Historical Attractions
Xi’an, China, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. As a result, visitors to this city have the unique opportunity to explore some of its cultural and historical attractions, including the famous Terracotta Warriors, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and the Shaanxi History Museum. Let’s talk about some of these historical attractions in more detail.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors
Visiting the Terracotta Warriors is a must-do while in Xi’an, China. This archaeological site is considered one of the most significant discoveries made by humans in modern history. From 1974, when local farmers accidentally stumbled upon it, to today, travelers continue to be captivated and awed by the incredible find.
The site has been appropriately recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and has become one of Earth’s most visited tourist attractions. On display here are thousands of terracotta figures of soldiers, horses, and chariots laid out in battle formation, believed to have been assembled around 210-209 BC for the first Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s mausoleum.
Besides these life-size statues, archaeologists have also uncovered many battlefield relics, such as weapons, arrowheads, and pottery items used during that time. It is also believed that over 8 000 warriors lay here, ready to do battle, but only 1 400 have been uncovered so far, which makes it even more impressive. So as you wander through this incredible display, prepare for an informative trip back into ancient Chinese history!
Explore the City Walls
Within Xi’an, the largest city in Western China lies an expansive and fully preserved collection of city walls and gates. The walls were built primarily during the Ming Dynasty in 1374 and are among China’s largest and most intact defensive structures today. Spanning over 14 km (8.7 miles) long, this part of Xi’an is a necessary stop for any visitor to understand the history held within this city’s walls.
As you look up at the impressive structures of a far grander scale than any walled city seen before, it’s clear to see why no invading army was able to breach these ancient defenses. Follow the walls around and wander through some of its 12 gates, each with its unique design fashioned by master craftsmen who lived centuries ago and whose artwork has lived on until today.
During Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s rule, much of ancient Chinese civilization flourished like never before. With it came immense development, such as these exquisite city walls meant to protect his glory. Take some time on your trip through Xi’an to explore these incredible historical sights before they succumb to time, as so many other moments in Chinese history have done before them!
Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyoucheng) is at the Jianfu Temple, Yi Street, Beilin district in Xi’an. This pagoda was built in 707 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, making it more than 1,300 years old. It was built by the famous scholar-monk Jian Zhen and consisted of two rare octagonal brick pagodas. The taller pagodas stand at 44 meters and are used to house Buddhist sutras brought back to China from India by Jian Zhen.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda has seven stories with fourteen levels and a steep wooden staircase that leads visitors to the top of the pagoda, where they can enjoy beautiful scenes of Xi’an in all directions. Visitors can also visit exhibition halls inside the Huaqingchi and back garden area, which displays precious artifacts related to this historic site.
Natural Attractions
Xi’an, China, offers plenty for those who appreciate natural beauty. From the nearby mountains to the picturesque rivers and lakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Xi’an.
Let’s take a look at some of the natural attractions that Xi’an has to offer:
Visit the Mount Li National Park
Mount Li National Park is one of China’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. Located in the heart of Shaanxi Province, this national park boasts an array of ancient remnants and picturesque scenery. Home to over 200 species of plant life and an incredible range of trees and flowers, Mount Li’s ecosystem provides visitors with a breathtaking view that is unlike anywhere else.
Popular among eco-tourists, the park contains a plethora of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hiking adventure or a challenging climb amongst steep peaks, Mount Li National Park has something for everyone. Its beautiful mountain views have been recognized as some of China’s most iconic landscapes and can be thoroughly enjoyed from numerous points throughout the park.
Boasting its theme park, ski resort, and golf course nearby, visitors will have plenty to do on their visit to Mount Li National Park!
Explore the Hua Shan Mountain
Hua Shan Mountain is a unique natural attraction located on the outskirts of Xi’an. Reputed as one of the five sacred mountains in Chinese history and culture, it is one of the top spots for tourists and local adventurers.
