Xi'an

One of China's four great ancient capitals, Xi'an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, with Emperor Qin Shi Huang's monumental mausoleum guarded by thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers. But Xi'an is also a modern Chinese metropolis, with its own delicious cuisine and vast cultural heritage. The city’s Muslim Quarter is popular among tourists, and so too is Xi’an’s Drum and Bell Towers.
When is your trip?
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Categories

Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes

Xi'an on your mind?

Build, organize, and map out your best trip yet.
Need a place to stay?
When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Featured guides
Slide 1 of 8
Picture of Top places for Xi'an
Top places for Xi'an
Most often-seen on the web
Site icon
Wanderlog
Picture of Top things to do in Xi'an
Top things to do in Xi'an
Tripadvisor Top 20
Site icon
Tripadvisor
Picture of Top things to do in Xi'an, China
Top things to do in Xi'an, China
Lonely Planet's Top Choices
Site icon
Lonely Planet
Picture of If you only have a day
If you only have a day
Most-visited by Google users
Site icon
Google
Picture of 48 hours in Xi'an: Day 1
48 hours in Xi'an: Day 1
Google experts' top list
Site icon
Google
Picture of 48 hours in Xi'an: Day 2
48 hours in Xi'an: Day 2
Google experts' top list
Site icon
Google
Picture of Art & architecture in Xi'an
Art & architecture in Xi'an
Google experts' top list
Site icon
Google
Picture of Spiritual Xi'an
Spiritual Xi'an
Google experts' top list
Site icon
Google

Multi-city stops

Slide 1 of 30

Top places to visit

1Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

4.4
(671)
•
4.0
(3442)
•
Mentioned on 
+7 other lists 
Pagoda
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a renowned Buddhist monument located in the ancient city of Xian, China. Dating back to the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, this towering pagoda was constructed in a squarish Tang-style rather than round shape and was built to house sacred scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang.
Slide 1 of 6
Very amazing. The history takes you back to India, and even across Central Asia and South East Asia, which were a part of the journey as well. The greatness of the story, and the passion of the man increases the beauty of the place. From the windows of the pagoda, you can also a get a nice, panoramic view of the city.
It was closed by the time I got there but it was definitely a nice area with lots of families enjoying their day and tons of modern buildings built in traditional Tang style.
If you visit Xi'an, this is one of the places you should visit to see the ancient Indian civilization there. The Royal Buddhism temple of Xi'an. The pagoda itself was built in Tang dynasty and survived from earthquakes as you can see it tilts towards west. Don't forget also the bronze statue of Xuanzang 玄奘, the main character in the 16th century classic novel "Journey to the West. There are real toilets in some of the bathrooms. At night there is a spectacular light/water show. and the whole area is amazing Street vendors, food, artists, acrobats and people, people, people. The whole area surrounding this place is very active.
25 yuan to go up the pagoda and another fee to go inside the grounds. The stairs are narrow. There are good views of the surrounding areas. There is a free check in bag area next to the ticket area. The bells swinging at the waves of the pagoda creates a nice mood as the wind blows. There are no remnants of the Buddhist scriptures but there are some plaques on the first level. It was worth the fee to go up for the views. There is even an earthquake meter inside.
Within walking distance from the Shaanxi History Museum, another major attraction awaits visitors to Xi'an. The musical fountain will provide some thrilling entertainment if you approach the site from the right direction and time. Stay long enough to enjoy the sight when the pagoda is lighted up. Don't forget also the bronze statue of Xuanzang 玄奘, the main character in the 16th century classic novel "Journey to the West. He's the "real McCoy" and of course don't start looking for the fictitious Monkey King statue. 😄😉
There is an amazing history here. Amazing and beautiful architecture. It is very solemn and serene here. This is the repository of important Budhist texts brought back from India by the monk that inspired the book "Journey to the West" There are real toilets in some of the bathrooms. At night there is a spectacular light/water show. This is a whir of activity. Street vendors, food, artists, acrobats and people, people, people. The whole area surrounding this place is very active. It is amazing being at enormous cities like this at night and not being afraid.
1 Cien Rd, Yanta District, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710064

