Top things to do in Xi’an China | Art, Culture, Markets, Highlights, Food

When looking for things to do in Xi’an, visitors should expect a completely different experience from any other city in China. From its red lantern-lined streets to delicious foods, colorful people, and lively energy, it is truly a world away from the somber and more contained vibe found in the nation’s capital, Beijing. If Beijing is the serious big brother, then Xi’an is its cheeky, more youthful sibling.

So why the difference?

Without the politics of imperial rule being a part of daily life in Beijing in recent centuries, Xi’an’s focus could be directed elsewhere. Historically, business boomed here, not least because it was once a pivot point between East and West; a veritable turnstile through which travelers and merchants passed before journeying along the mysterious and exciting Silk Road; or heading back home with spices, tea, ceramics, and silks in hand. This commercial pedigree is woven into all aspects of Xi’an. Even today the city remains a melting pot of people, culture, traditions, religions, and cuisines. These can be found at the heart of the city where your explorations should start, as well as further afield in other Silk Road destinations sustained over centuries through enterprise, innovation, and resilience.

In modern times, Xi’an’s fate as a must-see city in China was sealed with the discovery of the Terracotta Army by local farmers in 1974. Now at the top of most visitors’ Xi’an bucket list, you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s all there is here, but this guide on things to do in Xi’an will set things straight. We have consulted with our trusty local guides on the ground whose love of their city is parallelled only by their enthusiasm of sharing it with you.

Ready to design your itinerary? Let’s go!

There is no doubt that Xi’an, located in the Shaanxi province, is rich in history, but where to start? Long before Beijing emerged as China’s imperial home, Xi’an took pride of place as the Qin dynasty capital. Yes, there are many big things in China, however, Emperor Qin really set the tone for things with his commissioning of the Terracotta Army and Great Wall. And while the world’s largest underground army may dominate your knowledge of Xi’an now, our guide will open your eyes to an entirely different perspective. Read on to learn more about what this fascinating city has to offer.

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army - or Terracotta Warriors as they are often referred to - is the number one reason travelers from all over the world visit Xi’an. Discovered by several humble farmers who were digging for water, it is hard to believe nobody even knew the Terracotta Army existed before 1974 when it was ‘resurrected’ after being buried for 2,200 years. A visit to the army’s ‘barracks’ reveals extraordinary creativity and attention to detail that is difficult to fathom. Each soldier is individual and lifelike, telling a story about the life and times of the Qin dynasty at this time. Visits to the tombs usually last half a day, however, it’s possible you won’t find this enough to absorb this remarkable feat of planning and construction that has survived centuries underground.

Explore More

Xi’an City Wall

Visit Xi’an and you’ll quickly discover how proud locals are about the Xi’an City Wall. Ancient Chinese cities of note all built a city wall for security and control purposes to keep enemies out and residents in. The Xi’an Wall achieved this most effectively and is still standing, telling a tale simply by how well it has been preserved. In fact, there are many who argue it is China’s best-preserved city wall. Perhaps you’ll agree once you’ve cycled the roughly 14-kilometer perimeter, peered through a few of the nearly 6,000 battlements, or marveled at the original stones with which it has been built. There is so much history in this wall, it’s easy to see why it continues to be a highlight for locals and international visitors alike.

Explore More

Shaanxi History Museum

Located in proximity to the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum houses an enviable collection of relics, artefacts, ceramics, art, and other treasures that tell the history of China and Shaanxi. Showcasing incredible pieces such as fossils of the Lantian Man (dated to about one million years ago), the Kneeling Archer from Emperor Qin’s tomb, the Tang dynasty tomb murals, and the Empress’ Seal, reputedly from the tomb of the Han dynasty’s first emperor.

Explore More

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Every child growing up in China knows Monkey King, and not surprisingly, so do many people from all over the world. What you may not know is the connection between Monkey King and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. Construction of the pagoda was suggested by none other than Master Xuanzang whose adventures were captured in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The story describes how Master Xuanzang traveled to India to learn Buddhism and it was on this journey he found three disciples, one of whom was Monkey King. Master Xuanzang also returned from these travels with over 600 Buddhist scriptures which he diligently translated. These Buddhist scriptures and treasures were stored in none other than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with construction commencing in 652AD. And while earthquakes, groundwater, and age have contributed to a definite lean that is apparent in the pagoda, it continues to be a Xi’an must-see highlight (even though it’s undergone reconstruction several times since). Whether you visit by day or night, Big Wild Goose Pagoda will definitely be a highlight on any Xi’an city tour.

