Where to go in Xian? 15+ must-see, best places to visit in Xi’ An

November 11, 2024

Where to go in Xian and what to see when coming to Xi’an – the first capital of China? Discover the attractive Xi’an tourist destinations for independent travelers with 15+ must-go, most famous and top places to visit in Xian below!

Xian city scape, China | Where to go in Xian

Musical Fountain Show in Xian | Where to go in Xian

Located in the center in the northwestern of China, Xi’an – or ancient name Chang’an in the past is one of the cradles of ancient civilization of China. With more than 3,000 years of history, including more than 1,100 years as the capital of many dynasties, Xi’an preserves an impressive treasure trove of cultural heritage. The historical relics and precious artifacts here always make visitors amazed.

The city is also known as the eastern end of the Silk Road and home to the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang with the famous Terracotta Army. Since the 1990s, Xi’an has emerged as a major player in the Western China Development Program, becoming the economic, cultural, and educational center of the region, combining historical values with modern conveniences.

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum – Xi’an (#Where to go in Xian)

Address: Lintong County, Xi’an

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor | Where to go in Xian

The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, located in the eastern suburbs of Lingtong County, 35km from Xi’an, is considered a monumental structure, even larger than the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Originally, the mausoleum was 100m high, but now it is only about 47m, covering an area of 2,180,000 square metres.

soldiers in qin shi huang tomb — | Where to go in Xian

In addition to the famous Terracotta Army, the Bronze Horse and Chariot Museum also showcases many bronze artifacts, demonstrating the development of metallurgy during the Qin Dynasty. Tomb No. 9901 displays terracotta figures depicting artistic activities such as dance and circus. In particular, the K0006 tunnel retains its original wooden structure, giving you more opportunities to explore ancient architecture.

There are tram services, ancient horse carriages, and free shuttle buses between the mausoleum and the Terracotta Army Museum. Remember to bring your passport if you are an international tourist.

Xi’an Ancient City Wall – A Place Marking the Heroic History of China

Address: 2 South Street, Beilin District, Xi’an City

Standing out in the heart of the city, the ancient city wall of Xi’an is massive with a length of 13.7 km, the most intact ancient military structure in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall is 12 meters high, 12 – 18 meters wide, including four main gates: East (Changle), West (Anding), South (Yongning), and North (Anyuan).

To explore the wall, you can walk, cycle or use the electric car on the wall. In addition, there are many interesting events such as the Lantern Festival during the Lunar New Year (January-March), the International Marathon (October) or the Kite Festival (April) for you to experience the unique culture of Xi’an.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Xi’an

Address: 1 Cien Rd, Yanta District, Xi’an

Xuanzang monk statue | Where to go in Xian

A must-see place for those who love Journey to the West is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – a prominent historical and religious symbol of China. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was originally 60 meters high and has now been raised to 64.5 meters with 7 floors. This is where many precious Buddhist artifacts brought back by monk Xuanzang after 17 years of journeying to obtain Buddhist scriptures along the Silk Road are kept.

The pagoda belongs to the Da Ci’en Temple complex, with a large space including a flower garden, a square and the largest musical fountain in Asia. If you want to enjoy the panoramic view of Xi’an from above, climb the temple floors. The entrance fee to Da Ci’en Temple is 40 yuan, and the ticket to climb Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is 25 yuan.

Huashan Mountain in Xi’an

Address: Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province

The majestic beauty and rugged roads make Huashan one of the most attractive destinations in China. The distance between Huashan mountain and Xi’an city is about 120 km, and is one of the Five Great Mountains. The mountain has 5 peaks: East, West, South, North, and Central, each with its own unique beauty. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are many ancient Taoist temples.

You can choose to climb the Huashan mountain on foot or take the cable car. The entrance fee ranges from 100 to 160 yuan depending on the season, and the cable car also has different prices depending on the route. April to October is the best time to conquer Huashan Mountain. You remember to bring a good hiking shoes and plenty of bottled water!

