Hey there, fellow traveler! Ready to dive into the heart of China’s history? Xi’an is your go-to spot. Xi’an is not just a city; it’s a time machine to the days of dynasties of China, with stories that stretch back thousands of years. Here, you can whisper to the Terracotta Warriors (spoiler: they don’t whisper back) or cycle on a city wall that’s seen more sunsets than we can count, and munch on street food that’ll make your taste buds do the tango. So, grab your camera and your curiosity – Xi’an is waiting to share its tales and treats with you!
Reflecting on my numerous trips to Xi’an, I realize it’s time to share a definitive guide on savoring the city’s delights. Here’s how to make the most of your visit, from feasting to frolicking, all while soaking in Xi’an’s unique vibe.
Xi’an isn’t just steeped in history; it’s a city brimming with intrigue. The stories you hear about Xi’an? They’re as real as it gets.
Let’s start with the abundance of historical treasures. Xi’an, once known as Chang’an, served as the capital for a whopping thirteen dynasties. The land here is dotted with ancient tombs, so much so that building a subway feels like a treasure hunt. Expect delays because you might unearth an ancient tomb just like that.
Now, let’s talk about the culinary landscape. Xi’an’s noodle game is strong. Imagine indulging in a different noodle dish every day for a week without any repeats. It’s a paradise for noodle lovers and a haven for carnivores alike.
As for the nightlife, it’s nothing short of magical. When the sun sets, Xi’an transforms. It’s not just the bustling Great Tang All Day Mall (大唐不夜城); the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔), the Bell Tower of Xi’an (钟楼), and the Drum Tower of Xi’an (鼓楼) all shine under the night sky, revealing a side of Xi’an you won’t see during the day. Don’t miss the “Night Tour of Xi’an” bus service. It’s an evening adventure that offers a gastronomic journey for foodies and a musical escapade to the city’s quaint bars for live performances.
And for those who admire traditional attire, Xi’an is your spot. It’s likely the city with the most Hanfu-clad ladies around. Whether it’s the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园), the Xi’an City Wall, or the Huaqing Palace (华清宫), you’ll find stunning vistas graced by ladies in beautiful Hanfu.
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Best Things to Do in Xi’an
Wondering what to do in Xi’an? Here’s your ultimate guide to diving into the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and gastronomy.
Museums
Xi’an is a city with a deep historical significance, confirmed by its 82 imperial tombs, the most in China. With over 100 museums, it’s unclear if this is also a national record, but one thing is certain: when visiting Xi’an, you should definitely set aside ample time to wander through its museums. They are excellent places to gain insight into Xi’an’s rich past.
Shaanxi History Museum
Home to eighteen national treasures, this museum is a must-visit. These unique artifacts are one-of-a-kind, and the museum’s vast collection is best enjoyed with a guide to truly appreciate its depth. To visit the Shaanxi History Museum, you must book in advance. If you’re late, you might miss out on the free tickets, as the museum’s treasures draw large crowds. It’s a must-visit destination in Xi’an, and it’s highly recommended to book a guided tour for a more informative experience.
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum
The Terracotta Army is an archaeological marvel, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. The pits display a military formation that was the core of the Qin dynasty’s army: Pit one showcases the main force of chariots and infantry; pit two features a mixed formation of chariots, cavalry, and crossbowmen; and pit three appears to be the command post. To fully appreciate the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, a guided tour is advised, as it’s the only way to understand the full story behind the artifacts, rather than just skimming the surface.
Tang Dynasty Footprints
Xi’an’s landmarks offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
Xi’an City Wall
The city wall of Xi’an is the best-preserved ancient city wall in the nation. Walking its entire length takes about four hours. It’s a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction, a status that speaks to Xi’an’s historical depth.
When visiting the city wall, it’s best to ride a bike, as walking can be exhausting—sometimes it takes over 30 minutes just to get from one gate to the next. Drink less water, as finding a restroom on the wall isn’t easy. The wall is particularly beautiful at sunset or when lit up at night, offering a serene experience as you pedal through history.