At over 2,000 meters high and stretching across several peaks, there are many opportunities to explore its rugged terrain full of cedar trees and gorges or sample some refreshing fruit from trees growing along its slopes. Within its sacred landscape, temples, shrines, and pavilions offer plenty of way-markers for travelers seeking adventure here. There is even a cable car ride for visitors who don’t want to miss any of this mountain’s incredible views.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling activities like rock climbing or wish to take more strolls surrounded by lush greenery, visiting Hua Shan Mountain promises something special, no matter your style.
Visit the Huaqing Hot Springs
The Huaqing Hot Springs is one of the most popular attractions in Xi’an, China. It is located near the ancient city walls; this natural geothermal spring offers visitors a scenic and relaxing experience.
The hot springs are known for their therapeutic mineral-rich waters, and visitors can take advantage of the numerous available amenities. The complex is divided into North and South hot springs areas, each with unique features. The North hot spring offers views of the beautiful Five-Dragon Pool from its high pavilions and winding wooden platforms built over ponds containing carp fish. The South hot spring area boasts a terrace of different thermal pools, fragrant flowers, and lush vegetation, offering privacy to visitors seeking more intimate relaxation experiences.
Apart from taking a dip in the geothermal waters, there are plenty of other activities that can be enjoyed at the Huaqing Hot Springs, such as:
- Boat rides through lotus ponds
- Massage treatments offered at modern spas
- Visiting unique cultural attractions like Beijing Palace music hall featuring traditional Chinese opera performances
This attraction’s natural beauty makes it an ideal location for sightseeing hikes and photography opportunities. Those looking to enjoy some retail therapy can visit the nearby Xianyang Palace Market, just minutes from the hot springs complex by car or public transportation.
Overall, spending time at the Huaqing Hot Springs will be an enjoyable and spiritually rejuvenating experience for anyone lucky to visit this ancient Chinese attraction!
Cultural Attractions
Xi’an is a city full of culture, history, and beauty. There are many cultural attractions to explore while in the city. From ancient fortresses to historical sites, Xi’an has something for everyone.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the top cultural attractions that Xi’an has to offer. Read on to learn more about the fantastic things you can experience in the city.
Visit the Muslim Quarter
Located in the center of Xi’an, the Muslim Quarter is an ideal place to explore this ancient city’s cultural and religious diversity. This bustling hive of activity and commotion offers a unique window into China’s rich past. Visitors can marvel at historic Chinese architecture and enjoy various delicious street food while experiencing a vibrant blend of cultures.
The Muslim Quarter is an integral part of Shiyi Ting, established by merchants over 1000 years ago during the Tang Era (618-907). Today it is home to many generations of Hui Chinese Muslims living there for centuries. The entire quarter teems with Islamic institutions offering activities for tourists and locals alike, ranging from traditional Hui mosques to bustling markets selling all kinds of food, souvenirs, and traditional wares.
When visiting the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an, be sure to check out some of its famous attractions, such as:
- Great Wild Goose Pagoda Square
- Beiyuanmen Street
- Beiyuanmen Night Market street stalls.
Strolling along these ancient streets is an excellent way to soak up some local flavor and get a closer look at how this charming area has remained unchanged for centuries. With its mix of culture and delicious cuisine, visiting here will surely be an unforgettable experience!
Check out the Bell Tower
The Bell Tower of Xi’an is a landmark monument in the city. Dating back to 1384, this impressive structure stands on the central axis of old Xi’an and has become an important symbol for the city’s history. The tower stood nearly 36 meters high and was the tallest structure built during its era in China.
For centuries, it served as a location for public gatherings and announcements and a gathering spot for public festivals and performances. Today, you can visit the historic sites within the tower, such as its four bronze bells that were first swung by hand to announce countless feasts and ceremonies long ago. You will find exhibits depicting the events and their history inside the tower. You can also climb to the top of the building to admire stunning views of downtown Xi’an and beyond.
