Explore Xi’an with an immersive cultural experience route that includes ancient landmarks, local cuisine, traditional streets, and exciting experiences for first-time visitors.
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- Imperial City Imprints: From City Walls to Stele Forest
- Buddhist Light and Pagoda Shadows: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang River Flowing Wine
- Echoes of the Streets: Taste and Faith in the Depths of the Muslim Quarter
- Night Lights: Twilight at the Bell and Drum Towers and Xiangzi Temple Street
- Travel Tips
- Itinerary Suggestions
Route 1: Imperial City Imprints – Cycling on the city walls and reading history through stone tablets.
Suitable for: History buffs, calligraphy enthusiasts, photography lovers
Total time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including breaks)
Route: Yongning Gate (South Gate) to ascend the city wall → Cycling or walking along the city wall → Descending the city wall from Wenchang Gate → Beilin Museum → Shuyuanmen Pedestrian Street
1. Yongning Gate (South Gate) – Starting point for climbing the city wall
Yongning Gate is the most magnificent gate on the Xi’an City Wall and the entrance chosen by most tourists. Note: The city wall has multiple gates, but Yongning Gate is the most convenient, as it is directly accessible by subway.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tickets: 54 RMB for adults, includes admission to Xi’an City Wall and the Forest of Steles.
- Recommendation: Visit the city wall in the early morning (8:00-9:00) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) when the lighting is softer and there are fewer people.
2.Cycling or walking along the city wall
The Xi’an City Wall is about 13.7 kilometers long and is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world.
- Bicycle Rental: Multiple rental points are located on the wall (Yongning Gate, East Gate, West Gate, etc.). Single bike: 45 yuan/3 hours; Tandem bike: 90 yuan/3 hours. Bikes can be returned at any point.
- A complete cycle: Approximately 1.5-2 hours, with stops for photos allowed.
- No-cycling zone: The section from the South Gate to the Wenchang Gate is closed to cycling due to its antique-style brick and stone surface; however, it is an excellent walking area.
There is almost no shade on the city wall, so be sure to bring water and apply sunscreen in the summer. It is windy in winter, so wear a hat.
3.Beilin Museum – Chinese History on Stone
It’s a 5-minute walk from the city wall below Wenchang Gate. The Stele Forest houses nearly 3,000 stone tablets from the Han to the Qing dynasties, including masterpieces of calligraphy, Confucian classics, Buddhist scriptures, and ancient maps.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Ticket Price: 85 RMB
Must-See:
- The Six Steeds of Zhaoling: Six bas-reliefs of warhorses in front of Emperor Taizong’s tomb. Four are originals, and two are replicas (the originals are in the United States).
- The Kaicheng Stone Classics: Twelve Confucian classics carved during the Tang Dynasty, comprising 114 stone tablets, equivalent to ancient “standard textbooks”.
Language services: Official audio guides (English, Japanese, Korean), rental fee 30 yuan. On-site guided tours: Chinese tours approximately 100 yuan/hour, English tours approximately 200 yuan/hour.
Suggested duration: at least 2 hours. If you are not familiar with calligraphy, you can focus on the stone carvings and Tang Dynasty epitaphs, which are more visually appealing.
4.Shuyuanmen Pedestrian Street – A Treasure Trove for Literati
Stepping out of the Stele Forest, you’ll find the Academy Gate right across the street. This cobblestone street is named after the “Guanzhong Academy” from the Ming Dynasty.
Experience: The entire street sells writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, seals, stones, hand-painted fans, paper cuttings, and shadow puppets. Many shop owners are artisans themselves.
Interactive activity: For 20-50 yuan, you can have an elderly person write an acrostic poem using your name or have a Chinese name stamp made on-site.
A trip to the city wall and the Stele Forest will take at least half a day. If time is limited, consider cycling along the city wall (1.5 hours) and then focusing on the Stele Forest (1.5 hours).
Toilets on the city wall are scattered around; there are some near Yongning Gate, East Gate, and West Gate. It’s best to use the restroom before cycling.
For lunch, you can try “Zui Chang’an” or “Qin Yu Roujiamo” near Shuyuanmen, both within a 10-minute walk.
Route 2: Buddha’s Light and Pagoda Shadows – From the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to the Tang Dynasty Never Sleeping City
Suitable for: Buddhist culture enthusiasts, night view lovers, and families.
