travel-to-Xi'an

Travel to Xi'an

Xi’an is a city where history and modernity collide in the most fascinating ways. Encircled by ancient city walls and intersected by bustling streets, it’s a place where Tang-era architecture stands beside sleek high-rises, and centuries-old markets buzz alongside contemporary cafés.

Book Flight to Xi'an✈️

Grab latest Trip.com Travel Promos!

Enjoy savings on your next adventure with Trip.com by taking advantage of promotional codes, coupons, flight offers, and hotel discounts.

Latest Trip.com Promo Codes

Xi'an Travel Promotions & Recommendations!

go china promotion

Xi'an Travel Guide

Explore top attractions, activities, and experiences in Xi'an.

best-of-Xi'an

👑 Best of Xi'an

Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Xi'an.

📷 Xi'an Through Travellers' Eyes

Explore Xi'an through traveller photos, stories, and insights.

View More
avatar
A place that will truly blow your mind

Yes, the Terracotta Army is an absolute must-visit. But the most powerful thing here isn't just its massive scale—it's the story behind it.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang feared death so much that he ordered the creation of an entire army for the afterlife. Thousands of warriors, officers, and horses—all to ensure he could continue to rule even after death.

And it was exactly this fear that birthed one of the greatest archaeological wonders in the world.

We started our tour at Pit 3 → then Pit 2 → and finished with Pit 1—and this order seriously elevates the whole experience.

In Pit 3—you get the vibe of a command headquarters, full of calm and purpose

In Pit 2—it’s all about tactics and intricate details (look out for the display cases with individual figures)

In Pit 1—a scale that literally gives you goosebumps: thousands of warriors right before your eyes

Afterwards, make sure to drop by the complex's museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site)—you'll find figures in glass display cases where you can examine every single detail.

😳 A mind-blowing fact: Excavations are still ongoing here. Many sculptures are intentionally kept buried because their vibrant paint vanishes the moment it makes contact with the air.

👉 This means that right now, there's still a part of the army hidden underground that no one has ever laid eyes on

🍽 On your way out, grab some local street food—Roujiamo (肉夹馍)

💡 Tips:

Start with Pit 3 → 2 → 1

Set aside at least 2–3 hours

It’s best to arrive after 3:00 PM

Booking tickets in advance via Trip.com is super convenient

This isn't just a museum. It's a place where one man's fear morphed into a piece of history that we're still witnessing 2,200 years later.
avatar
TOP locations for a tourist trip to Xi'an 👇🏻

1. Bell Tower

2. Drum Tower

3. Muslim Quarter
· we can see the tower from the rooftop at this cafe: 来哒 Coffee Tea
· and don't miss the Great Mosque of Xi'an

