Things to see and do in Xi’an, China?

The city of Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Warriors, but there is so much more to see there. It was once the Chinese capital where more than 10 dynasties reigned. It was also the end of the Silk Road, so there was a lot of commercial movement and a mixture of cultures that left their mark on the city. The Terracotta Soddies placed the city on the map in 1974 as a tourist destination, but even before that there were plenty of things to do in Xi’an.

In this post we will tell you about the main points of interest of the city such as the Muslim quarter, the wall and the Xi’an bell or the Beilin museum. We will also share the best neighborhoods to stay and the most famous restaurants in the city so you can enjoy the local gastronomy at a very good price. Xi’an is a unique city and we are sure you will love it. That’s why we help you plan your trip so that you can take home the best possible memories of your vacation.

What are the best places to visit in Xi’an?

1. The Terracotta Warriors, a must-see in Xi’an

After the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors are probably the most important monument in the entire country. The 6000 statues are spread over three pits located in three different pavilions, and the entrance also gives access to a museum where they explain the history of the warriors declared World Heritage Site. In total around 3 hours are usually spent, visiting the various pavilions.

The site is located 30 kilometers away from the city and you can get there by bus. You can take it from the central station of Xi’an or go with organized tours. Visiting hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and until 6:00 pm in summer and the entrance fee is 120 yuan (15 €). You can also purchase the tickets online.

2. Xi’an Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque

The city of Xi’an has had over the years many influences from other cultures because of its commercial activity. This is reflected in the Muslim Quarter, where the Huihui ethnic group settled years ago. Today the neighborhood is full of stores, restaurants and street stalls that make it one of the liveliest in the city.  At night the night market takes place every day, a time when the smells of spices and sensations are further intensified.

In the Muslim Quarter is the Great Mosque, one of the largest Muslim temples in all of China. It dates back to 742 and the most characteristic feature is its architecture, which combines Muslim and Chinese designs. You can also visit it and admission costs 25 yuan.

3. Xi’an City Wall

This is another must-see in Xi’an. The square-shaped wall, which surrounds the city, is 14km long and 14m wide, so it can be walked, cycled or ridden on horseback. It has served as a method of defense since 1370 and is currently the only wall still standing off the major Chinese capitals. It is usually recommended to start the tour at the South Gate, the most accessible and beautiful entrance.

The entrance costs 54 yuan and the entire wall takes 4 to 5 hours to walk, so many tourists choose to hire the bike tour. It’s definitely a must-see, you’re sure to be impressed with the views of the city from its heights.

4. Da Ci’en Temple

This is a group of several Buddhist temples, some of them being the most important in the country. There you can also visit the famous Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower and the Drums. The latter was of vital importance in ancient times as it served to warn of emergency situations. The bells were also rung daily in the morning and the drums at night. Today you can go up for 35 yuan and see a replica of the bell.

The entrance to the temple costs 40 yuan, but once inside you’ll have to pay more to go up to each historic building. The complex is 5km away from the city wall, and can be reached by subway to Dayanta Station.

5. Wild Goose Pagoda

This pagoda built in 648 during the Tang dynasty is one of the most spectacular temples to visit in Xi’an. It was built to preserve and protect Buddhist relics brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. After its initial construction in mud and brick, some restoration and reconstruction work had to be carried out as the building did not last long. As a result, it is still intact and you can appreciate details of the Buddhist tradition. The pagoda is within the grounds of Da Ci’en Temple, but to climb you must pay an extra 25 yuan.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Xi’an

1. Huashan Mountain

Located 120km from Xi’an, this mountain is one of the most famous mountains in the whole country for its history. At 2155 meters high, it is one of the steepest and most rugged mountains in China, as well as the highest of the sacred Taoist mountains. Surrounded by a river and marking the border between Henan and Shanxi, it is also known as Lotus Flower for its characteristic shape.

The best time to go is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder. To get there, the easiest way is to go with an organized tour. Otherwise, you can also take a bus from the central station for 22 yuan that takes about 3h to get there.

