Xi’an served as China’s imperial capital for 13 dynasties spanning over 1,100 years, most famously as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The city’s attractions cluster in the rectangular walled city center and the eastern suburbs where the Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974. This guide covers every major Xi’an attraction with hours, ticket prices in Chinese Yuan (CNY), and practical tips.
Top Things to Do in Xi’an
The Terracotta Warriors (Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang)
The Terracotta Warriors at Lintong District, 40km east of central Xi’an, are China’s most significant archaeological discovery. Over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses were buried around 210 BCE to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Three pits are open to visitors. Pit 1, the largest at 14,260 square meters, contains approximately 6,000 warriors in battle formation. Pit 2 holds cavalry and chariot units. Pit 3 is the command center. The museum complex also includes the Bronze Chariots exhibition hall. Open daily 08:30-17:00 (March 16 to November 15) and 08:30-16:30 (November 16 to March 15). Tickets cost 120 CNY (March-November) and 90 CNY (December-February). Take bus 306 (Tourist Bus 5) from Xi’an Railway Station east square (7 CNY, 60 minutes). A taxi costs approximately 150-180 CNY one way. Book tickets online via the official Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum WeChat mini-program. The audio guide costs 30 CNY and is worth it; the English signage inside the pits is limited. Give yourself 3-4 hours minimum.
Xi’an City Wall (Ming Dynasty Fortifications)
The Xi’an City Wall encircles the 14 square kilometer old city with 13.7km of Ming Dynasty fortifications built between 1370 and 1378 on Tang Dynasty foundations. The wall averages 12 meters high and 15 meters thick at the base, making it the most complete ancient city wall in China. Four main gates access the wall: South Gate (Yongning, the most impressive with the largest gate complex), East Gate (Changle), North Gate (Anyuan), and West Gate (Anding). Bicycle rental on the wall costs 45 CNY for 90 minutes (single speed) from stations at the South Gate and East Gate. Walking the full circuit takes 3-4 hours. The wall is illuminated at night with an entry fee of 100 CNY after 18:00. Day tickets cost 54 CNY. Visit in late afternoon for sunset views and cooler temperatures on the unshaded wall top.
Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque
The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) behind the Drum Tower is Xi’an’s most atmospheric neighborhood, centered on Huajue Lane and Beiyuanmen Street. The Hui Muslim community has lived here since the Tang Dynasty when Silk Road traders from Persia and Central Asia settled in the capital. The Great Mosque at 30 Huajue Lane, built in 742 CE, is one of China’s oldest and largest mosques, blending Chinese temple architecture with Islamic function across four courtyards. Entry costs 25 CNY (15 CNY for students). The mosque is an active place of worship; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall. The surrounding streets hold about 100 food stalls and small restaurants. Key foods to try: yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in lamb soup, 35-50 CNY), roujiamo (shredded meat in flatbread, 15 CNY), and persimmon cakes fried on griddles (2-3 CNY each). Most stalls open from 10:00 to 22:00.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta)
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda at Yanta West Road was built in 652 CE to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang, whose journey inspired Journey to the West. The seven-story brick pagoda stands 64 meters tall. Entry to the Da Ci’en Temple grounds costs 50 CNY. Climbing the pagoda adds 30 CNY. The pagoda leans slightly to the west due to centuries of groundwater extraction. The North Plaza hosts a musical fountain show daily at 12:00 and 20:30 (20 minutes, free). Open daily 08:00-17:30 (winter) and 08:00-18:00 (summer). Metro Line 3 to Dayanta station, Exit C.
Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum at 91 Xiaozhai East Road holds over 370,000 artifacts spanning the province’s history from the Zhou to Tang dynasties. The permanent collection is free but requires advance online reservation through the museum’s WeChat account due to a daily cap of 6,000 visitors. The Tang Dynasty murals exhibition (300 CNY) displays frescoes excavated from Tang imperial tombs. Open Tuesday through Sunday 08:30-17:30 (closed Mondays). Metro Line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai station, Exit D. Reserve tickets at least 3 days in advance during peak seasons.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
The Bell Tower at the absolute center of Xi’an was built in 1384 and marks the intersection of the city’s four main compass-point streets. The Drum Tower, 250 meters to the west, dates from 1380 and once sounded the hours. Combined ticket: 50 CNY (individual tickets 30 CNY each). The Drum Tower holds a collection of antique drums and offers views of the Muslim Quarter below. Live drum performances run at 09:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, and 16:15. Metro Line 2 to Zhonglou station.
Mount Huashan Day Trip
Mount Huashan, 120km east of Xi’an, is one of China’s Five Great Mountains with five peaks above 2,000 meters and a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous hikes. The infamous plank walk clings to a vertical cliff face with only a harness and chain handrail. Cable cars run from two base stations. The North Peak cable car (from the Huashan Visitor Center, 80 CNY one way, 150 CNY round trip) is the shorter route. The West Peak cable car (140 CNY one way, 280 CNY round trip) ascends higher. Park entry costs 180 CNY (March-November) or 100 CNY (December-February). The high-speed train from Xi’an North Station to Huashan North Station takes 30 minutes (55 CNY). From the station, a free shuttle bus or taxi (20 CNY) reaches the visitor center in 10 minutes. Start at 06:00 to complete the circuit before the afternoon crowds. Do not attempt the plank walk during rain, snow, or high winds.
