Xi'an Attractions (Shaanxi, China)

Xi'an City Wall (Xi'an Attractions) — Walkway on the top of Xi’an City Wall (Xi’an Attractions)

Planning a trip to the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an? Looking for Instagram-worthy Xi’an attractions to fill your itinerary? Then look no further! Based on our March-2018 exploration of Xi’an city, we’ve come up with the perfect list of Xi’an attractions that will surely fire up your Xi’an holiday!

Go ahead and share this list of Xi’an attractions with your travel BFFs.

Top Xi’an city travel tip: Do NOT miss out on a day trip to Huashan (华山), one of the most scenic mountains in China!

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Xi'an ancient city (Xi'an Attractions) — Tourist map of Xi’an ancient city (Xi’an Attractions) (Click to see high resolution pic)

Introduction to Xi’an 西安

Xi’an is the capital city of Shaanxi Province (陕西省), China. It is the most populous city in the region of northwest China. The Chinese name Xi’an (西安) translates into “Western Peace”.

One of the oldest cities in China, Xi’an is centrally located at the convergence of several major ancient routes linking neighboring provinces. It is also the eastern terminal point of the famed trading route, the Silk Road.

Due to its strategic geographical location and the presence of natural defense elements, Xi’an had been the capital of numerous Chinese dynasties since ancient times. As a testament to Xi’an’s significance, the city is the oldest of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals.

A short distance east of Xi’an city (~30km) is the site of the world-famous Terracotta Army. Which was built under the orders of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China.

Chang’an 长安

Over its long history, the area around the present Xi’an city was known by many other names. The most prominent of which was Chang’an (长安), which translates into “Perpetual Peace”. The region of Chang’an had been designated as a capital city as early as 200 BC. And for a period of time, Chang’an was the largest city in the world. With more than a million inhabitants at its peak.

The name of Xi’an was only introduced in 1369 at the start of the Ming Dynasty. And the name remained so for most periods since.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an Attractions) — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi’an Attractions)

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Xi’an Attractions – That You Should Not Miss

Below is the list Xi’an attraction within (or in the vicinity of) the ancient city that we find interesting. Listed in random order.

Xi’an Attractions #1: Xi’an City Wall 西安城墙

The city wall of Xi’an is one of the largest, oldest and best surviving city walls in China. As the most prominent structure visitors would see when entering the city, the city wall is one of the most popular and famed attractions of Xi’an. Such is its cultural importance; Xi’an City Wall is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Original Xi’an City Wall

Over the centuries, Xi’an city wall had undergone a number of rebuilding. Construction of the original city wall (then Chang’an) started in 194 BC, under the orders of Emperor Gaozu, the founding emperor of the Han dynasty. At its completion, the original city wall had a length of 25.7km and confined an area of 36km².

However, Chang’an (and its city wall) would be ravaged by 904, near the end of the Tang dynasty. The imperial court of Tang dynasty was then moved to Luoyang, where it serves out its short remainder.

New Xi’an City Wall

The current Xi’an city wall had its origin from the Ming dynasty. In 1370, Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang), the founding emperor of Ming dynasty, initiated the construction of a new city wall in Xi’an.

The rectangular shaped Xi’an city wall would have a perimeter of 14km, enclosing an area of 12km². Which is much smaller than preceding walls. The city wall is 12m high and has a top width of around 12m-14m.

This generous width meant that there is a wide walkway at the top of the city wall, along its entire perimeter. It is this spacious walkway that allows modern visitors to cycle along its perimeter. An activity that has evolved to be mandatory for all visitors to the wall.

Defensive features of Xi’an City Wall

As a defensive complex, Xi’an city wall encompass drawbridges, guard/observation towers and multi-tiered gates. A wide moat also runs parallel to its entire perimeter. Ramparts that juts out from the wall are strategically positioned every 120m, so that archers could shoot at invaders trying to climb/breach the wall.

Gates of Xi’an City Wall

The access into the enclosed city is via four major gates at each side of the wall. Namely:

South Gate: YongNing Gate 永宁门 (translates into eternal peace)
North Gate: AnYuan Gate 安远门 (translates into forever harmony)
West Gate: AnDing Gate 安定门 (translates into harmony peace)
East Gate: ChangLe Gate 长乐门 (translates into eternal joy)

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Exploring Xi’an City Wall

Visitors could choose to visit the city wall via entering at any of the four gates. (See subsequent sections for fee and opening hours)

However, the South Gate (YongNing Gate) is widely acknowledged as the most charming of the four. In addition, the South Gate happens to be the nearest gate to the rest of the notable attractions within Xi’an city (see subsequent sections). Thus, most visitors to Xi’an city wall would do so via entering at the South Gate.

Unsurprisingly, South Gate has the most tourist amenities and is normally the site of most events held on the city wall.

