Hey Leosquad! Xi’an (西安) is not just another stop on a China itinerary—it’s where Chinese history begins ⛩️📜. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and home to dynasties that shaped the nation, Xi’an (西安) offers something many cities don’t: history you can walk on, eat, and experience ✨. If you’re wondering what to do in Xian, when to go, and how to make the most of your time, this guide breaks down the 11 must try experiences in Xian in a way that’s easy to follow and actually useful for planning your trip 🧳.
- 🎥 Is Xi’an worth visiting? 1 minute Experience Shorts
- 🧐 Why Xi’an Should Be on Your China Travel List?
- 1. Visit the Terracotta Warriors
- 2. Rent a Hanfu and Step into History
- 3. Walk or Bike on Xi’an City Wall
- 4. Watch The Camel Bell Legend Show
- 5. Find Peace at Guangren Temple
- 6. See the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
- 7. Experience Grand Tang Mall at Night
- 8. Try Biang Biang Noodles
- 9. Eat Rou Jia Mo
- 10. Taste Hu Lu Ji
- 11. Explore Hui Min Jie (Muslim Quarter)
- Bonus: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- 📝 How to Plan Your Xi’an Trip Better
- 💭 Final Thoughts
- 🎥 Watch The Full Video Here
- 🔗 Helpful Links
🎥 Is Xi’an worth visiting? 1 minute Experience Shorts
🧐 Why Xi’an Should Be on Your China Travel List?
Xi’an (西安) was once the capital of 13 dynasties and remains one of China’s most culturally rich cities 💎. Today, it blends ancient landmarks, living traditions, and legendary street food—all in one compact, walkable city. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or casual traveler, Xi’an (西安) delivers experiences you simply can’t get elsewhere in China 🏮.
1. Visit the Terracotta Warriors
No trip to Xi’an (西安) is complete without seeing the Bīngmǎyǒng (兵马俑) Terracotta Army , built over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Thousands of life-size warriors stand frozen in time, each with unique facial features 👲.
How to visit:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, and plan at least half a day including transport from the city center.
📍 Locations: Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum Lintong District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710612
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:30 – 17:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 120 RMB (16.8 USD)
💡 Tip: Skip summer unless crowds are your vibe!
🕒 Spend: 4-5 Hours
Read my full article about Terracotta Warriors guide here.
Fun Facts: Standing guard for more than 2000 years & still standing strong
2. Rent a Hanfu and Step into History
Hanfu rental has become one of the most popular experiences in Xi’an (西安), and for good reason. Wearing traditional Chinese clothing while walking through ancient streets makes the city feel like a living drama set.
Where it works best:
Near the City Wall, Bell Tower, or Grand Tang Mall—especially around sunset for photos.
📍 Locations: Xīngchén hànfú guǎn (星辰汉服馆) No. 10, Ci’en East Road, Yanta District, Xi’an
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 09:00 – 22:00
💰 Price : 300 RMB (42.07 USD)
3. Walk or Bike on Xi’an City Wall
Xi’an (西安) is home to one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You can walk, cycle, or simply relax while enjoying views of both old and modern Xi’an (西安) from above.
When to go:
Late afternoon or early evening for cooler weather and golden light.
📍 Locations: xī’ān gǔchéng (西安古城) Xincheng, Xi’An, China, 710003
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:30 – 18:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 54 RMB (7.5 USD)
🕒 Spend: 2 Hours
💡 Tips: There’s even a museum if you want to dig into the history
4. Watch The Camel Bell Legend Show
This large-scale outdoor performance brings the Silk Road story to life with fire effects, water scenes, and dramatic choreography. It’s one of the most immersive ways to understand Xi’an (西安)’s role in global trade history.
Who it’s for:
Travelers who want culture and entertainment combined, not just museums.
📍 Locations: Huaxia Cultural Tourism Xi’an Resort No. 1518 Huawen Road, Chanba Ecological District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 10:30 – 20:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 35 RMB (5 USD)
💡 Fun Facts: The stage didn’t move, But we do
🕒 Spend: 2 Hours
Curious about what the show looks like? Read my full article about A Complete Guide Camel Bell Legend Show here.
🎭 Buy your ticket here and experience the spectacular Camel Bell Legend Show in Xi’an.
5. Find Peace at Guangren Temple
Guǎng rén Temple (广仁寺) is Xi’an (西安)’s main Tibetan Buddhist temple, offering a calm contrast to the city’s busy streets. The architecture, prayer flags, and quiet atmosphere make it a meaningful stop.
Why it matters:
It shows a different spiritual side of Xi’an (西安) that many visitors miss.
📍 Locations: Guǎng rén Temple 152 Xibeiyi Rd, Lianhu District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710082
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:00 – 17:30
🕒 Spend: 1-2 Hours
6. See the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Source: Wild Great Wall Adventures (right)
Located in the heart of the city, these two towers once regulated daily life in ancient Xi’an (西安). At night, they glow beautifully and make a perfect photo stop.
