Choose from 20 Fun Things to Do in Xian
Shu Yuan Men Street
Practical Info
Drum Tower Square
Practical Info
Longmen Grottoes
Practical Info
Guangren Lama Temple
Practical Info
Ancient City Wall at South Gate
Practical Info
Xian City Wall (Chengqiang)
- The Xi'an City Wall is a must-visit for all active travelers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to circumnavigate the walls on foot or by bike.
- Buy a single-admission ticket to the wall or save with a combo ticket to the Forest of Stone Steles Museum.
- Getting to the top of the wall involves climbing stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Emperor Qin's Mausoleum
Practical Info
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
The Tang Dynasty (roughly speaking the 7th to 9th centuries AD) was a highpoint in Xian’s long and illustrious history. If you don’t mind forgoing a little historical accuracy in the name of entertainment, the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show offers a nightly song-and-dance gala which evokes the color and spectacle of this golden age.
Traditional instruments set the musical scene, with choreography and costumes reflecting Xian’s openness to outside influence, situated as it was at the end of the Silk Road. Set pieces include the sensual Rainbow Costume Dance and the stirring Warriors’ Triumphal Dance. All of this is dished up with fine Chinese cuisine.
The Tang Dynasty Palace is south of Xian’s City Walls and is served by numerous bus routes. You can have dinner with the show at 6.30, or wait for 8.30 if you just want the show.
Drum Tower (Gulou)
After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
Practical Info
Great Mosque
Practical Info
Shuanglin Temple
Practical Info
Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
- The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is a must-see for history lovers and first-time visitors.
- Allow two to three hours to visit the site fully.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs.
- Photography is allowed in the museum, but flashes and tripods are prohibited.
- Many Xian tours to the museum include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Bell Tower (Zhonglou)
- The Bell Tower is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Xian.
- Choose between a single-admission ticket to the Bell Tower or a combo ticket that includes the Drum Tower as well.
- Give yourself about an hour to visit the tower and take in the great view.
- A visit to the Bell Tower involves climbing steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
Banpo Village
Practical Info
Shaolin Temple
Practical Info
Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling)
Practical Info
Xian Museum & Small Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyanta)
- The Xi'an Museum and Small Goose Pagoda are must-sees for history buffs and those looking to get off the beaten path.
- Jianfu Temple, where the Small Goose Pagoda is located, is free to enter but both the pagoda and museum require tickets.
- Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID to pick up a free ticket to the museum.
- Only a limited number of tickets are available each day, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Muslim Quarter
Practical Info
Shaanxi History Museum
- The Shaanxi History Museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
- It’s a good idea to book ahead of time, as only a limited number of free tickets are issued daily.
- Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID.
- Give yourself two to three hours to tour the museum exhibits.
- English audio guides are available for rent.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
- The pagoda is a must-see for first-time visitors and travelers with an interest in Chinese or religious architecture.
- Visitors must pay an entrance fee to Da Ci’en Temple, as well as a separate fee to climb the pagoda.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb the pagoda tower.