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Things to Do in Xi'an (2026)
No trip to Xi'an is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Located about 40 kilometers east of the city centβ¦ ποΈ Start with the Terracotta Warriors
No trip to Xi'an is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Located about 40 kilometers east of the city center, the site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of 120 RMB. Arrive early to beat the crowds and consider hiring a guide at the gate for deeper historical context.
π² Cycle the Ancient City Wall
Xi'an's Ming Dynasty city wall is one of the best-preserved in China and offers a fantastic 14-kilometer cycling route. Rent a bike at any of the four main gates (South Gate is most popular) for about 45 RMB per hour. The wall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and sunset rides provide stunning views over the old city.
π Eat at Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter near the Drum Tower is a bustling food street where you can sample Xi'an's famous street foods like yangrou paomo (lamb stew with bread) and liangpi (cold noodles). Head to Beiyuanmen Street for the most authentic stalls, and try the persimmon cakes at a small shop near the Great Mosque. Most vendors are open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and dishes cost between 10 and 30 RMB.
πΊ Explore the Shaanxi History Museum
For a deep dive into the region's ancient past, the Shaanxi History Museum is a must. Located at 91 Xiaozhai East Road, it's free to enter but requires an advance reservation online (limited daily tickets). The museum showcases artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, and the special exhibition halls (30 RMB) are worth the extra fee.
π Evening Stroll on the Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise is a large theme park recreating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, with nightly light shows and performances. Located at 99 Furong West Road, it's open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the best time to visit being after 5:00 p.m. when the lanterns illuminate the gardens. Tickets are 120 RMB, and the Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty show is included.
β°οΈ Day Trip to Huashan Mountain
If you have an extra day, take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Huashan North Station (30 minutes, 55 RMB) for a hike on one of China's most sacred mountains. The mountain is famous for its plank walk and breathtaking views, but it's a strenuous climb; take the cable car (140 RMB one way) to save energy. Start early to complete the loop and return to Xi'an by evening.
ποΈ Shop at the Great Mosque Bazaar
Adjacent to the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, the bazaar is a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Bargaining is expected, so start at half the asking price. The bazaar is busiest from late afternoon to evening, and the Great Mosque itself (25 RMB) is a peaceful oasis worth visiting between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
π Getting Around Xi'an
Xi'an's metro system is efficient and covers most major attractions, with Line 2 connecting the North and South Gates and Line 3 reaching the Tang Paradise area. Single rides cost 2-8 RMB, and a day pass is available for 15 RMB. Taxis are affordable (starting at 8 RMB), but avoid rush hour traffic by using the metro between 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Terracotta Warriors tip about arriving early is spot on. I'd add that if you can, go on a weekday rather than a weekend. I went on a Tuesday and had whole sections of Pit 1 almost to myself for a few minutes around 9:00 a.m., which made the experience much more immersive than when I passed through again at noon and it was shoulder-to-shoulder.
For the Muslim Quarter, don't skip the dried fruit stalls near the western end of Beiyuanmen. The dried persimmons and jujubes from the area are noticeably better than what you'll find in markets back home, and they pack flat for luggage. Most vendors will let you sample before you buy.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area at night. The music fountain show on the north square is free and runs around 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. depending on the season. It's a nice low-key alternative to Tang Paradise if you've already spent your budget on warriors and wall tickets.
yeah the muslim quarter tip about going off the main drag is key, but if you want a real sit-down meal that's not a tourist trap try lao sun jia on dapiyuan. they've been doing yangrou paomo since like the 50s and the broth is way richer than the places near the drum tower. just be ready to tear the bread yourself, that's half the experience
also the shaanxi history museum is free but you gotta book like 3 days ahead online, the walk-in line is a nightmare. if you miss the free slots the 30 rmb special exhibition is worth it just to skip the queue and you get to see the gold stuff from the tang dynasty anyway
tang dynasty show at tang paradise is actually decent, way better than i expected for a theme park thing. the whole light display thing is kinda touristy but the dancing and music is legit, they clearly put effort into it. get there by 4pm and you can wander the gardens before it gets dark, then catch the show around 7.30. beats standing in line for an hour
if you're doing huashan, skip the east peak sunrise unless you wanna camp overnight. the west peak is less crowded and the view down the south face is actually scarier than the plank walk tbh. the cable car up the west side is newer and smoother than the north one, worth the extra 20 rmb
Where to Stay in Shanghai (2026)
Shanghai's accommodation options span from the historic Bund to the ultra-modern Pudong. Each district offers a distinct vibe, so choosing the right base depends on yoβ¦ ποΈ Overview of Neighborhoods
Shanghai's accommodation options span from the historic Bund to the ultra-modern Pudong. Each district offers a distinct vibe, so choosing the right base depends on your travel style and budget. The city's metro system makes most areas easily accessible, but staying central saves time.
