least half the day to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Terracotta Army. Nearly 2,000 years old, the sculptures were built to protect the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. And if it wasn’t for a farmer digging a well in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army may still lay undiscovered to this day!

There are 3 main pits that they estimate contain over 8,000 sculptures. And it’s a painstaking process to put the statues back together, with each one taking as long as 6 months. So it really is a working archaeological dig, which we found fascinating.

It’s well worth getting out to the Terracotta Warriors as early as possible to try and avoid the tour buses! As the pits are housed in buildings, and you’re viewing from the edges, it can get very busy.

It’s pretty easy to make your own way to the site, with buses leaving from outside the main Xian train station from around 7.00am and it takes about an hour to get there. The bus costs 10 RMB (1.40 USD/1 GBP) and leave every 10-15 minutes.

Entrance to the museum is quite expensive, at 120 RMB (16.75 USD/13.50 GBP) per person but you can’t go to Xian and not see the Mausoleum. Get your tickets here .

We’d also recommend getting a tour guide for the visit, we aren’t usually people who get a guide, but there is so much history and detail that you’d miss at the Terracotta Warriors that in this case it is worth it!

Location: Lintong, Xi’an, Shaanxi

Open: 8.00am to 5.00pm daily

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Located outside the city walls in the Daci’en Temple complex, the hugely impressive Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a World Heritage Site. Originally, this Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Tang, only to be destroyed 50 years later. It was then rebuilt as a ten story pagoda by Empress Zetian in 704. In the 1550’s a major earthquake damaged the pagoda and 3 layers had to be removed, leaving the seven story structure that you see today.

The easiest way to reach the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is on the Metro, get off at Da Yan Ta station on Line 3 and 4. The cost to enter the Daci’en Temple complex is 40 RMB (5.50 USD/4.50 GBP), and if you’d like to go up the pagoda (well worth it for the views) that costs 25 RMB (3.50 USD/2.80 GBP).

Location: 1 Ci’en Rd, Xiao Zhai Shang Ye Jie, Yanta, Xi’an

Day 3 in Xian

Bell tower & drum tower.

Set relatively close together, the Xi’an city Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two of China’s best examples of these structures. Quite interestingly, the Bell Tower was rung to signal dawn and the start of the day, whereas the Drum Tower drums were beat to mark the end of the day.

The Bell Tower, set in the middle of the old city, was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty. Alongside letting the Xian population know the time, it was also a place for locals to find out news. The Bell Tower is a really impressive structure and a definite stop on your itinerary, even to see the outside. Cost for entry to the Bell Tower is 35 RMB (5 USD/4 GBP).

Closer to the Muslim Quarter, the Drum Tower is also a very impressive structure and the downstairs hall has lots of ancient drums within the drum museum – and the views from the top of the city are also great. Cost for entry to the Drum Tower is 35 RMB (5 USD/4 GBP).

Location: Zhonglou Shangquan, Beilin, Xi’an

Opening hours: 8.30am to 9.00pm (Apr – Oct) and 8.30am to 6.00pm (Nov – Mar)

Muslim Quarter

Definitely the best place to try out some Xian dishes is in the Muslim Quarter , or Huimin Street. Some of the most famous dishes that you should try on a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter include Roujiamo, a beef or lamb bun, Xi’an dumplings, the cold rice noodles and the pita bread with lamb soup – Yangrou Paomo. The food dishes are amazing, very inexpensive and you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re not great with trying street food, let’s be honest it can be daunting, why not try a walking food tour ?

So that wraps up our suggested 3 days in Xian itinerary, if you have any other ideas or options do let us know in the comments below. And as mentioned before, here are a few additional bonus ideas in case you have more time to spend in the city.

Bonus: Additional & unusual things to do in Xi’an

For a city that is best-known for the Terracotta Warriors (and not much else), there is surprisingly a lot to do in Xi’an! Here are a few of the bonus activities you could add to your travel guide for Xi’an:

Small wild goose pagoda

Also known as the ‘Little Wild Goose Pagoda’, this ‘brother’ of the large pagoda is just inside the Jianfu Temple, about a kilometre south of the city. Like it’s neighbour it was built during the Tang Dynasty about 1300 years ago. The pagoda used to be 15 storeys high but an earthquake in 1556 lobbed off the top two tiers, which were never replaced. You can walk up the pagoda through an internal staircase at an extra cost of 30 CNY (4 USD / 3.25 GBP). Actually, the site offers about 3000 tickets free each day, after which you pay 20 RMB ( 2.75 USD / 2.25 GBP) for visiting the pagoda or 50 RMB ( 7 USD / 5.50 GBP)if you want to also climb it.

Location: 72 Youyi W Rd, Beilin, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Open: 9.00am – 4.00pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)

Shaanxi History Museum

I’ll be honest – we aren’t the hugest fans of museums, hence this one not making it onto our final list. But if you’re a history buff and love ancient artefacts, this is a good place to visit. The museum (which is quite near to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), is one of the largest state museums in China. It actually boats more than 37,000 different items and is 65, 000 square metres in size, so you could spend at least a few hours sauntering the walkways and exhibitions. Highlights in the museum include the fossils of Lantian Man (a precursor to Homo Erectus i.e. modern man), pieces from the Tang Dynasty, including a huge mural of people playing polo, and the Empress’ Seal, a jade seal which is one of the most important in the country. Tickets are free for most of the exhibitions but special exhibitions usually charge a fee.

Location: 91 Xiaozhai E Rd, Xiao Zhai Shang Ye Jie, Yanta, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.00am – 5.30pm

Climbing Mount Huashan

Disclaimer: we didn’t do this one, but only since James has a fear of heights. You might have seen videos of this place – essentially Mount Huashan has a death-defying cliff-side climb of 2160m, and is known as ‘the most dangerous hike in the world’. It’s essentially a plank walk, suspended a very long way from the ground! It’s become quite difficult to actually do, due to the huge interest from tourists in the place. It’s also a little tricky to get to: 40 minutes on a train, then 30 minutes on a bus before either walking up or taking the cable car. If you are going to attempt this one, we suggest reading this article from the Nomadasaurus travel blog, and going early!

Guangren Temple

The only Tibetan Buddhist temple in the province, this temple dates back to the early 18 th century. It’s a small complex so quite an easy thing to add to your itinerary, particularly if you’re walking the city walls, as you can take a small detour off the wall and down into the complex. It’s a very spiritual place, with prayer flags flapping and monks walking the grounds, so well worth a visit. That said, when we were there we encountered quite a few ‘engagement’ photo shoots outside the walls, which made for a bit of fun but might have ruined the mystery of the site!

It has a number of great treasures in it’s halls and also some very rare trees in the grounds, like the ‘clothes-hanging cypress’ and the 300 year old Cuilan Cypress. Entrance costs 20 CNY (2.75 USD / 2.25 GBP)

Location: 152 Xi Bei Yi Lu, Lianhu, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Open: 8.00am – 6.00pm daily

Luoyang Longmen Grottoes

About a 2 hour train ride out of Xian is a definite must-see for your Xian itinerary: the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Longmen Caves (also known as the Luoyang Longmen Grottoes ). This huge landmark includes over 110, 000 Buddha stone carvings that are absolutely gigantic in size.

Etched from the surrounding rock, its an overwhelming installation with some of the carvings and statues reaching up to 17 metres!

When is the best time to go to Xian?

The two best seasons to visit Xi’an are Spring and Autumn. Both March to May and September to November provide warm days and cooler nights. It’ll be quieter as you’re out of peak season. Although make sure you watch out for the National Holiday in October as it is heaving with people!