2Bell Tower of Xi'an

4.4
(304)
•
4.0
(2324)
•
Mentioned on 
+4 other lists 
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Bell Tower in Xi'an is an iconic tower that was constructed during the Ming dynasty in 1384. It offers historic displays and panoramic views of the city. The tower is situated at the intersection of four main streets and serves as a symbol of the city. It has been well-preserved for over 600 years, having undergone renovation during the early Ming dynasty after being built originally in Tang dynasty.
Slide 1 of 8
Symbol of xian, center of the capital of ancient china, definitely 5 out of 5 stars. It’s better at night when all the lights are out.
Tickets to the Drum and Bell Tower cost 30 RMB respectively but you can get a combined ticket for 50 RMB. Easy to walk to the tower through an underground passage. Great views of the entire city and a nice museum on the inside showcasing plans of the tower.
Amazing building in the centre of Xian. Built in 1384, just after the Drum Tower, during the Ming dynasty. It also contains bronze bells from the Tang dynasty.
The Bell Tower of Xi'an has outlived its purpose of telling time at dawn. This majestic structure is now the centrepiece of a very busy intersection and a tourist attraction. Surrounded by this ancient capital city's main thoroughfares and colourful flower beds. View from a distance at night, it's even more breath-taking😘
It's an amazing place in Zhonglou District, very famous in the middle of xi'an city and at night the view is spectacular. It was used in the past to tell time at dawn.
It is a wonderful place and good tourist destination in Xian. The bell tower has four entrances to the bus and subway. Bell tower very close to the Drum Tower and the Muslim quarter. If anyone wants to visit Xi'an China then the bell tower and surrounding area is worth your time… all facilities are available…... Night view is fantastic 😎🇮🇳🤝🇨🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳
A good tourist destination in Xi'an and it is made special by the exquisite cuisine street just along side it. This tower can be accessed from any of the nearest buses or subway and has four different entrances. I would not recommend buying a ticket for going on the top though. There isn't anything special up there. The street food along side is just fantastic! You should try different snacks, pomegranate juice (one of the Xi'an special), the process of making the sugar. P.S: The beauty of this tower comes out at night! Do visit it at night and you will be amazed.
One of excellent point in central Xian I have visited this place in 2019 and really love it the price of tickets was really great they also give 50% discount for students. i will suggest you to visit this place from 11am to 1pm if you wanted to see traditional drum performance.
7W5W+QRJ, Bei Lin Qu, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710007

3Shaanxi History Museum

4.4
(440)
•
4.5
(1625)
•
Mentioned on 
+9 other lists 
History museum
Museums
The Shaanxi History Museum in Xian is a must-see for tourists interested in Chinese history. It's housed in a Tang-style building and showcases over 370,000 relics including fossils, pottery, metal objects, murals and paintings. The museum highlights the historical significance of Xian as an imperial capital for 13 dynasties with its impressive collection of precious artifacts from different periods.
Slide 1 of 7
Countless artifacts from ancient Shaanxi and huge crowds to see them. Do not omit to visit the section with the wall and scroll paintings!
Brilliant museum but the queue to get in where out of control took almost 2 hours. Wouldn't recommend in the peak of heat or if you can try book tickets. Otherwise this museum is brilliant and well worth going.
The museum is not foreigner friendly. Warning: you need to book tickets in advance. For someone has no Chinese phone number or WeChat, plus their official English website booking page broke, it is impossible to book a ticket. I tried to explain at the ticket service but couldn't get the same day ticket. Best they could do is book one for me in three days.
A must visit museum in Xi'an. It is the largest museum in Xi'an describing the history from the Chin dynasty to the Qing dynasty. By far the most informative museum in Xi'an. You can skip other museums if you have covered this one. Pro tip: 1) This museum gives online free tickets (reserved until 2500 entries per day) on their website. Check one week before your intended plan of visit day. 0therwsie the free tickets will run out of stock. 2) If you miss the online tickets, you could still buy the usual tickets (30 CNY) from their website and book the time slot. This is absolutely necessary. Do not just turn up to buy the tickets on the spot. You won't get any! 3) For the special exhibition of the mural paintings from the Tang dynasty (270 CNY), I would suggest to give it a skip if you are not a history buff. For a usual person, it is not that interesting as those are only the paintings on the stone wall. If you are a history expert, then you may be interested in it.
A world-class museum with multiple pieces at the national treasure level (highest possible). Hint: an ancient piece with scripts on it is likely to be a national treasure. Must see if you are visiting Xi'an. Free admissions. The museum limits 5000 visitors in the morning and another 5000 in the afternoon. Arrive early to get free tickets. Passport or ID is needed. To get the best of it, hire a tour guide (right past entrance) or rent a guide machine (left past entrance)
This is a great museum that focuses on the region and its role in the history of China over the past ~10000 years. I was amazed by just how important it has been. Very good layout and has a fair amount of English content descriptions. A visit is a great compliment to the much more famous terra cotta soldiers/emperor"s burial sites. Tickets are required and if you are a senior they are free, but a bit complicated to get--several lines and lines may be long. A guide can be useful but seems audio guides only in Chinese.
A great place to see a lot of Tang dynasty art and murals. It was pretty packed and stuffy when we went (prior to COVID), and it wasn't the most peaceful museum experience, with people yelling, tour groups pushing and it just gave an overall chaotic experience to the museum. Our main reason for coming here was to see the Tang dynasty murals that are housed here. This is a separate entrance fee ($35 USD at the time) and you're required to wear shoe coverings and no pictures are allowed. This exhibit was extraordinarily quiet and peaceful and the murals are displayed in a captivating and powerful way, reminiscent of their original home in the tombs. Note that although some scrolls in this exhibit portray themselves to be authentic, many of them are actually replicas, as the actual scrolls are in museums abroad. Note: Visited prior to COVID, so things may be different.
91 Xiaozhai E Rd, Yanta District, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710064•http://www.sxhm.com/

