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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
Shanghai hidden gems beyond the Bund?
honestly skip the bund crowds and head to the former french concession around wukang road. grab a coffee at some random lane spot, the whole area has these old lane houses that feel way more real than the skyline. also check out the rock bund art museum near the south bund, it's in this old industrial building with killer views and barely any tourists last time i was there. if u want food, go to tianzifang but skip the main alleys and wander into the side lanes, you'll find a tiny dumpling place that's like 15 yuan for 10 pieces
if you're around on a weekend morning, hit up the antique market on dongtai road before it fully gentrifies. it's mostly gone now tbh but there's still a few stalls tucked near the intersection with liuhe road, you'll find old propaganda posters and weird mao-era knickknacks for like 20 kuai. also the shanghai natural history museum in jing'an is underrated, the building itself is this wild spiral shape and the dinosaur skeletons are legit impressive, plus it's like 30 yuan entry. for a quiet evening walk i'd do the suzhou creek path near the north bund but go west from the waibaidu bridge, past the old post office building, there's a stretch where the lights hit the water just right and nobody's around
yeah if you want something totally different check out the long museum (long museum west bund) it's this massive space with rotating contemporary art, way less crowded than the power station of art. also walk the suzhou creek trail near the north bund, it's kinda rough around the edges but you get these weird views of old factories mixed with new towers