The summer months can be extremely hot and humid, and there’s a pretty good chance of a rainstorm or two. During winter it can get pretty cold, but it’s also the quietest time of the year, so if you’re happy with freezing temperatures maybe this would be a good time for you.

How to get to Xian?

China’s transportation network is pretty solid, and you have quite a few good options for Xian. Usually you’ll be heading to Xian from a major city like Beijing or Shanghai , although of course you could be flying in from South Korea, Hong Kong or further afield.

The airport, Xianyang International Airport, is located 41 km northwest of Xian. There is a great airport shuttle service into the city centre that costs 25 RMB (3.50 USD/2.85 GBP).

To find the best prices and latest deals on flights to Xi’an check out Skyscanner .

The other option is the trains, and we really can’t tell you how impressed we were with the trains across China. The high speed bullet trains are immaculately clean, fast, quiet and comfortable.

To book your trains directly you need to understand Chinese, and have a local number and ID. So we’d recommend going with a third party service to book your train tickets. We got all our train tickets (10 of them) through China Highlights . It’s handy to know that tickets go on sale for trains 30 days in advance and some trains can become fully booked, so just turning up at the station may not be the best idea.

Must have apps

So after a month of travelling in China, we believe we’ve got the knowledge of what apps you’ll need to survive, so we put together a list of the must-have ones for you to download before heading to Xian. We even have a more in-depth article on all the must-apps here . Aren’t we helpful? ?

The most important app to install before you get to Xian (or even China) is a VPN, we’ve experienced using both  ExpressVPN  and  NordVPN and although both work well, we’d say that Express just pips it in terms of quality of access that you get. Without a VPN you won’t be able to access any Google email, Google maps, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram etc.

Click here to get ExpressVPN – we personally recommend it; the world’s number one VPN means something, right?

Although Google Maps is great, our favourite route planner is  Maps.me . Download offline maps, and this app provides you with your positioning throughout China.

The easiest way to get around – clean, cheap and user friendly, we love the Metro. To help you plan trips and have the Metro maps at your fingertips you must install Metro Man ( Google / Apple ).

As long as you have the VPN turned on, you’ll still be able to access Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, although these can be a bit slow. However, it’s definitely worth also downloading WeChat ( Google / Apple ). China’s answer to WhatsApp will allow you to stay in contact with people you meet in China plus you could even make payments through it, if you link your credit card.

Travel & Accommodation

So Uber (or Grab) don’t work in China, but they do have their own version –  DIDI  which basically works the same. If you get it from the US Apple store or the APK of the right version it’s available in English! Pretty handy…

And if you like to store all your accommodation bookings, train tickets, airplane trips into one place, then check out  Tripit . This nifty little app automatically pulls in your bookings from email confirmations and then puts it all together in one trip itinerary. Win.

If you’re looking for the best accommodation options, then  Agoda  has to be the one for you. It has far more options than Booking.com in China.

Our favourite money planning app –  Trabee Pocket  – allows you to add in everything that you spend in a day, then shows you how you are doing on your daily budget. A really handy app to make sure you’re not blowing all your budget on the first couple of days…

Currency Converter

So you probably want to figure out what you’re spending along the way. We always find that  XE  is the perfect tool for a rough estimate on costs.

Translation

One of the most handy tools for travelling in Xian is having a great translation app. English isn’t widely spoken and having Google Translate in your pocket will help you out immensely. Whether it’s directions, ordering the right dinner or checking something with a shop assistant before you make that purchase – this is a must.

Useful Chinese phrases

• Hello – nǐ hǎo
• Thank you – xiè xie
• You’re welcome – bú yòng xiè
• No – méiyǒu
• How are you? – nǐ hǎo ma?
• Good – hǎo de
• Not Good – bù hǎo
• I’m sorry – duì bu qǐ

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

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Thank you for the tips. Yet not sure about the VPN as I’ve been using NordVPN for some time and I’ve had zero issues with it. Of course I’ll see if everything will work in China as I’m going to travel there (even if it is not the best time right now) but we will see if everything goes well.

I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your posts to be precisely what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome website!

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Ultimate Xi'an Itineraries: Top 3 Options with Side Trip Ideas

Xi'an is an essential stop for first-time China travelers as it showcases China's history and civilization. But how long do you need for a trip to Xi'an? This article will provide you with some of the best itinerary ideas for planning your Xi'an trip.

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How long to spend in xi'an.

• Xi'an in 4 Days
• Xi'an in 3 Days
• Xi'an in 2 Days

Side Trip Itineraries from Xi'an

In general, spending 3 to 4 days is ideal for a trip in Xi'an with a comfortable pace without missing all the highlights.

If you only have two days, you could focus on the main highlights — the Terracotta Warriors and some city sightseeing.

We do not recommend a one-day trip, as it gives only a hurried and cursory glance at scenic spots.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Xi'an in 4 Days (Rich Experience)

If you want a full and rich experience in Xi'an, spending four days is recommended.

Without missing the highlights, you'll have the opportunity to have some special experiences like making your own terracotta warrior, trying on Chinese traditional costumes, and a food tour.

You could also visit Mount Hua, Taoism's sacred mountain, and admire its breathtaking peaks. If you're more adventurous, you can also challenge its famous trestles. Here is the itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival and free exploration
• Day 2: One day trip to the Terracotta Warriors with a hands-on experience of making clay warriors
• Day 3: A full day in Mount Hua
• Day 4: City highlight touring (museums, pagodas, Ancient City Wall, and a food tour) and departure

See 4-Day Xi'an and Huashan Mountain Tour

All our tours can be adjusted based on your interests and needs. Our private trips are hassle-free and flexible.

Xi'an in 3 Days (Essence of Xi'an)

With three days in Xi'an, you could still enjoy a full and rich experience. The difference with the four-day itinerary is that you won't visit Mount Hua. Here is the itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival + museum visiting
• Day 2: A trip to Terracotta Warriors with a food tour
• Day 3: City sightseeing (Ancient City Wall, museums, pagodas, etc) with a hanfu experience and departure

The Terracotta Warrior is a big attraction. It is the mausoleum and burial pits of the first emperor of China and the largest one in China.

In order to get a good understanding of the history and stories behind it, we will arrange a hands-on experience of making your own clay warrior.

Thus, you're going to spend most of your second day there. If you are particularly interested in this attraction, it is worth spending a day on it.

Our schedule is flexible. Just contact us if you want to make some adjustments or have any needs.

Xi'an in 2 Days (Focus on the Terracotta Warriors)

If you have two days, you could focus on the Terracotta Warriors with some city sightseeing. Here is the itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival + city sightseeing (Ancient City Wall, museums, and pagodas)
• Day 2: Visit Terracotta Warriors + departure

Two days' visiting is a little tight. If you want to have a better experience when visiting the Terracotta Warriors, we suggest a full day's visiting and leave in the third day's morning.

Our private transfer and local guide's accompany will make the most of your time and maximize your travel experience.

There are also some worthwhile destinations close to Xi'an that you might consider visiting:

1. Luoyang and Shaolin Temple

Luoyang, an ancient capital like Xi'an, and its nearby Shaolin Temple are the most popular choices, especially if you are interested in Chinese history and Chinese kung fu.

A trip to Luoyang and Shaolin Temple takes about one day. Luoyang is about a 1-hour bullet train travel from Xi'an.

In Luoyang, the main attraction is its spectacular Longmen Grottoes where you could marvel at the exquisite carvings and Buddha statues.

