Guide to Xian nightlife (Xi An China nightlife) — 9+ what to do, where to go & best things to do in Xi An at night

November 28, 2023

Xi’an is a must-visit destination when traveling to China and one of the special features that create the attraction of this place is the nightlife. If you are still wondering about this new experiential activity, our article below will provide you with all the useful information you need. So, what to do in Xian at night? Let’s check out our guide to Xi An China nightlife, Xi An nightlife, Xian nightlife) with the list of top rated 9+ what to see, best places to go and best things to do in Xi An at night as follows!

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City | things to do in xi an at night

Bell tower, Xian, China | things to do in xi an at night

The attractive beauty of Xi’an at night (# xian nightlife)

Since ancient times, Xi’an has been famous for its extremely vibrant entertainment, entertainment and trading activities. With a history of more than 3000 years. Xi’an was also known as Chang Wang’an in ancient times, and was the capital of several dynasties such as Western Zhou, Western Han, Qin, Tang, etc. An old saying in China that people often tell each other speaks to Xi’an’s unique position: “If you want to see the China of 100 years ago, visit Shanghai; the China of 500 years ago, visit Beijing; China 2000 years ago, visit Xi’an”. Now it is the largest city in the northwest of China, and it is also a famous tourist city for tourists to learn about Chinese culture.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda | things to do in xi an at night

Ming wall at night | things to do in xi an at night

Apart from its long history, the nightlife in this city is also worth experiencing. Combining traditional Chinese culture and modern civilization, Xi’an is more attractive to foreign tourists with its extremely vibrant nightlife. You will be fascinated by the colorful scene in the evening. There are many bars, cinemas and restaurants open until late at night. Therefore, when you walk on the streets of Xi’an, you can choose to go to bars to have a unique and new drink. If you feel hungry, visitors can enjoy delicious dishes at mid-range to high-end restaurants or countless street food stalls around.

Xian night market | things to do in xi an at night

Watch some exciting art shows (# xi an nightlife)

Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show (# xi an china nightlife)

The original name in English is Tang Dynasty Palace Xi’an, Ancient Music and Dance Show, which will certainly be so appealing that you cannot miss it on your Xi’an trip. The show combines costumes, dance and music from the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) – an era considered China’s “Golden Age”. The general meaning of its music and dance symbolizes the glory and splendor of ancient Chinese civilization. Before the show starts, you will be able to enjoy a famous dumpling dinner. This way, you will be able to have enjoyable onboarding experiences.

Shadow Puppet Show (# things to do in xi an at night)

The Shadow Show also known as Piying Drama in Chinese, is an old Chinese folk art. It was an art form familiar to the first cartoons, because the shadow show characters were made from very cute leather puppets. Under the light, men manipulate leather puppets behind the screen to retell various ancient historical stories. And the audience can only see the shadows of the leather puppets moving on the screen. The resulting leather puppets are lively and adorable, and the performance is surprisingly entertaining.

Musical Fountain Show (# xi an china nightlife)

As Asia’s largest musical fountain, the Music Fountain show is great in the evening with a variety of music styles and performances. With a mix of music, light and water, this place is suitable for tourists who don’t want to waste too much time in the evening but also don’t want to move too much after a long day of experiencing.

In addition, it is also famous for its majestic scale. With an investment of 500 million yuan, the area covers an area of about 110,000 square meters and is the largest musical fountain in Asia. It is surrounded by breathtaking sculptures and landscaped areas that are always cared for and protected in the best conditions. Around it there are the most benches, the longest light belt and the largest scale sound complex in the world. Not only is it one of the most impressive squares in China, but it is also an important national monument to Tang culture. Shows take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:00 and 20:30 in the winter and 12:00 and 21:00 during the summer.

See a performance at the Shanxi Grand Opera House (# xian nightlife)

Shaanxi Opera is a local opera in China, popular in the northwest of China. This is a traditional Chinese art form that is extremely new to foreign tourists. Compared with Beijing Opera, Shaanxi Opera’s performances are also rich and colorful including fire blowing, trampling, fire breathing and dance performances. If you are interested in Chinese opera, it is a great opportunity for you to enjoy it right here in Xi’an.

Explore the traditional night markets

The night markets are full of delicious food and all kinds of shops from popular to luxury, always ready to serve tourists when night falls. Therefore, exploring the night market is also a good way to experience life in this beautiful city. Night markets are usually local food streets and grocery streets with rows of goods close together.

The famous local food street in Xi’an is Muslim Snack Quarter, including Beiyuanmen night market, Beiguangjijie night market, Xiyangshi night market. When you walk on the streets, you will accidentally become addicted to the Xian style. You can enjoy various delicious Xian dishes, such as Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup, Chinese hamburgers, cold noodles, and Dumpling Dinner.

Traditional Chinese snacks at North Gate Night Market | xi an china nightlife

Jianxi street night marke | xi an china nightlife

Entertainment at Bars and cafes (# things to do in xi an at night)

There are many bars and cafes in Defu alley, just like Sanlitun in Beijing, coming here visitors can not only experience bars and dining but also experience many other types of entertainment. Strolling along the lane, you will see that there are many bars, cafes and tea shops with distinct styles. If you want to enjoy some hot music and dancing, 1 + 1 Bar is a good place to choose. This is the most famous bar that always leaves a good impression on tourists from all over. Besides, with international standards in lighting and acoustics, you will feel unlimited fun and entertainment here.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere at KTV karaoke bars

Karaoke is very popular in Xi’an and this is where you will find people of all ages participating in both Western and Eastern ballads. KTV venues are spots where people come to have fun and frequent them. In Asia, karaoke is used as a way to romance and impress loved ones or impressive marriage proposals, so be prepared to be most excited to receive interesting things in this place.

It has become a distinct part of nightlife culture in Xi’an. Real Love is one of the most famous and luxurious KTV spots in town, located on Nan Erhuan Road (Express Xi’an South 2nd Ring Road), opposite the Provincial Library. Xialudi is another popular spot, on the 4th floor of 23 North Yanta Street for your consideration.

The sparkling beauty of the Bell Tower at night

At night, the Bell Tower in the center of the city is considered the most prominent landmark of Xi’an. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire a sparkling and radiant Bell Tower, completely different from the daytime. LED lights are attached to designated positions, making this tower more prominent than ever.

Besides, many tourists and locals often come to this area in the evening to eat, drink and enjoy the unique space. Club 1 + 1 (pronounced ‘yi-jia-yi’) is one of Xi’an’s most unique dance floors, where drinks and music are always ready to pamper you.

Located at Nanyuan Gate, another famous club is Xian Longdu Disc Club, where young people relax and listen to the hottest music. Young people who love excitement should not miss this place.

Above are all the places considered the most interesting places to visit when coming to Xi’an with the desire to experience nightlife. Each location will give you new perspectives about Xi’an. Hopefully with the above suggestions on places to go at night, time and transportation, you will find the most suitable place for yourself and have the most interesting experiences in Xi’an.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Xian you can refer to

Check out more China guide here. An Xian travel guide here.