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Xi'an Attractions - Things to Do


Brilliance of thousand years endows Xi'an with enchanting temperament. The city is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese Civilization, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, and the capital of 13 dynasties in China’s history. The continuous history has left Xi’an a great many historical sites and cultural relics, among which the Terracotta Army is the most famous. Every year, tens of millions of tourists come to Xi’an to admire this “8th wonder of the world”.

Besides, as a prosperous city in the central-northwest part of China, you can find numerous high-rises in the city. Ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers coexist here, giving a perfect fusion of the past and the present. Last but not least, folk customs and food of Xi’an are full of inclusiveness and diversity. All these attract domestic and international tourists to make their tours to Xi’an.

 

Top Attractions

Terracotta Army
City Wall
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Bell Tower
Shaanxi History Museum
Huashan Mountain

More Attractions in Downtown Xi’an

Looking across the entire urban area of Xi’an, you can find that the city’s charm as an ancient capital exudes everywhere. As another must to every Ming city, the Drum Tower stands nearby to the west of the Bell Tower. Time has passed along with the bell at dawn and the drum at dust. Right next to the Drum Tower, the Muslim Quarter is a foodie’s paradise. Some of the snacks and dishes have been popular for hundreds of years. The Great Mosque and the Gao’s Grand Courtyard are also located in this quarter.Many people know the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, but there is also the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. If you prefer a less crowded tour, it can be a good choice. For calligraphy enthusiasts, the Stele Forest inside the South Gate of the City Wall is a must-go attraction as it collects valuable calligraphic works and steles. Moreover, a city walk along the Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, the Xiangzi Temple, and the Degu Lane to the west of the Stele Forest can be taken to view the quaint and vibrant streetscapes of the city.

More Attractions in East Suburb

Terracotta Army is the most attractive in the east suburb. A few kilometers' drive away, there is the Huaqing Palace at the north foot of Mount Li, which is favored for its palace complex and where the famous Concubine Yang in Tang Dynasty enjoyed hot spring bath. In addition, a related stage play called the Song of Everlasting Sorrow can be enjoyed. In this area, there is also the Banpo Museum built on the ancient human village relics of Neolithic Yangshao culture.

Attractions in West Suburb

About 25 kilometers (16 miles) northwest to Xi'an, there are many mausoleums of ancient emperors: Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, the grave of notable emperor Liu Qi in Western Han (206 BC-220AD); Qianling Mausoleum, the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and his empress Wu Zetian, who is also the only female emperor in Chinese history; Zhaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of the second emperor of Tang... Further west, Famen Temple is a noted Buddhist shrine for its collection of Sakyamuni's relics. For picturesque natural scenery, Taibai Mountain is worthwhile going.

Attractions in South Suburb

Qinling Wildlife Park is the best and the only place to see pandas in Xi’an. Located at the foot of Qinling Mountains, it also provides good living environment to crested ibises, golden monkeys, takins, flamingos, giraffes, and crocodiles; circus performances can be viewed here. The Shaanxi Archaeology Museum is China’s first archaeological museum and amazes tourists with cherished cultural relics and also archaeological tools and development history of the country. Not far away from the museum, stands the Xiangji Temple, also an important Buddhist shrine. The Cuihua Mountains features landslide formations and the Heavenly Lake is also in south suburb of Xi’an.

Attractions in North Suburb

Exploring further to the northeast, lies a small historic and cultural city Hancheng, known as the hometown of famous historian and litterateur of China, Sima Qian. You can find Sima Qian Temple, Dang Village and the Confucius Temple here. Moreover, Farmers’ Caves, a unique type of dwelling with exquisite decorative patterns on windows and doors, can be found while marching northward continuously. Well-designed structures and also thick and hard loess walls of the Farmers’ Caves make people generally feel cool in summer and warm in winter. Yan'an has the most typical and distinctive cave residences.
- Last updated on Jul. 10, 2025 by Alex Jin -