Xi’an History & Culture
Explore Xi’an through ancient history, archaeology, museums, and Tang-era culture.
DISCOVER XI’AN
History & Culture
Step into the history of ancient China. Explore imperial landmarks, remarkable museums, historic architecture and cultural heritage across Xi’an.
Terracotta Army
秦始皇兵马俑博物馆
Discover the extraordinary underground army of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
Main Highlights
- The three main excavation pits
- Life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses
- The history of China’s first emperor
Allow around 2–3 hours for the museum. More time is needed if you also visit the Mausoleum Site Park.
Peak season (Mar 16–Nov 15): 08:30–17:00.
Off-season (Nov 16–Mar 15): 08:30–16:30. Last ticket check is at 17:00.
Real-name advance reservation is required. Bring the original passport or identification document used for booking.
Located in Lintong District, outside central Xi’an. Plan your transport before departure; it is not directly served by the city metro.
Visitor tip: The museum can become very busy during public holidays. Reserve early and check the official visitor notice before travelling.
Ancient History
Shaanxi History Museum
陕西历史博物馆
Explore an exceptional collection of artifacts that tell the story of Shaanxi and the rise and fall of China’s ancient dynasties.
Main Highlights
- Tang Dynasty gold and silver treasures
- Ancient pottery, bronzes and jade objects
- Artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang periods
Allow around 2–3 hours for a general visit.
The museum’s published seasonal schedule varies. Check the official website for the current date’s hours and last entry time.
Free admission with real-name reservation. The official English visitor guide states that reservations open up to 5 days in advance. Entry is tied to the booked time slot and ID document.
Metro Line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai Station, or Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station, followed by a walk.
Visitor tip: This museum is popular and reservation slots can be limited. Check the official reservation channel before your visit. Monday closure and holiday arrangements should be checked against the current notice.
Museum
Xi’an City Wall
西安城墙
Walk along one of China’s best-preserved ancient city walls and enjoy panoramic views of the historic city from its impressive ramparts.
Main Highlights
- South Gate and its historic gate towers
- Panoramic views over the old city
- Walking and cycling along the ramparts
Allow around 1.5–3 hours, depending on whether you walk or rent a bicycle.
South Gate group: Mar–Oct 08:00–22:00; Nov–Feb 08:00–20:00. Last ascent is earlier than closing time. Other gates may have different hours.
Advance booking is generally not required for ordinary visits. Ticket arrangements may change during special events and holiday periods.
Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station is convenient for the South Gate entrance.
Visitor tip: Late afternoon is a pleasant time to visit. Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer.
Historic Architecture
Bell & Drum Towers
西安钟楼与鼓楼
Admire two iconic Ming Dynasty landmarks that once marked time for the ancient city and remain central symbols of Xi’an today.
Main Highlights
- The Bell Tower at the city’s central intersection
- The Drum Tower and its traditional architecture
- Night views and nearby historic streets
Allow around 30–60 minutes for each tower, or longer if visiting both.
Hours vary by season and tower. Check the current official notice before visiting.
Tickets are generally available for purchase on site. Combined ticket options may be offered for both towers.
Metro Line 2 or Line 6 to Zhonglou Station. The towers are within walking distance of each other.
Visitor tip: The towers are especially attractive after dark. Use the underground pedestrian passages to reach the Bell Tower safely.
Historic Architecture
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
大雁塔
Visit this landmark Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty, closely connected with the history of Buddhism and the travels of Xuanzang.
Main Highlights
- The historic brick pagoda
- Da Ci’en Temple
- The surrounding square and evening fountain area
Allow around 1.5–2.5 hours for the pagoda and temple area.
Opening times may differ between the temple grounds and pagoda interior. Check the current seasonal schedule before visiting.
Ticket arrangements for the temple grounds and climbing the pagoda may be different. Check exactly what is included before purchasing.
Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station, followed by a walk to the scenic area.
Visitor tip: The surrounding area is also worth exploring in the evening. Check fountain performance schedules separately.
Buddhist Heritage
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
小雁塔
Discover a graceful Tang Dynasty pagoda set in a peaceful historic setting, offering a quieter glimpse into Xi’an’s Buddhist heritage. The pagoda is located within the Xi’an Museum grounds.
Main Highlights
- The elegant Tang Dynasty brick pagoda
- Jianfu Temple and its historic bell
- Traditional gardens and surrounding heritage grounds
Allow around 1–2 hours. Combine it with the Xi’an Museum for a longer visit.
Published visitor information indicates seasonal hours, generally around 08:30–18:00 in peak season and 08:30–17:30 in the off-season. Confirm current hours before visiting.
Real-name reservation is required for the museum grounds. The pagoda and museum share the same site; check the current entry arrangements.
Metro Line 2 or 5 to Nanshaomen Station, followed by a walk.
