Your Complete Guide to Xi’an: Explore Grand Historical Sites and Unique Local Delights

Xi’an (formerly known as Chang’an) is the starting point of the Silk Road, boasting three millennia of history. Once the thriving capital of the Tang Dynasty, it is now an experimental city dedicated to curbing air pollution and building the world’s most advanced electric vehicle society. This city, where ancient romance intertwines with the near future, is an absolute must-visit destination for any trip to China. This guide will introduce a curated selection of Xi’an’s major spots, incorporating the local atmosphere and practical tips for visitors, whether you’re on a short trip or wish to delve deep into its rich history!

Terracotta Warriors

📍 Address: Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of China, Postal Code: 710612

Often considered the ultimate highlight of any trip to Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors are an ‘underground army’ built to protect the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Access from the city center is relatively smooth, taking approximately one hour by ride-hailing app (like DiDi) or taxi (roughly 70 CNY).

The site is vast, with the main viewing areas being Pits 1 to 3. The moment you step into Pit 1 is simply breathtaking. The sight of clay soldiers and horses, each with distinct faces and expressions, lined up from over 2,200 years ago, is truly awe-inspiring. The fact that they were originally vividly painted and that excavation and restoration are still ongoing only adds to the sense of wonder.

【Deep Dive & Tips for Success】
One thing you absolutely should not skimp on is securing a guide. English and Japanese signboards are scarce, so professional commentary is indispensable for understanding the background of this massive archaeological site and knowing ‘where to look and what to see.’ It’s best to either negotiate with a guide near the entrance (a Japanese-speaking guide typically costs around 200-300 CNY) or book a tour in advance. Also, remember that your original passport is required for entry. During peak seasons like summer holidays or Chinese New Year, it can get so crowded you might feel like you’ve come to see people rather than the warriors, so aiming for early morning in cooler months is highly recommended.

Xi’an City Wall

📍 Address: Xincheng District, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China, Postal Code: 710003

To truly grasp the immense scale of Chang’an, the ancient capital, head to the Xi’an City Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty and boasting over 650 years of history. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved city walls in China, with a total length of approximately 13.74 km. Standing 12 meters high and 15 meters wide, it’s a colossal structure that’s hard to believe was built by human hands without heavy machinery.

The ultimate highlight of this wall is the cycling experience along its top! Under Xi’an’s now cleaner skies, thanks to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the exhilarating feeling of pedaling while immersed in ancient history is exceptional. A single-person rental bike typically costs around 45 CNY for 3 hours. The route from the South Gate (Yongning Gate) to the North Gate (Anyuan Gate), roughly 7 km one way, is popular. We recommend taking your time, enjoying the watchtowers along the way, and soaking in the local cityscape below.

【Deep Dive & Tips for Success】
Bike saddles can often be hard, so a clever trick is to choose one with front and rear suspension or take frequent breaks. Also, from dusk into the evening, the entire city wall is beautifully lit up, transforming into an enchanting, otherworldly scene with lanterns glowing. You can enjoy cycling during the day or a leisurely stroll in the evening breeze, experiencing entirely different charms depending on your visiting time.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

📍 Address: 1 Ci En Lu, Yanta Qu, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, People’s Republic of China 710064

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beloved landmark in Xi’an for centuries, was built by Xuanzang, a Tang Dynasty monk who was the inspiration for the ‘Journey to the West’ character Tripitaka. He established it to store and translate the vast collection of Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India via the Silk Road. It stands majestically within the grounds of the Daci’en Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Entry into the pagoda itself requires an additional 25 CNY fee beyond the temple’s entrance fee, but it’s well worth climbing the stairs to gain panoramic views of the beautiful cityscape in all directions from each floor’s windows. On the first floor, you’ll find exhibits including a route map of Xuanzang’s arduous journey to India, allowing you to feel the weight of history that profoundly influenced Japanese Buddhism as well.

【Deep Dive & Tips for Success】
There’s a ‘free hidden gem’ viewpoint that travelers absolutely should know about. If you want to capture a beautiful shot of the pagoda’s entire silhouette without entering the Daci’en Temple, head to the free observation terrace on the 4th floor of the adjacent large shopping mall, Joy City (大悦城). You can relax and photograph the Big Wild Goose Pagoda directly in front of you, avoiding the crowded square. In the evening, the entire ‘Grand Tang Everbright City’ area around the mall is brightly lit up, making it perfect to visit around dinner time.

Shaanxi History Museum

📍 Address: 91 Xiao Zhai Dong Lu, Yanta Qu, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, People’s Republic of China 710064

If you want to delve deep into the history of Xi’an during its glorious era as ‘Chang’an,’ this museum is an absolute must-visit. It’s one of China’s premier museums, on par with the Palace Museum and the Shanghai Museum. In addition to its permanent collections, exhibits featuring precious Tang Dynasty gold and silver artifacts and murals powerfully evoke the roots of Japan’s Nara and Asuka periods, which were endpoints of the Silk Road. The quality of the exhibits is overwhelming; you’ll lose track of time admiring the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

【Deep Dive & Tips for Success】
The biggest hurdle is ‘securing entry tickets.’ Free admission slots require advance booking via the official WeChat (微信) account, but this can be challenging for foreign tourists without a Chinese ID. As a secret trick for foreign visitors to ensure entry, you can try one of these methods: ① go directly to a ticket counter (e.g., Counter 7) and attempt to book/issue tickets by presenting your passport, ② purchase a ticket for a paid special exhibition (around 30 CNY) to gain entry, or ③ arrange for foreigner tickets in advance through a travel agency website like Trip.com. It gets extremely crowded, and the museum closes after 5 PM, so we strongly recommend arriving from the morning with at least three hours to spare.

Essential Tips for Enjoying Xi’an 120%

Xi’an is a unique city where the weight of history beautifully blends with modern vitality. Be awestruck by an army from 2,200 years ago at the Terracotta Warriors, feel the wind in your hair on the City Wall, and gaze at Chang’an’s nightscape from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s terrace. To comfortably enjoy such a time-traveling experience, preparation is key.

As is true for travel throughout China, be sure to set up ride-hailing apps like DiDi and payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip. Xi’an, in particular, is highly digitized, from transportation and museum bookings to payments at local food stalls. Also, you’ll often be asked to present your original passport at many tourist attractions, so always keep it with you. Smartly utilize these tools to fully savor the deep charm of this ancient capital!