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Top 10 Popular Attractions in Xi’an

1. Datang Ever Bright City (大唐不夜城)
   This is a bustling attraction with a rich Tang Dynasty atmosphere, especially ideal for visiting at night. As the lights come on, various performances make you feel as though you’ve traveled back to the Tang Dynasty. The night view is stunning, with brilliant lights and a variety of performances that keep you engaged. Entrance is free, and no reservations are required. However, it can get very crowded, especially in the evening. Some visitors have reported that the performance times are inconsistent, leading to varying experiences. The location is easily accessible by metro, and the area boasts many cultural venues and food stalls, making it a great spot for an evening outing.
2. The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇兵马俑)
   The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and showcases the burial pits of the emperor’s tomb. Each terracotta warrior is life-like and breathtaking. It’s highly recommended to hire a guide, or else it might just feel like you’re looking at a collection of clay figures. The site also features a museum that displays many rare and valuable artifacts. During holidays and summer, the crowds can be large, so visiting during off-peak times is advised. The management of the site could be improved, as some areas have poor queuing conditions. From the city center, you can take the metro and then transfer to a bus for easy access. The ticket includes entry to Lishan Garden, and it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.
3. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆)
   The Shaanxi History Museum spans over a history of more than one million years and houses a rich collection of artifacts. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and is closed on Mondays. The exhibits are exquisite, especially the bronzeware and national treasures. It’s a good idea to hire a professional guide to learn about the history of each artifact in detail. The museum can get crowded with many visitors, so it’s advisable to plan your visit ahead of time. Some artifacts are replicas, which may limit the overall experience. Admission is free but requires advance reservations. Tickets are released at four time slots: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. It’s a good idea to set an alarm to grab the tickets early.
4. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)
   The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a treasure of Buddhist culture, exuding a solemn and majestic atmosphere. Entry to the pagoda requires a ticket, but taking photos of the exterior is free, with evening shots being particularly beautiful. This is the site where Xuanzang, the famous monk, departed on his journey to India during the Tang Dynasty, making it an important Buddhist architectural landmark. The music fountain performance at the North Square is impressive, and it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot. The exhibits inside the pagoda are rather average, and climbing the tower requires an additional fee, with the stairs being narrow. The area tends to be crowded, and parking or hailing a taxi can be challenging. For great photos, you can head to the observation deck on the fourth floor of Joy City or the South Square for stunning shots of the pagoda.
5. Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙)
   As the guardian of the ancient city, the Xi’an City Wall is grand and majestic. Visitors can choose to walk or rent a bicycle to circle the wall, with particularly stunning photo opportunities during sunset. The Xi’an City Wall stretches 13.74 kilometers and is one of the oldest, largest, and most well-preserved ancient city walls in China. It is recommended to enter the wall through the Yongning Gate to get a panoramic view and experience the charm of the ancient city while cycling. Be prepared for the summer heat, as there is little shade along the wall. Occasionally, there are spectacular nighttime performances on the city wall, with lights illuminating the night sky, creating a sense of time travel between the ancient and modern eras. The entrance fee is 54 yuan, with a half-price ticket for students. The wall stands 12 meters tall and 12-14 meters wide at the top, with a closed rectangular shape. There are streetlights and light displays in the evening, making it an excellent spot for photos and check-ins.
6. Bell Tower (钟楼)
   The ancient building stands tall in the heart of the city, witnessing the changes of Xi’an. The night view is especially perfect for taking photos, particularly from the observation platform of the adjacent Kaiyuan Mall. As one of Xi’an’s landmark buildings, it offers a stunning night view, making it an ideal spot for evening photography and check-ins. The area is bustling with numerous food options, and transportation is convenient. However, due to its central location, the area is often crowded, with many tuk-tuks and motorcycles around. Entrance to the tower requires a ticket, but many visitors feel that taking photos from the outside is just as good. It’s recommended to visit after 7 p.m. for the best lighting effects. The best photo spot is from the observation platform at Kaiyuan Mall, but it can be crowded, so be prepared to wait in line.
7. Huaqing Palace (华清宫)
   Nestled between mountains and water, this area offers a perfect blend of history and nature. It features attractions like the Tang Dynasty Imperial Hot Spring Ruins Museum and the site of the Xi’an Incident, as well as performances of The Song of Everlasting Regret. In the evening, the grand outdoor performance The Song of Everlasting Regret tells the legendary love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei through stunning light and shadow effects along with captivating dance, leaving a lasting impression. However, some venues within the site are not accessible, and the presence of modern buildings might make the historical ambiance feel lacking. It is highly recommended to hire a guide for a more enriching experience, as the visit can otherwise feel tedious. The site is easily accessible, and the ticket includes access to both the garden hot springs and Lishan Mountain attractions. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance, with the entry fee being 120 RMB.
8. Tang Paradise (Dà Táng Fúróng Yuán) (大唐芙蓉园)
   The Tang Paradise (Dà Táng Fúróng Yuán) is a replica of Tang Dynasty architecture, known for its stunning night views, making it a perfect spot for photography, especially when wearing traditional Hanfu clothing. The park features a large water curtain light show, adding to its allure. The environment is beautiful, with pavilions and towers arranged harmoniously, and the grand Tang-style architecture is impressive. It is recommended to visit in the late afternoon or evening to experience the best of the park. The entrance fee for adults is 120 yuan, with additional fees for some performances. During holidays, the park can be quite crowded, which may affect the experience. The park is easily accessible via Subway Line 4, and it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
9. Drum Tower (Gǔ Lóu) (鼓楼)
   Echoing the Bell Tower across the city, the Drum Tower is a magnificent and iconic landmark of Xi’an. Its night view is particularly stunning, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. Both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower are symbols of Xi’an and are especially beautiful when illuminated at night, worth visiting during both day and evening. The surrounding area is convenient to explore, with easy transportation access and plenty of local delicacies to try. Purchasing a combined ticket for the Bell Tower and Drum Tower is recommended for better value. Inside the Drum Tower, there are traditional bell performances that enhance the visit. Located close to the Muslim Quarter, it’s just a short walk away. For most visitors, taking photos from the outside is sufficient, and it’s not necessary to buy a ticket to go upstairs.
10. Muslim Quarter (Huímín Jiē) (回民街)
    The Muslim Quarter is a famous culinary district in Xi’an, consisting of multiple streets located behind the Bell and Drum Towers. Open all day with free entry, it is a great spot for photography and sampling local delicacies. The area features a variety of Xi’an specialties, such as Lao Wu Stir-fried Pita Bread in Mutton Soup, Tong Wei Grilled Meat, and Junjun Mung Bean Cakes, which are highly popular with tourists. However, the area is heavily commercialized, with higher prices and some overrated options. It’s recommended to avoid the main streets and explore the side alleys for more authentic flavors. The Muslim Quarter covers a broad area, including Beiguangji Street and Beiyuanmen, making it an ideal place to stroll and snack, but visitors should choose wisely when it comes to food.

Additional Information

* For certain attractions, foreign passport holders can buy tickets directly on-site without the requirement for advance reservations.

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