Top Attractions and best sightseeings in Xi'an

The walls of the city of Xi'an remain still and Wild Goose Pagoda is erected high. There is a myriad of skyscrapers and cars. Restaurants spread all over the city offer a feast for the stomach of visitors. It is impossible to describe Xi'an in a few paragraphs. You can get your feeling of Xi'an when you set foot on this charming land and experience the past and present all in one place.

Each site has its own unique charm，whether it's tracing millennia of history, immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, or embracing breathtaking natural scenery，these are all essential highlights of any visit to Xi'an.

Besides the attractions, of course, you can also do some cultural experiences such as making dumplings in a resident's home, learning calligraphy in the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, learning Tai Chi on the ancient city wall, etc. Visit cultural activities in Xi'an >>

Top 1：The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses

The Terracotta Army, hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions. Located at the Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Lintong District. Featuring thousands of life-sized warriors commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC) to safeguard his dominion in the afterlife, the Terracotta Army stands as a monumental testament to his unyielding quest for eternal power and the grandeur of China’s first unified empire. Discovered by chance in 1974 by villagers digging a well, the site has since amazed the world with its monumental scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound historical significance. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, it stands as a testament to China’s ancient ingenuity and imperial ambition.

The mausoleum took 39 years to complete and involved over 700,000 laborers. When the Terracotta Warriors come into view, each figure reveals unique uniforms, hairstyles, and lifelike expressions. From the warriors to the finely detailed horses’ halters, every element is spectacular. Though most figures appear grey today, traces of their original bright paint still remain, showcasing exceptional artistry and meticulous craftsmanship from over two thousand years ago. Four burial pits have been unearthed so far, with three open to visitors.

Pit 1, the largest of the three, covers an area of approximately 14,260 square meters. It contains over 6,000 terracotta figures and war chariots, mainly infantry and chariot units arranged in orderly formations, showcasing the overwhelming might of the Qin army’s elite forces.

Pit 2 spans around 6,000 square meters and features a variety of military units, including cavalry, archers, and chariots. Its complex layout suggests that it may have served as a central command post.

Pit 3 is the smallest, covering about 520 square meters. Excavations have uncovered one war chariot and 72 terracotta figures, leading archaeologists to believe it may have represented a military headquarters or command center.

• Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an
• Opening hours: 8:30-17:00
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 2：Xi'an City Wall

The Xi'an City Wall is an ancient fortification that surrounds the city. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved and largest city walls in China. The rectangular wall stretches for 13.74 kilometers in circumference, standing about 12 meters tall, with a width of 12 to 14 meters at the top and 15 to 18 meters at the base. It features a comprehensive set of ancient military defense structures, including a moat, drawbridges, gate towers, arrow towers, watchtowers, corner towers, parapets and battlements.

The four original main gates are Changle Gate (East), Yongning Gate (South), Anding Gate (West), and Anyuan Gate (North). Today, due to urban development, the wall has 18 gates in total. Whether you choose to stroll or cycle along its top, every step on the ancient grey bricks seems to echo with tales of Xi’an’s rich and storied past.

• Address: No. 1 South Street, Beilin District
• Opening hours: 8:00-22:00 (South Gate Main Entrance)
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 3：Grant Wild Goose Pagoda

According to legend, one day a group of monks in a small Theravada Buddhist temple had nothing to eat. As they sat hungry, a flock of wild geese flew overhead. One monk looked up and said, “If the Bodhisattva is truly compassionate, may one goose fall to feed us.” Just as he spoke, he goose fell from the sky and sacrificed itself before the monks. Deeply moved and sorrowful, the monks believed it was the Buddha’s way of imparting a lesson in faith and compassion., the monks buried the goose and built a pagoda on the spot, calling it the "Wild Goose Pagoda."

During his studies in India, Master Xuanzang visited such a pagoda. After returning to Chang’an (now Xi’an), he began translating scriptures at Ci’en Temple. In 652 CE, he constructed a brick pagoda in the west courtyard of the temple to house the Buddhist scriptures and relics he had brought back from India. Modeled after traditional Indian pagodas, it became known as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

More than just a structure to preserve sacred texts and statues, the pagoda stands as a symbol of cultural exchange between China and India. With bronze bells hanging from each tier, it emits a crisp, pleasant sound in the wind. Climbing to the top offers sweeping views of ancient Chang’an and its modern transformation.

• Address: No. 1, Ci'en Road, Yanta District (Inside Ci'en Temple)
• Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 4：Xi'an Bell Tower and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower, built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, stands at the intersection of Xi’an’s four main streets and once served as the city’s central timekeeping structure. Made of brick and wood, its square base and elegant design make it a prominent landmark.

