Xi'an

Travel Guide

Drum Tower which includes heritage architecture and a city
Xi\'an which includes a city
Xi\'an
Terracota Army showing interior views and heritage elements
Xi\'an showing outdoor art, a bridge and flowers

Explore museums full of precious artefacts, 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 meters) wide and 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) 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 artefacts 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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(124 area reviews)

Noted for its historic 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
Terracota Army showing building ruins and interior views

Lintong District

5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Lintong District, you might make a stop by sights like Terracotta Army and Tomb of Qin Shi Huang.

Lintong District
Xi\'an

Muslim Quarter

Historic 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
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which includes a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Yanta Qu

You might enjoy the historic sites while in Yanta Qu. Shaanxi History Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Wei 1-jie Station or Xiaozhai Station to see more of the city.

Yanta Qu
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda featuring a garden 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
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
5 out of 5
No. 50, Keji 2nd Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
$177 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$187 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Golden Eagle and Muta Temple Relics Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Exceptionally thoughtful people."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
4 out of 5
NO 16 ANBAN STREET, XIAN, Xi'an
$71 nightly
The price is $75 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$75 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Yisu Grand Theater and Culture ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"The hotel is very clean and the location is superb. Highly recemmended."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
W XIAN
W XIAN
5 out of 5
333 Qujiang Chi East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
$189 nightly
The price is $200 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$200 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Yaoma Cave and Qujiangchi site Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"The hotel is very modern with an interesting design. Rooms are comfortable with an upscale design. Would definitely stay there again"

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

W 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Xi'an Botanical Garden ...
Lyf Dayanta Xi'An
Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in fabulous Xi'an with WiFi, AC and beautiful Garden
Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in fabulous Xi'an with WiFi, AC and beautiful Garden
Xi'An
Stay at this apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chang’an-Tian-shan Silk Road Corridor and Changle Palace ...
Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in fabulous Xi'an with WiFi, AC and beautiful Garden
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 center. Popular attractions Terracotta Army and Xi'an Incident Wax ...
Modern Aegean Sea Hotel (Xi'an Western Engineering University Xikeda Lintong Campus Subway Station)
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

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
71
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
39
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The clay warriors are far from the city but so worth it. Prepare to walk alot or hire a person to push you in a wheelchair. It is wheelchair accessible. The city wall and the city itself is vibrant, full of history and worth a visit on its own.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city with historic things to visit but there are fees at any sites you want to visit and sometimes I feel the fee is a rip off.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The park adjacent to the city wall is beautiful-there is a lovely walk along the river. And the terra cotta warriors are awe inspiring.

5/5 - Excellent

Hape12

Went to Tung Dynasty Dance which included multiple Dumplings. Excellent show.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I wish we will get there again one day

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

large number of dining choices in upper floor of shopping malls, excellent metro system, plenty of security checks in public places.

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