Top 10 Things to Do in Xi'an: Highlights & Travel Tips

There's a fact that might surprise you: Geographically, it's Xi'an in the center of China, not Beijing. Similar to Beijing, Xi'an was also a royal city for several dynasties in ancient China. Moreover, it's the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. The rich historical background left Xi'an with many cultural remains and landmarks. Now, Xi'an has become a must-see city for history lovers and for the first-timers who wants to know about China.

Xi'an Bell Tower at Night

In this article, we'll guide you through the top 10 must-do things in Xi'an that showcase the best of this fascinating city.

1. Visit the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. There were no records of the Terracotta Army at all until they were unearthed in 1974 accidentally by local people.

The warriors were meticulously crafted, each with unique details, such as different facial features, hairstyles, gestures and clothing. They were buried underground for more than 2000 years, accompanying China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in his afterlife.

However, the Terracotta Army is not just warriors. There are bronze chariots, horses and weapons. All these exhibits provide a glimpse into ancient military formations and the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty back in around 221 BCE.

Travel Tips:

• Try to avoid crowds. As one of the most popular attractions in China, there will be crowds of tourists at peak season during summer vacation. It's wise to join a guided Xi'an tour because experienced English-speaking guides can do not only explaining the history background of the warriors but also adjust your sightseeing itinerary to avoid peak times.
• Book in advance. You can book the tickets a week in advance. The Terracotta Army allows ticket reservations up to one week in advance. You can purchase tickets using your passport information, and you must bring the original passport for verification at the entrance.

2. Bike on the Ancient City Wall

Bike on the City Wall

The City Wall is one of the most significant landmarks in Xi'an. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it surrounds the old city center and stretches about 8.5 miles in length. To ensure stability, the width of the city wall is actually greater than its height. It's about 12 meters (about 39 feet) tall and 15 to 18 meters (about 49–59 feet) wide, offering panoramic views of the city.

Due to the massive size of the city wall and its long route of about 14 kilometers (equals to 8.7 miles), we recommend cycling over walking for a more enjoyable experience. The Xi'an City Wall is extremely sturdy and was even strong enough to support horse-drawn carriages during the Ming Dynasty. Once you're on the wall, you can rent a bicycle for 45 RMB (about 6.4 USD) for three hours and ride along the entire route, stopping along the way to take photos at your favorite scenic spots. The full circuit is approximately 14 kilometers, and besides Yongning Gate, there are bike return stations roughly every 3 kilometers, making it convenient to return your bicycle according to your schedule.

Travel Tips:

• Try to avoid visiting at noon, especially during summer. The City Wall is relatively high and lacks shade, so the strong sunlight could cause sunburn.
• Avoid biking at night. Although the wall is well-preserved, the passage of time has inevitably led to some poor road conditions. Combined with the dim lighting, it’s safer to skip nighttime rides.
• The wall is conveniently close to the train station. Exiting through Jiefang Gate in the northeast of the Xi'an City Wall will lead you directly to Xi'an Railway Station, where you can take a high-speed train to your next destination in China.
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3. Challenge Mt. Huashan

Climb up the Mount Huashan

Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Great Mountains, stands at an elevation of 2,160.5 meters (7,087 feet) and is renowned as "the most perilous mountain under heaven." It's known for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and rich Taoist history, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and thrilling adventure.

Mount Huashan has five peaks: East Peak, with the best sunrise view; West Peak, which is known for its lotus-like rock formation; South Peak, the highest peak at 2154 meters; North Peak, the most common starting point for the hike; and the Central Peak, which has a rich Taoist background. Both the North Peak and West Peak have cable cars to ascend and descend. If you have a mobility problem, we recommend you take the cable car to the West Peak and admire the surrounding view leisurely.

Travel Tips:

• Taking a bullet train saves a lot of time. Actually, Mt. Huashan is not in Xi'an. But it only takes about half an hour to get to Huashanbei Railway Station by bullet train from Xi'an. Then, you can either take a free bus to the gate of Mt. Huashan or pay for a taxi ride.
• No need to spend a night in the mountains. While there are hotels on Mount Huashan, but they are relatively simple, with facilities that only meet basic needs. For a more comfortable experience, we suggest returning to Xi'an the same day or continuing to your next destination from the high-speed railway station.
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4. Visit the Drum Tower & the Bell Tower

The Drum Tower at night

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are two iconic landmarks in Xi'an. Built in the Ming Dynasty, both these two towers reflect the city's rich history and culture.