Then head to Shaolin Temple, which takes about 1½ hours by car. Walk around the temple and learn about Chinese Buddhism and martial arts. You could also enjoy a wonderful Kung Fu show. See One Day Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple Tour .

2. Pingyao Ancient Town

In Pingyao, you could get a glimpse of the ordinary life of a merchant in ancient times. Pingyao is about a 3-hour journey from Xi'an by the bullet train. Spending about two days touring the highlights of Pingyao Ancient Town is recommended.

There you could explore the original site of the first draft bank in China, visit an interesting museum — Armed Escort Company Museum, watch the sunset from the city wall, and pay a visit to Wang's Family Compound (the Forbidden City in Folk). Check out the 2-Day Pingyao Highlights Tour .

If you have more time, you could explore further north to Datong, which is famous for its Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple. See the 4-Day Datong and Pingyao Tour .

Tour China with Us

All our tours can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create an ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, travel length, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

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Explore Xi'an

Plan your trip to xi'an: best of xi'an tourism.

Essential Xi'an

Trending in the forums

Xi'an Is Great For

Historical tours.

Archaeology Tours

Eat & drink

Cultural Tours

Art & history

• 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

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Xian travel blog (xi’an blog) — the fullest xian china travel guide for first-timers.

Xi’an (Chang’an) is the oldest of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals (Beijing, Nanjing, Luoyang), serving as the capital city of 13 feudal dynasties spanning a 1,100-year history from 221 BC. Xi’an is the “cradle” of Chinese civilization. So, is Xian worth visiting, how to visit Xian, what to do in Xian and how to plan a budget trip to Xian for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Xian travel blog (Xian blog, Xian China travel blog) with the fullest Xian travel guide (Xi An China guide, Xi An China travel guide, Xian tourist guide, Xian city guide, Xian China travel guide) from how to get to Xian, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Xian to help you maximize your trip as follows!

• Guide to Xian nightlife (Xi An China nightlife) — 9+ what to do, where to go & best things to do in Xi An at night
• Where to visit in Xian? — 8 must-see & best places to visit in Xi An, China
• Xi’an night market — 10 best Xi an night market you should visit
• What to buy in Guangzhou? — 11+ best things to buy in Guangzhou & best shopping places in Guangzhou
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With a history of more than 3,100 years, this place still retains its potential value, worthy of being one of the largest developed cities in the Northeast of China and one of the top ten major cities in China. This land is the cradle of the Yellow River basin civilization, accompanied by famous Chinese historical figures: Qin Shi Huang, Wu Zetian… Therefore, the ancient beauty of the ancient capital Xi’an is getting bigger and bigger. Many foreign tourists come here to visit and study. Today, many heads of state and people from all walks of life come to this city to expand their understanding of Chinese civilization.

Overview of Xian (# xian travel blog)

Xi’an is the capital city of Shaanxi province, China. This is a city directly under the province. During the feudal era, Xi’an was one of the four great capitals. Not only that, Xi’an is also the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. Thus, it can be said that Xi’an plays an important role in economics and trading. Therefore, in the Northwest region, Xi An is the largest and most developed city.

Xi’an formerly known as Chang’an and Haojing is located in the northwest of China, in the middle of the Guanzhong Plain, bordered by the Weihe River to the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south. Xi’an is a “World Historic City” recognized by UNESCO in 1981, one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization and nation.

Xi’an was the final point on the eastern side of the legendary Silk Road, and played a huge role in the history of China’s development. It is a hidden place of ancient legacies that can be mentioned such as: The world-famous Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang or the Qin Dynasty ancient capital of Xianyang.

Xi’an has a treasure trove of long-standing historical relics, including:

• There are 72 royal tombs.
• More than 700 historical sites from ancient temples to citadels and city walls surround it.
• Some of them have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The city is also known for its diverse cuisine with strong Chinese characteristics. It has been said that there are more than 1,000 dishes across the streets in Xi’an.

When is the best time to visit Xian? (# xian travel blog)

Xi’an has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers in Xi’an are hot and rainy, while winters here are usually cold and dry.

Spring (March to May) (# xian travel blog)

At this time the weather is warm, hundreds of flowers bloom everywhere. The breeze is gentle and the sunlight is warm. The weather is very suitable for you to visit and participate in outdoor activities. Note that this period also often sees dust storms due to rapidly rising temperatures. Therefore, tourists should bring masks and thin long clothes for the best experience.

Summer (June – August) (# xian blog)

The summer climate is hot and humid. In addition to hot days, there are also showers. Coming to Xi’an in the summer, you need to prepare sunscreen, hats, hats, umbrellas, etc. Tourists should avoid going to outdoor attractions at noon, such as: The ancient city wall, instead you should can visit indoor attractions such as the Shaanxi History Museum.

Note: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water when sightseeing. Prioritize visiting the cool mountains around the city like Huashan Mountain which is popular among tourists to escape the heat.

Autumn (September – November) (# xian china travel blog)

Xi’an’s autumn days are tinged with red and yellow leaves. The weather in Xi’an in the fall will become cool, very suitable for outdoor picnic activities. However, during this time Xi’an sometimes has cloudy skies accompanied by quite heavy rain. You should carefully prepare yourself with a raincoat and umbrella to avoid these sudden rains. It should be noted that because it is the peak tourist season, most tourists come here during the year, so it will be very crowded and service prices will certainly be much more expensive.

Winter (December – February of the following year)

Winter in Xi’an is cold and snowy. The city was now covered in fog, with occasional snowfall. This is an extremely suitable time to participate in skiing to see the city from the ancient city wall. For young people who like to travel but do not have much money to travel, winter will be the right time. Because winter is not the tourist season here, there are relatively few tourists. Therefore, travel costs are much cheaper than during the high season, but some tourist attractions are also closed in winter.

In general, the weather in Xi’an is pleasant all year round, so you can come here any time. However, the best time to visit Xi’an is in spring and autumn – two seasons with very cool and pleasant weather.

What times should you avoid when traveling to Xi’an? (# xian travel guide)

You should not go to on all holidays in China, especially Xi’an. In addition, because Xi’an is also a tourist center in China, when traveling to Xi’an, must pay attention to the worldwide holidays.

• Lunar New Year
• New Year’s Eve
• Lantern Festival (mid-February or early March)
• International Workers’ Day
• Mid-Autumn Festival (mid-September)
• Summer holidays (June-> August)
• National Day (October 1st to 10th)

Getting to Xian (# xian travel guide)

Xi’an China is a city with a developed transportation system, allowing tourists to travel here by many different means of transport such as long-distance bus, train, plane. Airplane is the most popular means of transportation today and visitors can book round-trip flight tickets to Xi’an to start their journey. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY) is about 50km to the northwest of Xi’an city center.

There are many different options when traveling from the airport to the center.

I want to save money so I choose this option. The important thing is that because I arrived in Xi’an in the evening when there were still buses, I saved a lot of money to go by taxi. The second thing I’m a bit afraid of is because taxis in China are easily scammed if you go alone (I was once scammed and lost a lot of money when taking a taxi in Hangzhou), so the safe choice is still to take a bus if traveling alone like me.

At 9am, when I arrived at Xi’an airport, it was still very crowded, so you can rest assured. The bus trip from the airport to Xi’an center (here, I mean the old station of Xi’an) lasts very late: from 7 am to 2 am the next morning! So, rest assured. If you arrive early in the morning, try to wait for this bus, it will be there at 7am!

The bus ticket price to Xi’an center when I went was 25 yuan. There is 1 trip every 20-30 minutes. In general, it is very easy to find a place to buy tickets. You go from the Arrival Hall a little bit, you will see the ticket sales place right near the exit.

