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Things to do in Xi’an

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Update: March 23, 2022
Things to do in Xi’an

When looking for things to do in Xi’an, visitors should expect a completely different experience from any other city in China. From its red lantern-lined streets to delicious foods, colorful people, and lively energy, it is truly a world away from the somber and more contained vibe found in the nation’s capital, Beijing. If Beijing is the serious big brother, then Xi’an is its cheeky, more youthful sibling.

So why the difference?

Without the politics of imperial rule being a part of daily life in Beijing in recent centuries, Xi’an’s focus could be directed elsewhere. Historically, business boomed here, not least because it was once a pivot point between East and West; a veritable turnstile through which travelers and merchants passed before journeying along the mysterious and exciting Silk Road; or heading back home with spices, tea, ceramics, and silks in hand. This commercial pedigree is woven into all aspects of Xi’an. Even today the city remains a melting pot of people, culture, traditions, religions, and cuisines. These can be found at the heart of the city where your explorations should start, as well as further afield in other Silk Road destinations sustained over centuries through enterprise, innovation, and resilience.

In modern times, Xi’an’s fate as a must-see city in China was sealed with the discovery of the Terracotta Army by local farmers in 1974. Now at the top of most visitors’ Xi’an bucket list, you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s all there is here, but this guide on things to do in Xi’an will set things straight. We have consulted with our trusty local guides on the ground whose love of their city is parallelled only by their enthusiasm of sharing it with you.

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Holy highlights and historical high notes

There is no doubt that Xi’an, located in the Shaanxi province, is rich in history, but where to start? Long before Beijing emerged as China’s imperial home, Xi’an took pride of place as the Qin dynasty capital. Yes, there are many big things in China, however, Emperor Qin really set the tone for things with his commissioning of the Terracotta Army and Great Wall. And while the world’s largest underground army may dominate your knowledge of Xi’an now, our guide will open your eyes to an entirely different perspective. Read on to learn more about what this fascinating city has to offer.

Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army - or Terracotta Warriors as they are often referred to - is the number one reason travelers from all over the world visit Xi’an. Discovered by several humble farmers who were digging for water, it is hard to believe nobody even knew the Terracotta Army existed before 1974 when it was ‘resurrected’ after being buried for 2,200 years. A visit to the army’s ‘barracks’ reveals extraordinary creativity and attention to detail that is difficult to fathom. Each soldier is individual and lifelike, telling a story about the life and times of the Qin dynasty at this time. Visits to the tombs usually last half a day, however, it’s possible you won’t find this enough to absorb this remarkable feat of planning and construction that has survived centuries underground.
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Xi’an City Wall

Xi’an City Wall

Visit Xi’an and you’ll quickly discover how proud locals are about the Xi’an City Wall. Ancient Chinese cities of note all built a city wall for security and control purposes to keep enemies out and residents in. The Xi’an Wall achieved this most effectively and is still standing, telling a tale simply by how well it has been preserved. In fact, there are many who argue it is China’s best-preserved city wall. Perhaps you’ll agree once you’ve cycled the roughly 14-kilometer perimeter, peered through a few of the nearly 6,000 battlements, or marveled at the original stones with which it has been built. There is so much history in this wall, it’s easy to see why it continues to be a highlight for locals and international visitors alike.
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Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum

Located in proximity to the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum houses an enviable collection of relics, artefacts, ceramics, art, and other treasures that tell the history of China and Shaanxi. Showcasing incredible pieces such as fossils of the Lantian Man (dated to about one million years ago), the Kneeling Archer from Emperor Qin’s tomb, the Tang dynasty tomb murals, and the Empress’ Seal, reputedly from the tomb of the Han dynasty’s first emperor.
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Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Every child growing up in China knows Monkey King, and not surprisingly, so do many people from all over the world. What you may not know is the connection between Monkey King and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. Construction of the pagoda was suggested by none other than Master Xuanzang whose adventures were captured in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The story describes how Master Xuanzang traveled to India to learn Buddhism and it was on this journey he found three disciples, one of whom was Monkey King. Master Xuanzang also returned from these travels with over 600 Buddhist scriptures which he diligently translated. These Buddhist scriptures and treasures were stored in none other than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with construction commencing in 652AD. And while earthquakes, groundwater, and age have contributed to a definite lean that is apparent in the pagoda, it continues to be a Xi’an must-see highlight (even though it’s undergone reconstruction several times since). Whether you visit by day or night, Big Wild Goose Pagoda will definitely be a highlight on any Xi’an city tour.
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The Great Mosque of Xi’an

The Great Mosque of Xi’an

There’s one thing you’ll discover on your visit to the Great Mosque of Xi’an, namely that it has been named appropriately. The oldest and largest Islamic mosque in the country, the Great Mosque is a walled complex of five courtyards. Many of the walls feature beautiful depictions of plants, birds, objects and text, in both Arabic and Chinese, while the gardens offer a tranquil place of meditation for visitors and worshippers alike. Once in the courtyard, it is hard to believe that just beyond the mosque’s walls is non-stop inner-city Xi’an, so be sure to make the most of your reprieve here by taking some quiet time for meditation before relaunching your travel adventure.
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Bell and Drum Tower