πΈ Luxury on the Bund
For iconic skyline views and five-star service, the Bund is unmatched. Hotels like the Waldorf Astoria (2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road) and the Peninsula (32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road) start around $300 per night. This area suits couples and business travelers who want proximity to historic landmarks and fine dining.
π Nightlife in Jing'an
Jing'an is the heart of Shanghai's nightlife, with endless bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Jing'an Temple area offers boutique hotels like The PuLi (1 Changde Road) from $200 a night. It's ideal for solo travelers and groups seeking a vibrant social scene.
β Family-Friendly in French Concession
The tree-lined French Concession is quiet and safe, perfect for families. Hotels like the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin (118 Ruijin Er Road) offer spacious rooms and gardens, with rates around $150 per night. Nearby parks and kid-friendly cafes make it a top choice.
π» Digital Nomads in Jing'an Temple
Jing'an Temple area combines coworking spaces like WeWork (668 Nanjing Xi Road) with affordable serviced apartments. Monthly rentals on Airbnb or Ziroom range from $800 to $1,200. Fast Wi-Fi and metro access make it a hub for remote workers.
π° Budget Stays in People's Square
People's Square offers hostels and budget hotels near major attractions. The Shanghai City Youth Hostel (2 Jiangxi Zhong Road) has dorm beds from $15 per night. It's a central base for backpackers who prioritize location over luxury.
π Transit Hub in Lujiazui
Lujiazui in Pudong is a transit hub with direct metro lines to both airports and the city center. Hotels like the Grand Hyatt (8 Century Avenue) start at $250, but offer stunning views. This area suits business travelers and those with early flights.
πΏ Hidden Gem in Xintiandi
Xintiandi blends traditional Shikumen architecture with modern boutiques and restaurants. The Andaz Xintiandi (88 Songshan Road) offers stylish rooms from $200 per night. It's a quieter alternative to the Bund, ideal for couples seeking charm and convenience.
This is a solid breakdown of the neighborhoods. I've lived in the French Concession for a few years and I'd add that the area around Wukang Road and Anfu Road is where you'll find the best walking streets and independent shops. It's a little pricier than the InterContinental area but worth it if you want to be right in the middle of the cafe culture and those old plane trees. The metro doesn't go directly through there, so you'll be walking about 10 minutes to Shanghai Library station on Line 10, but that's part of the charm.
that's a really thorough guide. one thing i'd flag for anyone considering the bund is that the walk along the waterfront is gorgeous but the side streets behind it can get dead quiet after 10pm. i prefer staying in the french concession near the intersection of fuxing road and maoming road, there's a hotel called the jia boutique that's around $180 and puts you right next to the best xiaolongbao spot on jiaozhou road. the area around yongkang road has a few hidden cocktail bars that don't show up on maps too, good for a low-key night out
Solid write-up, really covers the bases. One thing I'd add for anyone on a tighter budget but still wanting a cool area is staying over in Hongkou near the Jewish Ghetto. It's not as polished as the French Concession but you get real local life, some great hole-in-the-wall noodle shops on Zhoushan Road, and the subway's right there. I stayed at a little place called the Waterhouse on South Bund for like $80 a night a couple years back and it was surprisingly nice, with a rooftop bar overlooking the river. Just be ready for the neighborhood to be a bit gritty in spots, that's part of the appeal imo.