Its location is on the 1st floor, in Terminal 2, near the exit gate. If you pay attention, to find a place to buy tickets, you should determine which terminal you are flying to. As I learned, there are many popular airlines at Terminal 2:

• China Eastern Airlines
• Hainan Airlines
• Capital Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines
• Tianjin Airlines
• China West Air
• Kunming Airlines
• Shandong Airlines
• China Airlines
• China Postal Airlines
• Fuzhou Airlines

In addition to the bus route to Xi’an Railway Station, there are also many bus routes to other locations in central Xi’an such as Bell Tower (running until 11pm), West Bus Station (running until 2am the next morning), Xi’an North Railway Station (until 9:30pm)… In general, if you go to the Center, just go to Xi’an Railway station and then take a taxi to the other places for the best, there are many routes, fast and convenient and until 2am the next morning.

Taxi (# xian guide)

In case you are not traveling alone like me but traveling with a large group, you should consider taking a taxi.

Taxi price is around 120-130 yuan. Just bargain until this price is ok. But to be honest, I don’t have much sympathy for airport taxis in China, they’re all want to get rip off, you should remember to pay attention when they give you change, they often take a cut, give you a bulk, so you won’t notice and lost your money. It’s best to use change, they say you pay exactly how much you pay!

You can also take subway line 13 to get from the airport to the city center via 10 stations as map shown below.

Getting around Xian

In Xi’an you can travel by many different methods. Bus is the most cost-effective mode. Currently there are more than 200 bus routes in Xian. In addition, the subway is also a quite economical form of both cost and time. In Xi’an there are 6 train stations. Among them, the main station, Xi’an station is the center of the railway network. In addition, if you want the safest and fastest, you should choose a taxi.

Ticket price: 2 yuan (for air-conditioned type), 1 yuan for the non-air-conditioned type. But in general, I pay 2 yuan because I haven’t seen the type without air conditioning, so it’s probably not popular in the Center.

Which route should I take? I think buses in Xi’an should be used for long routes, going to places like The Terracotta Army, Huaqing Pool (Huaqing Palace), Huashan mountain… Bus trips within the inner city of Xi’an: Going to the city wall, going to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower… are ok but not the best means of transport due to time and traffic jams.

Disadvantages of taking the Xi’an bus: It’s not in English. So you will need to use Google Map and GPS to carefully check the locations you want to go to.

Xi’an is a large city in Northeast China, so rest assured that it has a Metro system. My Metro experience in Xi’an is actually not too much, but overall, it’s not difficult.

Ticket price: 2 yuan/short trip. 3-4 yuan/ long trip about 10-15km.

Which metro line should I take? Metro Xi’an has 5 lines but I only take Line 2 – this is also the line that goes through many worth visit tourist attractions in Xi’an. You should only take the Metro within the city of Xi’an, because it’s cheap + fast + because of the attractions along this route.

Does Metro have English? Yes. Metro Xi’an is quite modern, so it will be bilingual. Please rest assured when taking the metro in Xi’an.

From Xi’an to other cities

Xi’an is an international gateway and also an important gateway to the Northwest and Northeast regions of China, so from this city you can go to many places:

Follow the Silk Road

Following in the footsteps of Middle Eastern merchants returning to the country from ancient Chang’an.

• Xinjiang: I can take the high-speed train to Urumqi but have to change train in Lanzhou and Xiling.
• Xiling: A fairyland with green mountains and hills in spring and summer, the yellow shine of maple trees in autumn and white snow on the top of high mountains.
• Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Yemen, Jiayuguan… Ancient towns belonging to the Silk Road.
• Zhangye Danxia: Unique landform with seven-color rainbow mountains glowing under the sunlight.

Take the high-speed trains to

• Luoyang: This city is very close to Xi’an! Taking the high-speed train only takes 1-2 hours.
• Beijing: The capital of China with thousands of years of history. From Xi’an to Beijing it takes 4 hours and 4 hours by high-speed train.
• Shanghai: Located in the golden triangle of Chinese tourism, connected to the prosperous Zhejiang region. The traveling time from Xi’an is just over 5 hours!

Where to go and what to do in Xian? (# xi an china guide)

Xi’an is one of China’s first spearhead cultural tourism cities, with countless well-preserved historical relics of high archaeological value. There are 72 royal tomb and mausoleums around Xi’an, including the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, “China’s first emperor”, the ruins of the capital through the four dynasties of Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang, 11 tombs of Western Han emperors and 18 tombs of Tang emperors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, 700 ancient buildings…

Daming Palace (# xian travel blog)

Address: 7XM5+4P8, Beibei District, Chongqing, China, 710015

Daming Palace, the main palace, capital and also the political center and national symbol of the Tang Dynasty, is located in Longshouyuan residential area, north of Chang’an (now Xi’an), Shaanxi, China.

This is the greatest palace in Xi’an. The palace is a complex of monumental architectural works. The details are all intricately and delicately carved. Visiting Daming, you will be amazed by the art of Chinese feudal royal architecture. In 2010, the palace officially opened to welcome visitors. If you want to enter the main hall, you will have to buy tickets. As for the gardens and courtyards, it is completely free. Daming Palace is a living testament to the prosperous Tang Dynasty in ancient times. Not only that, Xi’an is also the eastern end of the Silk Road.

The Citadel (including Daming palace, Taiji Palace palace, Xuanzheng hall), the largest complex of palaces, is called “Three Inner Palaces”. For 204 years since the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty and 17 Tang Dynasty emperors, they have all used this place to handle court affairs. Daming Palace was the most magnificent palace complex in the Tang Empire, and it was also the largest palace complex in the world at the time.

Daming Palace was first built in 634 in the reign of Emperor Taizong, with an area of about 3,200 square meters. The entire palace area can be divided into two parts: the front court is mainly used for court meetings, the inner palace is mainly used for living and holding banquets.

On March 4, 1961, Daming Palace was announced as a national key cultural relic in need of protection. In 2010, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park was established on the foundations of the original Daming Palace. On June 22, 2014, the ruins of Daming Palace were successfully included in the World Heritage List.

Weiyang Palace (# xi an china travel guide)

Address: 8V37+247, Weiyang, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710086

Weiyang Palace was built in the Longshouyuan, the highest area in the city of Chang’an (now Xi’an) of the Han Dynasty. Because it is located on the west side of Anmen Street in Chang’an citadel, it is also known as called the West palace.

Weiyang Palace is the main palace, political center and national symbol of the Han Dynasty, built in the seventh year of Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty with a total area of 5000 square meters. Since its inauguration, emperors of the Western Han Dynasty have lived here, and Weiyang Palace has been the government center of the Han Empire for more than 200 years.

After the Western Han Dynasty, Wei Yang Palace was still the place of governance of the Tianmeng, Western Jin, Early Zhao, Early Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou dynasties, and was part of the Forbidden Garden during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Wei Yang Palace has existed for 1041 years, is the palace used in the most dynasties and has existed the longest in the world.

Wei Yang Palace was the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, in the second year of 139 BC, and was also the place that witnessed the outstanding development of the Han Dynasty in Chang’an when entering the process of trading on the Silk Road.

Along with the places listed above, Weiyang Palace also became a key national monument of China in 1961 and a World Heritage Site in 2014. Currently, tourists come here mainly to visit the Weiyang Palace Relics Park is because the precinct has many beautiful flowers and scenery, suitable for sightseeing and taking photos.

Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum

Address: Lintong District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710612 Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum of Qin Shi Huang is the most famous landmark in the ancient capital Xi’an. It is a key cultural relic of China, a national 5A tourist attraction, a first-class national museum, and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum is located in Qinling Town, Lintong County, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, founded in November 1975 and opened in 1979. The museum has three terracotta warrior pits No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 and horse pit. The three statue pits have an area of more than 20,000 square meters, with nearly 8,000 horse and warrior statues similar in size to real people and real horses. There are different types of weapons such as chariots, cavalry and infantry, arranged in an orderly manner.

Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the museum is one of the world’s most important archaeological discoveries, carrying a lot of historical and cultural values.

Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum is located at the north of Lishan mountain, 35 km northeast Xi’an city, Shaanxi province. This is the mausoleum of China’s first emperor and a world cultural heritage and Chinese 5A-level scenic spot.

Continued reading…

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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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Les 11 choses incontournables à faire ou à visiter à Xi’an

Beaucoup de touristes se rendent à Xi'an (prononcé shi-an) seulement pour une journée, dans l’unique but d’admirer sa célèbre armée de terre cuite. En fait, ils ignorent que cette cité ancestrale qui remonte à plus de 3000 ans regorge de curiosités à visiter. Cet article va vous permettre de choisir parmi les plus belles choses à voir et faire à Xi'an et éviter, ainsi, de commettre la même erreur que de nombreux voyageurs qui quittent l'endroit trop rapidement en pensant avoir vu l'armée de terre cuite, l’unique curiosité majeure de Xi'an. Effectuer un circuit privé en compagnie d'un guide instruit et à bord d’un véhicule privé, facilitera votre séjour tout en vous permettant d'approfondir vos connaissances sur la culture et la longue histoire de Xi'an. Nos circuits de Xi'an intègrent certains sites vraiment intéressants. Nos conseillers voyage expérimentés se tiennent à votre disposition pour une personnalisation de votre circuit en fonction de vos souhaits et de vos centres d'intérêt.

TOP 1 L’Armée en terre cuite

Curiosité majeure de Xi'an, le musée de l'armée de terre cuite regroupe un ensemble de scuptures symbolisant les armées de Qin Shi Huang, premier empereur de Chine. La découverte du site original, en 1974, par un groupe de paysans qui creusaient un puits à proximité du tombeau impérial, relève, sans nul doute du hasard. Toutefois, elle va attirer, rapidement, l'attention des archéologues qui vont élargir les fouilles et mettre, ainsi, à jour, l'art funéraire de cette armée quelque peu insolite dont le but consistait à protéger leur empereur dans sa vie après la mort. En 1987, l’UNESCO inscrit le site sur la liste du patrimoine mondial.

Le site se situe, à juste, environ, 30 kilomètres de la ville de Xi'an. Le musée abrite la fosse 1 (la plus vaste des trois), la fosse 2 et la fosse 3 ainsi qu'une salle d'exposition des chariots et des chevaux. Cependant, depuis la transformation des lieux en une attraction touristique mondiale de premier plan, les touristes affluent de toutes parts. Aussi, afin d’éviter les foules, pourriez- vous visiter les fosses dans l'ordre inverse en terminant par la fosse investie par le plus grand nombre de soldats. Néanmoins, même en changeant l’ordre de visite des fosses, sachez qu’il vous sera difficile (voire impossible) de toujours échapper aux foules de visiteurs. A cet effet, l’itinéraire conçu par Voyages Chine vous permettra d'éviter, au maximum, les visiteurs et de découvrir ce célèbre site en toute tranquillité.

Visite accompagnée d'un guide ou sans?

Du fait d’une signalétique trop sommaire (mais, malgré tout, en un anglais correct), la visite ne pourra se révéler intéressante voire instructive qu’en présence d’ un guide expérimenté  qui vous expliquera les expositions, et vous aidera à tirer la quintessence de chacune. Cliquez ici afin de connaître davantage d’informations concernant la façon de visiter l’Armée en terre cuite.

Top 2 Le Mont Hua

Culminant à une altitude de 2154m, le mont Hua représente l'une des 5 montagnes sacrées de Chine et les autochtones la décrivent comme l a "montagne la plus abrupte sous le Ciel" .

Riche de temples taoïstes influents, cette montagne fut un lieu de pélerinage important durant des milliers d'années. Cinq pics ornent cette montagne aux contours déchiquetés lesquels possédant chacun un salon de thés et un temple.

D'impossibles sentiers ont été creusés par delà les rochers escarpés et l'endroit a nourri l'imagination de maints aventuriers venus des quatre coins du monde.

Le mont Hua se situe dans la ville de Huayin à, seulement, 120km de la ville chinoise populaire de Xi'an. La plupart des gens effectue la visite depuis Xi'an et, par chance, la liaison se fait très facilement. Le voyage complet qui intègre une randonnée sur le sentier le plus périlleux du monde peut se faire sur une journée. Si vous souhaitez passer la nuit à Huayin, un certains nombre d'options d'hébergements s’offrent à vous dont certains se trouvent sur le mont Hua lui- même. Davantage d’informations sur “ comment visiter le mont. Huashan ?”

TOP 3 Le quartier musulman

Les historiens chinois pensent que Xi'an marquait le point de départ de la route de la Soie, cette ancienne route commerciale qui reliait la Chine à l'Europe en passant par le Moyen Orient. De la gastronomie à l'habillement, on ressent, pleinement, la forte influence de la culture musulmane. Le patrimoine islamique de Xi'an se dévoile, le mieux, dans son quartier musulman (ou Huimin Jie en mandarin), situé en plein coeur de la vieille ville de Xi'an. Comme tous les quartiers chinois à travers les pays du monde, le quartier musulman reste la communauté pour la minorité musulmane Hui, un groupe ethnique musulman en Chine. Le quartier qui s'étend sur 1800 mètres carrés, compte 10 mosquées pour 20000 habitants Hui. Les nombreuses petites ruelles de la zone regorgent de petits restaurants qui investissent la chaussée et servent un éventail riche de spécialités locales dont les plus symboliques restent les nouilles de blé façonnées à la main- dao xiao mian (刀削面), les hamburgers de style chinois - rou jia mo (肉夹馍), nouilles gélifiées épicées - ma jiang la pi (麻酱拉皮), et les brochettes d'agneaux saupoudrées de cumin. Les vendeurs de snacks de rue débutent habituellement la mise en place de leur étal à 18:00 et restent ouverts jusqu'à minuit.

La meilleure façon de visiter ce quartier consiste à se faire accompagner par un guide qui parle votre langue, car le quartier ne se limite pas à une seule rue mais se déploie sur une surface de 13000 m². Aussi, avec notre guide local qui pourra vous amener dans les ruelles les plus authentiques, découvrirez- vous les repas les plus populaire des habitants locaux. Si la dégustation des repas typiques et l’histoire des musulmans chinois de Xi’an vous intéressent, vous pouvez nous contacter afin de pouvoir bénéficier de la compagnie d’un guide local dans ce quartier.

TOP 4 Les remparts de Xi’an

Construits il y a plus de 600 ans sous la dynastie Ming, les murs de la ville de Xi'an constituent l'une des fortifications les mieux préservées en Chine. D'une largeur de 15 mètres, elles sont accesssibles aux personnes à vélo, sans aucun doute, la meilleure manière pour les découvrir .

Depuis les sommets, les cyclistes pourront admirer la ville sous un angle incomparable avec, d'un côté, le vieux Xi'an émergeant du passé et, de l'autre, les tours vertigineuses qui évoquent le présent et le futur de la ville.

