Xi’an is the capital of the Shaanxi province in China and is famous for its many historical sites and links to the Silk Road. Today, Xian is one of the most popular tourist cities in China, due to its intriguing blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities.
Xian is located right in the heart of mainland China, meaning you can easily fly there in just under 2 hours from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. When visiting Xian, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the different sightseeing options and things to do, since the city has over 3000 years of history associated with it.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 attractions in Xian that you cannot miss on your visit. From ancient wonders like the Terracotta Warriors to gorgeous natural landscapes like Mount Huashan, Xian has a near-endless offering for any traveller.
The most famous of all the sights in Xian and one of the top things to do, is the Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974, this astounding UNESCO World Heritage site has uncovered thousands of terracotta warriors and horses that guard the resting place of the first Chinese Emperor, Qinshihuang, who united China in the 3rd century BCE. Work on the site has been ongoing for decades, but it is likely thousands of soldiers remain unearthed due to the massive size of the tomb.
The mausoleum is organised into four areas, Pits 1 to 3 and then the Bronze Chariots and Horses Hall. Each soldier statue is unique in its design, which is a testament to the time and effort put into this burial, so take your time exploring each section.
Pit 1 has over 2000 soldiers, made up of a vanguard and infantry. Pit 2 is much smaller but contains a variety of different units like archers and cavalry. Pit 3 is the smallest area for visitors, but represents the Emperor’s command post made up of 68 warriors and chariots.
The best way to experience the Terracotta Warriors is with a local guide. There is limited English signage, which could inhibit your visit if you chose to go on your own. A guide will be able to give you more information about the historical significance of the tomb and help you navigate the different pits.
The Ancient City Wall surrounds the old city and runs parallel to the train tracks. It is one of the largest surviving ancient fortifications in China and is one of the largest military defences in the world!
Built during the Ming Dynasty over 600 years ago, the wall runs for 13.7km and its monumental walls will give you exquisite views of Xian as you stroll along the battlements. If you visit in the evening, you will be treated to picturesque views of the lantern-lit walls and the lights of the city.
Cycling is also a great way to experience the Ancient City Wall and should take you around two hours to complete. Bikes can be rented at the bottom of the wall for as cheap as 40 RMB. Entry to the walls will cost 54 RMB per adult but will allow you entry into the 2 museums there, located at the Barbican and archery tower of the South Gate.
We recommend beginning your visit at the South Gate, but you can start your tour from whichever gate is closest to you. Public transport is very reliable, buses can easily get you to the main points of the wall from your accommodation.
If you want to spend a day exploring the stunning mountain ranges of Shaanxi province, then Huashan should be at the top of your itinerary. Huashan is known as one of the deadliest hikes in the world and is a great attraction for thrill seekers and outdoorsy types.
The mountain is made up of 5 peaks, North, Central, East, South, and West. You can choose to hike the trail leading up to the peaks or you can ascend via a cable car to take in the mystical natural scenery from above.
Once you have reached the top of the North Peak, a trail leads to the others. Along the trail, you will find locks bolted to the railings with bright red ribbons. This is a local custom to bring health and safety to loved ones, adding to the spiritual significance of the mountain.
The iconic Changkong plank trail is a dangerous and thrilling aspect of the South Peak. The tallest of the peaks features wooden planks that are bolted into the side of the mountain face. Hikers must walk the narrow planks whilst wearing a harness that attaches to iron railings on one side. On the other, there is a sheer drop down the mountain that is both terrifying and exciting.
Huashan has many features that will appeal to you even if you aren’t a daredevil. On the east peak, you can find the Chess Playing Pavillion, home to the highest chessboard in the world that offers stunning views of the mountains on a clear day. You will also find important religious sites like Yuquan temple, which can be a welcome break from high-altitude trekking.
Huashan is easily accessible via bullet train and bus. Be warned that it can get very crowded, so it is best to set off early. If you are planning to take the cable car be sure you leave in plenty of time as the queues can get very long. We recommend dedicating a whole day to Huashan to make the most of your visit.
Just 4km outside the centre of Xian, you can find Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. It was built in 642 AD during the Tang Dynasty and is a striking seven stories tall.
It was constructed to house Buddhist artefacts that were brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Big Wild Goose Pagoda originally contained 675 sutras that were translated into Chinese, which was a major development in the history of translation.
Entry to the pagoda will cost you 40 RMB, and ascending the 60m high tower will cost an extra 25 RMB. The Pagoda itself is an amazing display of traditional Tang Dynasty architecture and is situated in the middle of Da’Cien Temple. Inside the temple grounds, you will also find landscaped squares and gardens to explore.
Once you’ve enjoyed the idyllic pagoda and temple grounds, there is an open-air mall to the south which features many shops and restaurants. This is a perfect place to grab lunch and stands in stark contrast to the ancient temple atmosphere.
If you want to sample Xian street food, there’s no better place than the Muslim Quarter to sink your teeth into local delicacies. Along the bustling streets, you can find fragrant stalls cooking dishes like flatbread with mutton stew and persimmon pies. Vegetarians should be warned that there is not much here for you, but meat lovers will be right at home!
Beiyuanmen Muslim Market is a tight-knit community of Muslims who descend from Afghani and Persian merchants that settled in Xian hundreds of years ago. This has resulted in a large Islamic influence on the city, so a trip to the Muslim Quarter feels like stepping into another country entirely.