Explore More

The Great Mosque of Xi’an

There’s one thing you’ll discover on your visit to the Great Mosque of Xi’an, namely that it has been named appropriately. The oldest and largest Islamic mosque in the country, the Great Mosque is a walled complex of five courtyards. Many of the walls feature beautiful depictions of plants, birds, objects and text, in both Arabic and Chinese, while the gardens offer a tranquil place of meditation for visitors and worshippers alike. Once in the courtyard, it is hard to believe that just beyond the mosque’s walls is non-stop inner-city Xi’an, so be sure to make the most of your reprieve here by taking some quiet time for meditation before relaunching your travel adventure.

Explore More

Bell and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower were once vitally important buildings in Xi'an’s ancient past. As with many places in China, drum and bell towers were used to tell the time. In the morning, the Bell Tower gave the signal that the city was open for business. In the afternoon, the drums were beaten to let people who didn’t live in the city know it was time to leave as the city gate would be closed and the drawbridge raised. The original giant bronze Jingyun bell from the Tang dynasty is now on display at the Xi'an Beilin Museum. Here you will also find exhibitions showcasing drums, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, antique porcelain and furniture in the Drum Tower. Be sure to make this part of your Xi’an visit.

Explore More

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Referred to as either the Small or Little Wild Goose Pagoda, this structure is the other significant pagoda in Xi’an. With an impressive history that extends back to 709 when its construction was completed, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda was 45 meters tall, which is not as high as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but impressive nonetheless. As a result of earthquakes and damage, the pagoda is now just 43 meters tall. It is renowned for its ‘mother temple’, the Jianfu Temple, which was formerly an important location for translating ancient Buddhist scripture. Allow time to visit in conjunction with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Explore More

Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

Stone Steles Museum - or Xi'an Beilin Museum - was established in 1087. Originally housing precious stone steles, which are effective ‘monuments’ or stone slabs on which text or images are inscribed, carved or painted. The Stone Steles Museum is no ordinary treasure trove. Among the precious steles, you will find Emperor Xuanzong’s 745 AD Classic on Filial Piety and the Kaicheng Stone Steles, which were carved in 837 AD. Stone steles from as early as the Han dynasty (206 - 220 AD) can be found here. Definitely worthy of a visit during your time in Xi’an.

Explore More

Xi’an Museum

Opened to the public in May 2007, the Xi’an Museum is a complex that comprises the museum itself, the ancient Jianfu Temple and the famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Incorporating a collection of over 110,000 cultural relics, displays at the Xi’an Museum mainly feature Xi’an itself, highlighting its background as China’s capital city for 13 dynasties over a period of three thousand years.

Explore More

Mount Hua

Located 120 kilometers east of Xi’an, Mount Hua is one of the Five Great Mountains in China, known as West Great Mountain. It is renowned for steep slopes and precipitous cliffs, panoramic views, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, suspended caves and Taoist temples. The highest peak is South Peak at 2154.9 meters, a fact which proves the challenging hiking routes are no myth. Considered the spiritual birthplace of Chinese Taoism, expect to find serenity amidst the physical strain of reaching the top if you decide to go on foot.

Explore More

Famen Temple

About 90 minutes drive from Xi’an, Famen Temple is a Buddhist temple with a history that spans 1,700 years. First erected during the Han dynasty, Famen Temple has been through many iterations as a royal complex during the Tang dynasty and as one of the largest monasteries at the time with over 5,000 monks. Long sealed basements were discovered centuries later (as recently as 1987). Filled with thousands of treasures, they reveal many hidden secrets to the modern world. Among the finds are sacrificial objects, royal offerings, and the alleged finger bone of Gautama Buddha.

Explore More

Han Yang Ling
(Yang Mausoleum of Han)

Located about 20 kilometers from the Xianyang International Airport, Han Yang Ling is the mausoleum of Emperor Jing, who reigned from 188 BC to 141BC, and his wife Empress Wang Zhi. He was the sixth emperor of the Han dynasty and Emperor Jing was clearly someone who liked to be prepared because his tomb was under construction for an incredible 28 years from 152 BC to 126 BC. Excavation of the burial tombs has revealed over 40,000 miniature terracotta figures, all standing about 60 centimeters tall. Apart from representing a monumental task in design and construction - apart from the main tomb there are 81 satellite tombs and 5,000 sacrificial burial tombs - the figures have provided a fascinating view into the life of the Han imperial court.

