Xi'an

Xi'an Travel Guide

The starting point of the Silk Road and capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an is a treasure house of ancient Chinese civilization. The overwhelming scale of the Terracotta Warriors (hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World), the elegant Giant Wild Goose Pagoda from the Tang dynasty, and the perfectly preserved ancient city wall bring 3,100 years of history to life. Tasting Muslim Quarter street food in the Hui district and cycling the illuminated city wall at night are experiences unique to Xi'an. Highly recommended for travelers who want to dive deep into Chinese history.

Essential Xi'an Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Xi'an

★ 4.9

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army consists of roughly 8,000 life-sized clay warriors and horses created around 210 BCE to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Accidentally discovered by a farmer digging a well in 1974, the find stunned the world and is often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' Displayed across Pits 1, 2, and 3, the battle formation of some 6,000 warriors in Pit 1 is breathtaking. Remarkably, every figure has a unique facial expression, hairstyle, and armor. Admission CNY 120 (March-November), CNY 150 (peak season). About 1 hour by tourist bus 306 from the city center.

Hours08:30-18:00 (March-November), 08:30-17:30 (December-February).

LocationLintong, Xi'an

TipsArrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Hiring a guide (about CNY 150) gives you detailed historical context and makes the visit far more meaningful.

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★ 4.7

Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an City Wall, built in 1370 during the early Ming dynasty, is China's best-preserved ancient city wall, stretching approximately 13.7km in circumference, standing 12m tall, and 12-14m wide on top. Renting a bicycle on the wall and cycling the full loop takes about 1.5 hours, and the contrast between the old city and modern skyline is striking. At night, the entire wall is illuminated in golden light, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Admission CNY 54; bicycle rental CNY 45 (2 hours). Metro Line 2, Yongningmen Station.

Hours08:00-22:00 (April-October), 08:00-19:00 (November-March).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsGo up before sunset to catch both the twilight and the night illumination. Renting bicycles at the South Gate (Yongningmen) is most convenient.

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★ 4.5

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a 7-story, 64m-tall brick pagoda built in 652 by the Tang-dynasty monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures and statues brought from India, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Xuanzang's travel journal 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions' inspired the novel Journey to the West. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple was a major center of Chinese Buddhism. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an, and at night the northern plaza hosts one of Asia's largest musical fountain shows. Admission CNY 40 (pagoda climb CNY 30 extra). A 10-minute walk from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Station (Metro Lines 3 and 4).

Hours08:00-18:00 (March-November), 08:00-17:30 (December-February).

LocationYanta, Xi'an

TipsThe fountain show at around 9 PM (summer schedule) is free and lasts about 20 minutes. The interior stairs are steep but the view from the top is excellent.

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★ 4.6

Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)

The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) is a 1,000-year-old district founded by Muslim descendants who settled here via the Silk Road during the Tang dynasty. About 50,000 Hui people live in this center of Chinese Islamic culture. A 500m stretch starting from the Bell Tower is lined with street food stalls, souvenir shops, and mosques, making it Xi'an's top food street. You can sample Hui-Muslim specialties like lamb skewers, yangrou paomo (lamb bread soup), biang biang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and sweet bayberry tea. Tucked inside the district is the Great Mosque, founded in 743, a unique structure blending Chinese architecture with Islamic style. Free to explore. A 5-minute walk from the Bell Tower, or take Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou Station.

HoursStreet 24 hours (food stalls 09:00-24:00)

LocationLianhu, Xi'an

TipsEvenings (18:00-22:00) are most lively with a true night market vibe. Weekday evenings are quieter. For yangrou paomo (around CNY 30), tearing the flatbread by hand is part of the fun.

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★ 4.4

Bell Tower & Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower were built in 1384 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming dynasty as Xi'an's defining landmarks. The Bell Tower sits at the historical center of the old city and once rang the dawn bell to mark time, while the Drum Tower struck the evening drum to close the day. The two stand about 250m apart and connect by foot to the Muslim Quarter. The 36m Bell Tower offers panoramic views in all four directions, with daily bell-striking demonstrations. The Drum Tower museum displays the giant drums and time-keeping devices used during the Ming and Qing dynasties. By night, golden floodlights make both towers all the more majestic. Combined Bell-Drum Tower ticket CNY 50. Directly at Zhonglou Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours08:30-21:00 (March-October), 08:30-18:00 (November-February)

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsThe combined Bell-Drum Tower ticket is cheaper than separate ones. The night lighting after 7 PM is most beautiful — time your visit.