Bell and Drum Tower

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower were once vitally important buildings in Xi'an’s ancient past. As with many places in China, drum and bell towers were used to tell the time. In the morning, the Bell Tower gave the signal that the city was open for business. In the afternoon, the drums were beaten to let people who didn’t live in the city know it was time to leave as the city gate would be closed and the drawbridge raised. The original giant bronze Jingyun bell from the Tang dynasty is now on display at the Xi'an Beilin Museum. Here you will also find exhibitions showcasing drums, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, antique porcelain and furniture in the Drum Tower. Be sure to make this part of your Xi’an visit.
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Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Referred to as either the Small or Little Wild Goose Pagoda, this structure is the other significant pagoda in Xi’an. With an impressive history that extends back to 709 when its construction was completed, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda was 45 meters tall, which is not as high as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but impressive nonetheless. As a result of earthquakes and damage, the pagoda is now just 43 meters tall. It is renowned for its ‘mother temple’, the Jianfu Temple, which was formerly an important location for translating ancient Buddhist scripture. Allow time to visit in conjunction with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
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Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)

Stone Steles Museum - or Xi'an Beilin Museum - was established in 1087. Originally housing precious stone steles, which are effective ‘monuments’ or stone slabs on which text or images are inscribed, carved or painted. The Stone Steles Museum is no ordinary treasure trove. Among the precious steles, you will find Emperor Xuanzong’s 745 AD Classic on Filial Piety and the Kaicheng Stone Steles, which were carved in 837 AD. Stone steles from as early as the Han dynasty (206 - 220 AD) can be found here. Definitely worthy of a visit during your time in Xi’an.
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Xi’an Museum

Xi’an Museum

Opened to the public in May 2007, the Xi’an Museum is a complex that comprises the museum itself, the ancient Jianfu Temple and the famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Incorporating a collection of over 110,000 cultural relics, displays at the Xi’an Museum mainly feature Xi’an itself, highlighting its background as China’s capital city for 13 dynasties over a period of three thousand years.
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Things to do in Xi'an at night

When the sun goes down after a day of exploring Xi’an there’s no need to stop the adventure. There are so many things to do in Xi’an at night that the hardest decision you’ll have is what to enjoy first. Here at ChinaTours.com, we are food lovers at heart, but we also love anything handmade, bespoke, and beautiful, so in this section, we share our insider secrets on how to make the very most of Xi’an at night.

Xi'an Night Markets

Night markets in Xi’an have a reputation that extends well beyond the City Wall. In fact, across China, Xi’an’s night markets - which are essentially food markets - are famous. Think of them as havens for a myriad of flavorsome eats that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in China or the world. From flatbreads to simmers, stews, noodles, meat in every form, dumplings, pastries, and desserts, the night markets provide insight into the variety and flavors that is Shaanxi cuisine. But it’s not all food. Anyone searching for curios, travel mementos, and just wants a chance to mix among the locals for a real experience of China, throw on your backpack and make your way to one of Xi'an’s fabulous night markets.

Things to do in Xi'an

Dongxin Street Night Market

Dongxin Street Night Market is Xi’an’s largest night market and one you definitely want to arrive at hungry. With a history spanning more than three decades, you will find over 200 stalls selling Halal food on one side and other foods, including dried fruit and nuts stalls on the opposite side. Our recommendation? The so-called ‘Three Amazing Things on Dongxin Street’: Chen Family Hui Cai (a type of beef meatball and vegetable stew); Zheng Family stuffed buns or (bao); and Wang Family chicken.

Things to do in Xi'an

Night Markets in the Muslim Quarter

Located at the center of Xi’an city, the Muslim Quarter is home to over 60,000 local Hui and Han people. Here you will find streets that not only attract tourists from all over the world but local Xi'anese too who are devoted to delicious food and an atmosphere at night that will keep you up well past your regular bedtime. There are several streets in this precinct that should make your list: Beiyuanmen Night Market, Damaishi Street Night Market, Dapiyuan Night Market, and Beiguangji Street Night Market. Expect local people, authentic food, and a memorable culinary experience you’ll carry with you forever.

Things to do in Xi'an

Sajinqiao Night Market

Sajinqiao Night Market is an 800-meter foodie’s heaven. Whether it’s hidden by design because locals love it so much, or because most travelers don’t know about it, Sajinqiao Night Market is the quintessential food lover’s paradise. Discover time-honored restaurants and stalls selling authentic food only locals know. Be sure to add these Sajinqiao specialties to your order: hot pepper soup hulatang, hot and sour dumpling soup suantang shuijiao, kebab kaorou, and lamb or beef soup with flatbread paomo.

