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Things to Do in Xi'an
Sights & landmarks in Xi'an

THE 10 BEST Xi'an Sights & Historical Landmarks

Xi'an Landmarks

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What travelers are saying

  • Bruce S
    Hat Head, Australia5 contributions
    Historic barbicans and bell towers
    Brilliant looking 14 km-long, squared wall building in Xi’an with a moat, still looking a formidable defence structure despite being centuries old. The most complete, intact historic city walls in China. Particularly good were the four gates, barbicans and bell-tower, well worth a bo-peep if you’re in town for the unearthed ceramic army.
    Review of: Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang)
    Written September 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chewie999
    South Australia, Australia276 contributions
    More to it than just the main drag.
    The Muslim quarter covers most of the North West section of the old city. The main street starting near the Drum Tower is were most tourists go and why not. Lots of food and activity on this street.

    But venture to the west of the main drag and the more local life you will see with many restaurants qnd food stalls catering for the residents but also welcoming of tourists.

    Worth a visit and I wander around.
    Review of: Muslim Quarter
    Written July 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zarza's Travels
    London, UK430 contributions
    Currently not visible - but go anyway!
    The pagoda itself is currently covered in scaffolding and tarpaulins so can't be seen - disappointing - BUT the area surrounding it is lovely to have a stroll around. The grandure of the pagoda is evident, just would have been nice to have seen it without the green covering! Nevermind, if it helps to preserve the pagoda for future generations I am sure it is worth it! Head to this area in the evening, enjoy the lights and stalls - a real mixture of East and West - plenty to suit all traveller types.
    Review of: Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
    Written July 13, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carolinafzs d
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia441 contributions
    Hot spring experience opportunity. Don’t miss the show!
    The palace is beautiful and well preserved. This is an area of hot springs and you can have a bath (RMB295/person) or a feet bath (RMB50/person) while enjoying a cup of tea.
    Please be sure to watch The Everlasting Sorrow show. It worths reading a bit about the Concubine Yang Guifei before the show, then you can understand it better. The show is amazing!!
    Review of: Huaqing Palace
    Written January 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • K8500BHkens
    Sewanee2 contributions
    Beautiful lights
    A must see in Xi'an but the weekends are super crowded! Walk the length of the Dayan walkway, the lights are fantastic.
    Review of: Dayan Pagoda Northern Square
    Written March 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luis C
    Doha, Qatar119 contributions
    Amazing display.
    Agree reading all the reviews, we decided to go to this amazing place. We booked a Didi, cost around 90 RMB. Then, the driver dropped us closer to the exhibition hall, that than the underground museum.
    We payed low season tickets (55 RMB) and weren't into the Exhibition hall. It was worth as the items there are nicely displayed, no English, thou. From there, we walked for about 12 minutes to the underground museum, and y mausoleum. The underground museum takes you right in front of the excavation. Then, walked around the Hill/Tomb, and reached the tower (East?). Reached there with little to see, yet interesting.
    I completely recommend this place as a must.
    There were maybe 10 people around all of the four main places.
    We felt like the white place was there for us only.
    Review of: Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling)
    Written December 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jan Linha
    Chongqing, China70 contributions
    Nice tower, suitable for a short visit
    For newbies in Xi'an like I was, I had no idea how to get there as it is in the middle of a roundabout. Anyways, you gotta go through the subway tunnel to get to the Bell Tower entrance. This tower is suitable for a quick visit. Nice view at the centre from the tower, museum inside. Take some nice photos and go.
    Review of: Xi'an Bell Tower
    Written August 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyle Ciulla
    Beijing, China295 contributions
    Worth a Visit near the Muslim Quarter
    super cool mosque near the Muslim quarter. if you are in the area, it is worth a visit. the people here were very nice, and were very happy to see a foreigner take interest in their culture.
    Review of: Xi'an Mosque
    Written April 10, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ThaiCookingRocks
    Changchun, China798 contributions
    More to see than at the Bell Tower
    There is much more to see here than there is at the Bell Tower, but its worth doing them both as it helps you imagine being part of Xi'an as a time when drums and bells helped dictate the life of the city from waking up, to closing and opening of the city gates.

    At the Bell Tower, the inside just had lots of text panels, and pictures. Here there are many drums and drum types both inside and out. There was also a group of musicians that performed about 4-5 minus worth of music about every 45 minutes or so, and they were very good.

    This is also right at the opening of the Muslim Quarter for those who want to visit there as well.
    Review of: Drum Tower (Gulou)
    Written December 27, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David M
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia256 contributions
    The place for photo opportunities
    This commercially built 'historical site' - themed park has many good angles for photo opportunities. You would expect to see couples taking their wedding photos and many poses. The night sights were worth waiting for.
    Review of: Tang Paradise
    Written October 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyle Ciulla
    Beijing, China295 contributions
    Most Underrated Site
    I was told only go here if I had time, but this should be on every persons itinerary at night! The lights here are incredible, and the walk is amazing.
    Review of: Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
    Written April 6, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • omega123
    Singapore, Singapore7,124 contributions
    Good for half a day strolling
    书院门 as the name implies, door of an institution or academy. The shops in this area literal sells the basic 4 items (文房四宝) required for Chinese calligraphy. The reason for this many shops selling similar items may probably be linked to the institution sited in the area, 关中书院.

    This academy had its history explained displayed in the yard. Entry is free, just head of the gate and look out for an entry into a souvenir shop that is in charge of issuing out the entry ticket. You need to have your passport with you. Once you obtain the ticket, head for the guard house and hand it over to the person behind the table.

    The institution is preservation structure.
    Review of: Shu Yuan Men ( Ancient Culture Street)
    Written December 27, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Asia_suitcase
    Shanghai, China240 contributions
    Suprisingly well worth a visit
    The small goose pagoda is located within the city and it takes a bit to find it. It is well preserved and hidden in a park. The pagoda was built in 684 in honor of the Tang dynasty Emporer.
    Review of: Small Goose Pagoda
    Written March 23, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chewie999
    South Australia, Australia276 contributions
    Great Little Temple Complex
    Great little temple complex and unlike most things in Xian, it is free to enter. It was surprisingly uncrowded, maybe because it is tucked away in the North West corner of the Old City with no other major sights around.

    Great to spend 1 hour and gives a bit of variety to your visit to Xian. If you have 3 days or more on Xian, add this to your list of things to see.
    Review of: Guangren Temple
    Written July 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PBlyth
    Tampa, FL252 contributions
    Interesting Drum Tower
    Highly decorated and ornate drum tower. Periodically has live shows inside. Has an interesting display of furniture inside and a line of drums surrounding the exterior with descriptive signs in English detailing the various Chinese seasons of the year. Has a good view of the Muslim Quarter. Worth a visit.
    Review of: Drum Tower Square
    Written April 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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