The Drum Tower, constructed in 1380, is the largest surviving drum tower in ancient China. With a rectangular base and two-story wooden structure, it not only functioned as a timekeeping site but also served as a military signal tower in ancient times.

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand facing each other as iconic landmarks in Xi'an's ancient city. Visitors can explore both towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top. Historically known for the tradition of "morning bell and evening drum", this practice originated from their role in regulating daily life: the bell was struck at dawn to signal the opening of markets and city gates, while the drum was beaten at dusk to announce the closure of gates. Those who failed to enter the city before the drumming had to wait until the next morning's bell to gain entry.

• Address: Intersection of East Street and South Street, Lianhu District
• Opening hours: 8:30-21:30
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 5： Muslim Quarter

Just steps away from the Bell and Drum Towers lies Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a bustling shop for souvenirs and street food paradise that begins at Beiyuanmen and stretches west to Xiyang Market. Though only a few hundred meters long, is home to a large Muslim community, it’s packed with irresistible local specialties，such as lamb paomo, cold skin noodles, roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and sour soup dumplings, etc.

In the Muslim Quarter, you can indulge in a true feast for the senses and savor the happiness and satisfaction that only great food can bring. It's not only Xi’an’s most iconic food destination but also the place where the city's vibrant everyday life is most vividly on display. As you enjoy the most authentic local delicacies, you’ll also experience the city’s deep historical roots and rich cultural diversity.

• Recommended food: Roujiamo (Chinese-style meat burger) /Laosun's, Yangrou Pao Mo (Lamb Pita Soup)/Tongshengxiang, Zenggao (Steamed Sticky Rice Cake)/Southeast Asian Zenggao
• Address: No. 125 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu Districtt
• Opening hours: All day
• Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Top 6：Shannxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum features a well-organized layout and a rich collection of artifacts, making it an exceptional place to explore Chinese history and culture. From the pointed-bottom bottles of the Banpo people to the bronzeware of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and from Tang sancai ceramics to murals of the Tang Dynasty, the museum houses over 180,000 cultural relics. Highlights such as the Agate Cup with a Gold Beast Head and the Gilded Silver Incense Burner in the Shape of Bamboo are national treasures not permitted to leave the country.

Spanning over 7,000 years of civilization, the museum offers a condensed yet vivid journey through Chinese history. Modern technology, including multimedia interaction and virtual reality, enhances the experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper and more immersive understanding of the historical and cultural significance behind each artifact.

• Address: No. 91, Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, Xi'an
• Opening hours: Summer (March 15-November 14): 8:30-18:00 (No admission at 16:30) Winter (November 15-March 14 of the following year): 9:00-17:30 (No admission at 16:00)
• Closed on Mondays (except national holidays)
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 7：Huaqing Palace

For generations, emperors regarded Huaqing Palace as an ideal retreat and expanded it continuously due to its auspicious location, beautiful Lishan Mountain scenery, natural hot springs, and its proximity just 30 kilometers to the capital. Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, a devoted Taoist, named it “Huaqing Palace” after texts suggesting the site could lead to immortality. As the palace was built atop natural hot springs, it also became known as “Huaqing Pool.”

Huaqing Palace is steeped in romance, most famously as the winter retreat of Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved consort Yang Guifei. They stayed here each winter and returned to the capital in spring. The site boasts exquisite palace architecture and is renowned for the beauty-enhancing properties of its hot spring waters. It was also the setting of the historic Xi’an Incident, which shook the nation and the world. Huaqing Pool, as one of the most renowned imperial resorts in Chinese history, embodies a rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage along with unique natural scenery.

• Address: No. 38, Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
• Opening hours: 7:00-19:00
• Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Top 8：Mount Huashan

Mount Hua, located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, is one of China’s Five Great Mountains. Known in ancient times as the “Western Peak” and poetically as “Mount Taihua,” it has long been famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling cliffs, earning the title “the most perilous mountain under heaven.”

It consists of five main peaks: East Peak, West Peak, South Peak, North Peak, and Central Peak. The main peak rises to 2,154.9 meters, with the mountain range sloping from west to east. Mount Hua is celebrated for its dramatic scenery，towering peaks, sheer cliffs, and narrow paths and is deeply rooted in legend, particularly the tale of “sword duels at Mount Hua,” which has made it a pilgrimage site for martial arts enthusiasts.

As one of the cradles of Taoism, Mount Hua is rich in religious heritage. Taoist temples and stone inscriptions are scattered across the mountain, adding layers of cultural depth to its awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Whether you're an avid hiker seeking adventure or a cultural traveler exploring history and spirituality, Mount Hua offers an unforgettable and soul-stirring experience.

