Top 50 Best Things to Do in Xi'an
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Xi'an

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  • Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museumtop_1
    󰺂10
    63.68
    Xi'an.Terracotta Army/Hua Qing Palace33.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSun Yang visits the Terracotta Army in Xi'an
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆The highest point of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor overlooking the Weihe
    󰀆Qin's tomb viewpoint over Wei River
    󱨠Saved by 8674 users󱨠83805 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M15***69M15***69

    This was my second trip to Xi'an. Although I bought a ticket, I didn't go to the Terracotta Army; I only went to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor to pay my respects to this great emperor. He etched the concept of "unity" into the blood of the Chinese people.

  • Xi'an City Walltop_2
    󰺂8.9
    28.66
    Xi'an.The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation1.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYou can also see the Xi'an City Wall lantern show on New Year's Eve
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Interactive Lantern Festival of Light and Shadow during the Lunar New Year
    Interactive light show festival
    󱨠Saved by 3909 users󱨠42346 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Xi'an City Wall is truly awe-inspiring; only by being there in person can one truly appreciate its historical grandeur. The entire route is quite long, approximately ten kilometers. After walking for a short while, I rented a bicycle to cycle around the wall. I stopped frequently along the way, and it took about an hour and a half to cycle. I went in the morning, and next time I'd like to see the city wall at sunset or at night.

  • Song of Everlasting Sorrowtop_3
    󰺂8.7
    126.82
    Xi'an.Terracotta Army/Hua Qing Palace27 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty
    󰋄Tang Dynasty love story reenactment
    󱨠Saved by 3304 users󱨠13215 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    EshyEshy

    Worth it🤩🤩. Amazing performance, traditional choreography, wonderful melody . A mix of Modern and classic . A must see show . #memories, #Broadway Chinese version

  • Xi'an Bell Tower
    4
    󰺂8.4
    15.92
    Xi'an.The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation8m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Panoramic view of Xi'an from the top of the Bell Tower
    󱓊Panoramic view of streets & Drum Tower
    󱨠Saved by 2383 users󱨠15573 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    东篱把酒@东篱把酒@

    Xi'an Citywalk | A Time Machine After a Carb-Filled Walk As dusk settled, I emerged from the Yongningmen subway station and looked up—wow! The golden roof of the Bell Tower was bathed in the glow of the sunset, looking like amber—absolutely stunning! This old building, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is now gently embraced by glass curtain walls and a sunken plaza, both ancient and modern. In the Line 5 transfer passage, a Ming Dynasty ceremonial guard is "walking" on an AR wall, with vermilion palace lanterns and neon signs lighting up together, surprisingly harmoniously. On the basement level, the food market is filled with the irresistible aroma of biangbiang noodles with chili oil. Next door, at Shaanxi Shisan, young people are queuing up to try the fermented rice flavored ice cream—it's all so novel! On the third-floor observation deck, donning VR glasses, the morning bell and evening drum of the Bell Tower and the drone show at Yongning Gate "fold" before your eyes. A blogger in Hanfu walks past under the eaves, the sounds of wind chimes and helicopters mingling in the wind—it's incredibly captivating! This is the Bell Tower as seen through my eyes—unpretentious and unpretentious, seamlessly blending old traditions with modern life, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the aroma of food and the interplay of light and shadow, experiencing Chang'an firsthand. #AncientTowerNewFashion #CarbsAndCyber ​​#SixHundredYearsInAGlance

  • Tang Paradise
    5
    󰺂8.3
    36.09
    Xi'an.Dayan Pagoda/The Grand Tang Mall5.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoChang'an Lantern Festival to Open Early on New Year's Day | Jan 2026-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Boat tour of the royal garden on Furong Lake
    󱓊Boat show: Tang Dynasty Dream
    󱨠Saved by 2383 users󱨠13412 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's best to go in around dusk; it doesn't look as beautiful during the day as it does at night with the lights on. Standing on the Ziyun Tower, you can watch the sunset and see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. During the off-season, it's less crowded, making for great photos. In the evenings, there are many people taking Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) photoshoots. The overall environment is nice, and there are restrooms everywhere, making it a great place for a family trip. There's very little information about the performances and events within the park; there's only a map at the entrance, which means we didn't see many performances. We heard announcements, but we didn't know where they were. Aside from that, everything else is quite nice.

  • Shaanxi History Museum
    6
    󰺂8.1
    Xi'an.Xiaozhai/Shaanxi History Museum4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFollow "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3" to See National Treasures
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜A million years of treasures
    Interactive ancient life experience
    󱨠Saved by 2273 users󱨠13814 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M57***97M57***97

    Teacher Liu Yanrong's explanations were clear and vivid. She has a wealth of historical knowledge, and her language is very engaging, making the reader feel as if they are there 😀, which further piqued my interest in this historical subject.

