Xi'an City Center takes you back in time with its Ming Dynasty treasures. The ancient Bell Tower stands tall among narrow streets while the Drum Tower anchors the lively Muslim Quarter. City walls dating from imperial times encircle this historic district where past and present merge seamlessly.
Explore vibrant markets along Muslim Street where food stalls serve steaming noodles and lamb skewers. The metro makes getting around easy with stations at key locations. Cultural gems like Beilin Museum showcase the area's rich heritage while traditional courtyards offer quiet escapes from bustling streets.
Xi'an's Zhonglou Shangquan neighborhood reveals the ancient capital's 1,400-year legacy through its iconic Bell Tower. This cultural heart blends Ming dynasty architecture with the lively Muslim Quarter. The historic district invites travelers to explore cobblestone alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses and red lanterns.
Discover the area's rich heritage at the Drum Tower with its evening performances and Great Mosque. The bustling market streets offer everything from hand-crafted souvenirs to famous Shaanxi noodles and roujiamo sandwiches. Metro Line 2 makes exploring Xi'an's other treasures remarkably convenient.
Yanta Qu blends ancient history with academic energy in the heart of Xi'an. The impressive Giant Wild Goose Pagoda towers over Tang Paradise's imperial gardens. Buddhist temples stand alongside the Shaanxi History Museum, where bronze artifacts tell stories of China's past. Students bring youthful vibrancy to this cultural district.
Explore Tang Paradise's 165-acre gardens featuring ornamental lakes and traditional bridges. Morning tai chi sessions in South Lake Park offer a glimpse into local life. Metro stations make getting around simple, while street food stalls near university gates serve authentic Shaanxi specialties at student-friendly prices.
Xi'an's Muslim Quarter buzzes with energy along narrow cobblestone lanes. The historic neighborhood blends Chinese and Islamic influences, creating a unique cultural experience. Hundreds of food stalls fill the air with aromatic spices and sizzling lamb.
The Great Mosque stands as a stunning example of ancient Chinese-Islamic architecture. Nearby, the Drum Tower marks the entrance to this vibrant district. Visitors can browse traditional Hui crafts and sample authentic hand-pulled noodles. The quarter is best explored in early morning or evening when the crowds thin.
Beilin is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yongningmen Station or Nanshaomen Station to explore sights like Beilin Museum.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Xi'an
Xi'an Bell Tower
8.8/10 (288 reviews)
This 14th-century Ming Dynasty tower once marked time for Xi'an with its massive bell. Climb to the top for panoramic views and watch traditional music performances in its ornate gold-painted halls.
Xi'an City Walls
9.2/10 (270 reviews)
This magnificent Ming Dynasty wall stretches 14 kilometers around Xi'an's historic center. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate to experience panoramic views of both ancient structures and modern cityscape.
Terracotta Army
9.4/10 (320 reviews)
The Terracotta Army showcases thousands of unique clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb since 210 BCE. Explore three excavation pits where each warrior features distinct facial features and armor details.
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Open Photo by Natalie Robinson
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
8.8/10 (209 reviews)
This ancient Tang dynasty pagoda houses Buddhist scriptures and relics brought from India by monk Xuanzang. Climb seven stories for panoramic Xi'an views and explore the serene Daci'en Temple complex surrounding it.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
8.6/10 (91 reviews)
Dating back to 742 AD, this ancient mosque uniquely blends Chinese architecture with Islamic traditions. Wander through serene courtyards filled with intricate wooden carvings and Arabic-inscribed stone steles.
Photo by Anna Erdman
Open Photo by Anna Erdman
Xi'an Jiaotong University
8.6/10 (29 reviews)
Founded in 1896, Xi'an Jiaotong University blends historic architecture with modern academic excellence. Visit in April to witness the spectacular cherry blossoms transforming this prestigious C9 League campus.
Datang Everbright City
9.4/10 (8 reviews)
Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian street recreating the grandeur of Tang Dynasty China. By night, the illuminated 2,100-meter promenade comes alive with cultural performances and interactive displays.
Huaqing Hot Springs
8.0/10 (53 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Huaqing Hot Springs during your travels in Xi'an. Make time to visit the spas and shops while you're in the area.
What to do in Xi'an
Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service
"We arrived at the Renaissance Xi'an Hotel without particularly high expectations, but the hotel exceeded them in every way. We had a truly enjoyable stay.
One of the highlights was the Executive Lounge. The evening offerings included an excellent variety of high-quality food, making it one of the better hotel lounges we have experienced. Breakfast was also outstanding, with a wide selection of choices and excellent service.
The staff were professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. We were...
"The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well located, with friendly staff who provided excellent service throughout my stay. The room was spacious and quiet, and the amenities were well maintained. Check-in was smooth, and overall experience exceeded my expectations. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others."
"Personnel super serviable, excellent petit-déjeuner.
La chambre est petit et bris de la porte de douche qui ne ferme pas et isolation des fenêtres moyennes car on entend les gens à l’extérieur. Mais globalement très agréable."
"I had high expectations for the Grand Hyatt Xi'an, but unfortunately our stay did not live up to its five-star reputation.
The hotel itself is beautiful and impressive in size, but that's where the "grand" experience ended for us. We booked two rooms, and the air conditioning in one of them did not work. We reported the problem, but it was never fixed during our stay.
Our late-night check-in was disappointing. The front desk agent did not explain the hotel amenities, breakfast, or lounge access,...
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.
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.
For shopping in Xi'an, visit Golden Eagle for a mix of business and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Big Wild Goose Pagoda Antique City, where you can find unique antiques and gifts that reflect the city's rich history.
Recreation
Experience the captivating performances at Yisu Grand Theater, where romance and culture intertwine. For sports enthusiasts, Shaanxi Xi'an Yajian International Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience, while Jiaodaruisun Stadium provides a vibrant atmosphere for various sports activities, making it perfect for both relaxation and recreation.
Adventure
Hit the slopes at Bailuyuan Ski Area, where you can enjoy thrilling skiing and snowboarding in a vibrant atmosphere. For a splashy adventure, visit Maya Beach Water Park, where fun water rides and family-friendly attractions await, making it a perfect place for entertainment and excitement.
Nightlife
Xi'an's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Explore the lively Muslim Quarter for street food and local snacks. For a trendy bar experience, visit the KTV venues for karaoke fun. Don't miss the Tang Dynasty Show for a cultural performance, blending history with entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in Xi'an
Xi'an offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including modern universities, historic towers, and temples. The city caters to those seeking a blend of culture, outdoor activities, and urban experiences. For a more guided exploration, consider joining group tours that showcase the best of Xi'an and its surroundings.
Terracotta Army: Discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel that showcases thousands of life-sized soldiers, each uniquely crafted. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into China's ancient history and the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Xi'an.
Xi'an City Walls: Walk or bike along the well-preserved Xi'an City Walls, a historic site that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Experience breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings while exploring this impressive fortification that reflects the military architecture of ancient China.
Great Mosque of Xi'an: Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an, one of the largest and oldest mosques in China, blending Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. This serene site offers a unique cultural experience, with tranquil courtyards and beautiful pavilions that reflect the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.
Best time to go to Xi'an
The best time to visit Xi'an can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Xi'an falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Xi'an falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Xi'an
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Xi'an.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March and December to January) for more affordable package holidays to Xi'an.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.