Best things to do in Xi’an (I’ve been 8+ times)

I’ve explored Xi’an as a tourist, I’ve lived in the city while studying Mandarin, and I’ve even had a medical examination there (that’s a story for another day).

Xi’an has the perfect mix of modernity and the ancient, and I love visiting this city whenever I’m in China.

It’s safe to say that it’s one of my all-time favorite Chinese cities.

If you only have a couple of days in Xi’an, the three things I’d prioritize are the Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. If you have another day, add Mount Hua.

Alright, here are the top 10 things to do in this tourist-friendly city.

Any questions? Ask me in the comments area below, or jump onto my free China Travel Planning Facebook Group. And whatever you do, don’t forget your eSIM!

1. See the Terracotta Army

This is the big one.

Also known as the Terracotta Warriors, the locals call this archaeological site a “museum” because it’s so damn big.

The main hall is by far the most spectacular. It’s where you see the majority of warriors and their horses.

Some have been beautifully restored to their original state, while others are still a work in progress.

If you’re lucky, you can watch the museum staff painstakingly restore some of the warriors crumble by crumble, in real time.

I can spend hours at this place and just get lost in the significance and meaning of it all.

So how did all these impressive statues end up here?

While I won’t bore you with all the details, the super-short story is that centuries ago, an emperor named Qin Shi Huang ordered that an army be built to protect him in the afterlife.

Talk about a megalomaniac!

If you want to dig into details, I suggest watching the Netflix documentary called ‘Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors’.

(I’ve written about this documentary and other China documentaries on Netflix right here.)

Some foreigners I’ve spoken with find the Terracotta Army overrated but I wholeheartedly recommend you go and see them when you’re in Xi’an.

I’ll let you be the judge!

So, how to get to the Terracotta Army?

There’s a few options.

You can catch a train and then a public bus, which takes navigation skills and lots of time out of your day.

This is why most people – me included – get a tour bus or private driver. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city center.

These are the options I recommend if it’s your first time:

• Catch a Didi (China’s Uber) to the site and meet at the north gate ticket gate for your English guided tour, or
• Get picked up by a tour bus from your hotel and then do the English guided tour – a bit more expensive but saves the hassle of getting Didi and finding the group

Tickets for both these guided tour options are here.

Of course, you don’t need a tour guide and in fact, the last time I visited I did it solo. You can get your hotel to help you – days in advance – book your ticket via the official WeChat Mandarin site and a driver if you need one.

Or, pre-purchase your ticket for your non-guided tour here.

My top tips for visiting the Terracotta Army:

• Pre-book your tickets as it books out days in advance
• It’s always busy so I don’t think it matters when you go (just avoid national holidays)
• Beware of scammers out the front
• If you want to buy some Chinese souvenirs, wait until you’re leaving as there are lots of shops that you’re forced to walk past as you exit
• There will be lots of shouting and pushing (normal Chinese behavior) to get the best photos.

2. Go up the Bell Tower

Or is it the Drum Tower?

I always get these two ancient towers mixed up, even though I’ve been multiple times. I think it’s because Beijing has similarly named towers.

If you’re only going to visit one, I’d pick the Bell Tower. Unless you want to see a brief drum performance, the Bell Tower is the more famous of the two.

The Bell Tower is right in the middle of Xi’an’s old city, and it’s super-easy to get to via the underground passage and subway entry/exit.

It was originally used to mark the start of the day, while the nearby Drum Tower was used to mark the end of it.

These days, thankfully, you don’t have to rely on a giant bell to know what time it is!

For just 30 yuan (about US$4.50), you can go inside the tower, climb up and have a look around at the traditional architecture and displays.

But for me, the best thing about visiting is simply looking out over Xi’an and taking it all in.

I feel like the city planners have got the development right – while there are massive towers beyond the city walls, the buildings in the old city aren’t as overbearing.

This is due to strict building height controls so people like you and me can admire the lovely old architecture 😊

The Bell Tower is beautifully lit up at night, and the vibe around the area is much better in the evening when all the locals seem to come out.

You can get you entrance ticket for just a few bucks here.

My top tips for the Bell Tower:

• Take the Metro as it’s connected underground to the tower entry (there are English signs)
• It’s in the middle of where major roads meet so you’ll get better photos of the tower outside, across the road
• If you want to see both the Bell and Drum Towers, get a combo ticket as it works out cheaper
• Afterwards, continue on to the Xi’an City Wall as it’s close by

Metro station: Zhonglou (钟楼) on Line 2 or Line 6.

3. Walk or ride the Xi’an City Wall

I adore the Xi’an City Wall.

