Xi'an is a world-renowned ancient city. During the day, you can explore its 3,000-year-old history and culture through various historical sites. At night, Xi'an takes on a different charm.
Xi'an's nightlife is rich and dynamic, featuring night markets where you can taste delicious food, magnificent performances, and streets lined with bars. Both your taste buds and your soul can be satisfied here.
If you're visiting Xi'an for the first time, don't miss the delicious food in the Muslim Quarter and the fountain show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These are also the places I love to take my out-of-town friends when they visit.
Here are my top picks for different types of nightlife, as a local tour guide. Many of these places are popular with locals as well.
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Top Night Markets in Xi’an
1. Muslim Quarter
- Ticket: Free
- Location: Old city near the Drum Tower
- Recommended visiting time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable for: Everyone
Hand-pulled noddles experience in the Muslim QuarterWhether locals or travelers from afar, the Muslim Quarter is a must-visit spot at night. Here, you can experience the unique Islamic charm, enjoy authentic traditional delicacies, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of daily life.
There are several food shops you cannot miss; these restaurants are my favorites:
- Ma Zhen Noodles Restaurant (马振面): They have a very small menu and only serve two types of noodles (Biang Biang noodles and Pull noodles). The quality and flavor are exceptional!
- The Qi Qi BBQ Restaurant (奇奇烧烤): The BBQ chef has been doing this for over 15 years and has created his own secret sauce. You can taste lamb, beef, chicken, and various vegetables here.
- Zhiliang Steam Dumplings (志亮蒸饺): These dumplings are freshly made; it takes about 15-20 minutes from order to table.
Since this is a Muslim neighborhood, we respect their culture, so alcohol and pork are not allowed in their restaurants.
2. Yongxing Fang
- Ticket: Free
- Location: No. 15 Dongle Lane, New District
- Recommended visiting time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable for: Everyone
Splendid night lanterns in Yongxing FangThis is another one of my favorite places for food, and I like to call it “the food museum.”
Here, you can taste a variety of foods from different areas of Shaanxi province—northern, central, and southern.
I particularly enjoy the Chinese hamburger here, which features a mixture of fatty and lean pork inside the bun. The steamed cold noodles are also worth trying; if you like spicy food, feel free to add as much local chili oil as you want.
Yongxing Square offers many snacks and approximately dozens of restaurants. I suggest sampling a little from each place you find interesting rather than filling up at one restaurant.
In addition to food, you can also see traditional workshops in Yongxing Fang, where you can observe how chili oil and fried dough twists are made.
3. Dongxin Street Night Market
- Location: Dongxin Street, New District, Xi’an (opposite the Hilton Hotel)
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable for: Everyone
I often come here with my friends for food adventures on weekends. I follow my foodie friends to discover some “hidden treasure” eateries. This night market comes alive after dark, offering unique food options in excellent varieties.
The Zheng Family Buns (郑家包子 are remarkable, filled with cumin and fennel-seasoned beef, and are incredibly delicious.
You should also try the Old Chen Hotchpotch (老陈家烩菜). This dish features a diverse range of ingredients, including dried tofu, green vegetables, black fungus, daylily flowers, beef chunks, coriander, and beef meatballs! The meatballs are delightfully bouncy and chewy, unlike typical dough balls.
You can also find Mongolian and Sichuan-style hotpot restaurants here worth trying.
Top Night Views in Xi'an
1. Bell and Drum Tower Square
- Location: Very center of Xi’an city
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 1 hour
The Bell and Drum Tower with lights onAfter strolling through the Muslim Quarter and tasting local snacks, take a walk in the nearby Bell and Drum Tower Square.
Under the night sky, the ancient Bell and Drum Towers are ablaze with lights. The observation deck on the fifth floor of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall is an ideal spot to overlook the entire Bell Tower.
2. Everbright Tang City
- Location: South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (near the Westin Hotel)
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Everbright Tang City is best for taking Hanfu costume photosThe night view of Everbright Tang City is truly captivating. The area is illuminated by countless lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
The ancient buildings are outlined with soft yellow lights, evoking a sense of history and mystery. The bustling streets, adorned with neon signs from shops and restaurants, add a modern touch.
You can often find “classic beauties” dressed in Tang or Han Dynasty costumes walking the streets, posing for photos in front of these ancient-style buildings.
Feel free to take photos with them! If you want to experience this traditional cultural activity, many costume rental shops are available here, offering makeup and photography services.
3. Xi’an City Wall Park
- Location: Near the South Gate of Xi’an city
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Witness the brilliant night view of Xi'an City WallYou can taste over a dozen kinds of dumplings in various colors, shapes, and fillings. They are steamed, boiled, and pan-fried, coming in sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The Xi’an City Wall Park stretches long, with one side adjacent to the ancient city wall and the other next to the moat.