Tip:
Visit both day and night—the atmosphere changes completely.
📍 Locations: Bei Lin Qu, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710007 (Bell Tower) & Jianfusi Rd, Beilin, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710064 ( Drum Tower)
🕒 Spend: 1 Hours
7. Experience Grand Tang Mall at Night
When night falls, Grand Tang Mall transforms into a lively cultural street filled with lights, music, and occasional performances. The red and yellow glow creates a festive, almost cinematic vibe.
Best time:
After dinner, when the lights are fully on and the street is most alive.
📍 Locations: Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square, No. 6, East Section of Huanta South Road, Yanta District, Xi’an
⏰ Opening Hours: Open All Day
💡 Tips: Don’t miss the fountain show at 7 PM or 9 PM
🕒 Spend: 2 Hours
8. Try Biang Biang Noodles
Xi’an (西安)’s most famous noodle dish, Biáng biáng miàn (𰻝𰻝面) Biang Biang Noodles, is thick, hand-pulled, and packed with flavor. The noodles are often slapped against the table during preparation—part of the experience.
Why you shouldn’t skip it:
This dish represents Xi’an (西安)’s bold, wheat-based food culture.
📍 Locations: biangbiang noodles (赤根) Exit B of Andingmen Subway Station, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:00 – 22:30
💰 Price : 30 RMB (4.22 USD)
💡 Fun Facts: 58 Stroke Characters only in Xi’an (西安)
9. Eat Rou Jia Mo
Often called the “Chinese burger,” Ròu jiā mó (肉夹馍) features slow-braised meat stuffed into crispy flatbread. Simple, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for:
A quick meal while sightseeing.
📍 Locations: biangbiang noodles (赤根) Exit B of Andingmen Subway Station, Lianhu District, Xi’an.
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 08:00 – 22:30
💰 Price : 8 RMB (1.13 USD)
10. Taste Hu Lu Ji
Húlu jī (葫芦鸡) Gourd Chicken may sound intimidating, but it’s unforgettable. Known for its strong spices and deep flavor, it’s one of those dishes that defines Xi’an (西安)’s fearless food scene.
Who should try it:
Adventurous eaters looking for something truly local.
📍 Locations: Dà chú xiǎo guǎn (大厨小馆) No.7 Gaoxin 1st Road, Xi’an 710065 China
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 12:00 – 24:00
💰 Price : 76 RMB (10.6 USD)
11. Explore Hui Min Jie (Muslim Quarter)
The huímín jiē (回民街) Muslim Quarter is where Xi’an (西安)’s energy peaks. This street food paradise blends Islamic culture with Shaanxi flavors, offering skewers, breads, desserts, and nonstop action.
When to go:
Evening, when the stalls are fully open and the atmosphere is electric.
📍 Locations: Beiyuanmen Street (北院门), Lianhu District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 9:00 – 22:00 PM
🕒 Spend: 2 Hours
💡Best Time to Visit: Evening 18:00 – 22:30
Bonus: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Dàyàn tǎ (大雁塔) The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a quiet symbol of Xi’an’s spiritual roots. Rising above tree-lined paths and open plazas, this ancient pagoda once safeguarded sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India along the Silk Road.
- Ancient Buddhist pagoda with beautiful grounds
- Night fountains and light show in the park
📍 Locations: 1 Cien Rd, Yanta District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710064
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 50 RMB (7.19 USD) for entry to grounds and 30 RMB (4.31 USD) for climbing to the pagoda
💡 Tips: This is a good option to explore if you like temples + city parks
📝 How to Plan Your Xi’an Trip Better
Source: Chinese Language Institute (CLI)
To make the most of Xi’an (西安):
- Spend at least 2–3 days to avoid rushing
- Combine major attractions with food stops
- Visit historical sites earlier in the day and nightlife areas at night
This balance helps you experience both the ancient soul and modern pulse of the city.
💭 Final Thoughts
Xi’an (西安) isn’t just a destination—it’s a story still being told through its walls, temples, food, and streets. From standing before the Terracotta Warriors to biting into a freshly made Ròu jiā mó (肉夹馍), every experience connects you to centuries of history in a very real way.
If you want to see how these experiences look in real life, check out the full video—and follow Leo Trails for more unforgettable journeys across China.
Follow Leotrails for more exciting adventures and insider tips from China
That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!
🎥 Watch The Full Video Here
🏨 Where to Stay in Xi’an?
Source: Trip.com
Recommended Stay: Mercure Xi’an Downtown Hotel (Xi’an City Walls)
If you want more space and a more polished stay, Mercure is likely the better option. Rooms are generally larger, and the overall experience feels more comfortable, while still being close to the city wall.
Source: Trip.com
Where I Stayed: Schuman Hotel (Ancient City Wall Branch)
I stayed at Schuman Hotel mainly for its location. The city wall is just steps away, which makes early-morning walks and evening strolls super easy.
The room is compact but clean, and the service is good — a practical choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring.