D'une hauteur de 12 mètres et édifié avec des matériaux aussi divers que variés comme, notamment, de la terre, de la chaux vive et de l'extrait de riz gluant, la muraille couvre un périmètre de 13.74 km de long.

A chacun des quatre points cardinaux, se dresse une tour de guet de forme carrée à l’exception de celle du sud (aussi appelée la tour du Sud), de forme circulaire et porte principale que franchissaient, autrefois, les personnages importants avant de pénétrer dans la ville. A proximité, des vélos sont disponibles à la location.

Curieusement, le sommet des remparts est très peu fréquenté par les piétons contrairement à la voie qui passe au pied du mur. Ceci s’explique, sans doute, par le fait que l'entrée payante rebute de nombreux habitants locaux. Pour accéder au sommet des remparts, il faut, en effet, passer par l'une des portes principales et s'acquitter d'un droit d'entrée de 54 yuans (environ, 7€).

TOP 5 La tour du tambour et de la cloche

Situées en plein coeur de la ville de Xi’an, les tours de la Cloche et du Tambour datent de la dynastie Ming. Respectivement édifiées en 1384 et 1380, elles indiquaient l’heure aux habitants de la ville. Une place relie les deux tours entre elles. A la nuit tombée, les éclairages de la fontaine et des deux tours ajoutent de la magie au lieu

Célèbre coutume traditionnelle appelée “ Morning Clock and Evening Drum ”: l'horloge de la tour de la cloche sonne 24 fois à 9:00, à 12:00 et à 15:00 tandis que la tour du tambour équipé du plus grand tambour au monde retentit, chaque jour, à 18:00.

A une hauteur de 118 pieds, culmine la tour de la cloche à l’intérieur de laquelle se niche une réplique de la cloche originale haute de 8 pieds et plus connue sous le nom de “cloche Jingyun”. Construite en bois, la tour en elle- même, se caractérise par trois avant- toits recouverts de tuiles vertes et de dorures. A proximité, se dresse la tour du tambour, un autre édifice que l’on doit à la dynastie Ming. Sachez qu'aucun clou n'a été utilisé dans sa construction !!. Erigée en bordure du célèbre quartier musulman de la ville, la tour du tambour abrite le plus grand tambour de Chine. Pour une visite de la tour de la cloche, comptez 35 Yuans et 50 Yuans si vous visitez les deux tours.

TOP 6 La petite pagode de l’oie sauvage

Au nord- ouest de la grande pagode de l'oie sauvage, on découvre la petite pagode de l'oie sauvage. Egalement, classé au patrimoine mondial par l'UNESCO , ce site date de plus de 1300 ans sous le règne de la dynastie des Tang. A l’instar de la grande pagode, elle fut édifiée pour abriter les textes bouddhistes venus d'Inde. A l’origine, elle s’élevait sur 15 étages et à une hauteur de 148 pieds jusqu’à ce qu’un séisme détruise ses deux derniers niveaux la ramenant, ainsi, à treize étages. Sa forme incurvée symbolise l'architecture de la dysnastie Tang. Ce style de construction permet à la structure de résister aux violents séismes en ne causant que de faibles dommages.

Le fait que la petite pagode de l'oie sauvage n’ait perdu seulement que deux étages depuis le VIII ème siècle s’explique par sa conception unique. Le droit d'accès à l'édifice est gratuit mais monter dans la pagode s’avère, désormais, impossible.

La petite pagode de l’oie sauvage accueille des artisans dignes d’intérêt comme ce peintre et ce calligraphe qui font montre d'une grande passion à partager leurs connaissances. Si vous arrivez au moment opportun, vous pourrez assister à un petit spectacle d’ombre chinoise et de marionnettes tirées par des fils qui narre une légende pendant, environ, 20 minutes. Il semblerait que ce type de théâtre ait vu le jour à Xi’an.

TOP 7 La place de la grande pagode de l’oie sauvage

Classée au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, la grande pagode de l'oie sauvage se trouve dans le complexe du temple Da Ci'en, à, environ, 5 km au sud du centre- ville de Xi'an. En 652, L'empereur Gaozong de la dynastie Tang va décider de la construction de ce site bouddhiste afin d’y conserver, précieusement, des textes bouddhistes et des objets religieux ramenés d'Inde. Quelques dizaines d'années plus tard, en 704, elle sera entièrement reconstruite sous l'impulsion de l'impératrice Wu Zeitan. Tout au long de son histoire, la pagode va connaître, à maintes reprises, de nombreuses reconstructions ou restaurations à cause des tremblements de terre successifs qui sévissent dans la région. Actuellement, la pagode s'élève sur 7 étages à une hauteur de 70 mètres et se présente sous la forme d’une pyramide carrée. Si vous l’observez de plus près, vous remarquerez sa forte inclinaison. L'entrée au complexe coûte 50 yuans. Située au pied de la pagode, la place qui couvre une superficie de 110 000 mètres carrés, sert de lieu de divertissements publics gratuits où les habitants locaux prennent plaisir à se réunir. Au cours des soirées d’été, les personnes âgées mais, aussi, les jeunes de Xi'an pratiquent la calligraphie avec des pinceaux surdimensionnés. En semaine, les visiteurs peuvent assister à une représentation de jeux d'eau musicaux d'une demi-heure à 12h30 et 20h30 ainsi que toutes les deux heures (entre midi et 21h) le week- end.

TOP 8 Les tombeaux de Hanyang

Un autre centre d'intérêt pour les amateurs d'anciennes statues d'argile. Le Musée souterrain abrite la tombe de l'empereur Jing Liu Qi (188 BC-141 B.C.) quatrième empereur de la dynastie Han, successeur de la dynastie Qin. Complé'ter en 126 avant J.C, le tombeau se déploie sur une superficie de 20 kilomètres carrés et on y dénombre 80 chambres funéraires.

"Le tombeau et ses reliques ne sont pas aussi remarquables que celles du musée des soldats de terre cuite de Qung Shi Huang, mais sont plus vivantes" comme le décrit dans son commentaire Wang Xin (王昕), un blogueur et voyageur de 40 ans basé à Xi'an. Puis celui-ci continue en précisant:

"Les figurines restent plus diversifiées, comme les soldats tenant leur arme, les jeunes filles vêtues d'habits de soie et le bétail où se côtoient les cochons, les chevaux, les bovins, les chèvres et les chiens". Tous les sculptures mesurent, environ, un mètre de hauteur. Un sol en verre sépare, juste, le musée de la zone d'excavation. L'ensemble du site présente de magistrales reliques à ne manquer sous aucun prétexte si vous visitez Xi'an et qui vous aideront, en outre, à mieux vous imprégner du mode de vie des Chinois pendant cette période.

TOP 9 Le Musée provincial d’histoire du Shaanxi

Le musée provincial d'histoire reste l’endroit idéal pour découvrir l'histoire chinoise et, en particulier, au cours de la dynastie Tang.

L'édifice de 65 000 mètres carrés renferme quelques 370000 reliques culturelles mises à jour qui datent de l'âge de pierre jusqu’à 1840. La plupart des expositions et des commentaires apparaissent en anglais. L'entrée est gratuite et vous ne pourrez éviter les longues files d'attente surtout, si vous devez vous y rendre les week-ends ou durant les vacances d’été.

Sachez, toutefois, que pour obtenir ces billets d’entrée gratuits, il existe un système de réservation offrant 7000 billets distribués sur 6 horaires distincts soit 08:30- 09:45, 10:00- 11:00, 11:15- 12:00, 12:30- 14:00, 14:15- 15:30,15:45- 16:30. Voyagez avec notre agence vous épargnera, sur place, la longue file d'attente pour l’obtention de vos billets d’entrée.

