Top 6 Xi'an Historical Sites You Have to Visit During Xi'an Tour

Xian is one of the most important city in the history of China. It was the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties, and used to be the trade center of ancient Silk Road. It has existed since the 11th century BC with former old name of Chang’an (Long Peace). Xi’an’s most glorious time is being the capital of Tang Dynasty (618~907) when it was the most splendid and extravagant city in the world. After Tang Dynasty, Xian’s importance declined as the rises of other newer cities, such as Luoyang, Nanjing, Beijing, etc. Though not as one of the biggest cities in China, Xian region is still one of China’s most popular tourist destinations as a great number of historical monuments and ancient sites have survived from the history, such as the World famous Terracotta Warriors constructed in Qin Dynasty(221-206 BC), Giant Wild Goose Pagoda constructed in Tang Dynasty, Ancient City Wall built in Ming times (1368 - 1644), etc. To look back on the history, one should not miss Shaanxi History Museum which preserves artifacts and art objects spanning Chinese history from Paleolithic times through the Qing dynasty. All places can be visited together in brief 2 days.

Amazing Different Terra Cotta Warriors, Picture Taken by Elie from Belge in 2019

Terracotta Warriors - One of the Greatest Archaeological Finds in the 20th Century

They call it the eighth wonder of the world, and they're right. Discovered in 1974, Terracotta Warriors and Horses is one of the greatest archeological finds in 20th century, and it definitely should be on your bucket list.

Type: World Heritage Site, Historical Site, Specialty Museum
Opening Hours: March 16th – November 15th: 8:30 – 18:00 / November 16th – March 15th: 8:30 – 17:30
Tickets: ¥120
Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an 西安市临潼区秦岭北路

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Visit Xian Ancient City Wall

Ancient City Wall - Most Significent Ancient City Wall of China

This extremely well preserved city wall is a wonderful testimony to the engineering and construction skills of the ancient Chinese people. Walking or biking around the wall is awe inspiring with interesting and different views of the old and new parts of Xian.

Type: Ancient Ruins, Sights & Landmarks
Opening Hours: South Gate: 8:00 – 22:00; for Hanguang Gate: 8:00 – 17:30; for other gates: Apr 1st – Apr 30th: 8:00 – 18:00 / May 1st – Oct 31st: 8:00 – 19:00 / Nov 1st – Mar 31st: 8:00 – 18:00
Tickets: ¥54 for the City Wall / ¥45 for the Bike Rental
Address: Nandajie, Beilin District, Xi'an 710001, China 陕西省西安市碑林区南大街

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Our customer Josh from USA visited Big Wild Goose Pagoda in December 2020

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – World Cultural Heritage Site on Silk Road

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located in southern Xi’an, is a very famous ancient pagoda in China built for more than 1,300 years. It is the bright pearl on the Silk Road with excellent architectural beauty, precious Buddhist relics, rich religious culture, stories of the famous ancient monk - Xuan Zang, etc.

Type: World Cultural Heritage, Buddhist Site
Opening Hours: Mar - Oct: 8:00-18:30; Nov - Feb: 8:00-18:00
Tickets: ¥50 for Da Ci’en Temple / ¥30 for the pagoda
Address: Da Ci’en Temple, Yanta District, Xi’an 西安市雁塔区大慈恩寺内

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Collections in Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum - Pearl in Ancient Capital and Treasure of China

Shaanxi History Museum is a comprehensive historical museum. From its first open day, various exhibitions have been displayed here. It depicts the rich culture of historical cultural relics and extensive profound civilization of Chinese Nation from multiple perspectives.

Type: Historical Museum, Museum
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:30 (Nov. 15th to Mar. 15th) last admission 16:00 8:30 - 18:00 (Mar. 16th to Nov 14th.) last admission 16:30
Tickets: Free for Most Exhibition Halls
Address: No.91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yata District, Xi’an, China, 710061 西安市雁塔区小寨东路91号

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Bell Tower

Xian Bell Tower - Iconic Site of Ancient Capital Xian

Marking the geographical center of the ancient capital Xian and enduring more than 600 years, Xian Bell Tower is the iconic building, which was used to announce the time and now turns to be a museum with cultural relics and traditional artworks, as well as amazing performances at daytime and stunning scenery at night.

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Ancient Ruins
Opening Hours: 8:30am-20:30pm (April 1st to October 10th) / 8:30am-18:00pm (0ctober 11th to March 31th)
Tickets: ¥30 (¥50 with Drum Tower)
Address: Intersection of East Street and West Street in Beilin District of Xi'an City 西安市碑林区东大街和西大街交汇处

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Night View of the Ancient Bell Tower

Xian Drum Tower - Sister Building of Xian Bell Tower

As the sister building of Xian Bell Tower, Xian Drum tower is about 200 meters away from the Bell tower, enduring over 600 years. This timber-brick drum tower was built in 1380 in the Ming dynasty and is used as a museum now, which displays collections of various drums and cultural relics and the Muslim Quarter is right behind it.

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Ancient Ruins
Opening Hours: 8:30am-20:30pm (April 1st to October 10th) / 8:30am-18:00pm (0ctober 11th to March 31th)
Tickets: ¥30 (¥50 with Bell Tower)
Address: To the West of Bell Tower, at West Street, Lianhu District, Xian City 西安市莲湖区西大街钟楼西300米路北

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