11 Fun things to do in Xi’an
Xian is a city with a truly illustrious past. It’s one of China’s most famous cities and has been for millennia! Just a stone’s throw from the amazing Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who brought China’s warring factions together, it stands watch over him to this day. After 2,000 years as an imperial capital for 11 dynasties, it’s no surprise that new relics and ruins are being discovered around the city all the time! In the city itself, you’ll find some truly magnificent sights! There are the Ming Dynasty City Walls, ancient towers and the atmospheric Muslim Quarter. Xi’an was also the end of the legendary Silk Road. It was a hub for new religions, ideas and philosophies to be traded, which brought the influence of the Western world into the Middle Kingdom. Let’s have a look at all the wonderful things you can do in Xian!
Terracotta Warriors
In 1974, a group of farmers made an amazing discovery while digging a well. They found one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds! There are 16 pits and thousands of figures, surrounding the huge burial mound. All this together creates a wonderful representation of the court of Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who united the warring factions. The terracotta army was lovingly created to protect Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Each warrior is so beautifully crafted, with their own unique facial expression, hairstyle, and height determined by their rank. They even have their own weapons! And they stand in battle formation alongside horses and chariots.
Banpo Museum
The Banpo Museum is an gem in Xian! It’s built on the ancient human village relics of the Neolithic Yangshao culture. The museum is home to some amazing objects from the Banpo archaeological dig, which uncovered a 6,000-year-old civilisation. Banpo is the earliest example of the Neolithic Yangshao culture, which is thought to have been matriarchal. It looks like this lovely place was home to folks from around 4500 BC until around 3750 BC. The excavated area is divided into three parts: a pottery manufacturing area, a residential area complete with moat, and a cemetery.
Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall
The walls of Xi’an have been there since the Sui Dynasty (581-617), but the one we see today was built in 1370 by the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This city wall and fortification is the oldest, largest and best preserved in China! It was well-maintained throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. The top of the wall is a fantastic spot for taking in the city’s sights from above! You can even stroll or cycle the whole perimeter.
Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise, which opened in 2005, is a cultural theme park situated on the site of the former Tang Dynasty. The park features replicas of buildings from the Tang Dynasty, along with cultural performances and an evening light show. The 165-acre landscaped site, featuring a willow-lined lake, evokes the aesthetic of classical Chinese landscape painting. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore twelve scenic regions, including the Ziyun Tower Block, the Imperial Banquet Hall, the Phoenix Theater, and more.
Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum opened in 1991 and houses artefacts and relics dating back to the Qin Dynasty, recognised as China’s first dynasty. The museum is housed in a building designed to resemble a traditional palace from the Tang Dynasty, perhaps the most famous imperial rulers of the area. The museum collections feature over 370,000 items from the province. Notable exhibits include ancient fossils, a kneeling archer from the Terracotta Army, and a Tang Dynasty mural of a polo match, a popular sport during that era.
Bell Tower
The Xi’an Bell Tower was constructed in 1384 under the rule of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The Bell Tower is a prominent landmark in the centre of Xi’an, situated at the intersection of the city’s four major roads. The Xi’an Bell Tower is one of the most impressive and striking structures in China. Originally, it and its mirror image, the Drum Tower, served as a form of communication in Xi’an. The tower has three storeys and reaches a height of 36 metres. Climbing the Bell Tower offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views across the city.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Covering an area of 3.5 square kilometers, Daming Palace epitomized unparalleled grandeur and the majestic essence of Tang-era palace architecture and was praised as the “Eastern Holy Palace” of the Silk Road. It is a vast archaeological site featuring the remains and reconstructed features of an imperial palace from the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can freely explore the park, square, and ancient palace gate dating back to 634 AD. The area offers open green spaces, a model of the palace, and occasional public performances at the IMAX theater.
Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is an intriguing labyrinth of old streets located just north of the Drum Tower. The Grand Mosque was constructed in the 10th century, coinciding with the arrival of Islam and the merchants of the Silk Road in Xian, which was the eastern terminus of this trade route. The main streets of the quarter are lined with buildings in the Ming and Qing styles, and there are numerous butcher’s shops and sesame oil factories. The location offers a variety of street food options.
Shanxi Grand Opera House
This establishment offers a captivating Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, which provides an insight into Chinese history and culture. The performance features an enchanting blend of lights, music, vibrant costumes and traditional musical instruments such as the paixiang. Guests are invited to enjoy a special dumpling dinner with an assortment of hot dumplings served throughout the show.
Wild Goose Pagoda
The Wild Goose Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive pagoda is situated in pleasant surroundings on the grounds of the ancient Jianfu Temple and has a history dating back over 1,300 years. As one of the most significant Buddhist structures erected during the Tang Dynasty, the Little Wild Goose Pagoda has long been a place of worship, with incense burning and prayers offered. The exquisite appearance, beautiful craftsmanship and mysterious ambience make the Little Wild Goose Pagoda a highly recommended attraction.
Qinglong Temple
Qinglong Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple with intricate architectural designs and a museum housing relics, which attracts a great many visitors. It has historically served as an important training ground for Buddhist monks, attracting Japanese monks seeking to learn about Buddhism. It is worth noting that the temple’s history is closely linked to the teachings brought back to Japan by the monk Kukai in 806. The temple is situated in a picturesque location, including cherry trees that bloom beautifully from mid-March to April, and is an ideal destination for your visiting Xian.
There are many things that await your exploration in Xi’an. Whether you visit it for the first time or return to visit it again, we believe you will discover a brand new Xi’an. Come and plan your very own trip together with our travel consultant.