The Drum Tower was built in 1380. It was used to annouce the time and serve as a warning system. It has two floors. There's an exhibition about drums on the first floor and an exhibition about furniture in Ming Dynasty on the second floor.

The Bell Tower was built in 1384, just four years later than the Drum Tower. It served the same function as the Drum Tower: to mark time and warning. Nowadays, it has become a museum, keeping some antiques in the second floor, such as the duplicate of Jingyun Bell, an ancient bell created in the Tang Dynasty.

Travel Tips:

• Capture a panoramic view from the rooftop of the nearby department store. If you're planning to skip the Drum Tower and Bell Tower but just want to take photos with them, head to the rooftop of the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall next to the Bell Tower, which offers the best vantage point.
• Neither of the towers has elevators installed. If you have mobility issues or require a wheelchair, climbing the Bell Tower or Drum Tower might be slightly challenging.

5. Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an

As a key point of the Silk Road in ancient China, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an is one of China's most famous Buddhist landmarks, attracting visitors with its rich history, cultural significance, and scenic surroundings. Here, you will learn the history of the monk Xuanzang, who brought Buddhist sutras from India and how the pagoda was built to house these treasures during the Tang Dynasty.

Apart from climbing up the pagoda, there are other things to do to immerse yourself in the religious atmosphere, such as enjoying the musical fountain performance at the North Square or taking a leisurely stroll around the cultural park around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Alternatively, you can take a stroll to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which recreates the bustling market scenes of the Tang Dynasty. Here, you'll find numerous souvenir shops, snack stalls, and traditional performances. Be sure not to miss the "tumbler" performance, where dancers dressed in Tang Dynasty attire showcase incredible skill and grace as they perform atop roly-poly platforms.

Travel Tips:

• Dress comfortably. Since it's a religious site, it's recommended to wear modest and comfortable clothing and shoes for tower climbing and temple visits.
• Comfirm the schedule of the Fountain Show first. The show runs multiple times daily, but evening performances are the most spectacular. Confirm the schedule in advance and adjust your itinerary if needed.
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6. Explore Shaanxi History Museum

Four treasure from Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum, located in Xi'an, is one of China's most renowned museums with over 370,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty two hundred years ago.

From the appearance, the Shaanxi History Museum features Tang Dynasty architectural style, with a modern museum layout that includes different exhibition halls. The entire museum has two floors, each with a large main hall surrounded by several smaller rooms housing other exhibitions.

There are many treasures worth seeing in Shaanxi History Museum:

• Bronze Tiger-Shaped Tally of Du County from the Warring States Period, about 2,400 years ago.
• Gold Dragons in Running Position the Tang Dynasty, about 1,400 years ago.
• Polyhedron-Jetted Seals from the Western Wei Period, about 1,680 years ago.
• Silver Perfume Fumigator from the Tang Dynasty, about 1,300 years ago.

Travel Tips:

• Join a guided tour. It's wise to ask a guide to introduce the historical background. It will help you understand Chinese history better. Our English speaking guides are professional with providing detailed about the artifacts, their historical significance and cultural context.
• Reservation needed. You need to book tickets online at least two days in advance using your passport information. Refunds are not supported, so it's recommended to plan your itinerary carefully beforehand.
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7. Attend a Dumpling Banquet

Performance and dumplings at the banquet

Dumpling is a classic Chinese dish that you find everywhere in China. However, Xi'an Dumpling Banquet is different. It's actually an iconic culinary experience that combines city's rich history of the Tang Dynasty and food tradition.

At The Tang Dynasty Palace, a renowned restaurant for dumpling banquets, you'll be welcomed and escorted to your seat. The banquet runs on a set schedule, usually starting around 6 or 7 p.m. You’ll get to savor 12 to 15 varieties of dumplings, each more delightful than the last. After dinner, the evening comes alive with a spectacular song and dance performance, starting around 8 or 8:30 p.m.

