Xi'an

Travel Guide
Xi\'an showing a city
Explore museums full of precious artefacts, cycle along one of the country’s most complete city walls and visit hot springs at this major city in central west China.

Home to many of China’s most significant historical and cultural sites, including the famous terra cotta warriors, it’s easy to see why Xi’an is regarded as the country's living “natural history museum”.

Xi’an was the capital for many influential Chinese dynasties over thousands of years and the city still retains many buildings and structures from those times. Among these is the City Wall, which is 12 metres (39 feet) high, 12-14 metres (39-46 feet) wide and 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) long. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate and make your way along the wall at sunset to enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Near the City Wall’s South Gate is the Forest of Stone Steles Museum where you can examine intricate calligraphy carved into stone tablets. While in the area, visit the Great Mosque and the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.

See other artifacts from China’s dynasties at the Shaanxi History Museum. Its collections include stone tools and weapons, jade wine glasses and belts, chinaware and coins. Note that very little information is in English, so it’s worth getting an audio guide. Combine your museum visit with a trip to the Da Ci’en Temple site, home to the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Stroll through the north square and admire its gardens, sculptures and fountains. 

The treasure Xi’an is probably most famous for, however, is actually located 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of the city at the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park. Take a bus to the park from Xi’an to see one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century: the army of life-size terra cotta warriors and horses. On your way back, stop by the Huaqing Palace and Hot Springs to see what was once a retreat for emperors.

Back in the city, enjoy a meal of dumplings or try the local dish of yangrou paomo, which consists of crumbled unleavened bread in mutton stew. 

Reach Xi’an by plane into the international airport located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) northwest of downtown, or by train or long-distance bus from many other major cities in China.

Where to stay in Xi'an

Bell Tower

Xi’an City Center

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Xi’an City Center. Top attractions like Xi'an Bell Tower and Beilin Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Yongningmen Station or Zhonglou Station to see more of the city.

Xi’an City Center
Xi\'an which includes heritage elements and a city

Zhonglou Shangquan

While you're in Zhonglou Shangquan, take in top sights like Xi'an Bell Tower and jump on the metro at Zhonglou Station to see more of the city.

Zhonglou Shangquan
Xi\'an which includes heritage elements and a city

Beilin

Beilin is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yongningmen Station or Nanshaomen Station to explore sights like Beilin Museum.

Beilin
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda showing heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Yanta Qu

Yanta Qu is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Wei 1-jie Station or Xiaozhai Station to explore sights like Shaanxi History Museum.

Yanta Qu
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda featuring a park and a temple or place of worship

Qujiang New District

Discover Qujiang New District, memorable for its gardens. Popular attractions in Qujiang New District include Tang Paradise and Datang Everbright City, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Huizhan Zhongxin Station.

Qujiang New District
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Weiyang

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Weiyang is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Daming Palace National Heritage Park and Chang’an-Tian-shan Silk Road Corridor are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Shi Tushuguan Station or Fengcheng 5-lu Station to get around.

Weiyang
XI’AN DAJING CASTLE HOTEL
XI’AN DAJING CASTLE HOTEL
4.5 out of 5
12 Xi Duan Huan Cheng Nan Lu, Xi'an, Shaanxi
The price is S$67 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$67
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (North Gate) and European Alley ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (381 reviews)
"Very easy to get around but just that the bed is very stiff"

Reviewed on 29 Nov,2023

XI’AN DAJING CASTLE HOTEL
Sheraton Xian Hotel
Sheraton Xian Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No. 262 Feng Hao East Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$74 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$74
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this spa hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Sculptures of Silk Road and Tang West Market are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (92 reviews)
"Great hotel,top services, great location. Friendly and obliging staff, will be back"

Reviewed on 29 Nov,2019

Sheraton Xian Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No. 32 Wei Yang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
The price is S$80 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$80
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Princess Wencheng Live Theater and Daming ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (229 reviews)
"Everything above."

Reviewed on 8 Nov,2023

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Xi'An Warriors Apartment
Xi'An Warriors Apartment
2.5 out of 5
Hongcheng Apartment Area B, No.15 Xihuamen Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Stay at this apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Ancient Folk House and Culture and Arts Hall ...
Xi'An Warriors Apartment
Xi'an The Queen's Box
Xi'an The Queen's Box
3 out of 5
No. 74 Cuihua Street, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Xi'an Public Library and Han Chang'an Cheng ...
Xi'an The Queen's Box
Bliss Guesthouse
Bliss Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
#1601,Unit 2,Building 17,Cuihua Rd, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Stay at this apartment in Xi'an. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Xi'an Botanical Garden and Xi'an Nature Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"1. The owner welcomed me when i reached. 2. She oriented me to the accommodation and the facilities. 3. The unit was well prepared and clean during my check-in. 4. She helped me by transferring funds to my wechat account and refunded me when the transaction failed. 5. The owner came to pass me an ..."

Reviewed on 3 Nov,2018

Bliss Guesthouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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