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★ 4.4

Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace is an imperial hot-spring retreat at the foot of Mount Li, 30km east of Xi'an, with around 3,000 years of history. It is most famous as the romantic setting where Tang Emperor Xuanzong shared affection with his consort Yang Guifei; restored imperial baths include Yang Guifei's Crabapple Pool and Xuanzong's Lotus Pool. The palace is also the site of the 1936 Xi'an Incident, where Chiang Kai-shek's quarters (Wujian Hall) have been preserved. From April to October, the spectacular outdoor performance 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow,' retelling the Xuanzong-Yang Guifei love story, draws large evening crowds. Admission CNY 120. About 1 hour by intercity bus from Xi'an East Station, or visit on the same route as the Terracotta Warriors.

Hours07:00-19:00 (March-November), 07:30-18:00 (December-February)

LocationLintong, Xi'an

TipsPair it with the Terracotta Warriors on the same route for a full-day trip. Book the evening 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' show (CNY 218-688) early for good seats.

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★ 4.7

Shaanxi History Museum

Opened in 1991, the Shaanxi History Museum is one of China's top four museums, housing roughly 1.7 million artifacts. Most come from Shaanxi province, the heartland of 13 ancient dynastic capitals, presenting a chronological journey through 5,000 years of Chinese civilization — Neolithic, Bronze Age, Qin-Han, Tang, and Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing. National treasures include the bronze chariot from the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, Tang gold cups, and Han jade-leaf burial goods. The annex 'Tang Treasure Hall' showcases over 300 imperial Tang treasures. Free admission (reservations required) but extremely popular — book a week in advance. Annex CNY 30. A 15-minute walk from Xiaozhai Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours09:00-17:30 (closed Mondays; last entry 16:00)

LocationYanta, Xi'an

TipsRenting the audio guide (CNY 30, Korean available) makes the artifacts' historical context much clearer. The Tang Treasure annex requires a separate ticket but is well worth it.

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★ 4.5

Great Mosque of Xi'an

The Great Mosque of Xi'an, said to have been founded in 742 CE during the Tang dynasty, is one of China's oldest and largest mosques, located down an alley called Huajue Lane inside the Muslim Quarter. Its most distinctive feature is the 'Introspection Tower,' a traditional Chinese wooden pavilion serving as a minaret instead of the usual spire, while four courtyards lined with Ming and Qing-era buildings blend Islamic motifs with Chinese hip-and-gable roofs. The prayer hall itself is open only to Muslims, but the exterior alone is impressive. Admission CNY 25 in peak season (March-November), CNY 15 off-season (free for Muslims). A 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower.

Hours08:00-18:40 (varies seasonally; may be adjusted around prayer times).

LocationLianhu, Xi'an

TipsAvoid revealing clothing, and be aware Friday prayer times can be crowded. Admission is often cash-only, so bring small bills.

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★ 4.6

Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

The Forest of Stone Steles Museum, formally opened in 1944 on the site of Xi'an's old Confucian Temple, is the world's largest museum of stone-carved calligraphy, housing over 3,000 steles inscribed with the writing of master calligraphers from the Han through Qing dynasties. The Tang-dynasty Kaicheng Stone Classics (114 steles carving the Thirteen Classics) and genuine works by calligraphy giants like Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Ouyang Xun line the galleries, truly earning the museum its 'forest of steles' name. A new North Hall, opened in 2025, expanded the collection to about 14,000 pieces. Admission CNY 75 in peak season (March-November), CNY 50 off-season. A 10-minute walk from Yongningmen Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours08:00-18:45 (summer, tickets close 18:00), 08:00-18:00 (winter, tickets close 17:15).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsRenting the audio guide (CNY 30) makes it much easier to appreciate the historical significance of the calligraphy works. It's close to the South Gate (Yongningmen) of the city wall, making a convenient pairing.

