I've visited Xi'an three times, and each trip revealed a different side of the city. History doesn't just sit quietly in museums; it shapes streets, neighborhoods, food culture, and daily routines in ways you can still feel as you walk around.
That's why I organized this guide by themes rather than simply listing attractions. Based on what I've seen and experienced in Xi'an, each section focuses on what kind of experience it offers.
If you're looking for more than a checklist, this guide will help you understand Xi'an as a living capital shaped by power, culture, and atmosphere.
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- 1. The Qin Empire
- 2. Thirteen Dynasties
- 3. Hanfu
- 4. Local Life in the Ancient City
- 5. Hands-on Intangible Heritage Activity
- 6. The Silk Road
- 7. Imperial Mausoleums
- 8. The Qinling Mountains
- 9. Tang Dynasty
1. Embark on a Journey Through the Qin Empire
The Terracotta Army is the best place to understand Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. This is his custom-built underground army, where you can directly feel the military might of the Qin Empire and learn about tomb culture.
There are three pits in total. Pit 1 is the largest and most worth spending time in. It left the deepest impression on me because, upon entering, hundreds of clay soldiers stood in rows facing me, opening up my view with an immediate sense of awe.
As you continue inside, you can see archaeologists working on-site, helping you realize that this army is still being "reconstructed" bit by bit.
The Pit 1 of the Terracotta WarriorsPit 2 is also worth a visit. It features six individually displayed terracotta warriors. I once closely observed the only kneeling archer that remains intact and unrestored; you can see very clear details, from the soles of the shoes to the patterns on the clothing.
Compared to the vast army in Pit 1, here you can see distinct and realistic figures.
The kneeling archerPit 3 is suitable for a brief visit. You can take photos with the terracotta warriors here as a souvenir.
Our guests took photos with the terracotta warriors in Pit 3Looking for something different from regular tours? We can arrange hands-on labs where you restore miniature Terracotta Warriors and handle Qin-era replicas under expert guidance. It's a rare way to connect with the Qin Empire through action instead of observation.
You could explore this option in our 7-Day Beijing & Xi'an Highlights Tour.
2. Walking Through Thirteen Dynasties
Xi'an is often called the "Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties" because many of China's important dynasties established their capitals here over a long period. From the Western Zhou to the Sui and Tang, different dynasties left their marks on the city, giving Xi'an a uniquely layered historical depth.
If you want to learn about multiple dynasties at once, the Xi'an Museum is an excellent choice. You can discover the evolution of ancient Xi'an as a capital and the outstanding craftsmanship of each dynasty along with their stories.
Tang Dynasty female figurines in Xi'an MuseumFor insights into specific dynasties, you can visit the Daming Palace, where Tang emperors conducted state affairs. Its scale was four times that of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Daming PalaceYou can also visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which served as the official timekeeping centers during the Ming and Qing periods, and are especially dazzling when lit up at night.
Bell Tower and nearby Drum TowerAlternatively, the show "The Great Qin" narrates the rise of the Qin Empire.
3. Wear Hanfu and Enjoy an Ancient-Style Experience
Xi'an is the city where wearing Hanfu feels most natural. With ancient walls, pagodas, towers, and palace-style architecture all around, the clothing blends into the environment without standing out as a costume. It works visually, especially if you care about atmosphere and photography.
HanfuTang Paradise is one of the best places for photography. Its architecture recreates Tang grandeur with lakes, pavilions, bridges, and red-pillared halls.
Hanfu photos taken in the Tang ParadiseI've taken Hanfu photos at the City Wall and Bell Tower as well. Both offer strong backdrops and very different moods.
For practical tips, you can also read How to Take the Best Hanfu Photos in Xi'an for more inspiration.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Local Life in the Ancient City
In China, city walls are not uncommon, but Xi'an's city wall is the most well-preserved and one of the few still used in daily life. It has become integrated into the rhythm of the city.
The first time I went up the wall was from Heping Gate. People were jogging, cycling, or just strolling leisurely, enjoying the sunshine. Standing on the wall and looking down, you can see both the outline of the ancient city and the life happening below. This overlap gives you a true sense of the fusion of past and present.
The ancient city walls and surrounding high-rise buildingsComing down from Heping Gate, you'll find the Old Market (a creative arts and culture district). This space, transformed from an old neighborhood, features street performances, cafes, and some artsy shops. Sitting in a cafe next to the wall, watching people pass by, offers a relaxing moment during your journey.
If you want to experience different aspects of Xi'an within the city wall in one day, we recommend this route: City Wall - Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street - Bell and Drum Towers - Luomashi Pedestrian Street.
This path follows the local walking and shopping route, allowing you to experience Xi'an's historical culture and modern commerce alongside local life. Read more details on Top 3 City Walks in Xi'an.
Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture StreetWith our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour, a private guide can take you onto the City Wall and through the Muslim Quarter, helping connect daily life with historical context. You can also tailor the itinerary to match your pace and interests.
5. Try a Hands-on Intangible Heritage Activity
If you enjoy hands-on experiences or are traveling with children, I highly recommend arranging an intangible cultural heritage experience in Xi'an. There are many local intangible heritage projects that provide a more engaging and enjoyable way to understand the local culture compared to simply visiting attractions.