TOP 10 Le musée de la forêt des stèles

Imaginé en 1090 sous la dynastie des Song du Nord (960 -1279), le musée de la forêt des stèles à Xi'an doit sa renommée (à l'échelle nationale) à sa sublime et riche collection de plus de 1 000 pierres gravées sur une période de 2 000 ans depuis la dynastie Han (206 av. J.-C à 220 après J.-C.) jusqu’à la dynastie Qing (1644-1911). Cet endroit insolite permet de découvrir, au plus près, l'histoire et la culture chinoises. Grâce à ces stèles, les visiteurs pourront se faire une idée très précise de l’évolution de l'écriture chinoise. La Calligraphie chinoise, en effet, joue un rôle majeur dans la magnifique culture de ce pays. Ainsi ces tablettes en pierre constituent- elles un élément déterminant pour comprendre et explorer la longue culture antique chinoise empreinte de mystère. Nous conseillons aux voyageurs de découvrir cet endroit en compagnie d’un guide expérimenté qui vous donnera des informations complémentaires et précises.

TOP 11 Le spectacle de la dynastie Tang et le banquet de raviolis

Le spectacle de la dynastie Tang offre, aux voyageurs étrangers, l'occasion de découvrir la culture de Xian. Ce spectacle propose de la musique et des danses datant de la dynastie des Tang (618-907) où les protagonistes revêtent des costumes authentiques d'époque. Le spectacle met en valeur les huit danses les plus populaires qui dépeignent la vie quotidienne de la société de cette époque : le palais impérial, le folklore, la sortie printanière ou le champ de bataille. Les plats du dîner sont, tous, élaborés, dans le style ancien Tang.

Habituellement, avant chaque spectacle, on prépare un merveilleux banquet pour divertir la noble audience. La base principale du dîner repose sur les raviolis chinois (également appelés Jiaozi), composés, la plupart du temps, d’une farce de viande hachée et/ou de légumes, le tout enveloppé dans un morceau de pâte légèrement roulé avant de le sceller, par simple pression des bords l'un contre l'autre ou bien en les écrasant. Ces raviolis uniques qui apparaissent avec des couleurs et des formes variées, sont sains et nutritifs.

Découvrez Xi’an à votre façon

Jadis point de départ de l'Ancienne Route de la Soie menant à l'Ouest, Xi’an compte parmi les quatre capitales anciennes les plus célèbres au monde (les trois autres étant Le Caire, Athènes et Rome). En outre, elle doit sa célébrité, dans le monde entier, à sa longue histoire et son merveilleux et incroyable patrimoine historique. Afin de vous aider à découvrir la ville en profondeur et en toute quiétude, nous mettons plusieurs modèles de circuits à votre disposition.

Les incontournables de Xi'an en 4 jours -- Entièrrement consacré à une visite approfondi de la ville historique de xian et de ces nombreux sites emblématiques notamment la très célèbre armée de terre cuite qui garde la tombe de l’empereur

Le meilleur de Xi’an en 1 jour -- vous permet de découvrir l’essentiel de Xi’an. Il s’agit d’un tour privé que vous effectuerez à votre propre rythme, sans la pression d’un groupe.

• Parlez-nous de vos centres d'intérêts, de votre agenda, de vos goûts et de vos choix d'hébergement et nous élaborerons pour vous un programme à un tarif raisonnable.
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Top 12 Xian Tourist Attractions Recommended 2024/2025

Xian is an ancient capital of China with a history of over 6000 years. So it is no surprise that Xian is a city with countless cultural and historical sites. Many people may have heard of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. That is what you can see in Xian, but there is so much more. Here we have selected 10 attractions that rank high on TripAdvisor recommendation list so that you can explore the city in all aspects.

Xian Top Tourist Attractions Location Map

Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” is the best highlight in your Xian tour. This terracotta army was buried intending to protect the afterlife of China’s first feudal King - Qin Shi Huang. Emperor Qin commanded craftsmen to start building his mausoleum in 246 BC soon after he ascended the throne at age 13. And the Terracotta Warriors was a part of the mausoleums project. After being underground for over 2200 years, they have finally come to the public. >>Learn More about Terracotta Warriors

• Chinese: 秦始皇兵马俑 • Pinyin: qín shǐ huáng bīng mǎ yǒng • Opening Hours: Mar 16th - Nov 15th: 8:30 - 18:00 / Nov 16th - Mar 15th: 8:30 - 17:30 • Ticket: CNY 120 • Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an 西安市临潼区秦岭北路 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Amazing spectacle. Awesome experience to be there."

Mount Huashan

Though Mount Huashan is not exactly in Xian city, they are only 2 hours’ drive away and this mountain is totally worth the time. Mount Huashan is one of the famous “Five Mountains” in China and is regarded as the one with the most challenging hiking trail. Imagine yourself clinging to the cliff on a narrow trail while a bottomless abyss is only one step away without any guardrail. That is what you will experience in Huashan. What’s more, Huashan itself is of breathtaking scenery and is the holy land of Taoism. >>Learn More about Mount Huashan

• Chinese: 华山 • Pinyin: huà shān • Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00 • Ticket: Mar - Nov: CNY 160; Dec - Feb: CNY 100 • Address: Huashan Town, Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province 陕西省渭南市华阴市华山 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Stunningly gorgeous mountain." "One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done!"

Ancient City Wall

Xian Ancient City Wall is located in the central area of Xian city. It was built from A.D. 1370-1378 soon after Zhu Yuanzhang started to rule China. Among all the city walls built in the history of China, Xian Ancient City Wall is the most famous and best-preserved one with a length of 13.74km, an average height of 12m, and a width of 18m. You can have a panoramic view of Xian there and cycling on the city wall is one of the most popular activities in Xian. >>Learn More about Ancient City Wall

• Chinese: 西安古城墙 • Pinyin: xī ān gǔ chéng qiáng • Opening Hours: South Gate: 8:00 – 22:00; Hanguang Gate: 8:00 – 17:30; the other gates: Nov 1st – Apr 30th: 8:00 – 18:00 / May 1st – Oct 31st: 8:00 – 19:00 • Ticket: CNY 54 • Address: Zhongxin District, Xi'an, China 陕西省西安市中心区 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Great thing to do to ease yourself into this wonderful city"

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

"You have not really visited Xian without a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda". That's how a local saying goes. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is famous for the great traveler Xuanzang of Tang Dynasty (A.D 618 - 907) who traveled from China to India to learn the Buddhism and then got back to China with many precious Buddhist scriptures. This pagoda is where Xuanzang translated and taught Buddhism. By the north side of the pagoda, there is the largest music fountain in Asia for you to admire the fabulous lights and fountain show. >>Learn More about Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

• Chinese: 大雁塔 • Pinyin: dà yàn tǎ • Opening Hours: Mar - Oct: 8:00-18:30; Nov - Feb: 8:00-18:00 • Ticket: RMB 50/person for Da Ci’en Temple; RMB 30/person for the pagoda • Address: Da Ci’en Temple, Yanta District, Xi’an 西安市雁塔区大慈恩寺内 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Great history, superb architecture." "Love the surrounding and the exhibits inside"

Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter featuring in rich Islamic culture has a large number of tasteful snacks along its several streets, such as Rou Jia Mo, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, and Soup Dumplings. Therefore, here you can both please your taste bud and experience the hospitality of local Islamic residents who are the descendants of people from the ancient Arab, Persia, etc. Diverse food, hospitable people, characteristic buildings in Ming and Qing dynasties, traditional mosques, make this block a must-go for tourists. >>Learn More about Muslim Quarter

• Chinese: 回民街 • Pinyin: huí mín jiē • Opening Hours: All day • Ticket: Free • Address: #125 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xian 西安市莲湖区北院门125号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Food Feast" "hussle-bussle & food, loved it!"

