Unlock 10 Must-See Wonders of the Ancient Capital of Xi’an
Planning a trip to China? If Xi’an isn’t already on your list, it should be. This destination in particular has beautiful historical monuments, bright quarters, and cultural heritage points that cannot be substituted with anything. Now that you are finally ready to find out more about where to go, what to watch, and why you should visit Xi an, stay tuned. Some of the most amazing places in the city will be found out.
Terracotta Warriors
Enter China’s greatest underground army, where 8,000 life-size soldiers guard China’s founding emperor. No two of their faces are alike—search for the archer whose paint is still unbroken or the general’s exquisitely detailed armor. For a magical spin, visit at special evening times when gentle lighting casts spooky shadows across the pits. Don’t forget the recently opened “Digital Warrior Hall,” where holograms recreate craftspeople shaping clay 2,200 years ago.
Shaanxi History Museum
Skip the Louvre—this trove overflows with China’s gaudiest treasures! Gawk at a Tang Dynasty cup crafted from the form of a mythological beast (from one piece of agate), or a scent ball that never spills. even when hurled. Pro tip: Head directly over to the Hejiacun Hoard exhibit, it feels like entering the vault of an 8th-century billionaire.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Hoist yourself by the same stairs by which monk Xuanzang kept his Buddhist scrolls after trekking from India. See the seventh-floor vista melt the city into gold at sundown—notice skyscrapers bow to temple roofs below. Stick around for the fountain show after dark: water jets dance the Dream Back to Chang’an as lasers scar the pagoda.
Tang Paradise After Dark
By day, gardens lovely. By evening? A wholesale Tang Dynasty rave! Lakes are danced upon by silk-covered dancers, holographic poets recite verse, and you can duel swords with “warriors” in AR-enabled lantern alleys. Pick up a rose-petal rice wine at the Moonlit Pavilion—the perfect to go for chasing interactive light installations.
City Wall Cycling
Pedal 600-year-old walls during sunset! Start at South Gate, glide past temple bells in the west, and then visit the railway station—where bullet trains zip under Ming-era archer towers. Rent a tandem bike for sunset photos where scarlet skies surround turret silhouettes. Friday nights? Watch armored “soldiers” dropping the drawbridge in a drum-beating ceremony.
Huaqing Palace
Melt into Emperor Xuanzong’s love boudoir—hot springs where Tang China’s power couple, Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, used to soak. Dip your toes in Lotus Pool (still geothermally heated!), then climb up to the “Mutiny Pavilion” on Lishan Mountain for spy-hole views of Chiang Kai-shek’s 1936 secret hideout. Under the cover of darkness, the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance turns the entire valley into a weeping opera stage.
Muslim Quarter Munching
Skip the tourist traps and head straight to Sajincqiao’s hidden grills. Dine like the locals: rip-apart cumin-seasoned lamb kebabs, sip pomegranate juice squeezed fresh before your eyes, and attack “lao mi jia” — a mution stew you dismantle like Lego. Dessert? Chili-dark-chocolate ice cream—so addictively delicious!
Bell Tower of Xi’an
At the very center of the city, there is a bright landmark that is worth a visit, the Bell Tower Xi An. It was constructed during the 14 th century and it shows off amazing sights of the central square of the city and is exquisitely illuminated in the evening hours. Visitors are permitted to roam inside and view traditional architectural structures as well as displays.
Hua Shan’s Plank Walk
Adrenalin junkies, this holy hill would be brave! Climb up vertical ladders (called the Cloud Ladder), and abseil into harnesses on the infamous Plank Path, a 30cm-wide plank suspended on a cliff some 2,160m dropping beneath. Your prize? Sipping chrysanthemum tea at East Peak’s teahouse as clouds roll out beneath your suspended feet.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Former royal palace of the Tang Dynasty, the Daming Palace was even bigger than the Forbidden City of Beijing. Now it is a vast heritage park with rebuilt architecture, serene paths, and multimedia that make the imperial history come live.
