The Best Places to Visit in Xi'an

What are the must-see attractions in Xi'an, one of the most prominent travel cities in China? Below are some of the most representative sites in Xi'an so you can explore their majesty and historical and cultural importance. These places stand out for their uniqueness and relevance, demonstrating the special position that the ancient capital Xi'an occupies in the world.

Join us and discover the best places to visit in Xi'an.

The Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are modeled from yellow clay. These figures were created for the tomb of Emperor Qin, who unified China 2,200 years ago. The excavations revealed three pits with more than 7,000 soldiers, archers and horses. The first pit houses the infantry, the second contains cavalry and soldiers, and the third appears to be the command center with 70 officers. Each warrior, originally painted and armed, has unique facial features. The warriors are just one part of an extensive necropolis, guarding the burial mound of Emperor Qin. The complex also includes 48 tombs of concubines and two bronze chariots that have been reconstructed.

Xi'an City Wall

The Xi'an Wall, located in the center of the city, is a must-see. Known as the Ming Dynasty Wall of Xi'an, it is the best preserved and largest ancient wall in China. Inside the wall is the famous Xi'an Bell Tower. The Ancient Wall is a testimony to the wisdom of ancient Chinese workers and provides valuable data for historical and military research. Additionally, the Xi'an City Wall World Marathon is held here, attracting participants from more than 60 countries.

Great Wild Goose Pagoda

Located in Yanta District, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved sacred site for Buddhism, with a history of more than 1,300 years. It is the symbol of Xi'an and an important national cultural relic. The pagoda, built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, was originally five stories high and was later rebuilt and renovated in the Ming Dynasty. The monk Xuanzang, who studied in India, stored Buddhist texts and Buddha figures in this pagoda. In addition to the pagoda, the area includes the Daci'en Temple and the North Plaza.

The Bell Tower

The Xi'an Bell Tower, located in the city center and built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, is the largest and best preserved in China. It is an emblematic building of Xi'an, visited by Chinese leaders and international figures. The bell tower also hosts art exhibitions and classical performances, such as Bianzhong and Chenzhong.

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum, built in 1983 and open to the public since 1991, is one of the largest and most modern museums in China. Located northwest of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, the museum features more than 113,000 historical and cultural relics. It exhibits the history of China from the era of Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present, with chronological exhibits of various dynasties.

Huashan Mountain

Located 120 km east of Xi'an, Huashan Mountain is known for its steep slopes and spectacular views. It is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism and reaches 2,154.9 meters high. Since ancient times, it has been considered the steepest mountain in the world. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to climb Huashan Mountain. In 2001, the “Hua Shan Scenic Area” was included in China's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

All these places mentioned are representative and worth visiting during your trip to Xi'an.