I can only imagine what it would have been like centuries ago, with those behind the wall trying to protect their city from warring tribes.

The Wall completely surrounds the old city, and you can walk or cycle on top of it.

If you want to traverse the entire Wall, you can rent a bike as it’s 14 km (8.6 mi) from end to end.

I’ve done it, and it’s great. You won’t find many locals on a bike, so once you’ve pedalled away from the entry, you’ll have the Wall all to yourself.

Whether you cycle or just take a few steps along the uneven brick surface, you get great views of both old and modern Xi’an.

Inside the wall you’ve got old buildings, narrow streets and historic sites.

Outside, you’ve got a huge modern Chinese city with skyscrapers, traffic and all the usual craziness.

And, unlike many other Chinese tourist attractions, you don’t get “Disneyland-esque” feels up on the Wall. It’s for people who are serious about ancient history and awesome views.

You can get your entry tickets here.

My top tips for the Xi’an City Wall:

• Go in the late afternoon to get daytime views, and then see the old gates illuminated as it gets dark
• The South Gate is the easiest place to start because it’s close to a subway station and has bike rental facilities
• Going in summer? There’s absolutely no shade up there, so lather up the sunscreen!

Metro station: Yongningmen (永宁门) on Line 2.

4. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most recognizable landmark in Xi’an.

Also known as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, this wooden structure has been around for donkeys years.

It was originally built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and is closely associated with a Buddhist monk named Xuanzang, whose journey to India inspired the famous Journey to the West story.

Once you pay to get inside the grounds of the pagoda, you can pay an additional fee to walk up the internal wooden staircase to the top of the pagoda.

I wouldn’t recommend going up as it’s cramped, packed full of people, and the view from the top is nothing to rave about.

Last time I was there, it was that busy I felt claustrophobic. I was dying to get out of there.

When I moved to China to teach English, many of my students said they had simply admired the Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside.

It’s actually not a bad idea – there’s not a great deal inside the pagoda compound to see.

The area around the pagoda is more popular than the pagoda itself.

It’s called Grand Tang Everbright City (大唐不夜城 or Dàtáng Bùyèchéng) and it’s basically a giant pedestrianised Tang Dynasty-style entertainment street.

It’s touristy. Very touristy.

But you kind of have to experience it if you’re in Xi’an.

I like watching the kids scream at the voice-controlled fountain. The louder they scream, the higher the water rises.

The area is famous for the local tourists who rent traditional “Hanfu” costumes from the Tang era. You can pay for a package which includes the costume rental, hair styling, makeup and photography.

Would you believe I’ve done this myself? Although it wasn’t in Xi’an, it was exactly the same thing just somewhere else in China.

I’ve never been brave enough to share the photos publicly!

Let’s just say I don’t look like your typical Chinese General.

Oh, and the Everbright City pedestrianized area gets super busy. During the 2024 May Day Holiday for instance, 450,000 tourists visits passed through the area every day.

You can get tour packages that include the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda here.

My top tips for the Giant Pagoda tourist area:

• Avoid going up the tower if you’re claustrophobic
• The area surrounding the pagoda is better at night when all the lanterns are lit up
• Take photos of people dressed in the Hanfu costumes or get dressed up yourself!

Metro station: Dayanta (大雁塔) on Line 3 or Line 4.

5. Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Yes, Xi’an has two Wild Goose Pagodas.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is the less famous one, and that’s exactly why I like it.

It’s located in the grounds of Jianfu Temple and is part of the Xi’an Museum complex.

I remember on my first trip to China, way back in 1999, riding my bicycle through the grounds.

There was not one person in sight – domestic tourism wasn’t big back then because there were no high-speed trains and most people couldn’t afford flights.

Ahh, they were the good old days, before smartphones and paying for things via WeChat.

I digress. Nowadays, there are plenty of people who come and admire the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

That’s because the Xi’an Museum is a drawcard in its own right. And the whole area is free to get in.

Hordes of teenagers visit for school excursions, and the locals love this place because, well let’s face it, they don’t need to cough up a single yuan.

The pagoda itself dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is another reminder of just how important Xi’an was during that period.

The last time I was there, you couldn’t climb up the pagoda due to restoration work.

Also, I simply turned up with my friend on the day, hoping there would be tickets available at the ticket window.

Nope.

The only option to get into this ‘free’ Xi’an attraction?

We had to pay to see a classical singing show, which then included ‘free’ entrance to the pagoda and museum. This is so China!

To be fair, listening to classical Chinese songs and not understanding a word of it was actually a great experience.

And, of course, you can’t say you’ve been to a Chinese attraction unless you buy an ice-cream resembling said attraction, taking a photo of it, and sharing it on socials.