Xi’an Bell Tower – one of the symbol of Xi An with 600 Years of History

Address: Intersection of East Road and West Road in Beilin District, Xi’an City

Xi’an Bell Tower is a historical landmark with more than 600 years of history, located in the heart of the city. Opening hours are from 8:30 to 21:30 during the high season (April 1 – October 10) and from 8:30 to 18:00 during the low season (October 11 – March 31). The entrance fee is about 30 yuan. Visitors can easily get here by metro line 2 or many other bus lines.

This massive wooden structure is one of the best preserved heritages in China. The tower has a two-story, three-eaves design, with gray bricks, red pillars and dark green tiles, creating an impressive beauty. Inside, cultural artifacts and traditional artworks are displayed, and traditional music and dance performances are held. At night, the bell tower is brightly lit, creating a spectacular scene.

Drum Tower – Xi’an (#xian best places to visit)

Address: 1 Huimin Street, West Street, Lianhu District, Xi’an

Just 200 meters from the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower of Xi’an is an impressive architectural work that you should not miss. Built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower is 34 meters high, and is now a museum displaying a collection of ancient drums and many cultural relics, many of which are over 1,000 years old.

Here, visitors will admire 24 drums depicting the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, symbolizing good luck. In addition, traditional Tang Dynasty dance performances, especially the drum performance, will give you a valuable cultural experience. The ticket price and opening hours of the Drum Tower are similar to the Bell Tower. If you visit both towers, buy a combo ticket for only 50 CNY.

Muslim Quarter – Xi’an

Address: Beilin District, Xi’an

Rich cuisine and unique culture make the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an a worth stop. Located near the Drum Tower, this 1,000-year-old street features more than 300 delicious dishes, attracting diners from all over. Some of the specialties include Chinese hamburgers, soup dumplings, and bread soaked in lamb soup.

In addition, you can also explore mosques with ancient Chinese architecture. This is a place that shows the unique cultural exchange between ethnic groups. To make your trip more complete, don’t forget to learn about local customs!

Shaanxi Provincial History Museum – Xi’an

Address: 91 Xiaozhai E Rd, Yanta District, Xi’an, Shaanxi

If you are looking for an interesting place to explore Chinese history, the Shaanxi History Museum is a great choice. It is China’s first modern national museum, with over 370,000 artifacts covering the development from prehistoric times to 1840.

The museum’s architecture is in the Tang Dynasty style, divided into four main areas: the lobby, permanent exhibition halls, temporary exhibition halls, and mural halls. Among the featured artifacts, you will see gold artifacts, tri-color glazed ceramics, and artifacts related to the Silk Road.

(*) Note: The museum is free to visit, but you need to book tickets in advance via the official website or WeChat.

Guanzhong Folk Art Museum – Xi’an

Address: No. 1 South Wutaishan Road, Wutai Ancient Town, Chang’an District, Xi’an City

Located in Wutai Town, 30km from the center of Xi’an, Guanzhong Folk Art Museum is a must-see destination for those who love traditional culture. More than 33,600 precious artifacts from stone sculptures, bricks, wood carvings to shadow puppets and antique wooden furniture, will take you back in time.

The museum recreates an ancient street with 40 houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, meticulously relocated and restored. The exquisitely carved stone pillars tell the story of cultural exchange between ethnic groups, creating a fascinating atmosphere. In particular, don’t miss the traditional opera and shadow puppet performances, which will bring you many interesting experiences. Spend about 1 hour to explore all the beauty here!

Huaqing Palace – Xi’an

Address: 38 North Huqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an City

Located about 25 km from the center of Xi’an, Huaqing Palace is an attractive destination that fascinates visitors with its charming scenery and rich historical heritage. For more than 3,000 years, this place has been the imperial palace of emperors, famous for the romantic love story between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei.

Here, you have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the Tang Dynasty royal hot springs, stroll in the vast lotus garden and admire the magnificent Longevity Palace. The Nine Dragons Lake with its gracefully curved bridge is also the venue for the play Chang Ge Han, recreating the tragic life of Yang Guifei in a majestic setting.