Great Tang All Day Mall
This is a Tang culture-themed pedestrian and commercial street located near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Daci’en Temple. It’s not recommended to visit during the day, as it’s just an ordinary street then. However, at night, the Great Tang All Day Mall comes alive, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the prosperous times of the Tang dynasty.
Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise is a living textbook of Tang architecture. This park is especially enchanting at night. Sometimes, during holidays, those in Hanfu attire can enjoy half-price or free admission, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re interested.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda are iconic landmarks in Xi’an. Constructed in 652 AD, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the earliest and largest brick pagoda from the Tang dynasty, famous as the site where the monk Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the prestigious status of a National 5A Scenic Area.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built shortly after its larger counterpart, shares the honor of being a World Heritage Site and is designated as a National 4A Scenic Area. Both pagodas stand as testaments to China’s rich Buddhist heritage and architectural ingenuity.
Culinary Delights
Xi’an is a foodie’s paradise, offering a smorgasbord of local snacks and dishes that will leave you stuffed and satisfied.
Muslim Quarter
For first-timers, the Muslim Quarter is a culinary hotspot you won’t want to miss.
The Muslim Quarter is a large area that includes the main street behind the Drum Tower (鼓楼), extending west to Sajin Bridge (洒金桥) and north to Lianhu Park (莲湖公园), as well as the surrounding areas of Dapiyuan (大皮院), Xiaopiyuan (小皮院) and Xiyangshi (西羊市). For first-timers, the Muslim Quarter is a culinary hotspot you won’t want to miss.
The main areas of the Muslim Quarter are the street itself and Sajin Bridge. The main street of the Muslim Quarter is decent, but the best food is found off the beaten path, on streets like Sajin Bridge. Venture beyond the main street to discover a plethora of delicious options that locals swear by. Here, even random choices are unlikely to disappoint.
Sajin Bridge is highly regarded by locals for its food. Xi’an has two “Muslim Streets”: one for tourists and the other, Sajin Bridge, for locals. The street is lined with time-honored brands, one after another.
Spectacular Shows
Every tourist city has one or two shows worth watching, and Xi’an is no exception. Xi’an’s vibrant arts scene includes must-see performances like The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, Legend of Camel Bells, and The Romantic Show of Xi’an. Choose the one that piques your interest the most for an unforgettable experience.
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (《长恨歌》)
This historical dance drama is a visual spectacle which I personally like the most, using Mount Li as its backdrop. It’s a performance that will leave you in awe.
Other Attractions in Xi’an
In Xi’an’s urban sprawl, there are several intriguing spots that locals and visitors alike find captivating:
Xicang Market
Known colloquially as the “Bird Market,” Xicang is Xi’an’s famous market for flowers, birds, insects, and fish. It’s a bustling hub where you can find domestic animals, exotic birds, and all sorts of pet supplies.
It’s a treasure trove for those looking to “shop till they drop,” opening its doors every Thursday and Sunday morning. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a visit just to soak up the authentic Xi’an atmosphere.
Guangren Temple
This is the only Tibetan Gelug monastery in Shaanxi and the sole Green Tara temple in China, built with funds allocated by Emperor Kangxi during his inspection tour of Shaanxi.
Xi’an Art Museum
Located in the vibrant Great Tang All Day Mall, this art museum boasts an architectural style reminiscent of the Tang dynasty’s glory. The museum frequently hosts various art exhibitions, making it a niche and artistic destination.
Qujiang Bookstore
Among the many bookstores in Xi’an, this one stands out as a favorite. Its lofty, high-ceilinged space is filled with creative design elements, making it more than just a place to buy books.
Banpo International Art Zone
Simply put, this is Xi’an’s answer to Beijing’s 798 Art Zone. The Banpo International Art Zone, transformed from old factory buildings, is a popular hangout for the city’s artistic community, perfect for photo ops or leisurely strolls.