Total time: Approximately 4-5 hours (recommended to start in the afternoon, connecting with the night view)
Itinerary: Da Ci’en Temple → Climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Musical Fountain at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Tang Paradise Pedestrian Street → Qujiang Pool Relics Park (optional)
1.Da Ci’en Temple and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Da Ci’en Temple was a royal temple during the Tang Dynasty, where the monk Xuanzang (the prototype of the Tang Monk in “Journey to the West”) translated Buddhist scriptures. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built under his supervision to preserve the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: 10 yuan for Da Ci’en Temple, 25 yuan additional for climbing the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Climbing the tower: The stairs inside are very steep and narrow, about 7 stories high. Elderly people and those with mobility issues should proceed with caution. However, the panoramic view from the top, overlooking the entire central axis of Xi’an, makes it worthwhile.
- Cultural Background: Xuanzang’s journey lasted 16 years, bringing back 657 Buddhist scriptures. The tower preserves replicas of palm-leaf manuscripts and Tang Dynasty Buddhist statues. It is recommended to rent an English audio guide for 20 yuan; the story is very engaging.
2. Musical fountain at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The musical fountain at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the largest matrix-style musical fountain in Asia, and its appearance and performance effects are extremely impressive.
Performance times:
- Daytime: 12:00, 16:00 (approximately 10 minutes per show)
- Evening: 19:00, 21:00
Best viewing spots: The highest steps in the square, or near the railing directly in front of the fountain. Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot, as it gets extremely crowded in the evening.
Note: There will be an announcement before the fountain starts; be careful not to get your camera wet from the spray.
3. Datang Everbright City Pedestrian Street
Stretching 2.1 kilometers from the south side of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to Kaiyuan Square, this modern commercial street features architecture, sculptures, lighting, and performances all themed around the Tang Dynasty.
Best time: After 7:30 pm, when the atmosphere is at its best after the lights come on.
If you’re lucky and arrive at the pedestrian street at the right time, you might even have a chance to catch a performance：
- “The Tumbler Girl”: Shows are usually held multiple times between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM near Yintai Department Store.
- “The Secret Box of the Tang Dynasty”: Two actors portray “Fang Xuanling” and “Du Ruhui,” interacting with the audience through humorous Q&A (in Chinese, but with engaging body language).
- Warrior Parade, Sogdian Whirl Dance, etc.
4. Qujiangchi Relics Park
If you still have energy, you can walk or ride a shared bicycle for 15 minutes to Qujiang Pool. This is the site of the Tang Dynasty royal garden “Qujiang Liuyin” and is now a free public park.
- Suitable for: quiet walks, watching the sunset, and feeding the ducks. The lights are beautiful at night, but not as lively as the Tang Paradise.
- Recommendation: If you’re already tired, skip this and come back the next morning.
There are many “Hanfu Experience Halls” around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where you can rent clothes, do your makeup, and take photos (about 200-500 yuan, including 1 hour of photography by a photographer).
Route 3: Echoes of the Streets – Taste and Faith in the Muslim Quarter
Suitable for: Foodies, cultural enthusiasts, and those interested in Islamic culture
Total time: 3-4 hours (recommended to visit around lunch or dinner time)
Route: Huajue Lane Mosque → Gao Family Courtyard → Xiyangshi Market → Dapiyuan Street
1. Huajue Lane Great Mosque
Built during the Tang Dynasty and expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this mosque is entirely in the traditional Chinese courtyard style, rather than featuring a minaret. It is one of the most unique mosques in China.
- Opening Hours: (March to November) 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; (December to February) 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket Price: (March to November) 25RMB; (December to February) 15RMB
Entry Requirements:
- Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women are not required to wear a headscarf, but it is recommended to avoid wearing very short skirts.
- Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the prayer hall, but may visit the courtyard.
- Please remain quiet and do not disturb worshippers.
2. Gao Family Compound
Right next to the mosque is an official’s residence built during the Ming Dynasty.
- Tickets: 15 yuan. Separate tickets are required for shadow puppetry or Qinqiang opera.
- Performances: Shadow puppetry (approx. 15 minutes), Qinqiang opera (approx. 20 minutes). Although the lyrics are incomprehensible, the costumes and movements are very distinctive. Performance time is irregular.
3. Xiyangshi & Dapiyuan – Authentic Muslim Quarter Food Streets
The main street of the Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen), which is popular with tourists, is too commercialized. Walk a little further to Xiyangshi and Dapiyuan, where you’ll find the places where locals eat.
Must-Try List:
- Chinese hamburger (肉夹馍): A type of Chinese sandwich made with braised pork in a baiji bun. Recommended: “Qin Yu Rou Jia Mo” (东木木市) or “Sun Qing Hai” in the Muslim Quarter.