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★ 4.4

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built around 707-709 CE within Jianfu Temple, is a 15-story (now 13, about 43m tall) densely-eaved brick pagoda — smaller than its 'sibling' the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, but slender and elegant. Legend tells of the tower cracking apart during three historical earthquakes, only to mysteriously seal itself shut again after later tremors — the tale of 'three splits, three unions.' The Xi'an Museum grounds where the pagoda stands are free to enter; climbing the pagoda itself costs an extra CNY 30. A 10-minute walk from Nanshaomen Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours09:00-18:00 (March 15-October 30), 09:00-17:30 (November-March 14, closed Tuesdays).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsMuch quieter than the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, making for a relaxed visit. Free daily admission slots are limited, so arrive early in the morning.

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★ 4.4

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Built in 634 CE, Daming Palace served as the seat of government for 17 Tang emperors and was, at its peak, estimated at roughly 4.5 times the area of the Forbidden City — the largest palace of the Tang era. Destroyed after the An Lushan Rebellion, only the foundations remain, but the site was developed into a National Heritage Park in 2010, where the Danfeng Gate Ruins Museum and the remains of Hanyuan and Xuanzheng Halls hint at the empire's staggering scale. Strolling the heritage park is free; visiting core ruins like the Danfeng Gate Museum requires a CNY 60 combo ticket. Accessible via Daming Palace West Station (Metro Line 2) or Daming Palace Station (Metro Line 4).

Hours08:30-19:00 (April 15-October 15), 08:30-18:30 (October 16-April 14).

LocationXincheng, Xi'an

TipsThe site is vast, so the sightseeing cart (CNY 30) is convenient. Since it's mostly ruins, the models and video displays help bring the scale to life.

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★ 4.5

Han Yangling Mausoleum

Han Yangling is the joint mausoleum of Emperor Jing, the sixth emperor of the Western Han dynasty, and Empress Wang, located about 20km north of downtown Xi'an in Xianyang. Less famous than the Terracotta Army, its underground gallery lets visitors look straight down through glass floors at the actual excavation site, offering a unique view of thousands of small painted nude terracotta figurines and animal models exactly as they were unearthed. Though smaller than the Terracotta Warriors, these figures are strikingly realistic with delicate expressions. Admission CNY 70 in peak season (March-November), CNY 55 off-season. About 40-50 minutes from downtown by shuttle bus or taxi.

Hours08:30-18:30 (March-November, last entry 17:00), 08:30-18:00 (December-February, last entry 16:30).

LocationXianyang, Xi'an

TipsA free shuttle runs every 20 minutes between the North and South zones, so you don't need to walk. The documentary near the exit (CNY 10, English headphones available) helps make sense of the site.

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★ 4.7

Mount Huashan

Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Great Mountains as the Western Peak (alongside Mount Tai in the east and Mount Heng in the south), is a Taoist sacred site in Huayin, about 120km east of Xi'an. Of its five peaks — East, West, South, North, and Central — the South Peak at 2,155m is the highest, and the 'Plank Walk in the Sky,' wooden planks nailed straight into a cliff face, is famous as one of the world's most dangerous hiking trails. The West and North Peak cable cars let visitors enjoy the spectacular scenery without the physical strain of climbing. Admission CNY 180 in peak season (March-November), CNY 100 off-season (valid 2 days). About 30-50 minutes from Xi'an North Station by high-speed rail to Huashan North Station, followed by a shuttle bus.

HoursThe mountain is open 24 hours; cable cars run 07:00-19:00 (peak season), 08:00-18:00 (off-season).

LocationHuayin, Xi'an

TipsTo see sunrise, hike up the night before or take the cable car at dawn. The Plank Walk requires a separate safety harness rental fee and is best avoided if you have a fear of heights.