Travel/Photography Tips:

The South Gate is conveniently located next to the Xi’an metro station by the same name; YongNingMen (YongNing Gate, Xi’an Metro Line 2). Note that the metro entrance is on the outside of the city wall.
Click here for the Xi’an city wall tourist map
Xi’an city wall is beautifully lit up every evening. For best views, get outside the city wall and walk along the outside of the moat at South Gate. Camera tripod essential.

Getting around the top Xi’an City Wall

As Xi’an city wall has a perimeter of 14km, it could take between 3-4 hours to cover the entire loop on foot. For those looking for a speedier way to cover the distance, there is the option of renting bicycles or taking the less-strenuous electric sightseeing car.

As interesting as it may sound, the top of the city wall is wide enough to accommodate cycling and electric buggies ferrying visitors around. In fact, cycling on Xi’an city wall is considered one of the must-do activities for anyone visiting the city.

Bicycles and sightseeing buggies

Bicycle rental services are conveniently located on the top of the wall, at each of the four gates and certain sections in-between. Hirers could rent at one outlet and return at any outlets they choose to, at no extra cost. Meaning hirers could collect his/her bike at a particular gate, then cycle to another gate and return the bicycle there. (See subsequent sections for fee and operating hours)

For those wanting a more leisure way of exploring the wall, regular electric sightseeing cars (buggies) ply the entire perimeter of the city wall. Stopping at each of the four gates to allow for embarkation/disembarkation. (See subsequent sections for fee and operating hours)

Xi'an Ancient City Wall (Xi'an Attractions) — Xi’an Ancient City Wall (Xi’an Attractions)

Xi’an City Wall admission fees and other costs

City Wall admission fees

Normal rates: RMB 54 (adult), RMB 27 (child)

*We went a few weeks after Chinese New Year (2018) while there was a lantern exhibition on the wall. The admission fee then was RMB 60 (adult), RMB 30 (child).

Click here for high resolution photos

Bicycle Rental

Single bike: RMB 45 for 3 hours (RMB 5 for every extra 10minutes of rental)
Tandem bike: RMB 90 for 3 hours (RMB 10 for every extra 10minutes of rental)

*Note: Bicycles can be rented and returned at all gates. However, riders need to take note of the rental closing time of each gate. (i.e. after 8pm, only the bicycle rental outlet at South Gate is open to receive bike returns)

Electric Sightseeing Car

Full perimeter journey: RMB 120/pax
Per stop/gate: RMB 30/pax
Stops: South Gate | West Gate | North Gate | East Gate
Total Distance: 13.74km

Operation time for bicycle rental and electric sightseeing car

South Gate: 8am to 10pm
All other gates: 8am to 8pm

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Booking.com

Xi'an Bell Tower (Xi'an Attractions) — Xi’an Bell Tower, Shaanxi Province, China (Xi’an Attractions)

Xi’an Attractions #2: Xi’an Bell Tower 钟楼

In ancient China, authorities typically build bell towers in major cities for the purpose of reporting time and as the focal point for announcing news to commoners. It is for the same reason that Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang) of Ming Dynasty initiated the construction of Xi’an Bell Tower in 1384.

The site of the original Xi’an Bell Tower is 1km away from the present location. It was only in 1582 that Wanli Emperor (Zhu Yijun) of Ming dynasty moved the tower to its present location.

Majestic Bell Tower

Unsurprisingly, Xi’an Bell Tower has a huge bell that was used to announce the time. The tower itself is of typical Ming dynasty architecture styles. And stands an imposing height of 36m at the junction of 4 major streets.

Over the centuries, Xi’an Bell Tower has grown to become a symbol of Xi’an city. And is widely considered to be the grandest and most well preserved ancient bell tower in China. (allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for visit)

Opening hours: Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Peak Season: 26-March to 25-Oct

Opening time: 8.30am to 8.30pm (last ticket sale at 8pm)

Off-Peak Season: 26-Oct to 25-March

Opening time: 8.30am to 6pm (last ticket sale at 5.30pm)

Admission fee: Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Price of Bell Tower: RMB 35 (adult), RMB 17 (Student)

Price of Drum Tower: RMB 35 (adult), RMB 17 (Student)

Combo ticket (Bell Tower + Drum Tower): RMB 50 (adult), RMB 34 (Student)

*Free admission for children below 1.2m

Photography Tip:

Both Bell Tower and Drum Tower are beautifully lit up every evening. Do plan to be in the area during then. Camera tripod highly recommended.

Travel Tips:

Buy the combo tickets for Bell Tower + Drum Tower to enjoy savings!
Xi’an Bell Tower is located next to the Xi’an metro station by the same name; Bell Tower (or ZhongLuo, Xi’an Metro Line 2).