- Pita Bread In Mutton Soup (羊肉泡馍): You break the bun yourself and then have the vendor cook it. Recommended: “Lao Mi Jia Da Yu Pao Mo” (西羊市).
- Steamed Rice Cake (甑糕): Steamed glutinous rice with red dates, sweet and sticky. “Pang Zi Zeng Gao” in Sajinqiao is a morning stall.
- Persimmon cake (柿子饼): Deep-fried sweet cake with fillings such as walnuts and sesame seeds.
Route 4: Night Lights – Twilight from the Bell and Drum Tower to Xiangzi Temple Street
Suitable for: Romantic walkers, those who enjoy bars and quiet cafes
Total time: 2-3 hours (from evening to night)
Route: Drum Tower → Bell Tower → Muslim Quarter Main Street (quick walk) → Xiangzi Temple Street → Defu Lane
1. Drum Tower and Bell Tower
The two Ming Dynasty buildings are only 300 meters apart and were once signal stations for morning bells and evening drums in ancient times.
Best Viewing: Climbing the towers isn’t necessary. A perfect photo of both towers can be taken at the exit of the circular underground passageway.
Lighting Hours: Approximately half an hour after sunset until 11:00 PM. Lights on around 7:30 PM in summer and 6:30 PM in winter.
Climbing the Towers: 30 RMB for a single tower, 50 RMB for a combined ticket. Inside, there are ancient musical instrument exhibitions (Drum Tower) and bell culture exhibitions (Bell Tower), but not many highlights.
Best Shooting Angle: The observation deck on the fifth floor of the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall in the northwest corner of the Bell Tower offers a panoramic view of the traffic flowing around the Bell Tower.
2. Main street of the Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen)
If you’re looking to buy souvenirs (such as dates, peanut brittle, and persimmon cakes), this is a good place to do so. It’s also an excellent spot to sample various local delicacies of Xi’an.
3. Xiangzi Temple Street
About a 15-minute walk south from the Bell Tower. This street is named after the temple of Han Xiangzi, one of the Eight Immortals (a small, free temple worth a visit).
Atmosphere: Quiet and artistic, with many teahouses, incense shops, and independent bookstores.
4. Defu Lane
Perpendicular to Xiangzimiao Street, it is only 200 meters long, yet it is packed with more than 20 bars and Western restaurants. The buildings are all antique-style brick and wood structures.
The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a light jacket.
Many shops on Xiangzimiao Street and Defu Lane remain open after 9 PM, but the food stalls on Muslim Street gradually close after 10 PM.
Travel Tips
Itinerary Suggestions：
- Spring (April-May): Flowers bloom, temperatures 15-25℃
- Autumn (September-October): Clear skies, little rain, and comfortable temperatures
- Summer (June-August): Hot and dry, temperatures can reach 38℃, but indoor air conditioning is available.
- Winter (November-February): Dry and cold, temperatures 0-8℃, but fewer tourists and cheaper airfares.
Transportation：
- Subway: Currently, there are 4 lines, covering most attractions. You can use Alipay/WeChat QR codes to pay, or buy single-journey tickets at the machines (English interface available).
- Shared Bikes: Meituan, Hello. Deposit approximately 300 RMB (refundable), 1.5 RMB for half an hour of riding. Be aware of designated return areas.
- Taxi: Starting fare 9 RMB (including 3 kilometers), but traffic is common during evening rush hour. Use the international version of the DiDi app, which allows you to link foreign credit cards.
Accommodation Recommendations:
- Near the Bell Tower/South Gate: Most convenient transportation, lively at night. Mid-range hotels around 400-700 RMB/night.
- Near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Quiet, beautiful night view, suitable for families.
- Administrative Center/Northern Suburbs: Cheap (200-400 RMB), but far from attractions.
Language Assistance:
Most staff at tourist attraction ticket offices, large hotels, Starbucks, etc., speak basic English.
We recommend downloading Google Translate (offline Chinese translation tool) to translate menus or road signs in real-time using your camera.
Common Phrases:
- “Thank you” – Xiè xie
- “How much?” – Duō shǎo qián
- “Where is the toilet?” – Cèsuǒ zài nǎ lǐ
- “Don’t want spicy food” – Bú yào là (I don’t eat spicy food)
Itinerary Suggestions
If you are interested in traveling to Xi’an, please contact us and we can customize a trip for you based on your interests.