2.Tang Paradise

This is a theme park that recreates the imperial gardens of the Tang dynasty. In the complex we find numerous buildings of the period, gardens and fountains where light shows are performed. But the best part is that there are actors who tell us the history of the Tang dynasty and transport us to another era. It is the ideal plan to spend the day with children. The entrance to the park costs 120 yuan and it is very well connected to the center.

What to see in 1 day in Xi’an?

It is common to dedicate at least 2 days to the city of Xi’an. However, 1 day is more than enough to visit and enjoy the city. Of course, be prepared to run from one place to another. The must-sees in Xi’an are the Terracotta Warriors, the Da Ci’en Temple and the city wall. To make the most of your time we recommend you to go as early as possible to see the Warriors to avoid queues. And it is not necessary to go all the way along the wall, remember that it is 14km long. If you still have time to spare, do not miss the Muslim quarter and enjoy the gastronomy of the region.

Where and what to eat in Xi’an

The cuisine of Xi’an is famous throughout China and what is most striking is the recurrent use of wheat in its recipes. Some of the most famous dishes are the mutton Paomo soup, the Roujiamo sandwich based on larded meat, noodles or chicken with pumpkin. In these restaurants you can try these specialties.

• Tongshengxiang Restaurant: is an award-winning restaurant specializing in mutton Paomo. The service is exceptional and the price is very moderate.
• Qinyu Roujiamo: is the perfect place to try Roujiamo at lunchtime, as it closes at noon. It’s really cheap and they also serve other dishes like noodles.
• Wei jia Liangpi: this is a famous franchise specializing in Liangpi, wheat noodles or sesame rice. It’s delicious and there are several locations around the city. It’s always a good choice.

Where to stay in Xi’an?

Xi’an is one of the most touristic cities in China, so there is a great hotel offer. One of the most recommended neighborhoods to stay is the center of the city, as there you’ll find the main tourist attractions and it is the best way to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere. However, it is also the most expensive area. Other somewhat cheaper neighborhoods are the districts of Yanta or Lintong. Here we leave you a selection of some of the best accommodations in the city.

• Ancient City International Youth Hostel: it is a hostel very well connected to the main tourist attractions and very well equipped. It has common areas such as a games room and has its own restaurant. They also offer breakfast for 3€. Private rooms are around 70€ and bunk beds are more affordable.
• Grand Park Xi’an: is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It has 5 stars, is located in the center and has services such as bar, spa, fitness room or parking. Breakfast costs €11 and rooms are around €70.
• JI Hotel Xi’an Gaoxin Road: it is a little further from the center (5km) and therefore more affordable than the previous one although it has 4 stars. The rooms have nothing to envy with their modern and clean style. The most expensive room costs 50€ per night.

How to get to Xi’an

The nearest airport to Xi’an is Xianyang International Airport, which is 45km away. Generally there is usually a stopover at other Chinese airports such as Beijing, which is 3h away. Once at the airport there are several ways to get to the center:

• Shuttles: in total there are 7 shuttle bus lines that take 1h to reach the city center. The most interesting for tourists are 1, 2 and 4. The ticket price is 25 yuan.
• Taxi: This is a very convenient option that takes about 50 minutes. It is best to book it with the hotel.

Another good option for getting around China is the high-speed train, which connects major cities in a few hours. And to get around Xi’an there is a very modern network of subways, buses and cabs.

What should I take into account before traveling to Xi’an?

• The official currency is the yuan.
• The best time to travel to Xi’an is between spring and autumn. when it is warmer. The rest of the year temperatures are also mild and pleasant.
• It is best to avoid exchanging money at the airport, as their prices are high.
• In Xi’an we can bargain in places where the price is not fixed. Like in the street markets or in some sweets and gift shops.
• The Mandarin language is spoken in Xi’an.
• A visa is required to go to Xi’an from Spain, a passport is not enough.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Xi’an

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers what to see in Xi’an.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Xi’an