4. Xi'an City Wall

5. The Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block

6. Tang Paradise Park

7. Changan Dapaidang Restaurant
— it's located in the Grand Tang Mall area

#xian #travel #travel2026 #thingstodo #citydaytours #china 
 #china #xian
avatar
When it comes to Xi'an, there's really no need for much introduction! It's a city where you can gain a lot just by wandering around—home to the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, the Tang Dynasty nightscape, and endless delicious food. It carries the weight of an ancient capital while bursting with vibrant local life. You'll fall in love with it after just one visit!
🚗 How to get there most conveniently
✈️ By plane: Xi'an Xianyang Airport, with airport shuttles and Metro Line 14 directly to the city center, very hassle-free.
🚄 By train / high-speed rail: Xi'an North Station is the main high-speed rail hub, with metro access straight into the city; Xi'an Station is closer to downtown.
🚇 Within the city: The metro covers almost all attractions. Take Line 9 to the Terracotta Warriors, and take the high-speed train directly to Mount Hua—super fast and convenient.
🏨 Best places to stay for convenience
1. 🥇 Near Xi'an Bell Tower / Drum Tower (top choice)
Central location with easy metro access, walking distance to the city wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Towers. Everything you need for eating, staying, and getting around. Perfect for first-time visitors.
2. 🥈 Around Big Wild Goose Pagoda / Tang Paradise
Beautiful night views with a strong Tang Dynasty vibe. Very convenient for evening strolls in Tang Paradise, and the area is quieter.
3. 🥉 Near the train stations / North Station
Ideal for those catching early or late trains, mostly chain hotels with great value.
⛺【Must-visit local spots】
1. Must-see attractions
🏺 Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Terracotta Warriors)
The eighth wonder of the world, a must-see in Xi'an! The shock of standing before the pits is indescribable. Be sure to listen to the guided tour, or else you'll just be looking at "clay figures."
🌄 Huaqing Palace
A royal hot spring garden, the site of the love story between Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and also the location of the Xi'an Incident. The scenery is stunning.
🏛 Xi'an City Wall
The best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Rent a bike and ride around it while feeling the breeze and enjoying the city views—an amazing experience.
🏛️ Shaanxi History Museum / Xi'an Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum has an incredible collection, so book in advance; the Xi'an Museum is less crowded and great to visit along with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda for a fantastic experience.
🌟 Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Tang Paradise
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a landmark of Xi'an, but Tang Paradise is the soul of the city at night, with lights, performances, and visitors dressed in Hanfu, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
⛰️ Mount Hua · Huayin
The most perilous mountain in the world, with breathtaking scenery! It's recommended to take the cable car up the West Peak and descend from the North Peak for an easy yet panoramic experience.
🌊 Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, Shaanxi
The most spectacular section of the Yellow River, majestic and powerful. Nature lovers must visit.
2. Must-see performances
🎉 "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"
The pinnacle of live performances! Real mountains and water combined with light shows. After watching, you'll be amazed—missing it in Xi'an would be a regret.
🎊 "Xi'an Eternal Love"
An indoor show with explosive stage effects, telling Xi'an's thousand-year history in one hour. Perfect for families with elders and children.
🛬 Recommended trip length: 5-6 days
🧡【Tips】
1️⃣ Book popular attractions and shows in advance!
2️⃣ For food, go to Sajinqiao, which is more local and cost-effective than the Muslim Quarter.
3️⃣ Wear comfortable shoes—walking on the city wall, museums, and Mount Hua is tough on your feet.
4️⃣ Most museums are closed on Mondays, so don't go empty-handed.
5️⃣ Night attractions are best visited after dark for the best effect.
avatar
Wow! Xi'an also has such an amazing underwater world! 💙
Qujiang Ocean Polar Park is definitely worth a visit!
Check out these adorable wonders:
🐠 Schools of white butterfly koi fish
🐢 Cute little turtles
🦈 Super cool colorful sharks
🐻❄️ Adorable polar bears
🐺 Majestic Arctic wolves

🌊 The best part is the 180° unbeatable scenic underwater tunnel!
Behind the huge glass wall, whale sharks swim gracefully~
Every shot looks like a blockbuster photo📸
The fish around the coral reefs are absolutely stunning💥
If you go during the day, the lighting is perfect☀️

📍Practical Information:
Address: No. 1 Qujiang 2nd Road, Yanta District, Xi'an
⏰Opening Hours: 09:00-19:00 (last entry at 17:15)
🚇Transportation: Metro Line 3, "Beichitou Station" Exit C, 20-minute walk
🎫Tickets:
Adults 180 RMB/person
Students 120 RMB/person
Children 90 RMB/person (1.2-1.4 meters)
Free for under 1.2 meters and over 65 years old🆓

🌟Tips:
It's better to visit in the morning when there are fewer people
Be sure to record a video in the underwater tunnel!
The polar pavilion is very cold, remember to bring a jacket🧥
avatar
I found the perfect spot for when you want to try a little bit of everything ♡
The 1st floor serves light bites like noodles,
while the 2nd floor features an endless lineup of Chinese dishes!
Being able to fully enjoy
white rice and Chinese food together is a major plus!
There are so many kinds of dishes on display,
and everything looks so good that it's hard to choose~
Plus, white rice is unlimited and free!
The food goes so perfectly with rice that
before I knew it, I had gone back for multiple refills (lol).
For those who want to sample a variety of dishes little by little,
this place is highly recommended ♡

