Top 5 Must-Do Activities In Xi’an
China has so many wonderful cities to choose from all of them special in their own way. If you’re dreaming of a place that blends ancient history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, look no further than Xi’an.
This city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. If you are planning a trip to China then I would definitely recommend putting Xi’an high on your list, so, let me tell you the top 5 things you absolutely must do in Xi’an!
1. MARVEL AT THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
First things first, no trip to Xi’an would be complete without a visit to the incredible Terracotta Warriors. This ancient army, crafted over 2,000 years ago, was buried to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Imagine thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and armour details, standing in formation – it really is a sight to see.
The army is a bit of a drive out of the city so make sure you plan extra travel time to get there. There are three main pits that you can go to.
Pit 1 is the main pit that has most of the army in formation - over 3000 figures. This is the biggest and busiest pit. We left this pit until last so that we could work up to a grand finale. That might have been a bit of a mistake though as it was so busy by the time we got there that we couldn’t really see.
We left and waited until lunchtime, by this time most of the tour groups had vacated to eat and so we went back and got a better view.
In hindsight maybe we should have gone here first to beat the crowds.
Pit 2 and 3 house cavalry and high-ranking officers. These pits are smaller but still very interesting. They aren’t as busy so it gives you more time to read about the history and learn about the warriors. Pit 3 was still being excavated when we went which we thought was fascinating. Getting to see it happening before your eyes and how complex it must have been to discover the army.
Travel tip: Get there early to beat the crowds and take your time exploring the museum and excavation pits.
2. BIKE ALONG THE CITY WALL
One of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks is its Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China.
Cycling isn’t the only way to explore the wall but it is one of the most convenient. The wall stretches over 13 kilometres so you might not see it all, but whether you decide to bike, walk, or hop on a golf cart, it is a fantastic way to soak in panoramic views of the city.
The most popular part of the wall is the South Gate as it is near lots of tourist attractions.
The wall can be accessed throughout the day and even at nighttime when the buildings are all lit up, it looks truly spectacular.
Travel tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring your camera – you’re in for some spectacular photo ops!
3. GET LOST IN THE MUSLIM QUATER
Foodies, this one’s for you! The Muslim Quarter is a bustling hub of culture and cuisine. Wander through narrow streets lined with vendors selling everything from Roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) and lamb skewers to sweet cakes and sesame seed candy.
There is a popular pedestrian street that is hard to miss (Bei Yuan Men) but to experience some authentic local food head down the side streets.
The Food Ranger has an excellent guide to the local cuisine, we followed some of his recommendations and were not disappointed.
If you can’t decide where to go to then take the pressure off yourself by doing a food tour with Lost Plate. We did this one in Xi’an and I think it was the best bowl of Biang Biang noodles I have ever had. We tried so many dishes that we might have missed on our own.
Use my code at the checkout to save yourself some money: NICOLOVESLP
Every Thursday and Sunday morning you will find vendors lining the streets in this area selling an array of goods. This is China’s largest and oldest flea market. It really is a delight for all the senses there are so many vendors, you can literally find anything at this market.
4. VISIT THE BIG WILD GOOSE PAGODA
Next on the list is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a striking ancient structure that’s a testament to Xi’an’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Built in the 7th century, this towering pagoda was originally constructed to house sacred Buddhist texts brought from India. In 1556 a massive earthquake heavily damaged the structure and reduced its size, it has been repaired and restored over the years. There is also a Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an if you fancy hitting both.
Climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area, and take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Da Ci’en Temple complex. It’s a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
5. TRAVEL BACK TO THE TANG DYNASTY
Wrap up your Xi’an adventure by travelling back in time to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. There are many ways you can do this as there are a lot of Tang Dynasty attractions throughout Xi’an.
We decided to live out our regal Chinese dreams by heading to the immersive ‘Longest Day in Chang’an’. This attraction is built to resemble the streets of the Tang Dynasty and offers great photo opportunities and the excuse to get fully decked out in traditional Hanfu clothing. There are performances in different areas of the building throughout the day.
In the evening we took a stroll down the Grand Tang Dynasty Every Bright City. This huge pedestrian street is almost like a theme park, with performances, music and lights. It is really a feast for all the senses and a fun thing to do in the evening.
There is also a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show that you can go to. We didn’t do this so I’m not sure what it is like but it also has traditional music, dances, and stunning costumes - plus you get dinner.
So there you have it – the top 5 things to do in Xi’an.
Pack your bags, brush up on your history, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of China’s most enchanting destinations. Happy travels!
If you need some help planning your itinerary for your Xi’an (and China) trip then get in touch I can help you!