So that’s exactly what I did.

I’d say an hour is more than enough here, unless you combine it with the Xi’an Museum, where you could spend another 1-2 hours.

You need to pre-book tickets to the grounds via WeChat in Mandarin (search for Xi’an Museum or 西安博物院). It’s hard to figure out even with a translation app, so here are some cheap, paid options:

• Book a “study tour” of the pagoda for about US$9 here
• Book a “VR experience” at the museum for about US$12 here

These options are great if you’ve left your visit to the last minute, like I did last time.

My top tips for the Small Wild Goose Pagoda:

• If you’re short on time, choose the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• If you’re a museum lover, choose the Small Wild Goose Pagoda as you get both museum and pagoda right next to each other
• The entire complex is usually closed on Tuesday so plan your trip
• Don’t turn up on the day without pre-booking as there’s only a small quota available

Metro station: Nanshaomen (南稍门) on Line 2 and Line 5.

6. Visit a museum

Visit a museum, any museum!

But in all seriousness, Xi’an is basically one giant history lesson. So if you like museums, you’re going to be very happy here.

The obvious choice is the Shaanxi History Museum, which has an enormous collection covering thousands of years of history.

It’s particularly good for understanding the Han and Tang dynasties and the importance of Xi’an as an ancient capital.

But there’s a catch.

It can be difficult to get tickets, and advance real-name reservations via WeChat are required under the current system.

So don’t just rock up expecting to walk in.

For about US$35, you can get a half-day tour with an English guide here.

It’s worth booking a tour, as I recall the last time I was at this museum the English descriptions of the treasures were not nearly as comprehensive as the Chinese descriptions.

As I mentioned before, the Xi’an Museum is handy as it’s right next to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

And the museum is actually pretty good.

It has a collection of historical artefacts from Xi’an and the surrounding area, including some interesting pieces from the Qin and later dynasties.

There’s something seriously wrong with air flow in this museum, and it will get so stuffy that the heat – or the crowds – will force you to look for the exit.

A ‘wildcard’ museum, which I actually prefer much more than both the Xi’an Museum and the Shaanxi History museum, is the Banpo Museum.

This one isn’t free, so it keeps out the free-loaders and school buses.

It’s about 55 yuan in the high season, or US$8.

You can generally buy admission directly at the museum, but don’t expect anyone to speak English. You may also need to use WeChat.

Save yourself the hassle and pre-book on Trip here.

Banpo Museum is very different from the others. It’s a 6,000-year-old Neolithic settlement, predating the Qin and Han by thousands of years.

You can actually see the excavated village remains. And when I say remains, I actually mean you can see plenty of human bones and skulls.

Maybe I’m a little morbid, but give me skeletons over ancient pottery any day!

Personally, I wouldn’t go crazy with museums in Xi’an. Just pick one.

If you don’t go to any of them – don’t stress. You can at least say you’ve been to the Terracotta Army. That’s technically a museum 😉

But if you are a history lover and you are interested in Chinese history, Xi’an is one of the best cities in China to whet your appetite.

My top tips for visiting Xi’an’s museums:

• Pick one rather than trying to cram them all in
• Pre-booking is hard in Mandarin on WeChat, so use my booking links above
• The free ones are always crowded

Metro stations:

• Xi’an Museum – Nanshaomen (南稍门) on Line 2 and Line 5
• Shaanxi History – Xiaozhai (小寨) on Line 2 and Line 3
• Banpo – Banpo (半坡) on Line 1

7. Take a trip to Mount Hua

OK, this one technically isn’t in Xi’an.

But I’m including it anyway because it’s one of the best things you can do if you have an extra day. And it’s always nice to get out of a big city.

Mount Hua, or Huashan (华山), is one of China’s famous sacred mountains and is located a couple of hours outside Xi’an.

And it’s seriously impressive.

You’ll find huge cliffs, steep paths and some absolutely ridiculous-looking mountain trails.

Some of the paths are so steep that I spent a fair amount of time wondering why I’d decided to do this to myself. You can read all about my time at Huashan Mountain right here.

The good news is you don’t have to hike the entire mountain.

Cable cars can take you up and down, and then you can explore the different peaks on foot.

If you’re reasonably fit and the weather is good, it’s an awesome day trip. Just take one of the earliest high-speed trains from Xi’an, otherwise it’ll be too rushed.

My top tips for doing a day trip to Mount Hua:

• Book a super-early train and one of the latest trains to return
• Get a guide to pick you up from Huashan North station or catch a Didi car to the ticketing entrance
• Opt for a cable car to reach the summit unless you stay the night in the town

I really recommend you read my full page on Huashan to find out more.