4Great Mosque of Xi'an

4.5
(980)
•
4.0
(1554)
•
Mentioned on 
+3 other lists 
Mosque
Sights & Landmarks
The Great Mosque of Xi'an, constructed in 742, is a magnificent architectural wonder that boasts stunning and colorful design elements as well as serene gardens. Situated close to the Muslim Quarter, it represents a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese style and Islamic culture. This mosque provides an ideal opportunity to learn about the delicate artistry and diversity of Chinese culture while also offering a peaceful retreat from the nearby busy streets.
Slide 1 of 5
In order to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the food street in the Muslim Quarter, you have to go through some meandering backlanes and alleyways to reach the Great Mosque. The serenity is in stark contrast to activities outside. The Ming architecture is very much evident on all the buildings. Too bad, the main prayer hall is off-limit to tourists.
It historical Mosque of Xian. Very happy to visit. It preserved very well and also has 5 times prayers. Must visit
One of the oldest mosques in Xi'an, in the corner of the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an. In Zhonglou District which is very famous and full of Muslims, The Architure of the mosque is very old and unique, If you want to spend peaceful time and pray it's where you should go.
This ancient piece of architecture resides in the corner of the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an. It is a quiet and somewhat tranquil place amidst the busy street activities in the Muslim Quarter. The architecture is Chinese, characterized by the hipped roofs and courtyard layout. This is still a functional place of worship for the Muslim community, where certain areas are out of bounds to the public. There is much to be admired about the place, as a lot of the original features have been carefully preserved.
The Great Mosque is one of the oldest and the largest best-preserved Islamic mosque in China. It was built-in 742 AD. For me, it did look more like a landscape beautiful garden than the fixed idea I had of a mosque. A fascinating combination of Chinese courtyards and Muslim architecture. The mosque is still active as many Muslims come here to pray and attend religious events.
7W7Q+7JF, Huajue Ln, Lianhu District, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710001

5Han Yang Ling

4.4
(16)
•
4.5
(703)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Han Yang Ling is an ancient mausoleum constructed during the Han dynasty, which serves as the final resting place for an emperor and his queen. The tomb was built in a peaceful manner, reflecting the ruler's preference for diplomacy over war. Located in northern Xian, it features a museum displaying various artifacts and models from that era. Though underrated, it is definitely worth visiting if you have an interest in history.
Slide 1 of 3
A rarely visited mausoleum of a Han emperor, would highly recommend stopping here after braving the crowds at Emperor Qin's Terra Cotta warriors. Whereas that was war, this is peace. You are required to wrap your shoes in plastic, as you are walking over the tomb itself encased in glass. The figures are smaller, illustrating the luxurious royal life of the Han dynasty, including a great number of pottery animals. Not a lot of folks know about this place and we had to book out a taxi for the day to get here.
Entry ticket RMB80, you can rent a audio guide in another counter with deposit RMB 100. Which is Bluetooth auto detach. Remember to wear a shies cover when you visit. (museum will provide it).
Well worth the visit if you have any interest in history. Not popular at all with domestic tourists which makes the visit much more pleasant. One of the best things to do on the area.
CWVG+M4F, Weicheng District, Xianyang, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China, 712038•http://www.hylae.com/
•
See full list