Explore More

Xi'an Night Markets

Night markets in Xi’an have a reputation that extends well beyond the City Wall. In fact, across China, Xi’an’s night markets - which are essentially food markets - are famous. Think of them as havens for a myriad of flavorsome eats that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in China or the world. From flatbreads to simmers, stews, noodles, meat in every form, dumplings, pastries, and desserts, the night markets provide insight into the variety and flavors that is Shaanxi cuisine. But it’s not all food. Anyone searching for curios, travel mementos, and just wants a chance to mix among the locals for a real experience of China, throw on your backpack and make your way to one of Xi'an’s fabulous night markets.

Dongxin Street Night Market

Dongxin Street Night Market is Xi’an’s largest night market and one you definitely want to arrive at hungry. With a history spanning more than three decades, you will find over 200 stalls selling Halal food on one side and other foods, including dried fruit and nuts stalls on the opposite side. Our recommendation? The so-called ‘Three Amazing Things on Dongxin Street’: Chen Family Hui Cai (a type of beef meatball and vegetable stew); Zheng Family stuffed buns or (bao); and Wang Family chicken.

Night Markets in the Muslim Quarter

Located at the center of Xi’an city, the Muslim Quarter is home to over 60,000 local Hui and Han people. Here you will find streets that not only attract tourists from all over the world but local Xi'anese too who are devoted to delicious food and an atmosphere at night that will keep you up well past your regular bedtime. There are several streets in this precinct that should make your list: Beiyuanmen Night Market, Damaishi Street Night Market, Dapiyuan Night Market, and Beiguangji Street Night Market. Expect local people, authentic food, and a memorable culinary experience you’ll carry with you forever.

Sajinqiao Night Market

Sajinqiao Night Market is an 800-meter foodie’s heaven. Whether it’s hidden by design because locals love it so much, or because most travelers don’t know about it, Sajinqiao Night Market is the quintessential food lover’s paradise. Discover time-honored restaurants and stalls selling authentic food only locals know. Be sure to add these Sajinqiao specialties to your order: hot pepper soup hulatang, hot and sour dumpling soup suantang shuijiao, kebab kaorou, and lamb or beef soup with flatbread paomo.

Yongxing Fang

Designed to satisfy the traveler to Xi'an, Yongxing Fang is a showcase of almost every local Shaanxi delicacy; you can quite literally find just about every conceivable local specialty. Located at the Zhong Shan Gate (just north of East Gate), it’s here you can sample a little dramatic art too with the area lit up at night with gorgeous red lanterns. Another point of difference? The buildings at Yongxing Fang are laid out to reflect that of the Tang Dynasty’s ancient capital, providing visitors with a unique window into 108 fang or quarters from over 1,300 years ago.

Xiaonanmen Night Market

Are you a traveler who likes to avoid the ‘madding crowd’? Then Xiaonanmen Night Market is for you. More like a local’s secret hideaway for delicious food, Xiaonanmen Night Market is where you can visit the city’s famous restaurants for hulutou, paomo, peppery chicken, kebab, and stir-fried noodles. Mix with locals when dining and enjoy the many cafes, bars and handicraft shops here too. And if you’re not a night owl, no problem. Locals frequent the market early morning too, which runs from 5.00 am to 9.00 am and supplies locals with their daily essentials.

Dachejia Xiang

Regarded as the best place for noodles in Xi’an (no small claim!), Dachejia Xiang is an alley located close to the South Gate of Xi’an City Wall. Discover an abundant choice of different noodles in the restaurants here. From soup noodles to noodles with sauces, braised pork belly with noodles, hot oil noodles, stir-fried noodles, beef noodles, and more. What’s more, you will be blown away by the different types of noodles: Hand-torn noodles, thin but al dente noodles, hand-pulled thick noodle ‘pieces’, extra wide ‘belt’ noodles, and rice noodles. And if noodles are not your thing, don’t despair. There are many other tasty foods available here. Dishes like boiled meatball soup with vegetables, dumplings, hulatang, skewers, malatang, and smoked meat with flatbread are popular choices with locals. Simply follow their lead for a delicious meal, day or night.