We highly recommend "The Empress of the Tang Dynasty "performance. It tells the legendary story of Wu Zetian, who became a concubine of Emperor Tanizong of the Tang Dynasty at the age of 14. After the emperor's death at her age of 67, she became the only legitimate empress in Chinese history. Unlike Empress Dowager Cixi, Wu Zetian was the only female monarch in ancient China.

Travel Tips:

• Tell the restaurant what you don't eat. Unfortunately, dumplings are not suitable for celiacs, as their wrappers are made from wheat flour. However, if you're a vegetarian, some restaurants can provide dumplings with vegan fillings only. We can help communicate with restaurants about your eating preferences to leave you a worried-free trip to Xi'an.
• There is no dress code for this banquet. Feel free to wear your favourite clothes for this meal.

8. Try Hanfu Customs for Photoshoot

Try Hanfu costume and take photos

Hanfu is the traditional attire of ancient China, and both men and women wore robe-like garments. Xi'an is home to numerous historical sites that are perfect for taking photos in Hanfu, offering a feeling of traveling through time to ancient China.

Also, trying Hanfu allows you to experience China's traditional clothing culture firsthand. You can learn about the design, craftsmanship, and significance of different Hanfu styles, deepening your appreciation for Chinese heritage.

Many Hanfu rental shops in Xi'an offer more than just customs, such as traditional hairstyling, make-up, and accessories. Some even provide experienced photographers that can lead you to the best place for photoshooting and guide you with the gestures.

Travel Tips:

• Comfort first. Ensure your Hanfu fits well and is suitable for the weather. In summer, it's okay to wear thin Hanfu dresses. However, in winter, you might need to ask the rental shops if they provide traditional coats.
• Book in Advance. Some popular rental shops may require reservations, especially during peak seasons from May to October.

9. The Great Mosque in Xi'an

A pavilion in the Great Mosque

The Great Mosque of Xi'an, located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter, is a unique and fascinating destination. It was built during the Tang Dynasty, reflecting the long history of over 1200 years of Islam in China.

Different from the traditional Mosques like the Great Mosque of Mecca, the Great Mosque in Xi'an is a perfect fusion of traditional Chinese architectural style and Islamic religious elements. Instead of domes and minarets, it features classic Chinese pagoda-style roofs, wooden carvings, and courtyards.

Travel Tips：

• Dress modestly. As it is a religious site, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Try to avoid Muslim festivals. The Great Mosque might close during main Muslim festivals like Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, because there will be religious events only open to Muslims.

10. Taste Local Snacks at Muslim Quarter

Rou Jia Mo and other Xi'an food

Xi'an is not only an ancient capital but also a paradise for carb lovers, renowned across China for its variety of meat and noodle dishes. Besides enjoying a dumpling banquet, exploring local delicacies in the Muslim Quarter is another great option. The Muslim Quarter is one of Xi'an's most popular food streets, where you can taste many of the city's iconic snacks.

The most recommended dish is Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Bread). Its unique way of eating and rich flavor have made it famous throughout China. You need to tear the bun into peanut-sized crumbs, which the chef will then cook in a broth. Finally, you'll be served a delicious bowl of soup with lamb and bread crumbs. Other must-try foods in the Muslim Quarter include sour plum juice, Biangbiang noodles, dumplings, beef patties, and spicy soup (Hulatang).

However, due to the presence of many Muslims in the area, pork dishes are not available here. Traditional Roujiamo (Chinese-style burger) is made with minced pork, but in the Muslim Quarter, it's made with spiced cured beef instead, which is also very tasty. If you want to try the original pork version of Roujiamo, you can ask your guide for recommendations and buy one like a local for breakfast.

Travel Tips:

• Use mobile payments or carry cash. Most vendors accept WeChat Pay or Alipay and seldom accept bank cards. So, if you don't know how to use domestic mobile payments, two to three hundred RMB cash will be sufficient for two adults.
• Be aware of food allergies. Many dishes contain nuts, gluten, and spices, so check with vendors if you have dietary restrictions.
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Travel to Xi'an With Us

Xi'an is a city where history comes alive, and every corner offers a story waiting to be discovered. Ready to create your unforgettable adventure? Let us help you customize the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests and travel style. Contact us today or write to trip@odynovotours.com, and let's bring your Xi'an journey to life!