8. Explore the Muslim Quarter

This is one of my favorite places to wander around in Xi’an.

The Muslim Quarter is a touristy maze of food stalls, shops, restaurants and people.

And yes, it gets insanely busy like most other places on this list.

Xi’an has a long connection with the Silk Road, and the Hui Muslim community has played an important role in the city’s history.

You’ll notice that this ethnic community looks quite different to the common Han Chinese.

The Muslim Quarter is famous for halal food, including lamb skewers, noodles, and the famous roujiamo – which is basically a delicious meat-filled bun.

I always like choosing something I’ve never eaten before and hoping for the best.

You can use a translation app, or just point at something to try it.

If you want a slightly more authentic experience, wander down the smaller side streets and see where the locals are eating.

During the day, for about 25 yuan (US$4) you can go inside the Great Mosque of Xi’an.

The mosque combines Islamic religious features with Chinese architecture, courtyards and pavilions.

It’s an active place of worship, so you won’t be able to enter the main prayer hall, and at times the mosque may be closed altogether to non-worshippers.

You can buy tickets at the ticket booth, just don’t forget to bring your passport.

The Muslim Quarter is located inside the Old City, so if you’re pressed for time you could easily combine your visit with the City Wall and Bell Tower.

My top tips for the Muslim Quarter:

• Go in the late afternoon and stay into the evening when the lights come on and the food stalls are firing up
• Wander aimlessly and find hole-in-the-wall food vendors
• Try roujiamo (肉夹馍 or ròu jiā mó) or any Muslim dish as it may be the only opportunity during your trip

Metro station: Zhonglou (钟楼) on Line 2 or Line 6.

9. See a Tang Dynasty show

Xi’an has a strong Tang Dynasty theme, and you’ll see it everywhere.

Including the shows.

There are various performances around the city that combine traditional music, dancing, costumes and stories from the Tang Dynasty.

The most famous options tend to be dinner-and-show experiences, where you eat dumplings or another local meal while watching a performance.

I’ve done this sort of thing a few times in different cities across China.

Last time I was in Xi’an, I booked tickets to a show at my hotel on a whim, but you can easily book here.

I’ll be honest, it’s cheesy and a bit camp.

But it’s fun, and you’ll probably never get the chance to do it again. There’s also English descriptions of what the story is about to help you make sense of it all.

It’s definitely an experience the kids will like.

My top tips for seeing a show:

• If you’re on a budget, just see a show without the dinner
• Once the show’s ended, hang around for free photos with the performers
• The food is usually pleasant but not the best you’ll have in China

10. Take the subway

Something I love doing in Xi’an is jumping on the subway and then hopping off and exploring whenever I feel like it.

The Xi’an Subway is clean, extensive, and busy (of course) and is significantly cheaper than using a DiDi rideshare car.

There’s English signage and along with your Chinese map app of choice, you’ll be able to confidently navigate your way around the city and be able to find your way back to the subway and your hotel.

Sometimes, the best thing about exploring a new city is getting lost and discovering hidden gems that no guide tells you about.

What I wouldn’t recommend you do in Xi’an

I’d hate for you to include something lame in your itinerary, especially if your travel time is limited.

One place that comes to mind is Daming Palace.

Despite the name of this so-called Xi’an attraction, there isn’t an actual palace in the grounds. It’s long gone.

Daming Palace is actually a big open space with tree-lined avenues and earth platforms where intact buildings used to exist.

You can pay to go inside the Danfeng Gate and see some museum exhibitions inside, but the Gate itself is recreated.

I’d only recommend a visit to Daming Palace if you want to burn some energy or get your steps up walking around the park.

Honestly, there’s nothing to see there.

My summary of Xi’an attractions

This includes my recommended priorities – start at the top and work your way down if you have time.

Attraction	Suggested time	Best for	My priority
Terracotta Army	3-4 hrs	World-class archaeology	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Xi’an City Wall	1-2 hrs	Views & cycling	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bell or Drum Tower	1 hr	History & architecture	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mount Hua	Full day	Mountain scenery & hiking	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Big Wild Goose Pagoda	2 hrs	Architecture & atmosphere	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tang show and dinner	2 hrs	Cultural experience	⭐⭐⭐
Muslim Quarter	2 hrs	Street food & atmosphere	⭐⭐⭐
Shaanxi History Museum	2-3 hrs	Tang treasures	⭐⭐⭐
Xi'an Museum	1-2 hrs	Local history	⭐⭐
Small Wild Goose Pagoda	1 hr	Architecture & tranquility	⭐⭐
Banpo Museum	1-2 hrs	Neolithic archaeology	⭐⭐

If you only have a few days, the Terracotta Army is the obvious number one.

