Things to do in Xi'an

Activities, attractions and tours

Drum Tower showing heritage architecture and a city
Xi\'an which includes a city
Xi\'an
Terracota Army featuring interior views and heritage elements
Xi\'an featuring flowers, a square or plaza and a bridge
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What to do in Xi'an

Popular places to visit

Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture and interior views

Terracotta Army

Marvel at the thousands of sculpted soldiers, horses and chariots keeping the first Emperor of China company in the afterlife.

Terracotta Army
Bell Tower

Xi'an Bell Tower

You can browse the exhibits at Xi'an Bell Tower, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Xi'an. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Xi'an Bell Tower
Xi\'an City Walls which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Xi'an City Walls

Relish the Chinese style of the elegant moat, towers and historic walls of one of the world’s largest military defence systems.

Xi'an City Walls
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda featuring a garden and a temple or place of worship

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Admire engravings and statues as you ascend the twirling staircase of this tower for a panoramic view of the city of Xi’an.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Great Mosque of Xi\'an which includes a mosque and religious elements

Great Mosque of Xi'an

See an intriguing blend of Islamic customs with traditional Chinese architecture in this religious complex of gardens and historic buildings.

Great Mosque of Xi'an
Drum Tower

Drum Tower

You can find out about the history of Xi'an with a stop at Drum Tower. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Drum Tower
Xi'an Jiaotong University

Xi'an Jiaotong University

Enjoy the student vibe at Xi'an Jiaotong University during your stay in Xi'an. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Xi'an Jiaotong University
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which includes signage and a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Find out about the history of Xi'an with a stop at Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Shaanxi History Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Shaanxi History Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Xi'an. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Shaanxi History Museum

Areas of Xi'an

Bell Tower

Xi’an City Center

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Xi’an City Center. Top attractions like Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (North Gate) and Xi'an Bell Tower are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Yongningmen Station or Zhonglou Station to see more of the city.

Xi’an City Center
Xi\'an showing heritage elements and a city

Zhonglou Shangquan

While you're in Zhonglou Shangquan, take in top sights like Xi'an Bell Tower and jump on the metro at Zhonglou Station to see more of the city.

Zhonglou Shangquan
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Yanta Qu

Yanta Qu is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Wei 1-jie Station or Xiaozhai Station to explore sights like Shaanxi History Museum.

Yanta Qu
Xi\'an

Muslim Quarter

Historical sites and shopping are highlights of Muslim Quarter. Make a stop by Xi'an City Walls or Andingmen while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Zhonglou Station to get around town.

Muslim Quarter
Xi\'an showing heritage elements and a city

Beilin

Beilin is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yongningmen Station or Nanshaomen Station to explore sights like Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (North Gate).

Beilin
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda featuring a garden and a temple or place of worship

Qujiang New District

Discover Qujiang New District, memorable for its gardens. Popular attractions in Qujiang New District include Tang Paradise and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Antique City, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Huizhan Zhongxin Station.

Qujiang New District
Xianyang

Xianyang

Baoji

Baoji

Frequently asked questions

Is Xi'an worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of great things to do in Xi'an. Be sure to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Xi'an?
Datang Everbright City and Shaanxi History Museum are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Xi'an while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Xi'an?
The top tourist attraction in Xi'an is Datang Everbright City, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Xi'an?
You can easily tour top attractions like Datang Everbright City, Shaanxi History Museum and Xi'an Museum with a three-day stay in Xi'an. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and check out Yanta Qu.
Is Xi'an a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Xi'an. Several attractions, including Shaanxi History Museum and Xi'an Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Xi'an's neighbourhoods, Xi'an City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Zhonglou Shangquan is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Xi'an with kids?
Planning what to do in Xi'an with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Xi'an for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Xi'an for adults including Andingmen and Xi'an Calligraphy Museum.
Are there free things to do in Xi'an?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Xi'an. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Datang Everbright City is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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