To get here, you can choose bus routes 914, 915 or 306 from Xi’an Railway Station. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

Shuyuanmen Ancient Street – Xi’an

Address: Shuyuanmen, Beilin District, Xi’an

The 570-meter-long Shuyuanmen Ancient Street is named after the famous Guanzhong Shuyuan School that used to be located here. The scent of calligraphy ink wafts through the air, combined with the sight of traditional two-story shops from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

You will find many precious calligraphy items such as antiques, jade, paintings, and handicrafts. There are also local art items such as shadow puppets, paper carvings, and exquisite face paintings. The street is open all day, with shops operating from 9:00 to 22:00. To get here, you need to take bus number 12, 184, 193, 600, 603, 208, 221 to Nanmen station, or take Metro line 2 to Yongningmen station.

Qianling Mausoleum in Xi’an

Address: Qian District, Xianyang, Shaanxi

Xi’an is not only famous for the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, but it is also the resting place of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. The Jianling Mausoleum has a magnificent architecture, recreating the Chang’an citadel with a main axis running in the South-North direction and is protected by 124 stone statues bearing the strong imprint of the Asian-European cultural exchange. The statues of animals, people, and even ostriches illustrate the prosperity of trade during the Tang Dynasty.

The Qianling Mausoleum was solidly built, the only mausoleum that has avoided the destruction of bandits. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful stone statues and the “Qijie Bei” inscription written by Wu Zetian. The entrance fee to Qianling Mausoleum ranges from 80-100 CNY depending on the season. To get to Qianling Mausoleum, you should take the high-speed train from Xi’an Bei Station to Qian County, then take a taxi or bus.

Tang Dynasty Furong Garden – Xi’an

Address: No. 99 Furongxi Road, Qujiang New District, Xi’an City

The majestic beauty of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) is vividly recreated at Furong Garden, Xi’an. The 165-acre garden, with 300 acres of water, is divided into 14 cultural zones, each imbued with Tang architecture and art, from majestic palaces to poetic garden scenery.

Ziyun Tower, located in the center, is the highlight of the exploration journey. At the Phoenix Theater, you will be immersed in traditional art performances. Enjoying Tang tea ceremony at the Luwu Tea House and enjoying a royal banquet at the Imperial Banquet Palace are must-see experiences. Finally, the “Dream of the Great Tang” light and water show on the lake will further impress you with this magical garden.

Hukou Waterfall in Xi’an

Address: Yichuan County, Yanan City, Shaanxi Province

The majestic beauty of Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River will amaze you at first sight. This is the world’s largest alluvial waterfall, featuring wild scenery, majestic deep gorges and the vast Loess Plateau. The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is brilliant.

In addition to the main waterfall, don’t miss the mysterious Dragon Cave or watch the rainbow appear on the waterfall. Another special highlight is the traditional drum dance show in Shaanxi, bringing a unique cultural atmosphere of the region.

Famen Temple – Xi’an

Address: Famen Town, Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province

Famen Temple, located in Fufeng County, Baoji city, Shaanxi Province, 120km from Xi’an, is an extremely valuable Buddhist heritage. It is famous for preserving the finger relic of Buddha Sakyamuni, a sacred treasure that attracts millions of visitors every year.

The complex includes the Temple Gate Square, the 1230m-long Foguang Avenue, the majestic main hall and the Namaste Tower. In 1987, the underground palace under the tower was discovered, containing many precious treasures of the Tang Dynasty royal family. From Xi’an, you can travel to the temple by bus or taxi. To have time to fully explore the beauty and historical value here, you should spend at least 3 hours visiting.

The ancient and majestic beauty of Xi’an always attracts every visitor. Not only is Xi’an a place that preserves historical heritage with Qin soldiers, majestic ancient citadels or quiet pagodas, it also fascinates people with its majestic Mount Huashan and the surrounding poetic natural landscape. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore impressive architecture, experience unique culture and enjoy rich cuisine.

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.