Then I’d explore the old city (City Wall, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter), spend time in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area, and catch a traditional Tang Dynasty show.

If I had an extra day or so, I’d get down to Mount Hua as I love nature and hiking.

No matter what you end up choosing to do, please remember to:

• Pre-book almost everything
• Expect crowds almost everywhere
• Allocate some time to just wandering around the Old City
• Bring your passport to get into places

And in Xi’an, “just popping in” somewhere can involve a security check, ID scan and a long queue. So, build extra time into your plans as you travel around the city.

One last thing: Your eSIM and VPN

If you’re visiting China soon, you will need an eSIM so you can:

• Pay electronically using Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Navigate using online maps
• Keep in touch when you’re out and about

I also recommend a standalone VPN for extra security, which you can use in your hotel room (via wi-fi) for things like:

• Online banking
• Private messaging
• Accessing websites the eSIM doesn’t allow

Visit this page for eSIM and this page for VPN – my recommendations are tried and tested in China.

I know you’ll have a great time in Xi’an

I hope my guide on the best things to do in Xi’an has helped you somewhat.

Granted, the list is quite touristy, but if I were in Xi’an for less than a week and I hadn’t been before, these are all the things I’d want to do.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments below.

Or, jump into my China Travel Facebook Group. I keep the pesky travel agents out so it’s as unbiased as possible.

Want to keep reading? Even though I adore Xi’an I actually prefer Yinchuan because it’s way less touristy and there are awesome things to see there, including a UNESCO Site. Check out my things to do in Yinchuan article right here.

Main imaged credit: Supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

FAQ about what to do in Xi’an

What are the best things to do in Xi’an?

If you’re visiting Xi’an for the first time, the Terracotta Army is your must-see attraction. I’d then prioritize the Old City including the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter and Xi’an City Wall, and then the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area. If you have an extra day, take a trip to Mount Hua.

How many days do you need in Xi’an?

I’d recommend at least 2-3 days for your first trip to Xi’an. That gives you enough time to see the main attractions, eat some local food and still have a bit of downtime. Four or five days would be better if you want to add Mount Hua and not feel rushed.

Is Xi’an worth visiting?

Absolutely. If you’re interested in Chinese history and culture, Xi’an is one of the best cities in China to visit. It was an ancient capital for numerous dynasties and was an important starting point for the Silk Road, so there’s history practically everywhere you look. And, many of Xi’an’s major sights are easy to reach by subway.

Is the Terracotta Army worth visiting?

Yes, 100%. I’ll go out on a limb and say it’s one of the best things to see in China. For me, it’s an honor to visit an archaeological site of such significance, and see thousands of unique, life-size warriors standing in formation.

What is Xi’an famous for?

Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Army, its ancient city wall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its Tang Dynasty history and its food. It’s also famous for being an important ancient Chinese capital and the eastern end of the historic Silk Road.

What food should I try in Xi’an?

Start with roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and biangbiang hand-pulled noodles. You could then try liangpi spicy cold noodles or yangrou paomo (lamb soup with torn flatbread), as well as the various snacks you’ll find in the Muslim Quarter.

Is the Muslim Quarter worth visiting in Xi’an?

Yes. It’s touristy and can be ridiculously crowded, but it’s also one of the most lively parts of the city and a great place to try local food.

Should I visit the Bell Tower or Drum Tower?

If you have time, visit both. They’re close together and can easily be combined with the Muslim Quarter. You can see drum performances at the Drum Tower, while the Bell Tower has the better “I’m in Xi’an!” photo.

Can you walk on the Xi’an City Wall?

Yes. You can walk on the wall or hire a bike and ride around it. The full circuit is roughly 14 km (8.6 miles), so cycling is much more practical if you want to see the whole thing.

Is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting at night?

Yes. The illuminated pagoda, fountain shows and Grand Tang Ever-Bright City make this one of the best places in Xi’an for an evening stroll and people-watching.

What is the best time to visit Xi’an?

Spring and autumn are by far the most comfortable seasons. Summer can be very hot, while winter can be very cold. I’d also avoid visiting during China’s biggest public holidays – Lunar New Year and National Day.

Is Xi’an good for first-time visitors to China?

Yes. Xi’an is actually one of my favorite Chinese cities for first-time visitors because you get a bit of everything – ancient history, modern China, culture, great food, easy-to-use public transport. Just sort out your eSIM, VPN and digital payments situation before you land.