Best Free Things to Do in Xi'an

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Xi'an

Best Free Things to Do in Xi'an

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22 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

What travelers are saying

  • Alessio0575
    Monza, Italy187 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is probably the best place i would recommend in Xi'an. Right a the centre of the old city surrounded by the old walls, and next to the entrance of the Drum Tower, this Muslim Quarter is made of narrow alleys with hundreds of small shops selling any type of souvenirs, food and more. it's just separated from the main food street and it doesn't have the same crowd, it's a very pleasant walk where tourist can exercise their bargain skills with merchants. spend time to walk in the shops, and to enter the Old Mosque right at the centre of the quarter. Everything is a unique and fascinating mixture of chinese and muslim culture.
    Written September 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • K8500BHkens
    Sewanee4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in Xi'an but the weekends are super crowded! Walk the length of the Dayan walkway, the lights are fantastic.
    Written March 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • slash
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most worthwhile place to visit in Xi'an is very big. You can feel the atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. It is the most worthwhile place to visit in China. If you only have one day in Xi'an, you must come here at night. You can skip Muslim Street and Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, but you must come here, which is to the south of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
    Written July 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ClaireLouise
    Derbyshire, UK327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We wandered up and down the roads with a huge variety of foods and drinks to be tempted with, making it difficult to choose from.
    It was very busy, but I did enjoy walking around the huge amount of stalls.
    100% recommend
    Written November 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ayeza
    Xi'an, China24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Qujiangchi Relics Park is located in Qujiang district of Xi'an China in Shaanxi Province. This park is not only picturesque but also breathtaking. If you are looking for a get away time with fresh air and blue skies and calm waters then this is your cup of tea. The park also offers boat rides that provide more scenic views of the area. It's a big park and hence one could go on for a while before they'd hit an end, this makes it even better for people like me who enjoy long walks and trails. You can also catch a beautiful sunset while you are here. This park is definitely high on the list for places to visit. And it's not crowded.
    Written July 4, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • omega123
    Singapore, Singapore7,628 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
    Written December 27, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KodoDrummer
    Buenos Aires, Argentina70,625 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a fun and interesting time shopping and tasting some of the Shaanxi street foods in this ancient China type market area. It is helpful to have WeChat Pay. I was originally hesitant to use it, but now find it to be a very convenient and safe way of paying.
    Written November 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leah
    Shanghai, China27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a rare opportunity to see catholic Chinese people and a place like that in China in general. Church is very small, but looks very coloring. People was very nice, allowed us to take pictures inside and had a nice conversation.
    Written July 9, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark5,920 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What should you do when it drizzles all day?

    In Xi’an, it's a good idea to take Metro Line 6, travel 3-4 stops out of the city, and get off at Xing Qing Gong Park.

    It's a pretty little park with a couple of lakes, several poetic bridges and pavilions, places to buy food and drinks, and toilets in convenient locations.

    The walk itself is about a couple of kilometers long. Entry to the park is free.
    Written June 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon T
    30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This temple was a pedigree going back at least 1500 years. Even though the buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times it is the same place and was a centre of translation for Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese during the Tang dynasty. Some of the temples are distinctly Vajrayana with hideous scenes surrounding the serenity of the Boddisattva.
    Written February 4, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashley
    Melbourne, Australia6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good place and more interesting things inside. People are crowded but it was normal in China.
    KFC is always full of people and waiting for long time to get the order .
    Written November 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • omega123
    Singapore, Singapore7,628 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another venue for spending money either on clothing, apparels, food and whatever not. This is good to look at and be done with it.
    Written December 31, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hector T
    Chandler, AZ88 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing location with spectacular views of the drum tower and the Bell tower. There are tons of Muslim / Chinese inspired dishes, restaurants, and street vendors to feed your needs.
    You need to see it in person to really grasp the business of this location.
    Plenty of small shops in the marketplace with goods for sale.
    Definitely worth a visit when in Xi'an
    Written May 30, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • notfussy2012
    Singapore, Singapore114 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After hearing so much about the novel - Journey to the West, now we got to see the real Tang Sanzang's face (XuanZang).
    Thats how a good monk look like.
    Good photo taking spot with the Pagoda as background. Must go inside to see the pagoda and exhibits for more information. go see translated buddhist sutras by Xuanzang.
    Written August 13, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J Y
    Shenzhen, China15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    They had a variety there. I met some fun local people and we played drinking games. Food is quasi-western. I only had the Hamburger and the meat was average. Beer was great. I stuck to an ALL DAY IPA they had at the time. All around good time.
    Written January 15, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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