Xi'an Attractions Guide | Top Places to Visit in Xi'an

Top Attractions in Xi'an

From world-famous archaeological sites to ancient temples and vibrant markets, Xi'an offers a wealth of attractions that span thousands of years of Chinese history.

Terracotta Warriors

UNESCO

4.8 (12,345 reviews)

One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, this vast army of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots was buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BCE.

Historical UNESCO Must-See

40km east of Xi'an

3-4 hours

View Details

Xi'an City Wall

Historical

4.9 (10,876 reviews)

One of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China, Xi'an's 14th-century fortification forms a rectangle around the old city with a perimeter of 14km.

Historical Must-See Cycling

City Center

2-4 hours

View Details

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Religious

4.6 (8,721 reviews)

Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, this Buddhist pagoda was originally constructed to house sutras and figurines brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.

Religious Historical Architecture

South of City Center

1-2 hours

View Details

Bell Tower

Historical

4.5 (7,654 reviews)

Built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, this iconic tower stands at the geographical center of Xi'an's ancient city. The bell was rung at dawn to signal the start of each new day.

Historical Architecture City Center

City Center

1 hour

View Details

Drum Tower

Historical

4.4 (6,987 reviews)

Located just west of the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower was built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty. The drums were beaten at sunset to mark the end of the day.

Historical Architecture City Center

City Center

1 hour

View Details

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Religious

4.3 (5,432 reviews)

Built between 707-709 during the Tang Dynasty, this pagoda is smaller and older than its more famous counterpart. It's located within the Xi'an Museum complex.

Religious Historical Museum

South of City Center

1-2 hours

View Details

Huaqing Palace

Historical

4.4 (6,123 reviews)

Famous for its hot springs and the romantic story of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei. Located at the foot of Mount Li, near the Terracotta Warriors.

Historical Hot Springs Gardens

30km East of City

2-3 hours

View Details

Shaanxi History Museum

Museum

4.7 (8,234 reviews)

One of China's premier museums, housing over 370,000 artifacts that span the province's rich history from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty.

Museum Cultural Indoor

South of City Center

2-3 hours

View Details

Suggested Itineraries

Make the most of your time in Xi'an with our carefully crafted itineraries

Classic Xi'an (2 Days)

Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the essential highlights of Xi'an in a short time.

Day 1: City Center Exploration

Morning: Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Lunch: Muslim Quarter food exploration
Afternoon: City Wall bike ride
Evening: Fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 2: Historical Wonders

Morning: Terracotta Warriors
Lunch: Local restaurant near the museum
Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum
Evening: Tang Dynasty Show & Dumpling Banquet

View Full Itinerary

In-Depth Xi'an (4 Days)

A comprehensive exploration of Xi'an's major attractions and hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

Day 1: City Center

Bell Tower, Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter

Day 2: Ancient Wonders

Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum & Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 4: Nature & Relaxation

Mount Huashan day trip (optional) or Daming Palace & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

View Full Itinerary

Family-Friendly Xi'an (3 Days)

Designed for families with children, balancing educational sites with fun activities.

Day 1: City Exploration

Morning: City Wall bike ride or electric car tour
Afternoon: Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Evening: Muslim Quarter food adventure

Day 2: History Made Fun

Morning: Terracotta Warriors with kid-friendly guide
Afternoon: Hands-on pottery workshop
Evening: Tang Dynasty Show

Day 3: Nature & Science

Morning: Big Wild Goose Pagoda & fountain show
Afternoon: Xi'an Museum interactive exhibits
Afternoon: Xi'an Museum interactive exhibits
Evening: Tang Paradise water & light show

View Full Itinerary

Insider Tips

Local insights to enhance your Xi'an experience

Best Timing

Visit the Terracotta Warriors first thing in the morning (8-9am) or late afternoon (3-5pm) to avoid tour groups
Explore the City Wall around sunset for beautiful views and cooler temperatures
The Muslim Quarter is most atmospheric after 6pm when all food stalls are open

Food Adventures

Look for restaurants where locals are lining up - they know the best spots
Try Biangbiang noodles at smaller family-run shops outside tourist areas for authenticity
For the best Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), visit Laosunjia near the South Gate

Money Savers

Purchase a Xi'an Pass if visiting multiple attractions (available at major tourist centers)
Many museums offer free entry on specific days - check their websites before visiting
Use the metro instead of taxis - it's clean, efficient, and much cheaper

Photography Spots

South Gate of City Wall at night when it's illuminated
Bell Tower from the elevated walkway connecting to the shopping mall
Terracotta Warriors Pit 1 from the back left corner for the best panoramic view
Big Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show (evenings at 8:30pm)

Hidden Gems

Guangren Temple - Xi'an's only Tibetan Buddhist temple, often overlooked by tourists
Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street - less crowded alternative to the Muslim Quarter for shopping
Eight Immortals Temple - peaceful Taoist temple away from the tourist crowds
Xiangzi Temple Vegetarian Restaurant - authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in a historic setting

Seasonal Guide

The best times to visit Xi'an's attractions throughout the year

Spring

March - May

Pleasant temperatures

Blooming flowers at parks

Occasional dust storms

Best for:

City Wall Outdoor Activities

Summer

June - August

Extended daylight hours

Evening cultural events

Hot and humid weather

Best for:

Indoor Museums Evening Activities

Autumn

September - November

Clear skies, best visibility

Comfortable temperatures

Crowded during October

Best for:

All Attractions Photography

Winter

December - February

Fewer tourists

Chinese New Year festivities

Cold and occasionally snowy

Best for:

Terracotta Warriors Indoor Sites

Pro Tip: The best overall time to visit Xi'an is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are manageable.

View Detailed Travel Guide