Xi'an metro map — Metro map of Xi’an (Xi’an Attractions)

Drum Tower (Xi'an Attractions) — Xi’an Bell Tower as viewed from Drum Tower (Xi’an Attractions)

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Xi'an Drum Tower (Xi'an Attractions) — Xi’an Drum Tower (Xi’an Attractions)

Xi’an Attractions #3: Xi’an Drum Tower 鼓楼

A mere 5 minutes’ walk (heading west) from Bell Tower would bring you to Xi’an Drum Tower.

Xi’an Drum Tower got its name from the large drum placed within the tower. Considered the “twin sister” of Bell Tower, the Xi’an Drum Tower was built slightly earlier in 1380. And was similarly done under the orders of Hongwu Emperor, Ming dynasty. It has a height of 34m.

In ancient times, both the Bell Tower and Drum Tower worked together to give the city’s residents indication of time. The Bell Tower would have its bell struck at daybreak, while the Drum Tower would beat its drum at sunset.

24 Solar Term Drums

Visitors to the 1st floor of Xi’an Drum Tower would find a set of 24 drums positioned on the north and south sides. These 24 drums represent the 24 solar terms of China’s ancient lunisolar calendar. The lunisolar calendar was created to guide farming practices and is based on the relationship between the sun, moon and earth.

*For the opening hours and admission fees of Drum Tower, refer to the previous section on Bell Tower. Visitors should buy combo tickets (Bell Tower + Drum Tower) to enjoy savings.

Click here for high resolution photos

Drum Tower (360 photo)

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Xi’an Muslim Quarter (Xi'an Attractions) — Xi’an Muslim Quarter (Xi’an Attractions)

Xi’an Attractions #4: Xi’an Muslim Quarter 回民街

As the eastern terminal point of the Silk Road, Xi’an receives foreign traders/visitors from the Middle East (and beyond) since as early as Han dynasty (around 200 BC).

With the growing trade from Middle East, an increasing number of visiting Muslims from Persia and Arab countries started to settle in Xi’an. And most of these early Muslim settlers converge in the area known as Muslim Quarter (or Huimin Street) within Xi’an city.

Over the centuries, the descendants of these early Muslim settlers continue to reside within Xi’an Muslim Quarter. Making it the hub of the Muslim populace in Xi’an city.

Geographically, Xi’an Muslim Quarter is a cluster of neighboring streets located directly north of Xi’an Drum Tower. There are a number of mosques within the Muslim Quarter to serve these residents.

Your ultimate food street

The streets of Xi’an Muslim Quarter have, over the years, developed into a heaven of food tasting and retail therapy.

With its endless row of uniquely local food and snacks, Xi’an Muslim Quarter has gotten a reputation to be the pinnacle of all food streets. It is the go-to location for both locals and foreign visitors looking for a gastronomic experience.

Such is its reputation, Xi’an Muslim Quarter is perpetually crowded regardless your time of visit. With the crowd getting heavier by evenings. It is easily the most crowded place in Xi’an at night.

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Xi’an Attractions #5: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda 大雁塔

Of the Xi’an attractions mentioned in this post, only Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is located outside Xi’an city wall. The pagoda is situated within the Daci’en Temple complex, which is 5-6km south of Xi’an city wall’s South Gate.

Xuanzang’s Journey to the West

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed in 652 AD during the Tang dynasty. The original pagoda had five levels. It was built to store the Buddhist scriptures that was brought back from India by the famed Buddhist monk Xuanzang.

Xuanzang had left Xi’an (then Chang’an) in 629 to embark on an epic overland pilgrimage to India to obtain Buddhist Sanskrit scriptures. The arduous round journey took 16 years. And Xuanzang would return to Xi’an in 645 with 657 Sanskrit scriptures.

Xuanzang’s legendary journey to India would be used as the basis of a Chinese classic novel written close to a thousand years later. The famed novel “Journey to the West” would went on to be one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.

Rebuilding efforts and subsequent damages

The prominent empress, Wu Zetian, would order the rebuilding of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in 704. Upgrading it into a ten-level structure.

Unfortunately, a huge earthquake caused substantial damage to the pagoda in 1556. Reducing it to seven-levels at a height of 64m, which the pagoda had remained since.

Visiting Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is easily accessible via Xi’an Metro Line 3. It is located next to the Xi’an metro station by the same name; Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (or DaYanTa).

The exit of the Metro station would lead one to the north end of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where there is a huge musical fountain. This musical fountain is said to be the largest in Asia. And there are free performances daily on regular intervals (see this website for details).

Excess into Daci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is via a gate at the south end. Admission fees, as strange as it may sound, are applicable for visiting the temple complex and the pagoda within.

Admission fee for temple complex: RMB 50/25 (adult/children)

*There might be additional fees for climbing the pagoda, though we cannot confirm as we did not enter the temple complex due to time constraint.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an Attractions, China) — Sakura trees, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi’an Attractions)

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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as viewed from fountain (north) (360 photo)

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as viewed from Xuanzang’s statue (south) (360 photo)

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