Song of Everlasting Sorrow (Chang Hen Ge)

Although its title may cause you to question buying a ticket, for an experience of what is really a uniquely Chinese performance style - the seriously big outdoor performance spectacle - you can’t go past Song of Everlasting Sorrow when visiting Xi’an. Performed on the site of the original Tang dynasty’s Huangqing Palace in Lintong (30 kilometers from Xi’an), the 70-minute historical dance drama is a reproduction based on the literary masterpiece Chang Hen Ge composed by the famous poet Bai Juyi. The story is based on the romance between Emperor Tang Xuanzong and his favorite concubine, Lady Yang Yuhuan.

Light Shows and Other Performances

More than their love of evening light shows, the Chinese love sharing their love of light shows, so it just seems right to include one among the things you’ll do while visiting Xi’an, where there is even a dedicated venue for them, namely Datang Everbright City, a 2,100-meter long pedestrian mall. By night, the mall is repurposed as a venue to showcase traditional Chinese art, including poetry reading, dance, float, the famous roly-poly performance, folk customs, and much more.

Are you a traveler who wants the kind of experience that’s just a little different? We hear you. No serious traveler with a passion for discovering the authentic essence of a place will settle for less, and it’s with this understanding we’ve curated this shortlist of unique experiences in Xi’an. Whether you fancy a step back in time trying your hand at crafting your own terracotta soldier or horse, or a peek into the culinary dishes of the Qin dynasty, we can make it happen. And if your interest still isn’t piqued, don’t despair. Get in touch and we’ll share even more insider tips on how to make your trip to China the once-in-a-lifetime adventure it should be.

Experience life as a local Xianese

Visit the morning markets anywhere in Xi’an and see locals going about their business of sourcing produce and essentials for daily life. Explore deeper into the maze of tiny alleys in the Muslim Quarter and discover a totally different way of living when you come across local villagers' habitats in ‘cave dwellings’. Leave your hotel early and start your day right by joining locals practicing tai chi in the park.

Discover Xi'an food essentials

We call them Xi’an food essentials and if you’re a foodie, you’ll understand why. Take a guided food tour of the Muslim Quarter. Or better still, get amongst it by taking a cooking class and learn how to make your own biang biang noodles or dumplings.

Appreciate Chinese art

Experience what’s called locally ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by trying your hand at any number of art forms. Learn how to make a shadow puppet, used for the imaginative Chinese shadow play performance. Learn to write Chinese calligraphy, artfully cut paper into pictures, or craft wadang, a beautiful and practical type of eaves tile synonymous with the region. And if music is your thing, step out and enjoy the beats to be found at the west side of the City Wall’s South Gate. Here you’ll find free live music performed by local bands and musicians at night.

Younga P wrote a review 15 July 2024

Fabulous 3 city tour (Hong Kong/Xi’an/Beijing) planned and executed by China Tours!

My family and I loved our recent private tour with China Tours! We started by working with Lora to plan our itinerary first. We let her know which cities we wanted to visit and what we wanted to see in each city. She was so responsive to my many questions and requests from providing information necessary to get our visas to making recommendations of when we should see the Terra Cotta soldiers based on our travel schedule to letting me know we were able to get entry tickets to see the Forbidden City. I felt very comfortable in a country where I didn't speak the language because Lora was always available to provide assistance. When we arrived in each location, the guides and drivers were fantastic. I was able to connect with each guide prior to reaching the destination and they were always waiting for us. The guides, Chas in Hong Kong, Helen in Xi'an and William in Beijing were fabulous!!! They were all so accommodating and helpful. They knew their cities well and made great food recommendations! Since we were on a private tour, they were very willing to make adjustments based on what we wanted to do or see when prior reservations were not required. My husband, daughter and I are very grateful to Lora, Chas, Helen and William for providing us with such a wonderful experience in China! Thank you!

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
Mara wrote a review 7 July 2024

Great Experience with China Tours!

We had a great experience with China Tours. We traveled to the cities Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. The organization was impeccable, the guides and drivers very professional. We would recommend the agency to others!

Date of experience: June 2024 • Friends
Cruiser61335187814 wrote a review 6 July 2024

Great experience

We had a great time in Beijing and surroundings. Guide Maggie was very knowledgeable and speaks English really well. She was flexible and proactive as we had some last minute requests and some sites were crowded and she did a good job navigating that. During our preparations, office person Martha responded fast and accurately. We stayed at the Novotel which we liked as it has a good location for an evening stroll and mall.