Browse the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar of Xi’an has something to offer everyone. The Grand Bazaar should not be missed if tourists seek souvenirs, snacks, or a unique shopping experience. Located in central Xi’an near the drum tower and bell tower, the bazaar spans over 3.4 acres and is full of traditional Chinese goods.
The shopping center offers an array of fabrics, paintings, sculptures, craftsmen, and much more. With so much to explore, you may spend hours here as you browse the dusty shelves of ancient pottery and admire painted wall hangings depicting Chinese legends. Beyond its sales activities, local restaurants have also set up shop inside this century-old building so tourists can taste some traditional Xian delicacies.
With over ten thousand shops in this lively marketplace, it’s easy to see why people knowably deem it the largest bazaar in Northwest China!
Food and Drink
Xi’an is home to a wide variety of delicious foods which can be hard to find anywhere else. The local cuisine is known for its spiciness and flavourful dishes. But even if you don’t like spicy food, plenty of other options exist. You can find everything from noodles to dumplings to specialty teas.
Xi’an has many bars and restaurants serving various beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to check out when it comes to food and drink in Xi’an:
Sample the Local Cuisine
Xi’an is the capital city of Shaanxi Province and is known for its delicious local cuisine. Several regional dishes originate, including biang biang noodles, lamb “rou jia mo,” dumplings, and steamed buns. Those with more adventurous taste buds can try skewered scorpions or starfish.
Whether you’re looking for street food or a sit-down restaurant experience, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds in Xi’an.
Biang biang noodles consist of broad, hand-pulled noodles topped with minced pork and peppers in a sweet sauce. Lamb “rou jia mo” is a tasty meat sandwich with slices of juicy lamb cooked in garlic, pepper, and other spices served inside steamed bread buns. Dumplings are another popular dish that can be found throughout China. Still, the Shaanxi style dumpling has its unique flavor that comes from using different spices such as fennel and coriander root as seasoning agents. Steamed bun, also known as “mantou,” comes in various sizes and flavors ranging from savory to sweet depending on the choice between fillings like pork, beef, or red bean paste – perfect for lunchtime!
If you’re feeling brave, you can sample some of Xi’an specialties, such as scorpions, which are said to have medicinal benefits or starfish, considered a high-end delicacy here due to its rarity and costliness. China may not seem like the best place for vegetarians but don’t despair – plenty of tofu-based dishes are available at more traditional eateries throughout town, catering specifically to those abstaining from meat products.
When visiting Xi’an, sample some local cuisines – an opportunity you won’t miss!
Visit the Night Markets
Xi’an is a great place to experience a variety of night markets that are open late into the night. Not only can you shop at these markets, but there is often an array of delicious food to try during your visit. Each area of Xi’an possesses its unique cuisine due to the region’s influence from different countries, meaning that you will likely find something for everyone.
When it comes to food, enjoy exploring the dishes that range from iconic local favorites like Biang Biang noodles and Mao Zedong’s favorite Pao Mo Bread, a type of wheat cake. With health benefits including vitamin B, calcium, and iron and some phytonutrient content that helps boost immunity, Pao Mo Bread will surely be a hit with anyone who tries it! Popular drinks include China’s traditional tea ceremonies, with hot or cold tea options available. As for something alcoholic-related, beer is up there with locals’ favorite beverages for a good reason and can be found in various bars and restaurants around Xi’an city.
Whether visiting during peak tourist season or off-season when prices are low yet selectivity is high, take an evening at one of these night markets. It will give you plenty of opportunities to sample some delicious cuisine while exploring the vibrant culture in Xi’an city.
Try the Local Street Food
Xi’an is renowned for its street food culture, with over 100 food stalls and restaurants. Sample a range of regional flavors from larger-than-life snacks, soups, and more. Start your exploration with some steamed pork buns (Bāo Zi), spicy beef noodles (Ài Yóu Ròu), or even mutton soup (Yang Rou Pao Mo). But, of course, no street food experience would be complete without a glass of sweet soybean milk (Dòu Jiǎng).