"Great outside and interesting objects inside". That's the impression of the tourists who have visited Bell Tower. As the biggest and best-preserved bell tower, it is one of the symbols of Xian city. It was built for the purpose of alerting and time telling. A visit to the Bell Tower is strongly recommended to be taken at night, when you can have a florid view from outside. From inside of the Bell Tower, you can have a panoramic view of the whole Xian City. If you are lucky, you would come across an interesting show in the Bell Tower. >>Learn More about Bell Tower

• Chinese: 钟楼 • Pinyin: zhōng lóu • Opening Hours: Apr 1st - Oct 25th: 08:00 ~ 22:00; Oct 26th - Mar 31st: 08:00 ~ 18:00 • Ticket: CNY 30 (CNY 50 with Drum Tower) • Address: Zhonglou Shangquan, Beilin District, Xian 西安市碑林区钟楼商区 • Popular Reviews on TA: "lovely at night!" "Must visit place in Xi’an"

Shaanxi History Museum

With a total area of 65,000 square meters and 8,000 square meters of cultural relics’ zone, Shaanxi History Museum is the first large-scale modern national museum in China. People call Shaanxi History Museum “Bright Pearl in Ancient Capital and Precious Treasure of China” because it is an art palace that fully shows Shaanxi history, culture, and Chinese ancient civilization. The collections in Shaanxi History Museum range from the stone-made tools in ancient times to different implements produced before A.D. 1840 – covering a time span of over 1 million years. >>Read More about Shaanxi History Museum

• Chinese: 陕西历史博物馆 • Pinyin: shǎn xī lì shǐ bó wù guǎn • Opening Hours: Closed on Monday / 9:00 - 17:30 (Nov. 15th to Mar. 15th) / 8:30 - 18:00 (Mar. 16th to Nov 14th.) • Ticket: Free for Most Exhibition Halls • Address: No.91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 西安市雁塔区小寨东路91号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "The glorious past of China in display" "A treasure trove of Chinese history"

Xian Great Mosque

The Great Mosque is a very special place to go in Xian where you can learn much about Chinese architecture, Muslim culture, and history of China. It was located in the heart of the old Muslim Quarter, near to the Drum Tower. Unlike other mosques in the world, the Great Mosque of Xian is a group of buildings, including towers, pavilions, palaces, etc. Although with a Chinese style decoration outside, the Great Mosque inside is totally a world of Muslim. There are many Muslim scriptures collection and some Muslim festivals and activities are often held here. Every Friday, there is a "Great Salah" in the Great Mosque. If you want to feel the multi-culture in China, don’t miss it.

• Chinese: 西安清真大寺 • Pinyin: xī ān qīng zhēn dà sì • Opening Hours: 08:00-21:00 • Ticket: CNY 45 • Address: #30 Huajuexiang, Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xian 西安市莲湖区北院门化觉巷30号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "What a beautiful setting, and NOTHING like the more traditional mosques you might see elsewhere. Worth the trip"

Tomb of Emperor Jingdi

The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi is about 25km to the north of Xian downtown. It’s the joint mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi and his consort Empress Wang. It was built from 153 B.C. to 126 B.C, covering an area of 20km². Apart from the two main tombs, there are many sites of former ritual buildings and subordinate funeral pits, from over 200 of which numerous vivid warrior figures, maiden figures, and animal figures are unearthed. It is less crowded and on the way to Xian Xianyang International Airport, so it is a good place to go if you are interested in Han culture or have some extra time transferring between the airport and downtown.

• Chinese: 汉阳陵 • Pinyin: hàn yáng líng • Opening Hours: Mar - Nov: 08:30 ~ 17:30; Dec - Feb: 08:30 ~ 17:00 • Ticket: Mar - Nov: CNY 90; Dec - Feb: CNY 65 • Address: Zhangjiawan, Zhengyang Town, Weicheng District, Xian 西安市渭城区正阳镇张家湾 • Popular Reviews on TA: "A gem many people miss" "Amazing archeological site"

Banpo Village (Banpo Museum)

As China’s siginificant premier prehistoric settlement museum, Xi’an Banpo Museum, also known as Banpo Village, is pivotal to understanding ancient Chinese Neolithic Culture and profound wisdom of primitive humans. Recognized as a “National First-Class Museum” and one of China’s “Top 50 Must-Visit Destinations,” it’s a standout on any travel list. Located at the east suburban and approximately 30 kilometers away from Xi’an city center, Banpo Village is relatively close to the Xi’an Ancient City Wall (12km), the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (16km), and the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (30km). >>Learn More about Banpo Village (Banpo Museum)

• Chinese: 半坡博物馆 • Pinyin: bàn pō bó wù guǎn • Opening Hours: Mar - Nov: 08:00 ~ 17:30 ; Dec - Feb: 08:00 ~ 17:00 • Ticket: Mar - Nov: CNY 55; Dec - Feb: CNY 45 • Address: NO.155 Banpo Road, Baqiao District, Xi’an 西安市灞桥区半坡路155号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "A good look into how people lived here 6000 years ago"

Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace is situated 30 kilometers east of Xi'an City, adjacent to the Terracotta Warriors. It is a temporary palace for the emperors to take a short stay away from the capital to enjoy the hot spring and scenery. The picturesque Li Mountain is just right behind the palace. However, this place is most famous for the love story between Tang Ming Emperor and his beautiful concubine Yang Guifei. Yang Guifei is one of the Four Beauties in Ancient China and there is a statue of hers in Huaqing Palace. >>Learn More about Huaqing Palace

• Chinese: 华清宫 • Pinyin: huá qīng gōng • Opening Hours: Mar - Nov: 07:00 ~ 19:00; Dec - Feb: 07:30 ~ 18:00 • Ticket: CNY 120 • Address: 38 Beihua Qing Road, Lishan, Lintong District, Xi'an City 西安市临潼区骊山北华清路38号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "Very beautiful traditional site for an active walking tour"

Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles)

Located in downtown Xi'an, Beilin Museum, literally the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese calligraphy and stone sculptures. For history buffs, Beilin Meseum is definitely an underrated must-visit. You can marvel at the intricate carvings and gain insight into China's rich cultural heritage, ranging from literature to philosophy and religion. For common travelers, the museum's serene garden and traditional architecture offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, making it a great destination as well, where you can immerse yourself in the enchantment of this thousand-year-old ancient capital. >>Learn More about Beilin Museum

• Chinese: 碑林博物馆 • Pinyin: bēi lín bó wù guǎn • Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30 (last admission at 17:00) • Ticket: CNY 10 (partial opening period) • Address: No.15 Sanxue Street, Beilin District, Xi'an 西安市碑林区三学街15号 • Popular Reviews on TA: "The calligraphy and artwork in stone is truly wonderful"

Xian Essential Travel Guide

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As the ancient capital for 13 dynasties in China's history. Xian is rich in historical, cultural, and natural scenic sites. You can visit the Terracotta Warriors to feel the grand manner of the Qin Dynasty, hike on the perilous but beautiful Mount Huashan, wander casually or bike on the ancient city wall, try diverse local snacks at Muslim Quarter... We are also specialized in tailor-made tours that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc.

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

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.

This is the briefest trip to travel Beijing and Xian two great destinations together with only the best highlights covered to make fully use of your time.

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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