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
hilaryt714 wrote a review 2 July 2024

Book without a second thought

Our trip was delayed from 2020 with no problems. Martha responded to changes in our itinerary brilliantly.
There were two of us on our small group tour and the service was exceptional. Hotels were of a high standard and we were happy with them. All guides were enthusiastic and helpful, we only had to ask.
In the end we took high speed trains within China which we enjoyed as we got to see more of the country.
Highly recommend this tour group

Date of experience: May 2024 • Couples
WingF wrote a review 23 June 2024

Perfect China Trip

The small group tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai organised by China Tours was a great way to see these 3 fantastic cities of China. Each of the local guides Nancy (Beijing), Elysha (Xi’an) and Lucy (Shanghai) were very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting and had a passion for their jobs. They were all super helpful answering any questions and offering advice and tips for navigating each city in our own free time, including recommendations for places to eat and other attractions to see not covered by the tour. All the main attractions and sites were visited with plenty of time spent at each. The main highlights for me were the Forbidden City and Great Wall (Nancy took us to a great part of the wall that was not overcrowded) in Beijing and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (including meeting the farmer who made the discovery in the 1970’s). It was not a rushed tour and was also flexible. In Xi’an because of the weather the itinerary order was changed to suit the group. Being a small escorted tour meant that you were not just one of many in the usual large group tours which made it more personal and enjoyable. A special mention for Nancy and Elysha who made suggestions, with no hidden agenda, in Beijing and Xi’an respectively to see live shows as add-ons which turned out to be unexpected delights. Martha of China Tours was very easy to deal with and was patient with all my requests and queries when booking the tour. Overall I can highly recommend China Tours if you plan to visit China and wish to arrange a tour. From start to finish everyone was extremely helpful and communicated in very good English.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo
TravelerToo wrote a review 20 June 2024

Fantastic Tour Itinerary, Guide, and Hotels

I can’t imagine a better way to see and experience Taiwan than this 9-day tour. Starting in Taipei and driving counterclockwise we went from the top to the farthest southern tip of the country and back. Hotels were much nicer than expected as were all of the locals we met along the way. As most travelers know, a few words in the local language are much appreciated so set your Google translate app to Traditional Chinese and say hello! Our tour leader Cathy was funny, smiley, organized, and felt like my 2nd mother as she constantly made sure I was all right and happy. The trip itinerary was varied and extensive (maybe a few too many temples but that’s my problem). Perhaps the most impressive was the coordination between our tour leader and the travel company when an issue arose as when an indigenous cultural site unexpectedly closed. Cathy arranged for us to attend a special performance of another group which turned out to be one of the many highlights of the tour.
This tour was excellent, a great introduction to an interesting country, a great value for the price. I highly recommend it. Oh, and try to get Cathy Lin as your guide; you won’t regret it.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo

Things to do in Xi’an

Holy highlights and historical high notes

Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army

Xi’an City Wall

Xi’an City Wall

Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Great Mosque of Xi’an

The Great Mosque of Xi’an

Bell and Drum Tower

Bell and Drum Tower

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

Xi’an Museum

Xi’an Museum

Mount Hua

Mount Hua

Famen Temple

Famen Temple

Han Yang Ling (Yang Mausoleum of Han)

Han Yang Ling (Yang Mausoleum of Han)

Things to do in Xi'an at night

Xi'an Night Markets

Dongxin Street Night Market

Night Markets in the Muslim Quarter

Sajinqiao Night Market

Yongxing Fang

Xiaonanmen Night Market

Dachejia Xiang

Shows and Concerts in Xi'an

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Song of Everlasting Sorrow (Chang Hen Ge)

Chang’an Impression

Light Shows and Other Performances

Sights by Night

Bell Tower and Drum Tower

North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Datang Everbright City

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90630" src="jpg/xian-night-sights-city-wall-and-south-gate.jpg" alt="Things to do in Xi'an" width="600" height="338" />

City Wall and South Gate

Unique Experiences in Xi'an

Xi’an Full-day City Tour

2 Day Xi’an – Chenlu Ancient Town + Yan’an Tour

2 Day Xi’an Express Tour

2 Day Xi’an – Yan’an Tour

2 Day Xi’an – Folk Art Village + Foping Nature Reserve Panda Tour

3 Day Xi’an Highlights Tour

Travel Memories

Testimonials

Subscribe Form Popup

Love travel and discovering new destinations?

ShareThis

Share This

Select your desired option below to share a direct link to this page

Quick Question

For the very best in China tours

Discover the best China tours

Han Yang Ling
(Yang Mausoleum of Han)

Han Yang Ling
(Yang Mausoleum of Han)