Things to do in Xi'an

Yongxing Fang

Designed to satisfy the traveler to Xi'an, Yongxing Fang is a showcase of almost every local Shaanxi delicacy; you can quite literally find just about every conceivable local specialty. Located at the Zhong Shan Gate (just north of East Gate), it’s here you can sample a little dramatic art too with the area lit up at night with gorgeous red lanterns. Another point of difference? The buildings at Yongxing Fang are laid out to reflect that of the Tang Dynasty’s ancient capital, providing visitors with a unique window into 108 fang or quarters from over 1,300 years ago.

Things to do in Xi'an

Xiaonanmen Night Market

Are you a traveler who likes to avoid the ‘madding crowd’? Then Xiaonanmen Night Market is for you. More like a local’s secret hideaway for delicious food, Xiaonanmen Night Market is where you can visit the city’s famous restaurants for hulutou, paomo, peppery chicken, kebab, and stir-fried noodles. Mix with locals when dining and enjoy the many cafes, bars and handicraft shops here too. And if you’re not a night owl, no problem. Locals frequent the market early morning too, which runs from 5.00 am to 9.00 am and supplies locals with their daily essentials.

Things to do in Xi'an

Dachejia Xiang

Regarded as the best place for noodles in Xi’an (no small claim!), Dachejia Xiang is an alley located close to the South Gate of Xi’an City Wall. Discover an abundant choice of different noodles in the restaurants here. From soup noodles to noodles with sauces, braised pork belly with noodles, hot oil noodles, stir-fried noodles, beef noodles, and more. What’s more, you will be blown away by the different types of noodles: Hand-torn noodles, thin but al dente noodles, hand-pulled thick noodle ‘pieces’, extra wide ‘belt’ noodles, and rice noodles. And if noodles are not your thing, don’t despair. There are many other tasty foods available here. Dishes like boiled meatball soup with vegetables, dumplings, hulatang, skewers, malatang, and smoked meat with flatbread are popular choices with locals. Simply follow their lead for a delicious meal, day or night.

Shows and Concerts in Xi'an

Food isn’t all there is to enjoy in Xi’an. While visiting, make it your mission to enjoy a show or two. This is the perfect way to learn a little about Chinese and local Shaanxi culture and history. Expect theatrical drama with no shortage of conspiracies, betrayal, and thwarted love and performances steeped in an appreciation of the rich history that is China.

Things to do in Xi'an
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Even local Chinese people have difficulty navigating their way through the various dynasties and their dramas, but the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show will clear things up for one dynasty at least. Now considered Xi’an’s premier tourism product, the show was first launched in September 1982. Experience the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show at the Tang Dynasty Palace, or the Shaanxi Grand Opera House.

Things to do in Xi'an
Song of Everlasting Sorrow (Chang Hen Ge)

Although its title may cause you to question buying a ticket, for an experience of what is really a uniquely Chinese performance style - the seriously big outdoor performance spectacle - you can’t go past Song of Everlasting Sorrow when visiting Xi’an. Performed on the site of the original Tang dynasty’s Huangqing Palace in Lintong (30 kilometers from Xi’an), the 70-minute historical dance drama is a reproduction based on the literary masterpiece Chang Hen Ge composed by the famous poet Bai Juyi. The story is based on the romance between Emperor Tang Xuanzong and his favorite concubine, Lady Yang Yuhuan.

Things to do in Xi'an
Chang’an Impression

Chang’an Impression - also referred to auspiciously as the Tang Dynasty Grand Welcoming Ceremony - is a fascinating performance held at the South City Gate of the Xi’an City Wall. Involving over 300 performers, the show tells the story of the Tang dynasty over five acts. Elaborate costumes, amazing lighting, and a sense of occasion will certainly leave an impression just as its name suggests.

Things to do in Xi'an
Light Shows and Other Performances

More than their love of evening light shows, the Chinese love sharing their love of light shows, so it just seems right to include one among the things you’ll do while visiting Xi’an, where there is even a dedicated venue for them, namely Datang Everbright City, a 2,100-meter long pedestrian mall. By night, the mall is repurposed as a venue to showcase traditional Chinese art, including poetry reading, dance, float, the famous roly-poly performance, folk customs, and much more.

Sights by Night

Part of Xi’an’s appeal is the fact you can enjoy as much of the city by night as you can by day. Some would argue it’s even more enjoyable after the sun goes down and it’s hard to disagree when Xi’an lights up after dark. If you decide to step out at night, make sure you have the following sights on your list.

Things to do in Xi'an

Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Regarded as the city’s breathing heart, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower will not disappoint if you catch them at night. Lit up stunningly, come prepared to take loads of photos.

Things to do in Xi'an

North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Catch the daily musical fountain and light show here; the largest in Asia.

Things to do in Xi'an

 Datang Everbright City

Using the Tang dynasty as its backdrop, this corner of Xi’an is a one-stop destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, leisure, sightseeing, and commerce.

Things to do in Xi'an
City Wall and South Gate

Visit the Xi’an City Wall and South Gate at night and enjoy an altogether completely different experience from its daytime appearance. Photo opportunities abound.