📍Shiquan Shimei · Xianchao Fast Food (Beidajie Branch)
430m walk from Exit A (Northwest), Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Subway Station
Business Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
avatar
If there's one place in China where you can physically feel history, it's the Terracotta Army.
And seeing it in person doesn't feel like visiting a museum; it feels like witnessing a frozen moment in time from the ancient world that just happened to be buried underground for 2,000 years.
⸻

📍 Terracotta Army — Where is it?

📍 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
📍 Coordinates: 34.3853, 109.2786

The complex is located about 40 km from downtown Xi'an, right next to the mausoleum of China's First Emperor.
⸻

🏺 What is it, really?

The Terracotta Army is part of the massive necropolis of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

He ordered the creation of an army to accompany and protect him in the afterlife.

👉 Construction began when he was just 13 years old and lasted for almost 40 years.
⸻

😳 A Scale That Defies Imagination

To date, archaeologists have unearthed:

· over 8,000 soldiers
· around 600 horses
· dozens of chariots
· officers, generals, and archers

👉 And that's just a fraction of the complex — archaeologists believe there is much more still buried underground.
⸻

🎭 Why They Aren't Just "Clay Statues"

1️⃣ Every soldier has a unique face

These figures weren't mass-produced in molds.

They feature:

· distinct facial expressions
· unique individual traits
· different hairstyles and even ear shapes

👉 It is widely believed that the artisans modeled them after real people.
⸻

2️⃣ They used to be colorful

Today, the statues look grayish-brown, but originally they were painted in vibrant colors:

· red
· blue
· green
· black

The paint peeled off and faded almost immediately after excavation due to exposure to the air.
⸻

3️⃣ Real weaponry

Many of the warriors held real bronze weapons:

· swords
· spears
· crossbows

Amazingly, the metal is still incredibly well-preserved thanks to an advanced anti-rust technology used back then.
⸻

4️⃣ They are arranged in actual battle formations

The army isn't placed randomly.

👉 It includes:

· infantry
· archers
· cavalry
· commanders

Everything is positioned exactly as a real military force would be.
⸻

🏛 What You'll See During Your Visit

The complex consists of three main pits:

· Pit 1 — the largest (housing thousands of soldiers in formation)
· Pit 2 — different military units
· Pit 3 — the army's command post

You are literally looking at an active archaeological dig, not a polished, "finished" museum display.
⸻

🚜 How the Site Was Discovered

In 1974, local farmers were digging a well when they accidentally stumbled upon the first figures.

This serendipitous find became one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
⸻

🚗 How to Get There

From Xi'an:

🚌 Bus:

· ~1–1.5 hours
· The most budget-friendly option

🚖 Taxi / Didi:

· ~40–60 minutes
· ~150–250 RMB

🚐 Guided Tour:

· The most convenient option
· Usually includes a guide and round-trip transfers
⸻

💰 Practical Info

🎫 Ticket: ~120 RMB
⏰ Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

👉 Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning, as it gets incredibly crowded later in the day.
⸻

⚠️ Good to Know

· A large part of the army is still buried underground
· The emperor's main tomb has never been excavated
· It can get packed with tourists inside

👉 Legend has it that the tomb contains rivers of flowing mercury, which is one reason why it remains unopened.
⸻

🤔 Is It Worth the Trip?

Absolutely, if you want to see:

✔ one of the most monumental structures of the ancient world
✔ a genuine archaeological dig rather than a modern replica
✔ a place that completely reshapes your understanding of ancient history
⸻

The Bottom Line

The Terracotta Army is more than just a tourist attraction.

