Xi'an Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Explore museums full of precious artifacts, cycle along one of the country’s most complete city walls and visit hot springs at this major city in central west China.

Home to many of China’s most significant historical and cultural sites, including the famous terra cotta warriors, it’s easy to see why Xi’an is regarded as the country's living “natural history museum”.

Xi’an was the capital for many influential Chinese dynasties over thousands of years and the city still retains many buildings and structures from those times. Among these is the City Wall, which is 12 metres (39 feet) high, 39-46 feet (12-14 metres) wide and 8.7 miles (14 kilometres) long. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate and make your way along the wall at sunset to enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Near the City Wall’s South Gate is the Forest of Stone Steles Museum where you can examine intricate calligraphy carved into stone tablets. While in the area, visit the Great Mosque and the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.

See other artifacts from China’s dynasties at the Shaanxi History Museum. Its collections include stone tools and weapons, jade wine glasses and belts, chinaware and coins. Note that very little information is in English, so it’s worth getting an audio guide. Combine your museum visit with a trip to the Da Ci’en Temple site, home to the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Stroll through the north square and admire its gardens, sculptures and fountains. 

The treasure Xi’an is probably most famous for, however, is actually located 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of the city at the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park. Take a bus to the park from Xi’an to see one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century: the army of life-size terra cotta warriors and horses. On your way back, stop by the Huaqing Palace and Hot Springs to see what was once a retreat for emperors.

Back in the city, enjoy a meal of dumplings or try the local dish of yangrou paomo, which consists of crumbled unleavened bread in mutton stew. 

Reach Xi’an by plane into the international airport located about 19 miles (30 kilometres) northwest of downtown, or by train or long-distance bus from many other major cities in China.

Where to stay in 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 which includes 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 heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

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
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda featuring a park 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 Datang Everbright City, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Huizhan Zhongxin Station.

Qujiang New District
Xi\'an

Muslim Quarter

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

Muslim Quarter
Xi\'an which includes 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
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
4 out of 5
NO 16 ANBAN STREET, XIAN, Xi'an
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp880.166 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
Rp880.166
Rp932.976 total
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Yisu Grand Theater and Culture ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
"It has an excellent location in the heart of Xi’ an. The Bell Tower, restaurants, and shops are just steps away. The subway is in from of the hotel,"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
5 out of 5
No. 50, Keji 2nd Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
The price is Rp2.610.651 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
Rp2.610.651
Rp3.044.019 total
8 Jun - 9 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Golden Eagle and Muta Temple Relics Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"All staff attentive and professional. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
Hilton Xian
Hilton Xian
5 out of 5
199 Dongxin Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
The price is Rp1.078.312 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
Rp1.078.312
Rp1.257.312 total
6 Jun - 7 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Xī'ān Museum and Dongyue Temple ...
9/10 Wonderful! (433 reviews)
"Joan was helpful on the front desk. He went out of the way to makeover stay comfortable he booked the tickets. He speaks good English overall, we were happy with the place. Will highly recommend anybody with family or business."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Hilton Xian
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lyf Dayanta Xi'An
Lyf Dayanta Xi'An
4.5 out of 5
No.4066, Yanta South Road,, Yanta,, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Xi'an Botanical Garden ...
Lyf Dayanta Xi'An
Modern Aegean Sea Hotel (Xi'an Western Engineering University Xikeda Lintong Campus Subway Station)
Modern Aegean Sea Hotel (Xi'an Western Engineering University Xikeda Lintong Campus Subway Station)
2 out of 5
No. 6 Qintang Avenue, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Stay at this apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a conference centre. Popular attractions Terracotta Army and Xi'an Incident Wax ...
Modern Aegean Sea Hotel (Xi'an Western Engineering University Xikeda Lintong Campus Subway Station)
Tian Yi Hotel
Tian Yi Hotel
2 out of 5
Intersection of Hanguang Road and Youyi, Road (Huahao Lijing), Xi'an, Shaanxi
Stay at this apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Xi'an Calligraphy Museum and Jiaodaruisun Stadium are located nearby.
Tian Yi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Xi'an

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 61%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Easy to reach city by fast train from Beijing.

4/5 - Good

Unanimous

Language is still a problem in Xian. Ordering food and asking the way are still hard time there. Most important is the public transport information which is still not fully affordable. We had a great time with terracotta and the unique places anyway.

5/5 - Excellent

Jmenon

All the tourist attractions are excellence

5/5 - Excellent

CK

Xi’an is a lovely city, especially to walk around at night. Lots of interesting sites to see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A night time walk through the Muslim market is a must!

Cities near Xi'an