Location: Xi'an
Top Things to do in Xi'an
Top Restaurants in Xi'an
- 1. Tang GeWu He JiaoZi Yan
- 2. First Noodle Under The Sun
- 3. Azur
- 4. Isola del Nord Italy Restaurant
- 5. Haidilao Hot Pot Cheng (Jiefang Road)
- 6. Fan Ji La Zhi RouJiaMo (ZhuBaShi)
- 7. Shangri-La Hotel Restaurant -Yi Cafe
- 8. Mai (The Westin Xian)
- 9. Redfort Cultural Restaurant
- 10. Five Zen5es (The Westin Xi'an)
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Xi'an, Shaanxi
Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xi’an’s glorious past. Stare in awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of Qin Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Dating from 210 BCE, they were discovered in 1974 and are still being excavated. Don't miss the Shaanxi History Museum or a chance to heat up at former imperial bathing spot, Huaqing Hot Springs.
Restaurants in Xi'an
1. The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,943 reviews
One of the most significant archaeological finds in the world, this 16,300-square-meter excavation reveals more than 7,000 life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations.
Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States
The famous Terra Cotta Warriors are a huge collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife. These were only discovered accidentally by local farmers in 1974, and the excavation and restoration is still continuing. The statues are displayed in three huge buildings, each one the size of an enclosed football stadium. The restoration work goes on in the rear of the buildings and may be observed by visitors. Incredibly, each of the thousands of statues is unique, with a body posed uniquely and with distinct facial features. Many statues are in damaged condition on being excavated and are cleaned and restored before being returned to their original place.
2. Shaanxi History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,619 reviews
This history museum, housed in a magnificent Confucian Temple, features more than 370,000 pieces of historical relics mainly from the Zhou to the Tang periods (1100B.C. to 907 A.D.).
Reviewed By Synthomer - Shanghai, China
An amazing collection of artefacts and relics plus a good overview of Shaanxi's history - the cradle of Chinese history from homo erectus to the Tang dynasty, 1500 years ago. 30 mins by taxi from city centre, traffic around the museum very congested. Subway 10 mins walk away. You have to book in advance online - hotel can help you. Officious security at entrance, be patient! Best galleries are 1/2/3. Need at least 2 hours. Plenty of wording in English, so quite foreigner friendly. Passable canteen in basement and quite a few drinks vending machines. Not to be missed if you are staying in Xi'an and have some interest in Chinese history
3. Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,847 reviews
Xi'an city wall has a history of 600 years. It is the Ming dynasty city wall. The city wall was built to protect the city. It is 12-14 meters across the top, 15-18 meters thick at bottom and 13.7 kilometers in length. There is rampart every 120 meters. The ramparts are towers extending out from the main wall. There are 98 ramparts along the city wall.
Reviewed By CSItraveller - Raleigh, United States
You can walk, push-bike, or ride a golf cart along the top of the wall. It's as wide as a six lane highway between the gates, and even wider at the gates and courtyards. It's an engineering masterpiece, and has to be seen to fully appreciate ancient building skills.
4. Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 703 reviews
The joint mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi and Empress Wang, his consort.
Reviewed By M1692FZmarting - Washington DC, United States
After seeing the terra cotta warriors the army that accompanied this Emperor to the after life is not that impressive. Our guide told us the figures originally had wooden heads and arms and wore clothing, none of which has survived the centuries. The figures are not life sized and today lack arms and heads and clothing. Thus, the name our guide told us- headless naked barbies. However, the museum, which is underground is a masterpiece of architecture to enable large numbers of people to view this underground tomb, in some places through glass floors over the chambers. This Emperor also needed a lot of food to accompany him and the herds of terra cotta sheep, pigs and cows are remarkable.
5. Xi'an Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
Reviewed By Alistair450 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
This museum is well worth a visit as it has very good displays of historical items that help you learn about and understand China's past. It is not easy to spend more than two hours in one go in a museum and a second visit would be rewarding. It would be worth your while to hire a guide to take you through the museum.
6. Dayan Pagoda Northern Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By dubaiblogger - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the most beautiful and decorated place I have ever been and at night, it was lit up everywhere. It has a mixture of foreign architecture and Chinese. Very beautiful and crowded since it’s a nice place to hang out with family and friends. A must go place for me every time i am in Xi’an.
7. Muslim Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,119 reviews
Reviewed By 5192DS - San Francisco, United States
A night market over a long block in Muslim Quarter of Xi’an (plus side streets and narrow alleyways). Recommend start from the north end of Xihuamen Street, proceed south along Beiyuanmen Street (take offshoots east/west to explore side streets), towards Drum Tower and go east to end at plaza NW of Bell Tower. Sight: wall-to-wall people, vendors everywhere Sound: many languages heard, plus humdrum of activity, including the sound of jets (not actual jets - you must find and see what I’m referring to) Touch: did I mention all the people? Smell: grilled goodies galore Taste: delicious to exotic foods and drinks, sweet to spicy and everything in between Foodies: Grilled lamb, beef, cuttlefish skewers Muslim beef burger Steamed rice cake, black sesame candy for dessert Wash down with fresh squeezed juices (recommend sugarcane) Much much more including fresh custom fruit salad 1-2 hours walking, have dinner along the way (literally).
8. Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,437 reviews
Located on the grounds of the Jianfu Temple, this pagoda (circa 652 A.D.) is considered on of the most famous in China due to its antiquity and historical relevance in connection with Buddha.
Reviewed By Californiamama145 - Riverside, United States
Know that there is an entrance fee for the complex of buildings and then another entrance fee for the actual pagoda. You are allowed to walk up all seven stories in the pagota and there are amazing views on each floor where you can take pictures. This is an old historic building so you might have to wait if there is a crowd. The grounds have Buddhist temple and gardens. The surrounding area has lots of shops decorations a light show at night.
9. Xi'an Bell Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,323 reviews
The Bell Tower Square marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the Tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
Reviewed By Stephen7Continents - Ashbourne, United Kingdom
I wish we could have spent more time here. As it was, we drove by slowly on our night bus tour of Xi’an. The tower is so beautifully lit up at night, and I highly recommend that you visit (at night).
10. Xi'an Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,557 reviews
Dating back to the Ming period, this mosque features inner courtyards that bear more of a resemblance to a Chinese temple.
Reviewed By Kai_Wah - Malaysia, null
This is the most unusual mosque that I have ever seen in my life! You won’t see the usual “dome” design like other mosque architecture. Instead, it looks more like a Chinese temple to me. However, there are Arabic calligraphy within the mosque compound. It is still a functional mosque where we could see muslims prayers during our visit. Very peaceful environment, located at the Muslim Quarter, about 15-20 mins walk from Zhong Lou metro station. Entrance fee of RMB25 for non Muslim visitors. The structure was built since 8th century when the religion was introduced by the Arabic merchants, through Silk Road. They eventually settled and married in China. It is now the largest mosque in China. Definitely worth a visit with richness in culture and history, plus the beautiful architecture!
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