Be sure to ask about the origin of each item, and always keep an eye out for unique ingredients in hidden pockets around the city. If you’re looking for something sweet and light to snack on after dinner, don’t miss out on the local staples such as:
- Egg pancakes (Ēg Gàn Jiāng)
- Glutinous rice cake rolls (Níángāo)
- Deep-fried sesame treats (Jiāng Zhú Bǐng)
Whichever option you choose, make sure that it’s fresh! With so much to try in Xi’an, it’s impossible not to find something that takes your fancy!
Shopping
Xi’an has become a must-visit destination for shoppers looking for everything from the latest trends to traditional Chinese crafts. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, trinkets, clothes, or even antiques, Xi’an offers something for everyone.
In this article, we will look at the best places to shop in the city:
Visit the Silk Road International Market
The Silk Road International Market (SRIM) represents the culture, cuisine, and historic commodities popularly traded along the Silk Road route. Shoppers at the SRIM will find many items they may not have seen elsewhere. The market is divided into food, tea, clothes, and souvenirs. Here is a breakdown of what you might find in each area:
- Food: Visitors come to experience the unique flavors of Northwest China; snacks such as specialty rice cake and noodles are among the most popular choices here. You can also savor different aromatic teas and wines from many of China’s provincial regions while enjoying a relaxing shopping experience.
- Tea: At the teahouse within SRIM, customers can enjoy a variety of Chinese black and green teas at affordable prices. As you sample them, you will learn about different types, such as jasmine, Longjing (Dragonwell), Biluochun, and Anxi mature tea grown in many areas around Xinjiang province.
- Clothing: No trip to an international market would be complete without buying trendy clothing. At SRIM, shoppers can purchase premium quality clothing from top fashion brands from all over China at meager prices.
- Souvenirs: The souvenir section of SRIM has many interesting items for sale, including various articles of jewelry, traditional artwork installations – such as Buddhist sculptures – home décor pieces (earthenware and ceramic dolls) as well as brassware items (tea sets). With so much to see here, it may be hard to choose just one thing!
Browse the Ancient Culture Street
One of the most popular places to shop in Xi’an is the Ancient Culture Street, located near the City Wall and winding along a 1 km stretch. This street houses more than 100 shops peddling various Chinese merchandise and souvenirs. Locally known as Gu Lou Jie, this area is one of Xi’an’s oldest shopping streets, dating back to the Tang Dynasty so you can find everything from antique sculptures to traditional herbs.
This street is also great for experiencing traditional culture first-hand – it’s home to old-style courtyards, theaters for shadow puppet plays, and an opera house with walls full of ornate carvings. The Ancient City Wall museum is also nearby.
Come here for delicious snacks like biang biang mian (noodles) or rou jia mo – chunks of beef or pork stewed with tons of spices and tucked into ground flatbread buns with cilantro and radish sprouts!
Shop at the South Gate Market
Located near the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall, the South Gate Market – also known as Shentang Market – is an essential part of shopping in Xi’an. Due to its ideal location, this market has attracted many tourists, locals, and vendors alike. Therefore, this lively market should not be missed when visiting Xi’an.
When shopping at South Gate Market, you will find many items that can be used as souvenirs or gifts, such as pottery, jade ware, and artifacts featuring hand-painted peonies and calligraphy representing traditional Chinese culture. Also, wander through the various stores to browse accessories like paper cutouts and fans to keep cool during hot summer days. There are also many restaurants where you can sample multiple Xi’an dishes, such as cold noodle salads and Biang Biang noodles.
Before leaving the market, don’t forget to admire the elegant architectural beauty of the Ancient City Wall or explore nearby attractions like Shaanxi History Museum, which offers presentations on China’s history from ancient times until today.
With multiple shops selling unique items for reasonable prices and its convenient location in downtown Xi’an, it is clear why visiting South Gate Market should be considered a must-do activity when traveling to this historical city!