• Address: South Section of Yuquan Road, Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province
• Opening hours: All day
• Cableway operation hours:
• West Peak Cableway: 07:00-19:00 (peak season), 08:00-17:00 (off-season)
• North Peak Cableway: 07:00-19:00 (peak season), 08:00-17:00 (off-season)
• Recommended visit duration: 1-2days

Top 9: Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (Datang All Day Mall) is a large-scale pedestrian district built in the style of the Tang Dynasty. It integrates cultural displays, sightseeing, leisure, and entertainment, centered around the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The area stretches 2,100 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west, with a total construction area of 650,000 square meters.

No matter the season, evening is the best time to explore this vibrant district. As night falls, the street transforms into a magnificent Tang-era scroll. Hanfu-clad women stroll past carrying palace lanterns, while street performers impersonating Li Bai and Du Fu recite poetry. One of the most popular attractions is the real-life “tumbler girl” in traditional costume，take her hand gently and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into ancient Chang’an.

More than just a symbol of Xi’an’s dazzling nightlife, this area offers the ultimate immersive Tang culture experience. Starting from the music fountain in the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda praised as the largest water show in Asia，you can explore Xuanzang Square, admire ancient Buddhist imagery, enjoy interactive activities, taste authentic Xi’an snacks, and soak in the lively street atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back for more.

• Address: Ci'en East Road, Yanta District
• Opening hours: All day (Light show 19:00-23:00)
• Features: The music fountain in the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda performs 4 times a day (12:00/16:00/19:00/21:00), each lasting 10 minutes.
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 10: Han Yang Ling Mausoleum

The Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, also known as the Mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi, is the final resting place of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty and his empress, Empress Wang. Located about 20 kilometers north of Xi’an, the mausoleum was constructed around 153 BCE and reflects the political stability and cultural prosperity of the Han Dynasty.

The Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, though not as widely renowned as the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, captivates countless history enthusiasts and archaeologists with its unique charm. Its impressive burial mound and extensive satellite pits rival the grandeur of the Qin mausoleum. The exhibition hall is located 10 meters underground and is currently the only Han Dynasty imperial mausoleum with excavated outer burial pits that visitors can actually enter and explore.

Han Yang Ling features more delicate and smaller terracotta figurines including soldiers, servants, livestock, and household items, offering a vivid glimpse into daily life during the Han era. The burial complex also includes satellite tombs and ceremonial sites. One of the highlights is the ruins exhibition area, equipped with a 270° high-tech glass enclosure. This not only protects the archaeological site but also provides visitors with an exceptional visual experience and an immersive sense of being transported back in time.

• Address: No. 1 South Street, Beilin District
• Opening hours: 8:00-22:00 (South Gate Main Entrance)
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 11: Tang Paradise

Located southeast of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Tang Paradise (Datang Furong Garden) is a grand imperial-style cultural theme park that offers a full immersion into the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. It is not only a cultural and artistic showcase but also a place for leisure and entertainment.

It features many Tang-style reconstructed buildings, including Ziyun Tower, the Ladies’ Hall, the Imperial Banquet Palace, Apricot Garden, Fanglin Courtyard, Phoenix Theater, and the Tang Market, forming one of the largest royal architectural complexes modeled after the Tang Dynasty in China.

The park features two world-record attractions: the world’s largest outdoor fragrance project and the world’s largest water screen movie show. The fragrance project enhances your visit with subtle, pleasant scents that complement the visual beauty of the Tang-style landscapes. Meanwhile, the spectacular water screen movie show combines advanced technology with creative storytelling, transporting you back to the flourishing days of the Tang Dynasty through a multisensory experience.

• Address: No. 99, Furong West Road, Qujiang New District, Yanta District, Xi'an
• Opening hours: 09:00-22:00
• "Dream of Space and Time - Large Laser Water Dance Show" will be held at 18:30 and 19:30 every day (each show lasts 10 minutes)
• Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Top 12: Qingmuchuan Ancient Town

Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, located in Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, lies at the intersection of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. With a history of over 600 years dating back to the Ming Dynasty, it once served as a crucial gateway into Sichuan. The town is home to both Qiang and Han ethnic groups, offering a rich cultural tapestry where traditional customs and crafts，such as Qiang embroidery, paper-cutting, and drumming are still practiced today.

The town’s architecture reflects a unique blend of northern boldness and southern elegance, creating a harmonious charm. The main attractions include Wei's House, Longyan New Street, and Huilongchang Old Street. Surrounded by mountains and water, Qingmuchuan is serene and unspoiled, with a warm and simple local way of life. Here, each day feels blissfully uneventful, and one can find a deep sense of peace and contentment in the quiet rhythm of daily life.

• Address: Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province
• Opening hours: All day
• Recommended visit duration: 1 day

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