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★ 4.3

Xingqing Palace Park

Xingqing Palace Park occupies the former grounds of Xingqing Palace, where Tang Emperor Xuanzong lived before his enthronement and later handled state affairs. Left in ruins after the An Lushan Rebellion, the site was reborn as a public park in 1958, now centered on Xingqing Lake and pavilions recreating Tang-era architecture such as the Chenxiang Pavilion. Visitors can rent pedal boats (CNY 120 for 40 minutes) or electric boats to cruise the lake. Free admission, open year-round. A 6-minute walk from Exit A of Jiaotong University-Xingqing Palace Station (Metro Line 6).

Hours06:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsEarly mornings reveal locals practicing tai chi and sword dance. Adjacent to Xi'an Jiaotong University's campus, making it easy to combine with a campus stroll.

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★ 4.3

Banpo Museum

Banpo Museum, discovered in 1953 and opened in 1958, is China's very first on-site archaeological museum, built directly atop the remains of a roughly 6,000-year-old Yangshao culture matriarchal clan village. It combines a ruins hall preserving 46 excavated dwellings, kilns, tombs, and storage pits in situ, with an artifact gallery of painted pottery, fish-motif ceramics, and bone tools illustrating Neolithic life. An outdoor recreated village lets visitors try archery and pottery-making. Admission CNY 55 in peak season (March-November), CNY 45 off-season. A 5-minute walk from Exit A of Banpo Station (Metro Line 1).

Hours08:00-17:30 (March-November), 08:00-17:00 (December-February).

LocationBaqiao, Xi'an

TipsFree admission on International Museum Day (May 18). The hands-on activities are especially popular with kids on peak-season weekends, so check the schedule in advance.

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★ 4.5

Xi'an Museum

Xi'an Museum, opened in 2007 southwest of the old Jianfu Temple site where the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands, surveys 2,000 years of the city's history from the Han through Tang dynasties (as ancient Chang'an) through about 2,000 curated artifacts. Tang tricolor figurines, gold and silver crafts, and mural fragments excavated from Chang'an form the core collection, with an especially striking model recreating the scale and cosmopolitan status of Tang-dynasty Chang'an. Sharing grounds with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda makes for an easy combined visit. Free admission (bring a passport; WeChat reservation recommended). A 10-minute walk from Nanshaomen Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours09:00-18:00 (peak season, last entry 17:00), 09:00-17:30 (off-season).

LocationBeilin, Xi'an

TipsBook via the WeChat mini-program 'Xi'an Museum.' The pagoda-climbing ticket (CNY 30) is separate, so purchase it too if you want to go up.

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★ 4.4

Qianling Mausoleum

Qianling Mausoleum, the joint tomb of Tang Emperor Gaozong and China's only female emperor, Wu Zetian, sits on Mount Liang in Qian County, about 76km northwest of Xi'an. Built using the 'mountain as mausoleum' method — turning an entire mountain into the tomb — it is famously the only Tang imperial tomb never successfully looted despite repeated attempts. Highlights include stone statues of officials and animals lining the spirit way, 61 headless statues of foreign envoys, and the inscription-free 'Wordless Stele.' Admission CNY 102 in peak season (March-November, combo ticket including satellite tombs), CNY 82 off-season. About 1.5 hours from downtown Xi'an by chartered car or tour.

Hours08:30-18:00 (March-November, ticket sales close 17:00), 08:30-17:30 (December-February).

LocationQian County, Xi'an

TipsIt's in the opposite direction (west) from the Terracotta Army, so plan it as a separate day trip. Ask a guide about the various theories on why the Wordless Stele has no inscription — a fascinating topic.

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Things to Do in Xi'an

Culture

Terracotta Army Guided Tour

A 4-hour guided tour through Pits 1, 2, 3 and the museum in Korean or English, hearing Qin Shi Huang's ambitions and the secrets of crafting the warriors. Guide fee extra (CNY 150-300)

Price Admission CNY 120 + guide CNY 150-300Duration About 4-5 hours

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Adventure

Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride

Rent a bike atop the 13.7km Xi'an City Wall and loop the entire ramparts in about 1.5 hours — sunset is unforgettable. Admission + bike about CNY 100

Price Admission + bike about CNY 100Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Culture