Top places to eat

1Redfort Indian Restaurant

4.5
(33)
•
4.5
(247)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
Indian restaurant
Slide 1 of 4
I live in Xi'an more than 9 years, this city is well known to me and it's called to be my second home. Xi'an is famous for the ancient history and the delicious food. There are few Indian Restaurant in Xi'an city but Redford is the best. Why Redford is best? 1: I have been there several times since it opened. In terms of authenticity and quality of ingredients, it is consistently good. The service is attentive and discrete. The good thing about the food here is that the dishes are clearly different, apart from that u can easily organize buffet party, Eid party, birthday party... any kinda big party at Redford. 2: Redford is located at a historic place which is called ( Datang west city, and datang west city is the staring point of silk Road), so it's a great opportunity for the tourist to visit the silk Road history Museum and have lunch/dinner at Redford at the same time. 3: Easy to get there, you can take subway line 6/5 to (Xibei gongge da xue zhan/ Xigongda) and after get off the subway you need to walk only 300m to get there. So If you are in Xi'an/ planning for a Trip in Xi'an city then I will highly recommend you to visit Redford and The starting point of Silk Road history museum Thanks
Amazing food was brilliant had the chicken tikka on a skewer and the pepper vegtables, best indian food ive had. Hard to find though! But worth seeking out!
Good indian food and spent some good evenings with Indian music and friends.
I'm not a conissur of Indian food but I tried over a dozen dishes here and they were all amazing. I can't wait to try it again!
Lian Hu Qu, Xi An Shi, China, 710071

2Haidilao Hot Pot

4.6
(31)
•
4.5
(223)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
affordable
Hot pot restaurant
Haidilao Hot Pot is a great choice for hot pot enthusiasts looking for an affordable and diverse dining experience. It serves as an excellent introduction to huo guo (hot pot) for visitors new to China, with helpful staff who are willing to assist tourists in understanding the cooking process and offering recommendations of popular dishes. Located on the 4th floor of a building in Xian, this shabu-shabu restaurant provides quality food and fresh fruits.
Slide 1 of 3
Shabu-shabu restaurant in Xi’an, a good place with really nice staffs. Located on 4th floor of the building. Recommend to try quality food, fresh fruits and anything you like. And you can ask for a staff who can speak English to help you to order.
Even though it have price, I think it is 100% deserve it. Amazing hot pot is basic, treat with customer of staff was real touching
Good place for dining alone, they will put a toy in front of you to ease your loneliness. Make the reservation before going , it gonna be a long q.
Xin Cheng Qu, Xi An Shi, China, 710005•http://www.haidilao.com/

33rd Sister Dumplings

4.3
(38)
•
4.0
(170)
Chinese restaurant
Slide 1 of 3
Menu has relatively accurate English translation. Great dumplings with good dipping sauce and extra hot sauce on the side. Also, as others mentioned, good vegetarian options. My girlfriend loved the spicy eggplant and firm spicy tofu. Will be back tomorrow.
Three Sisters Dumpling was a very good dumpling house in Xi'an. The dumplings were very delicious and there were many different varieties of them. They also are more English friendly with their menu and you could see this from their clientele. And I'm not one to normally complain about bad service or bad attitudes, but I thought at least one of the servers was very mean. It wasn't even a translation issue since the party that I went with spoke Mandarin. And they don't have a bathroom (or the server didn't want to tell me where it was). But I'd still recommend Three Sisters Dumplings since the dumplings were well worth it!
Really delicious! One of the best restaurant in Xian. Price is cheap just 10-20yuan per dish. Try Potato and Tofu, it is really nice.
秦飞大厦, 192 E Mutoushi, 钟楼商圈 Beilin, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710008

4怡咖啡

5.0
(1)
•
5.0
(166)
Western restaurant
Slide 1 of 1
(Translated by Google) My pleasure (Original) 我乐意
China, Shaanxi, Xi'An, Yanta District, 高新商圈, Keji Rd, 38号, 邮政编码: 710075•http://www.shangri-la.com/cn/xian/shangrila/dining/restaurants/y…

5Isola Del Nord (Belfry Branch)

4.0
(130)
Western restaurant
China, CN 陕西省 西安市 莲湖区 西华门 1 1号凯爱大厦B座, 近钟楼, 邮政编码: 710003
•
See full list
Map layers
•
Overview
Top places to visit
Top places to eat

What's the weather like in Xi'an?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Xi'an for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

All road trips from Xi'an

Explore nearby places

All related maps of Xi'an

Xi'an throughout the year

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Xi'an?

Get inspired for your trip to Xi'an with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here: