Xi'an is one of the longest-continuously-inhabited cities on Earth — the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an archaeological wonder stumbled upon by farmers in 1974. The city layers Qin, Han, and Tang dynasty ruins over a very modern skyline without apology. Ride a bike along the top of the Ming city wall, wander the Muslim Quarter after dark, or push yourself up the sheer granite faces of Mount Hua — Xi'an does not disappoint.
#1 Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang ranks among the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. More than <strong>8,000</strong> terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried around <strong>210 BCE</strong> to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Every face was sculpted individually — a level of craft that still stops experts cold. Three excavated pits are open to visitors today.
- Book tickets online in advance — peak days draw over 20,000 visitors.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds; the light is better too.
- An audio guide gives the historical context that the pits alone cannot convey.
#2 Xi'an City Wall
Built in <strong>1370</strong> during the Ming dynasty, Xi'an's city wall runs <strong>13.7 kilometres</strong> in a complete circuit and is the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. The rampart is wide enough for six cars to drive abreast. Cycling the full loop takes about <strong>1.5–2 hours</strong> and gives a view across both the old town inside and the modern city beyond.
- Bike rental on the wall costs around 45 yuan — a deposit is required.
- The evening lighting makes the wall glow; great for photography.
- South Gate (Yongningmen) is the most convenient and photogenic entry point.
#3 Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Built in <strong>652 CE</strong> during the Tang dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, the <strong>7-storey, 64.5-metre</strong> pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Out front sits the largest musical fountain in Asia, and the Buddhist History Museum on the same grounds is worth an hour of your time.
- The musical fountain runs every evening from 20:00 — free to watch and genuinely impressive.
- The Buddhist History Museum is included in the combined ticket.
- Shaanxi History Museum is a 15-minute walk away; easy to combine in one afternoon.
#4 Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter — Huimin Jie — is the cultural heart of Xi'an's Hui community, home to more than <strong>20,000</strong> Muslim residents. The main street is packed with halal food stalls and vendors selling local snacks, and deeper inside sits the <strong>Great Mosque</strong>, a striking example of Chinese-Islamic architecture. The quarter comes fully alive between <strong>17:00 and 21:00</strong>, when the smells of grilling lamb and the sounds of folk music fill every alley.
- The Great Mosque is tucked into an inner lane — Chinese-Islamic architecture, well worth the detour.
- 17:00–21:00 is the liveliest window; food is freshest and the energy is best.
- Watch out for souvenir shops selling fake goods — buy from stalls where locals actually shop.
#5 Bell Tower
Built in <strong>1384</strong> during the Ming dynasty, the Bell Tower stands at the precise geographic centre of ancient Xi'an. A large bell was rung each dawn to mark the start of the working day. Climb to the upper level for a panoramic view of the city, and catch the exhibition of historic bells inside.
- A combined Bell Tower + Drum Tower ticket costs less than buying each separately.
- At night the tower is beautifully lit — exterior photography is free.
- The upper level has open windows on all sides for city views.
#6 Drum Tower
The Drum Tower was built in <strong>1380</strong> — four years before the Bell Tower — and drums were beaten at sunset to signal the end of the working day. Inside, a collection of ancient drums of various sizes is on display, including the largest drum in China. The tower stands at the gateway to the Muslim Quarter, and most visitors combine both stops in a single afternoon loop.
- Drum performances happen every hour during opening hours — included in the ticket price.
- From the Drum Tower you can walk directly into the Muslim Quarter in about 2 minutes.
- A combined ticket with the Bell Tower saves money.
#7 Mount Hua (Huashan)
Mount Hua is known as 'the most precipitous mountain under heaven' and is one of China's <strong>Five Sacred Mountains</strong>. It has five main peaks; the highest reaches <strong>2,154 metres</strong>. The nerve-testing highlight is the <strong>Plank Walk in the Sky</strong> — a narrow wooden walkway bolted to a cliff face that requires a safety harness. Summit views at dawn or sunset are the kind travelers describe for years afterward.
- The Plank Walk is steep and exposed — only attempt it if you're genuinely comfortable with heights and a safety harness.
- Cable cars serve both the North Peak and East Peak routes — ride up, hike down.
- Staying overnight on the summit to catch sunrise is an experience that stays with you.
#8 Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum is one of China's finest — its collection of more than <strong>170,000 artefacts</strong> spans <strong>1 million years</strong> of human history in the Shaanxi region. Highlights include Zhou-dynasty bronzes, Tang-dynasty tomb murals, and ancient gold and silver coins. Admission is free, but timed tickets must be booked online in advance.
- Free entry, but you must reserve a timed ticket on the museum's website — slots are limited.
- Allow at least 3 hours; the museum is large and the collections reward close attention.
- The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a 15-minute walk away — combine both in one outing.
Where to stay in Xi'an for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Xi'an — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Hilton Xi'an
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Eastern House Boutique Hotel
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Grand Soluxe International Hotel Xi'an
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Manxin Hotel Xi'an Bell Tower South Gate
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Tours, tickets & activities in Xi'an
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Xi'an — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Before You Pack
Xi'an rewards travelers who give it at least three days. From the Terracotta Army to the heights of Mount Hua, every site on this list delivers the kind of memory that doesn't fade.