Xi’an has a special place in our hearts. It was the first Chinese city we visited. It was also love at first sight. Xi’an is absolutely beautiful.
The city was one of the 4 great ancient capitals of China. Thus, it has incredible historic architecture. Not only that, but contemporary masterpieces dot its streets.
Xi’an is a vibrant metropolis with quaint neighborhoods and a fantastic atmosphere. We have prepared the following list with our favorite things to do in the city. We are sure you are going to fall in love with Xi’an!
Visit the Bell and Drum Towers
Both towers are a sight to behold. Built in the 1380s during the Ming Dynasty, the two are huge yet delicate and ethereal. You can visit them with a single ticket.
The Drum tower is in the heart of the Muslim Quarter. Go up to enjoy incredible views over the city. There are 24 drums and a huge cowhide drum.
The Bell tower is the biggest of its kind in China. You can go up, though the views are not that great. The massive bell on the top is from 711.
Roam the Streets of Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter looks straight out of a movie. Every single street is worth your time. Walk along Beiyuanmen pedestrian street. The incredible Gao’s Grand Courtyard house is there.
The 400-year-old mansion is in great shape. There are puppet shows inside. From there, walk to North Guangyi Street. It’s famous for its stalls selling delicious sweets.
Keep walking till you get to Yangshi Street. It’s one of the city’s most atmospheric streets. The 600-year-old street used to be mutton central. Today, it’s lined with fantastic eateries.
Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an
The first time we saw the Great Mosque of Xi’an we couldn’t believe our eyes. The temple combines Chinese and Muslim architecture beautifully. The original temple was built in the 8th Century.
However, most of what we can see today is from 1384. Instead of minarets and domes, you will see delicate Chinese roofs and tones of plants and tall trees.
You enter the temple through a huge wooden arch. You have 4 courtyards to explore. Look out for the ancient steles and inscriptions. The temple is alive. Locals come here to pray, so be respectful.
Get Lost on Luomashi and Shuyuanmen Streets
One of our favorite things to do in Xi’an is to walk along its many pedestrian areas. Luomashi street is famous for its apparel shops. Locals visit the 1980’s street to buy clothes and socialize.
It has a central square and a cute water fixture. Walk south till you reach Shuyuanmen Street. It used to be the street of scholars and artists. It’s full of tall trees, arches, and pavilions.
Walk along the canal. Check out the Beilin Museum. Locals call it the Hall of 1000 steles. The former Confucius Temple homes an incredible collection of ancient steles.
Walk or Bike above the City Walls
Two major Chinese cities have surviving city walls: Nanjing and Xi’an. You can walk or cycle along the gorgeous Xi’an city wall, next to the canal, near to Shuyuanmen.
The wall is 8.5 miles (14 km) long, quite wide, and tall. It has 4 gates. Pay your ticket and prepare to be dazzled. You need 3 hours to walk and 1 hour to bike.
There are several rental shops next to the wall. There are places to eat and bathrooms. Take your time ad admire the epic views of the city.
Visit the Giant and Small Wild Goose Pagodas
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a 30-minute walk south of the City Wall. It’s within the gorgeous Jianfu Complex Temple. The park around the pagoda is lovely.
The UNESCO listed pagoda is from the early 8th Century. Then take metro line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station to see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, 2.5 miles (4 km) from the center.
The pagoda is within the Daci’en Temple. There’s a fantastic show with music and dancing water fountains next to the pagoda several times per day. The best ones are at 7 PM in summer and 8:30 PM in winter.
Pay a Visit to a Museum or Two
We believe you have to visit at least two museums in Xi’an: the Shaanxi History Museum and the Xi’an Museum. Visit the Xi’an Museum when visiting the Small Goose Pagoda.
The entrance is free and includes the temple and the pagoda. The museum building is a modern take on Chinese traditional architecture. It holds over 130000 artifacts distributed in 5 halls.
The Shaanxi History Museum is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Its massive and you need to prebook your free ticket. Hard to get in, but totally worth it.
Visit the Famous Terracotta Warriors
No trip to Xi’an can be complete without visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. You can take metro line 9 to Huaqingchi station and then a bus. There are also direct buses from the Bell tower and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
The place is always crowded so we strongly recommend booking your ticket in advance here. Though a guide isn’t needed, we did hire one at the entrance. It proved a great decision.
Our guide took us the 3 pits. She was lovely and had lots of information. You need at least 3 hours to see this UNESCO listed wonder.
Where to Stay in Xi’an
We stayed at the Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel. The 1952 historic building was once a state guest house. Today, its super luxurious and has an onsite museum. The 430,000 sq foot (40000 m2) garden has ancient trees and birds. We loved the pool!
The Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower is great value for money. It’s in one of the best areas to stay in Xi’an. The rooms are comfy and the service impeccable.
You won’t get better rooms at this price than at the Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel, next to the Muslim Quarter. The beds are comfy and it has an indoor pool.