Exploring Beyond Xi’an: Attractions Nearby
Heading North
Hukou Waterfall, Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, and Yan’an. This route can be covered in roughly a 3-day, 2-night trip.
Hukou Waterfall: The largest yellow waterfall in the world, it’s where you can witness the mighty Yellow River funneling through a narrow gorge.
Yan’an: A place of revolutionary heritage, Yan’an is great for educating kids about the nation’s history. It also holds a special place in the hearts of the older generation.
Heading West
Mount Hua: There’s a saying: “Regret for a week if you visit Mount Hua; regret for a lifetime if you don’t.” Known as the most perilous mountain in the world, it’s perfect for those seeking a challenging hike.
Heading West
Famen Temple: Home to sacred Buddhist relics, Famen Temple is one of the four great ancient Buddhist sanctuaries in China.
Xi’an Recommended Itinerary
Spend about 3 days in Xi’an since most attractions are relatively concentrated.
Day 1:
City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 2:
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Tang Paradise, Great Tang All Day Mall
Day 3:
Huaqing Palace, Lishan Mountain, Terracotta Army. This route is farther from the city center, so it’s best to plan these together. Include The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show in this day’s itinerary.
Transportation in Xi’an
Xi’an’s city layout is square and well-planned. Xi’an is one of the three cities where I never get lost, along with Beijing and Hangzhou.
The Xi’an subway is convenient, while buses are less reliable. Most attractions are along the subway lines, especially along lines 2 and 4.
The Xi’an subway stations each have unique identifiers, known as “one station, one symbol.” It’s impressive how each of the many stations has its own distinct symbol, a feat of design.
The Best Times to Visit Xi’an
If possible, avoid visiting Xi’an in the summer due to the intense heat. Spring and autumn offer the best value.
In spring, don’t miss the cherry blossoms at Qinglong Temple. In autumn, the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree at the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple, planted by Emperor Li Shimin, is a sight to behold. Winter is also a good time, with the lowest prices, and if it snows, Xi’an transforms into a scene straight out of ancient Chang’an.
Best Luxury Hotels in Xi’an
I’ve categorized the luxury hotels in Xi’an into the following levels:
By Tier
Tier 1: Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an is the epitome of luxury. To be part of the ‘Legend’ collection, a hotel must have a storied building over 50 years old, ensuring a quality stay. There are only five such hotels globally, located in Xi’an, Hanoi, Amsterdam, Aswan, and Cartagena.
Tier 2: The Ritz-Carlton, W Xi’an, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, The Westin, and Renaissance Xi’an Hotel.
Tier 3: InterContinental Xi’an, HUALUXE Xi’an Tanghua, Wyndham Grand Xi’an South, Shangri-La, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Xi’an, Sofitel Xi’an On Renmin Square, and The Fairway Place, Xi’an – Marriott Executive Apartments.
Old school: Grand Shaanxi Hotel.
For Hot Springs: Angsana Xi’an Lintong.
By Location
The Accor Live Limitless (ALL) has the best layout within Xi’an’s city walls, offering a complex that includes Sofitel Legend, Grand Mercure, Mercure Xi’an Downtown, Sofitel Xi’an and more, along with dining and conference facilities, and the Grand Theatre.
The Westin Xi’an is conveniently located near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Hyatt Regency Xi’an and W Xi’an are situated by Qujiang Pool, making visits to the Tang Paradise very convenient.
Travel Tips for Xi’an:
Noodles without garlic lose half their flavor.
When in Xi’an, try the chilled Ice Peak soft drink (冰峰).
It’s not recommended to bring very young children to Xi’an, as they may not fully appreciate the historical significance of this ancient city.
If traveling by train, avoid Xi’an South station as it’s far from the city center and not yet connected by subway. Both Xi’an and Xi’an North stations have subway access. Enjoy your stay in this historic city!