It represents:
· the boundless ambition of the First Emperor
· the incredible engineering prowess of ancient China
· one of the most mind-blowing archaeological sites in the world

And seeing it in person hits completely different than any photo ever could.
avatar
📍 The Longest Day in Chang'an (长安十二时辰, Chang'an Twelve Hours Theme Block). This spot is named after the Chinese novel that inspired the hit 2019 TV series "The Longest Day in Chang'an," and it shares a similar vibe with the 72 Qilou Scenic Area (七十二奇楼景区) in Zhangjiajie. Traveling across China, I'm always amazed by how many tourist attractions are named after Chinese novels, TV shows, and movies. Here, you'll find daily evening shows (which you're welcome to record) and a wide variety of entertainment (such as Tang Dynasty cuisine, VR experiences, and photo and video shoots), as well as a massive commercial space (where you can grab a bite or buy various treats and souvenirs). You can also rent armor and traditional Chinese costumes and dresses (which, in my opinion, are the cheapest in Xi'an). Everything is brilliantly themed around the historic Tang Dynasty. This place is located right next to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Tickets are 38 RMB. The exact address is: South Gate of Mandi Plaza, East of Grand Tang Mall, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province (陕西省西安市雁塔区大唐不夜城东侧曼蒂广场南门).
avatar
🔥 An unmissable hidden gem inside the ancient Xi'an City Wall! 🏯✨
📍Xi'an Hanguang Gate Museum 
Picture this: you're standing right inside a 1,400-year-old city wall, surrounded by the actual ruins of the Tang Dynasty Hanguang Gate. It's not just a museum; it's a real portal back to the era of the Great Silk Road! Tucked away in the very heart of Xi'an, this is China's first museum dedicated to the remains of a city gate.

We checked it out after strolling along the wall—and we were absolutely blown away. You can see the yellow rammed earth of the walls, a massive four-story high cross-section revealing layers from different eras, three gateways (the middle one was exclusively for the emperor!), and even ancient cart ruts and an arched culvert with an iron grate that once protected the city from invaders. Everything is perfectly preserved, making it feel like time has stood still since the Tang Dynasty. The contrast with the dark gray bricks outside is simply out of this world! 

✨ Perks for tourists:
🎟️ Admission is included with your Xi'an City Wall ticket (54 RMB for adults).

👌🏻 This is the only gate equipped with an elevator—super convenient if you have kids or luggage.

It's perfect to pair with a bike rental: after visiting the museum, hop on a bike and ride for 25 minutes to the South Gate along the most scenic stretch of the wall.
Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here, but the memories will last you all day.
It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when it's less crowded and the lighting on the exhibits is just right. Afterward, head straight up to the wall to catch a gorgeous sunset over Xi'an! 🌅

If you're planning a trip to Xi'an, you absolutely have to stop by. It's not just another generic "must-see" checklist item; it's a place where you can truly feel the spirit of ancient Chang'an.
Has anyone here been to Hanguang Gate? Share your photos or travel hacks in the comments! ❤️ Save this post so you don't forget it for your trip!
avatar


When you visit Xi'an, stop crowding around the Bell Tower and Terracotta Warriors! I’ve uncovered two absolutely amazing off-the-beaten-path spots in Weiyang District—one that touches the soul of history buffs, and the other that captures the heart of artsy girls. These are my personal, fail-proof favorite places✨

📍 First stop: Han Chang'an City Weiyang Palace National Archaeological Site Park
🎫 Free! No reservation needed! Just take a taxi from downtown. Who would have thought that the core palace of the Han Dynasty from two thousand years ago is now a vast green secret in the city that can hold the entire blue sky!
Walking on the thick meadow upwards, the wind carries the scent of wheat flowers, and before your eyes stand the silent rammed earth ruins that have lasted a thousand years—that’s where Emperor Wu of Han managed his court! Every inch of soil beneath your feet hides footprints from the start of the Silk Road. As a World Cultural Heritage site, it’s free from over-commercialization, just endless meadows swaying in the breeze. In spring and summer, golden waves of wheat shimmer; in autumn, pink muhly grass blooms everywhere. Friends jokingly call it Xi'an’s version of "Shaanxi Bu Dian" (Shaanxi’s own wonder), and it’s no exaggeration.
The park is huge. I recommend taking your time to stroll slowly or just find a patch of grass to lay down a picnic cloth and daydream. With no tall buildings blocking the view, the openness feels like healing without a ceiling! Hanfu-clad ladies come here for photos, effortlessly capturing the millennium-old palace vibe. I spent an entire afternoon here last time and didn’t want to leave.

📍 Second stop: Blue Sea Wind Alley
After visiting the ruins, head back to the city for a break. I went straight to this hidden artistic surprise in Weiyang! The moment I opened the door, I went “Wow”—a giant 240-meter-long, 18-meter-high book wall stretches from floor to dome. Isn’t this a real-life “Great Wall of Knowledge”?
The warm tones of natural wood blend with the cool industrial style, sunlight streams through the dome and falls on the book spines. Walking along the path between the book walls feels like entering a canyon full of stories. Pick a favorite book, and I sat down on the floor in a corner by the spiral staircase. The whole space was quiet except for the sound of pages turning, even breathing slowed down.
Don’t think it’s just a trendy photo spot—every corner holds a surprise. The corner wall with “Xi'an” written on it gives off a storytelling vibe, and any photo taken here will blow up your social feed. Even if you don’t take pictures, spending an afternoon here feels peaceful.

✨
Who would have thought Weiyang District in Xi'an hides such stunning off-the-beaten-path places? They offer the weight of a thousand years that I can touch and the gentle artistic warmth that heals the soul. When you come to Xi'an, make sure to save time for Weiyang💕
avatar
 

👍The best vantage point for photographing the Bell Tower in Xi'an isn't on a historical building, but right across from it—at the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall.

The main perk here is free access (unlike the paid entry to climb the tower itself) and a perfect face-to-face angle. You get to see the entire Bell Tower without any perspective distortion, set against a backdrop of modern high-rises and traffic circles.

☝️How to get there:

1. Enter the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall, located directly across from the Bell Tower (Zhonglou subway station, Exit C).
2. Head up to the 5th floor. Look for the Li-Ning store.
3. Walk through the Li-Ning store to access the observation terraces. Keep in mind: entry is free.
4. From there, just take the stairs up—from the 5th to the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors. Every level offers a fresh panoramic view.

❤️What to expect on each floor:

· Floors 5-6: A classic "postcard" view of the Bell Tower. Perfect for portraits with ancient architecture in the background.
· Floors 7-8: A 360-degree panorama featuring major art installations—a giant cyber-terracotta warrior, a neon "西安" (Xi'an) sign, and cool setups for striking photos. It’s also the spot you want to be for sunset and the tower's night illumination.

🕑Best time to visit: An hour before sunset. This way, you can capture Xi'an in daylight and catch the moment the Bell Tower's golden lights turn on (around 7:00 PM in winter).

📌Bottom line: Free, easy to find (landmark: Li-Ning), and incredibly beautiful. The absolute best observation deck in downtown Xi'an.
avatar
 The location is fantastic, just a 5-minute walk to Muslim Quarter, 10 minutes to the Bell and Drum Towers, and less than 300 meters to Guangji Street Metro Station 🚇!  
You can take the subway directly to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Paradise Night Market, making sightseeing and eating out super convenient!!! I recommend trying the steamed rice cakes and the 1-yuan halal barbecue near the hotel, plus the biangbiang noodles like the ones from Ulala that you can find just by walking! So delicious 😭 They also offer freshly ground coffee ☕ every day, which is very thoughtful!  

The ambiance is a minimalist luxury style, and the lobby feels like an art exhibition. We booked a king bed room, which is very spacious, with a large bathtub for soaking 🛀, full smart voice control throughout the room, super comfortable mattress and pillows, a water bar with free snacks and drinks 🧃, a small fridge, plus free access to the gym and laundry room.  