While walking at night, you can enjoy the evening breeze by the river. After dark, the lights on the wall illuminate another fabulous view.
Occasionally, you might encounter locals dancing or children playing in groups. When you get tired, find a stone bench to rest. Though it may lack a bit of prosperity, it returns to the essence of life.
In the archway of the South Gate in Xi'an, bands often perform open-air concerts, singing about their lives and love for the city. Passersby can take this opportunity to showcase their singing talents.
Top Night Shows in Xi’an
1. Tang Dynasty Palace Dance and Music Show
- Location: No. 75, North Chang'an Road, Beilin District, Xi’an
- Ticket: CNY 298 (show only); CNY 400 (show and dumpling banquet)
- Recommended visiting time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Opening time: 19:30-20:35
- Suitable for: Everyone, but not small children
The dance and music show in Tang Dynasty PalaceThis is one of my favorite shows in Xi’an, as I admire the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. This performance has been running since 1987 and is approaching its 40th year, maintaining its popularity and attracting many foreign dignitaries and celebrities.
Through live dance and the vocal and instrumental performances of the orchestra, it vividly portrays the openness, inclusiveness, confidence, and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. If you're interested in ancient Chinese culture, you must watch this performance.
Additionally, you can enjoy a dumpling banquet here, sampling a variety of dumplings in different colors, shapes, and fillings—steamed, boiled, and pan-fried, with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
2. Fountain Show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square
- Location: North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 30 minutes
- Suitable for: Everyone
Fountain Show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda SquareWhenever I have friends or relatives visiting Xi'an, I always take them to watch the fountain show. The fountain show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the largest in Asia.
Using high-tech sound, light, and film, it combines various fountain displays, including the Butterfly Lovers, Fire and Water Fog, and the 100-meter variable-frequency running fountain, creating beautiful and dynamic scenes. The water columns dance gracefully to the music, resembling elegant young girls.
The fountain show occurs at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. every night, each lasting about ten minutes. The best viewing spot is outside the railing on the north square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, directly facing the pagoda's axis. It's advisable to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early.
If you are interested in shows, you can find more ideas in How to Choose 3 Shows/Performances in Xi’an from 11
Top Night Pubs & Bars
1. Qin Taproom Brewery (秦TAPROOM)
- Location: No. 52 Xiang Zi Miao Street
- Opening time: 14:30-1:00
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Suitable for: Adults
This local craft beer brand from Xi’an, founded in 2021, is passionate about both beer and the land it comes from. They focus on brewing classic beer styles while experimenting with new ways to create and enjoy beer that fits modern tastes.
The beers are designed to be easy to drink, clean, well-balanced, and restrained—perfect for anyone who enjoys a smooth, refreshing drink. In 2024, they plan to set up a lab to study fermentation and microorganisms, exploring new techniques for brewing even better beers.
Their goal is to create a world of exciting flavors, and they’re just getting started. If you're a fan of craft beer or curious to try something new, this is definitely a place to explore.
Recommendations:
- Xi’an Gang IPA: ABV 6.3%
- No Worries, Strawberry and Raspberry Cider: ABV 4.0%
- Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon Osmanthus Jasmine Tea Chinese Ale: ABV 5.5%
Non-Alcoholic option: Yellow Peach Cold Brew Duck Shit Fragrance Tea
2. NearWall Brewery (泥窝窝)
- Location: No. 40 West Section of Shuncheng Lane
- Opening time: 12:30-3:00
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Suitable for: Adults
This brewery is run by three individuals: John, an American from Ohio who is the brewer, and two locals from Xi'an—one with years of bar experience who also enjoys singing on stage.
You can even climb a ladder for photos. All beer is brewed either at this location or at their other site near the Wild Goose Pagoda.
They offer a few standard beers on tap, along with seasonal options based on ingredients. The standard selections include:
- Classic Wit: A wheat beer
- German Style Kolsch
- Citra IPA: A classic IPA with citrus flavors
- Milk Stout
- Coffee Stout
Tour Xi'an with China Highlights
Take a Xi'an tour with us, and you’ll have the evening free to explore the city and its nightlife, using our suggestions above. You can also ask your knowledgeable tour guide for more information. Here are some popular Xi'an tours for inspiration:
- 4-Day Xi'an Ancient Relics Tour: Visit the highlights of Xi'an and discover the ancient history of the Tang Dynasty.
- 2-Day Xi'an Discovery by High-Speed Train from Beijing: Includes the Terracotta Warriors, the Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Great Mosque.
- 11-Day China Classic Wonders Tour: Visit Xi'an along with Beijing, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai.
Not interested in the above tours? Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will tailor-make your Xi'an tour.