Visitor tip: Published information indicates Tuesday closure except public holidays. Confirm the latest museum notice before setting out.
Buddhist Heritage
Daming Palace National Heritage Park
大明宫国家遗址公园
Explore the remains of the grand imperial palace complex that served as the political center of the Tang Dynasty for generations.
Main Highlights
- Hanyuan Hall ruins
- The archaeological site and palace layout
- Exhibition spaces and heritage displays
Allow around 2–3 hours, depending on the areas and exhibitions you visit.
Opening hours may vary by season and by ticketed area. Check the current official visitor notice.
Some ticket options may cover different areas or exhibition experiences. Read the ticket inclusions carefully before booking.
Metro Line 4 to Daminggong Station is a convenient option for the heritage park area. Check the entrance location for your chosen visit.
Visitor tip: The site is extensive and involves considerable walking. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for outdoor areas.
Imperial Heritage
Hanyangling Mausoleum
汉阳陵
Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty and discover burial objects and archaeological remains from ancient imperial life.
Main Highlights
- Underground archaeological exhibition
- Burial pits and miniature figures
- The history of the Western Han Dynasty
Allow around 2–3 hours for the museum and archaeological site.
Check the official visitor notice for the latest seasonal opening and last-entry times.
Check current admission and reservation requirements before travelling. Ticket arrangements may change.
Located outside central Xi’an. Plan a dedicated journey by car or taxi; it is not directly served by the central city metro network.
Visitor tip: This site is farther from the city center than most central attractions. Allow extra travel time.
Archaeological Site
Xi’an Museum
西安博物院
Learn about the city’s long history through archaeological collections, historical exhibits and the nearby Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the same grounds.
Main Highlights
- Historical collections from Xi’an
- Models and displays explaining ancient Chang’an
- The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Jianfu Temple grounds
Allow around 1.5–2.5 hours for the museum. More time is needed if exploring the pagoda grounds too.
Published visitor information indicates seasonal hours, generally around 08:30–18:00 in peak season and 08:30–17:30 in the off-season. Confirm before visiting.
Real-name reservation is required. Use the shared reservation arrangements for the Xi’an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda grounds.
Metro Line 2 or 5 to Nanshaomen Station, followed by a walk to the museum entrance.
Visitor tip: Published information indicates Tuesday closure except public holidays. Check the latest official notice. The museum and pagoda can be combined in one visit.
Museum
Beilin Museum
西安碑林博物馆
Discover an important collection of stone inscriptions, calligraphy and historical steles that preserve centuries of Chinese cultural heritage.
Main Highlights
- Ancient stone steles and inscriptions
- Chinese calligraphy masterpieces
- Historic stone sculptures and cultural relics
Allow around 1.5–2 hours for a general visit.
Opening hours vary by season. Check the museum’s current official visitor notice and last-entry time.
Check the current real-name reservation and ticket arrangements before visiting. Follow the entry time and identification requirements shown during booking.
Located near the South Gate area. Check the nearest metro station and walking route for your chosen entrance before departure.
Visitor tip: This museum is especially interesting for visitors interested in Chinese calligraphy, history and stone carving.
Museum & Calligraphy
Great Mosque of Xi’an
西安化觉巷清真大寺
Explore one of China’s oldest and most distinctive mosques, where traditional Chinese architectural design meets Islamic religious heritage.
Main Highlights
- Traditional Chinese courtyard architecture
- Historic gateways and carved details
- The cultural heritage of Xi’an’s Muslim community
Allow around 45–90 minutes, depending on visitor access and site conditions.
Visitor access may vary according to religious activities and local arrangements. Confirm current visiting hours before setting out.
We currently do not have a verified online booking link for this attraction. Check on-site ticket arrangements and visitor requirements before visiting.
Located in the Muslim Quarter area, within walking distance of the Drum Tower and nearby historic streets.
Visitor tip: As an active place of worship, dress respectfully, avoid disturbing religious activities and follow local visitor rules. Access to some areas may be restricted.
Religious Heritage
Huaqing Palace
华清宫
Visit this historic hot spring palace at the foot of Mount Li, associated with Tang Emperor Xuanzong and the story of Yang Guifei.
Main Highlights
- Historic imperial hot spring pools
- Tang Dynasty palace architecture and gardens
- Mount Li scenery and historical sites
Allow around 2–3 hours for the palace grounds. Allow additional time if attending an evening performance.
Opening and ticket-checking times vary by season and event. Check the official scenic-area notice for your visit date.
Check whether your ticket includes only the scenic area or also a separate performance or special experience.
Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, followed by a walk to the scenic area.
Visitor tip: Huaqing Palace is in Lintong District and can be combined with a visit to the Terracotta Army. Check performance schedules separately.
Imperial Heritage