I think shadow puppetry is the most interesting option. Beyond watching, the real fun is in coloring the puppets yourself, choosing the colors as you like.
Afterward, the instructor will teach you how to operate the puppets and perform a short piece behind the screen. It's a moment of joyful interaction for the whole family.
Attempt to manipulate shadow puppetry on your ownYou can also try making Shaanxi flower buns by shaping and coloring the dough in various forms; enjoy the majestic Xi'an drum music, listening to symphonies from the Tang Dynasty; or learn to paint Huxian farmer paintings, known for their bold colors and straightforward style.
Shaanxi Flower BunsIf you would like to experience any of these, we can arrange it for you. Feel free to let us know.
6. Meet the Starting Point of the Silk Road
Many people know that Xi'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, but when you actually walk around the city, you'll find that it's more than just a historical term. It has become part of the city's fabric.
For me, the Muslim Quarter best embodies the charm of the Silk Road. You can find a variety of foods that blend Western and local flavors and see the real-life scenes of the Muslim community. Learn more about Xi'an food.
Our guests enjoyed the food in the Muslim QuarterThe Great Mosque gives me a completely different feeling.
It doesn't have the typical Arabic exterior but follows a traditional Chinese architectural layout. If not specifically pointed out, it could easily be mistaken for an ancient Chinese temple. The courtyard is quiet and not crowded, making it a great place for a leisurely visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Great MosqueIf you still want more after exploring this area, there are other places to visit. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Big Wild Goose Pagoda help you understand how Buddhism entered China; the Xi'an Museum houses many Silk Road-related artifacts.
Big Wild Goose PagodaSmall Wild Goose PagodaFor a more visual experience, you can watch "The Legend of Camel Bells," which takes you on an imagined journey along the Silk Road with a caravan.
The Legend of Camel Bells7. Discover the Afterlife in Ancient China Through Imperial Mausoleums
Since Xi'an is the ancient capital with the longest history and the most dynasties in China, it also has the largest number of imperial tombs. It's somewhat like Luxor in Egypt, but while the pharaohs emphasized the individual, Chinese emperors focused more on the ruling system.
At the Terracotta Army, Qin Shi Huang's answer is clear: the afterlife still requires a strong army to maintain security and order.
The Hanyangling Mausoleum gives me the opposite impression. There are no grand scenes; it feels more like a miniature version of daily court life.
There are attendants, civil officials, livestock, kitchen utensils, and even small figurines of different statuses. They are not for warfare but for continuing life. You can't help but wonder how court life operated back then.
Terracotta figurines and daily necessities buried in Hanyangling Mausoleum8. A Nature Break in the Qinling Mountains
The Qinling Mountains are located to the south of Xi'an and are the closest large mountain range to the city. If you want to incorporate a different kind of natural experience into your Xi'an city itinerary, this is a great option.
If you enjoy hiking, you can visit Mount Hua. It's one of China's most precipitous mountains, but you don't have to take the extreme routes. You can take the cable car up and then walk a section of the main trail at your own pace. This way, you can enjoy the typical mountain landscapes and summit views without getting too tired.
Mount HuaMany people think of Sichuan when they hear "pandas," but the Qinling Mountains are also a crucial natural habitat for them. Besides giant pandas, the area is home to golden monkeys, crested ibises, and takins, collectively known as the "Four Treasures of Qinling."
If you're interested in animals or traveling with children, the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park is a great choice. You can see these representative animals up close and learn about their living environments. The park is also home to a very special panda—Qizai, the only captive brown panda in the world, which attracts many people.
Qizai, a brown panda at Xi'an Qinling Four Treasures Science Park9. Return to Prosperous Tang Dynasty After Dark
If you ask me when Xi'an most resembles the Tang Dynasty, I would say it's at night!
The Tang Dynasty was known for its vibrant nightlife, with bustling markets, music, dance, and night feasts. Xi'an has preserved this aspect in its neighborhoods and performances, so the city's atmosphere distinctly changes at night.
I think the Great Tang All Day Mall is the easiest place to experience this.
It's a pedestrian street with Tang-style architecture, illuminated with golden and red lights, making the street look especially magnificent at night. There are many performances, including music, dance, and interaction, giving you the feeling of walking through the bustling nightlife of the Tang Dynasty.
Great Tang All Day MallThe Great Tang All Day Mall is very lively, but if you prefer a quieter place, you can visit the Tang Paradise to enjoy the beauty of royal gardens and architecture.
Watching performances is also an easy way to learn about Tang history. "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" focuses on the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, with the stage set at the foot of Lishan Mountain, creating a stunning performance in a natural setting.
Song of Everlasting Regret"The Empress of the Great Tang" highlights the legendary life of Wu Zetian and offers a dinner option, allowing you to enjoy a meal while watching the show.
The Empress of the Great TangGet more details about the two shows on How to Choose 3 Shows/Performances in Xi'an.
Curated Xi'an Themes with China Highlights
The themes you've just read about are not abstract ideas. In Xi'an, they can all be experienced in real places and real moments. You could focus on one theme or weave several together in one carefully planned trip.
For more ideas, explore our Xi'an tours. We'll help turn these themes into a private, well-paced journey built on real on-the-ground knowledge. When you're ready, contact us and we'll take care of the details.
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