  • The Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block
    7
    󰺂8.0
    36.09
    Xi'an.Dayan Pagoda/The Grand Tang Mall5.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block Launches "Tang Dynasty Garden Party"
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xi'an
    Highlights:
    󱓊Immersive Tang Dynasty street experience
    󱓊Tang Dynasty immersive city life
    󱨠Saved by 1219 users󱨠3571 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Venue rather small than expected, but immersive experience with the many NPCs makes the visit really worthwhile. Looked high & low in Xi’an for 火晶柿子 from the drama series, but it can only be found here! Highly recommended to try it, indeed delicious. Also recommend 石头拌饭 in the food street. At times may feel somewhat constrained due to the small venue cos not that much space to stroll around & different performances take place on rotation more or less around same spots, but despite so can still easily spend an entire day here if chasing after the various scheduled performances. Will still come here again when next visit Xi’an!

  • Grand Tang Mall
    8
    󰺂7.9
    Xi'an.Dayan Pagoda/The Grand Tang Mall5.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆9 themed sculptures on avenue
    󱓊Iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    󱨠Saved by 2733 users󱨠1461 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    ❤️洋洋❤️洋洋

    The Tang Dynasty Never Sleeping City is not only a tourist attraction but also a carrier of cultural heritage. It regularly hosts cultural activities such as Tang poetry recitals and traditional musical instrument performances, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the literary and artistic achievements of the Tang Dynasty while enjoying their visit.

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    9
    󰺂7.9
    5.31
    Xi'an.Dayan Pagoda/The Grand Tang Mall4.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 6 of Night Attractions in Xi'an
    Highlights:
    󱨜Asia's largest musical fountain square
    󰋄Spectacular Xi'an views (Top of tower)
    󱨠Saved by 1580 users󱨠4734 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    张家老飞侠张家老飞侠

    Approaching the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its ancient and solemn structure stands tall and majestic, having withstood a thousand years of history. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Xi'an, a truly expansive vista. Nearby, the solemn statue of Xuanzang stands nearby, while the vibrant Tang Dynasty City Never Sleeps exudes a lively atmosphere. Strolling through the park, the air is filled with the scent of incense, and the interplay of ancient architecture and light creates a scene that is both historically weighty and bustling with life. Quietly appreciating the fusion of the old and the new, one feels a sense of peace and creates an unforgettable experience.

  • Daming Palace National Heritage Park
    10
    󰺂7.8
    31.84
    Xi'an.Daming Palace/Xi'an Railway Station4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xi'an
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cherry blossoms around Taiye Lake
    󱨜Political center & national symbol (Tang Dynasty)
    󱨠Saved by 681 users󱨠4933 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    Babək /苏博Babək /苏博

    It’s wasn’t as I expected, But Still I would say if you stay Xian longer you can visit, and visit on sunny days

Best things to do in Xi'an (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Xi'an? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Xi'an offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Xi'an

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Xi'an experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

• Xi'an.Terracotta Army/Hua Qing Palace | 33.8 km from downtown

• : The highest point of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor overlooking the Weihe,Qin's tomb viewpoint over Wei River

Xi'an City Wall

• Xi'an.The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation | 1.8 km from downtown

• : Interactive Lantern Festival of Light and Shadow during the Lunar New Year,Interactive light show festival

Song of Everlasting Sorrow

• Xi'an.Terracotta Army/Hua Qing Palace | 27 km from downtown

• : Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty,Tang Dynasty love story reenactment

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Xi'an

If you want to explore attractions just outside Xi'an, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Xi'an, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Xi'an special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Xi'an

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Xi'an

Ready to explore the best of Xi'an? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Xi'an?
These are all Best Things to Do in Xi'an:Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Xi'an City Wall, Song of Everlasting Sorrow, Xi'an Bell Tower, Tang Paradise
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Xi'an?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Xi'an include:Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum:4.7, Xi'an City Wall:4.6, Song of Everlasting Sorrow:4.5, Xi'an Bell Tower:4.5, Tang Paradise:4.3
At what locations in Xi'an can Best Things to Do in Xi'an be found?
The Best Things to Do in Xi'an are mainly located in:Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum:Xi'an, Xi'an City Wall:Xi'an, Song of Everlasting Sorrow:Xi'an, Xi'an Bell Tower:Xi'an, Tang Paradise:Xi'an
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