Things to do in Xi’an

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.