Muslim Quarter Night Market Food Crawl

Eat your way through the 1,000-year-old Muslim Quarter night market — lamb skewers, yangrou paomo, biang biang noodles, roujiamo, and sweet bayberry tea. Budget about CNY 80-150 per person

Price About CNY 80-150 per personDuration About 2-3 hours

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Culture

Tang Dynasty Dinner Show

Experience the 'Tang Yue Gong' dinner show recreating Tang-dynasty imperial dance and feasts — dazzling costumes, dance, and instrumental performance over a Tang-style dinner. CNY 298-588 per person

Price About CNY 298-588 per personDuration About 2 hours

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Culture

Datang Everbright City Night Walk

Stroll the 2.1km Datang Everbright City pedestrian street south of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where Tang-costumed performers and dazzling lights bring the imperial era back to life. Free

Price FreeDuration About 2-3 hours

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Culture

Huaqing Palace Song of Everlasting Sorrow

'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' — a grand 90-minute open-air spectacle of dance, costume, and lighting featuring 700 performers, retelling the love story of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei against the backdrop of Mt. Li. CNY 218-688 per person

Price About CNY 218-688 per personDuration About 1.5 hours

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Must-Try Food in Xi'an

Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Bread Soup)

🍱 Traditional

Xi'an's signature dish: lamb broth with hand-torn bread pieces simmered together. The rich broth and chewy bread are a perfect match. About CNY 30-50 per bowl. Laosunjia on Muslim Quarter Street (Huimin Jie) is the original restaurant with over 100 years of history.

Biang Biang Noodles

🍱 Traditional

Xi'an's famous belt-wide handmade noodles tossed with chili oil and vinegar. Named for the 'biang biang' sound made when slapping the dough. About CNY 15-30 per bowl. Noodle shops on Muslim Quarter Street and near the South Gate are popular.

Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)

🍢 Street Food

A Chinese-style hamburger with slow-braised pork (or lamb) stuffed in a crispy baked bun. With 2,000 years of history, it's the quintessential Xi'an street food. About CNY 8-20 each. Try one freshly made from the stalls on Muslim Quarter Street.

Yangrou Chuan (Lamb Skewer)

🍢 Street Food

Yangrou Chuan: charcoal-grilled lamb skewers seasoned with Xinjiang-style spices — the iconic street food of the Muslim Quarter. About CNY 3-10 per skewer. Old Li Family Yangrou Chuan on Muslim Quarter Street is the most famous.

Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles)

🍢 Street Food

Liangpi: chewy cold rice or wheat noodles tossed with vinegar, garlic, chili oil, and cucumber — Xi'an's summer specialty. About CNY 10-20 per bowl. Widely available on Muslim Quarter Street and near the South Gate.

Hulatang (Spicy Pepper Soup)

🍱 Traditional

Hulatang: a peppery Xi'an breakfast soup of lamb, tofu, glass noodles, and seaweed, kicked with white pepper. About CNY 10-18 per bowl. Try a hot bowl at breakfast spots around the Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower.

Shizi Bing (Persimmon Cake)

🍰 Dessert

Shizi Bing: golden pancakes made with Lintong persimmons folded around red bean paste — a regional sweet specialty. About CNY 5-10 each. Best enjoyed hot off the griddle on Muslim Quarter Street in autumn and winter.

Xi'an Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Xi'an?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are best, with pleasant weather. Summer is scorching (above 35°C), while winter is cold but quieter.

How much does it cost to travel in Xi'an?

Daily budget around $45-85 (accommodation $20-45, meals $10-20, transport and entry $10-20).

How do I get around in Xi'an?

About 1 hour by airport bus from Xi'an Xianyang Airport to the city center; Metro Line 14 also connects the airport. The subway network (8 lines) is very convenient, and DiDi ride-hailing is useful. SIM cards are available at the airport, but Google and KakaoTalk are blocked without a VPN. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the main payment methods; foreign visitors should register for Alipay Tour Pass. Tipping is not customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Xi'an?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for 15 days (check 2024 extended-policy updates).

Is Xi'an safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but watch for fake tour guides and inflated prices at tourist spots. Touts for unofficial tours are common on the way to the Terracotta Warriors.

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