Alongside traditional food, the market is filled with unique souvenirs which could be the perfect handmade gift for a loved one back home. If you are planning to visit the Great Mosque, the Muslim Quarter is a great place to browse beforehand.
After exploring the Muslim Quarter, you should spend some time in the Great Mosque to learn about its intriguing history as one of the oldest and best-preserved mosques in China. Built in 742 AD, it was established after the settlement of Arabian merchants and travellers who brought Islam to China.
The Great Mosque is a striking blend of traditional Muslim and Chinese architecture, decorated with mesmerising Islamic art. The Mosque comprises 4 courtyards with exceptionally maintained gardens, which is a welcome escape from the busy city.
In the third courtyard, you will find Xingxin Tower, where visitors gather to attend prayer services. As is traditional in Islam, prayer services are held 5 times a day.
A visit to the Great Mosque is an amazing way to discover the diverse cultural history of Xian. It is an excellent way to spend the morning if you’re exploring the Muslim Quarter and is just one of the incredible buildings the city has to offer.
Within the centre of Xian, you can find the charming Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, which are important historical buildings like the Great Mosque. The Drum Tower is a striking mixture of Tang and Qing Dynasty architecture. As its name suggests, it once held drums that were used to signal the time and provide warning of raiders.
Unfortunately, the original drums are no longer there. However, 28 drums have since been readied to the tower to boost tourism. This includes one of the largest drums in China, which is 1.8m tall and weighs 1.5 tons.
Alongside the impressive architecture, you can attend musical performances in the tower which is an excellent way to experience Chinese culture.
Just across from the Drum Tower, you can find the Bell Tower. Standing 36m tall, this tower is over 600 years old. It was built to mark the centre of ancient Xian and was moved 1km from its original site in 1582.
Due to its central location, the tower is connected to the main gates of the Ancient city wall by four streets, making it a useful point of reference as you traverse the city. Originally, the tower was used to provide a vantage point of the surrounding area and provide warning of any attackers.
The Jingyun Bell that was originally in the tower was moved in 1953. These days an impressive replica hangs in the tower, which provides insight into how the tower may have operated in the Ming Dynasty.
If its rich history is your main reason for visiting Xian, then the Shaanxi History Museum is worth seeing. This was one of China’s first modern national museums and houses many artefacts from multiple Chinese dynasties.
You will find the museum to the northwest of Big Wild Goose Pagoda and be delighted to discover the thousands of exhibits on display. The Museum is made up of 4 main areas, the Preface Hall, the permanent exhibitions space, the temporary exhibitions space, and the Tang Mural Paintings Hall. A guided tour of the exhibits is highly recommended if you want a more in-depth experience of the museum.
In the preface hall and exhibition spaces, you will find thousands of artefacts that detail the rich imperial history of Xian as the ancient capital of China. You can learn all about the significance of the Silk Road and the impact it had on Chinese culture and development.
The most fascinating reason to visit the museum is the Tang Mural Paintings Hall. It features tomb murals recovered from Tang dynasty burials. The murals are exceptionally preserved as they are kept in vacuum conditions to prevent their deterioration.
As a result, there is a higher entrance fee of 300 RMB. Though this is much more expensive than other exhibitions, the detail of the murals and the insight they provide about life in the Tang Dynasty are worth the hefty price.
Another excellent historical site that should be visited on a trip to Xian is the Tomb of Emperor Jing Di. Also known as Lui Qi, this Han Dynasty emperor was famous for improving the lives of his subjects. This mausoleum is one of the best-preserved Han Dynasty burials and has massively impacted our understanding of the period.
The burial is notable for the discovery of miniature terracotta figurines that were present. Contrasted to the life-sized Terracotta Warriors, these figures depict eunuchs, servants, warriors, and animals that were initially dressed in silk. They also featured moveable wooden arms, but these have sadly not survived.
The site is divided into the tomb, which features 21 excavated pits, and the museum, which houses the artefacts discovered. The pits at the dig site have been covered in glass, allowing visitors to view the excavations as they were discovered and see firsthand the layout of the burial pits.
Huaqing Palace is a picturesque site near the Terracotta Warriors which is an exceptional spot to see while in Xian. The palace is built atop a natural spring 30km from Xian, so it is often called Huaqing Pool. The palace is best visited with an English-speaking guide, who can provide more context regarding the palace’s rich heritage.
There are 5 hot springs remaining called Lotus Pool, Haitand Pool, Star Pool, Shangshi Pool and Prince Pool. The Lotus Pool was originally the private bathing spot for the emperor as was the Star Pool, which has no roof so one could stargaze while bathing.
Nearby you can also find the Pear Garden. This is considered the birthplace of Chinese opera, as Emperor Tang Xuanzong would assemble musicians and dancers here. The garden is where he would host parties for his consort Yang Guifei, and their love story will resonate with any romantics who come to visit.
A city so steeped in history like Xian is impossible to sum up in just 10 attractions. The ancient architecture and abundant archaeology make Xian a great place to visit for any history buff. Equally, those who enjoy the beauty of nature will find great appeal at Mount Huashan and Huaqing Palace.
There is so much more to see when visiting Xian and this list only captures a fraction of the many things to do on your trip. If you’ve been considering a trip to China, Xian is a must-see destination that captures the culture, history, and atmosphere of the country, from its ancient origins to its metropolitan present.
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