After spending a few days in Xi'an, this hotel's location, aesthetic, and comfort are all excellent, and the value for money is great too. Highly recommend it 🙋‍♀️
avatar
My Journey to the Eighth Wonder of the World
Here's how I got there: first by subway, I got off at Fangzhicheng (纺织城) station, and from there I hopped straight onto bus No. 613. It's a direct route with no transfers. The ticket cost 12 RMB, and the ride took about an hour. Right at the entrance, I realized—this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

📍 Address: Terracotta Army Museum, Lintong District, Xi'an.

💰 Tickets

· Adult ticket: 120 RMB.
· Student/Child (7-18 years old): 60 RMB.
· Children under 6 and seniors (65+): Free.

🎫 Where to buy tickets:

· Officially via WeChat: The most direct way is to find the museum's mini-program (in Chinese) and buy your ticket there. It's cheap and reliable, but you'll have to navigate the interface.
· Trip.com: The easiest method for foreigners. Just go to the Trip.com website or app, pick your date, and pay with a card—everything is in English, no hassle with Chinese. The tickets will be sent to your email.

💡 Tip: During peak seasons and holidays, it's best to book tickets 3-7 days in advance, otherwise they might sell out.

😅 Lines: The First Trial
Honestly, the crowd was unbelievably massive. First, you stand in one line just to get in, then in another to enter each individual building. The longest wait by far is for Pit 1—the one with thousands of warriors in formation. This is a marathon, not a stroll. Arm yourself with patience.

🏛️ Pit 1: Swept Away by the Crowd
And here it is, the main hall. The very reason everyone comes here. Thousands of warriors in battle formation, frozen for 2,000 years. It’s a breathtaking sight.

But be ready for a bizarre sensation: the crowd literally carries you. You aren't walking on your own—you're just being dragged forward along with a surging river of people. At first, it's a bit of a shock, but you get used to it. The key is to stick close to the railing and grab your photo ops before you get swept away.

🗺️ What Else to See

· Pit 2 — features different types of troops: infantry, cavalry, and chariots.
· Pit 3 — the smallest one, considered the command post.
· Exhibition Hall — you can see the exhibits up close under great lighting.

🛍️ Souvenirs and Conclusion
There are shops on-site where you can buy miniature warriors as keepsakes. Prices are obviously higher than in the city, but the post-tour excitement takes over. Despite the massive crowds and fatigue, this place is worth every shredded nerve. It's an absolute must-visit.
      </ctag> travel </ctag> 
💡 My Top Tip
Arrive right at 8:30 AM, just as it opens. You'll get at least 20-30 minutes of relative peace and quiet before the rest of the horde shows up.

FAQs About Travel to Xi’an

  • When is the best time to visit Xi’an?

    The ideal months are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold but less crowded.
  • What’s the best way to get around Xi’an?

    Xi’an has an efficient metro system, buses, and taxis. For exploring historic areas like the Muslim Quarter or City Wall, walking is also a great option. Consider checking a Xi’an metro map before your trip for easier navigation.
  • What is Xi’an famous for?

    Xi’an is renowned for the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, the Bell and Drum Towers, and its rich history as the starting point of the Silk Road.
  • What local dishes should I try?

    Must-try foods include roujiamo (肉夹馍), yangrou paomo (羊肉泡馍), biangbiang noodles, liangpi (凉皮), lamb skewers, guantang bao (灌汤包), and zenggao (甑糕). Many of these dishes are available in the Muslim Quarter, where halal options are plentiful.
  • What should I pack for Xi’an?

    Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring streets and city walls, layered clothing for changing temperatures, and a light rain jacket if travelling in spring or summer. For food exploration, a small backpack or crossbody bag is handy for snacks and purchases.
Leona

Leona

Traveller, Writer, Cat Lover, Sea Lover

Always on the hunt for smart travel! I love exploring new places, testing out travel products, and finding little hacks that make every trip smoother.

400 articles
TravelChinaSingapore
>>
Travel to Xi'an
aaaa