Xi'an City Centre takes you back in time with its Ming Dynasty treasures. The ancient Bell Tower stands tall among narrow streets while the Drum Tower anchors the lively Muslim Quarter. City walls dating from imperial times encircle this historic district where past and present merge seamlessly. Explore vibrant markets along Muslim Street where food stalls serve steaming noodles and lamb skewers. The metro makes getting around easy with stations at key locations. Cultural gems like Beilin Museum showcase the area's rich heritage while traditional courtyards offer quiet escapes from bustling streets.
Xi'an's Zhonglou Shangquan area reveals the ancient capital's 1,400-year legacy through its iconic Bell Tower. This cultural heart blends Ming dynasty architecture with the lively Muslim Quarter. The historic district invites travellers to explore cobblestone alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses and red lanterns. Discover the area's rich heritage at the Drum Tower with its evening performances and Great Mosque. The bustling market streets offer everything from hand-crafted souvenirs to famous Shaanxi noodles and roujiamo sandwiches. Metro Line 2 makes exploring Xi'an's other treasures remarkably convenient.
Yanta Qu blends ancient history with academic energy in the heart of Xi'an. The impressive Giant Wild Goose Pagoda towers over Tang Paradise's imperial gardens. Buddhist temples stand alongside the Shaanxi History Museum, where bronze artefacts tell stories of China's past. Students bring youthful vibrancy to this cultural district. Explore Tang Paradise's 165-acre gardens featuring ornamental lakes and traditional bridges. Morning tai chi sessions in South Lake Park offer a glimpse into local life. Metro stations make getting around simple, while street food stalls near university gates serve authentic Shaanxi specialities at student-friendly prices.
Xi'an's Muslim Quarter buzzes with energy along narrow cobblestone lanes. The historic area blends Chinese and Islamic influences, creating a unique cultural experience. Hundreds of food stalls fill the air with aromatic spices and sizzling lamb. The Great Mosque stands as a stunning example of ancient Chinese-Islamic architecture. Nearby, the Drum Tower marks the entrance to this vibrant district. Visitors can browse traditional Hui crafts and sample authentic hand-pulled noodles. The quarter is best explored in early morning or evening when the crowds thin.
Beilin is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yongningmen Station or Nanshaomen Station to explore sights like Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (North Gate).
Discover the most popular places to visit in Xi'an
Xi'an Bell Tower
8.8/10 (288 reviews)
This 14th-century Ming Dynasty tower once marked time for Xi'an with its massive bell. Climb to the top for panoramic views and watch traditional music performances in its ornate gold-painted halls.
Xi'an City Walls
9.2/10 (270 reviews)
This magnificent Ming Dynasty wall stretches 14 kilometres around Xi'an's historic centre. Rent a bicycle at the South Gate to experience panoramic views of both ancient structures and modern cityscape.
Terracotta Army
9.4/10 (320 reviews)
The Terracotta Army showcases thousands of unique clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb since 210 BCE. Explore three excavation pits where each warrior features distinct facial features and armour details.
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Open Photo by Natalie Robinson
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
8.8/10 (209 reviews)
This ancient Tang dynasty pagoda houses Buddhist scriptures and relics brought from India by monk Xuanzang. Climb seven stories for panoramic Xi'an views and explore the serene Daci'en Temple complex surrounding it.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
8.6/10 (91 reviews)
Dating back to 742 AD, this ancient mosque uniquely blends Chinese architecture with Islamic traditions. Wander through serene courtyards filled with intricate wooden carvings and Arabic-inscribed stone steles.
Photo by Anna Erdman
Open Photo by Anna Erdman
Xi'an Jiaotong University
8.6/10 (29 reviews)
Founded in 1896, Xi'an Jiaotong University blends historic architecture with modern academic excellence. Visit in April to witness the spectacular cherry blossoms transforming this prestigious C9 League campus.
Datang Everbright City
9.4/10 (8 reviews)
Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian street recreating the grandeur of Tang Dynasty China. By night, the illuminated 2,100-meter promenade comes alive with cultural performances and interactive displays.
Huaqing Hot Springs
8.0/10 (53 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Huaqing Hot Springs during your travels in Xi'an. Make time to visit the spas and shops while you're in the area.
What to do in Xi'an
Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service
"We arrived at the Renaissance Xi'an Hotel without particularly high expectations, but the hotel exceeded them in every way. We had a truly enjoyable stay.
One of the highlights was the Executive Lounge. The evening offerings included an excellent variety of high-quality food, making it one of the better hotel lounges we have experienced. Breakfast was also outstanding, with a wide selection of choices and excellent service.
The staff were professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. We were...
"The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well located, with friendly staff who provided excellent service throughout my stay. The room was spacious and quiet, and the amenities were well maintained. Check-in was smooth, and overall experience exceeded my expectations. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others."
"Personnel super serviable, excellent petit-déjeuner.
La chambre est petit et bris de la porte de douche qui ne ferme pas et isolation des fenêtres moyennes car on entend les gens à l’extérieur. Mais globalement très agréable."
"I had high expectations for the Grand Hyatt Xi'an, but unfortunately our stay did not live up to its five-star reputation.
The hotel itself is beautiful and impressive in size, but that's where the "grand" experience ended for us. We booked two rooms, and the air conditioning in one of them did not work. We reported the problem, but it was never fixed during our stay.
Our late-night check-in was disappointing. The front desk agent did not explain the hotel amenities, breakfast, or lounge access,...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Xi'an escape. However, factors like the season, length of stay and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Xi'an costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Xi'an?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in December, January and February. Browse our cheap Xi'an holiday packages and you could land some great off-season discounts.
How many days is enough for Xi'an?
Xi'an holidays come in various shapes and sizes, but to really get a feel for this destination, we'd say 3 days is about right. With this timeframe, you can fit in top sights like Xi'an Museum and Yisu Grand Theatre and track down some lesser-known spots. Don't forget to explore cool neighbourhoods such as Xi’an City Centre and Zhonglou Shangquan either. If you're smart with your time, you can even schedule a day trip from Xi'an too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Xi'an?
It's no wonder a Xi'an holiday is on the to-do list of many travellers. Popular attractions like Xi'an Bell Tower and Drum Tower are just the beginning of what you can explore here.
How to find the best Xi'an package deals?
Start your search for a Xi'an package deal by entering your preferred trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then add a few filters, like "Popular locations" and "Property type," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Xi'an package deal straight away, simply change your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Xi'an getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Xi'an holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Xi'an break by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to browse the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Xi'an?
If you've got your Xi'an travel dates confirmed, book early to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spontaneous getaways? Our last-minute deals are perfect for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Xi'an?
Pick the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to travel to Xi'an.
Set your budget: Consider costs such as flights, transportation and food when working out how much to save for your trip to Xi'an. Then, select a property that matches your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly stay or a swankier getaway.
Decide how many days away: Start by listing all the attractions and activities you'd like to experience in Xi'an. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, along with any travel time.
Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've settled on your travel dates and duration, lock in the perfect Xi'an holiday package for you.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.