Xi’an Attractions

The Terra-Cotta Warriors, Bronze Chariots and Horses

In 221 B.C., Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin dynasty established the first centralized feudal dynasty in China. After his death, he was buried at the north foot of Lishan Hill in the east of Lintong County. The tomb is a rammed-soil mound, 47m. high and its base is 485m.× 515m. In 1974, three large pits of terra-cotta figures were found 1.5 km. east of the mausoleum. Among the three, the largest one is pit No.1, covering 14,260 sq.m. The pit is divided into eleven corridors in which arrayed 38 columns of life-sized clay warriors, horses and chariots
Over 6,000 clay warriors could be assumedly unearthed from the pit if it would be completely excavated. This would be really an artistic reappearance of hundreds of Qin Shi Huang’s warriors. With its artistic momentum, it could be acclaimed a piece of great masterwork. The figures, life-likely shaped and colourfully painted, are of high artistic value. Now, a big arch-roofed exhibition hall is set up over Pit No.1 where the restored terra-cotta warriors and horses are on display.

Xian City Wall

The Xi’an City Wall is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China. The original foundation of the Xi’an City Wall was based on the ruins of the Imperial City Wall of Chang’an City–the capital of the Tang Dynasty. Around the City Wall, there are jutting ramparts, sentry towers, corner towers, gate towers, battlements and a series of city defensive fortifications which were scientifically and compactly laid out with very strong defense capability.
It is beautiful and impressive during the daytime, but a knockout at night with the lighting of the walls and lanterns. Also, Try biking on the City Wall, you will have an enjoyable and interesting experience.

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian. The city, which was formerly known as Chang’an has a very long history and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all. The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful lifestyle of the period.
As an art form, the show has its roots in folk fetes, when dances were first performed by people as part of rituals of prayer for a good harvest or a better life. Over thousands of years, the dances developed from a few simple postures or gestures to become delicate and artistic reaching a peak during the Tang Dynasty. By combining poetry with the skilled playing of musical instruments, singing, dancing and also stunning costumes, the modern presentation is certain to give you an impressive view of ancient China including its splendid history, brilliant arts, distinct traditions and customs.

Dayan Pagoda Northern Square

The pagoda was originally situated within the premises of the Temple of Motherly Kindness in the Jinchang Block in the Chang’an city of the Tang Dynasty. The Pagoda itself was built in 652 (third year of Yonghui of the Tang Emperor Gaozong). A square pyramid of blue brick, it is 64 meters high, with seven stories. It is simple in shape, and of good and lofty proportion. Preserved on the four stone doors in the base of the pagoda are exquisite engravings of the Tang.

Muslim quarter

Behind the Drum Tower is the famous Muslim quarter (also called Islamic Street). As the starting point of the famous Silk Road, Xi’an attracted traders from the West since 1st century BC. During the 8th century AD, Xi’an was the largest city in the world with over one million inhabitants, among which one-third of them were foreigners. The ancestors of these Muslims dwelled in Xian with Han people harmoniously and built Great Mosque for worship simultaneously.

Muslim quarter is a fascinating area where you can find exotic food, interesting people (some of the residents still look like their Arabian cousins) and great souvenir stalls. You can taste many authentic Islamic snacks, like beef or mutton Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Hamburger), northwestern style noodles, Yangrou Paomo and many other attractive snacks that will not make you disappointed. The restaurants and eateries here are serving their food at budget prices.

When night falls, the Muslim quarter is one of the busiest places in Xi’an. The fact that this area has been home to Chinese Muslims for over one thousand years yet the dividing line between the two cultures is immediately apparent is something that most visitors unfortunately never notice or think about.

The largest musical fountain square in Asia

Every night in Dayan Pagoda Northern Square dubbed the “largest musical fountain square in Asia", this beautiful symphony of water, music and light is set against a dramatic backdrop of the thousand-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Probably the best free attraction in Xian!

The music fountain lies in the north square of big wild goose pagoda, which has a width of 218 meters as well as a length of 346 meters; it treated as the biggest music fountain in Asia. In this north square, there are two hundred-meter-long sculptures, 8 huge person sculptures as well as 40 scene sculptures.  This is the world-top pagoda which has the world-wide cleanest area, the most seats as well as the biggest stereotypes of equipment, some of which have broken worldwide records. 

The fountain area is about twenty thousand square meters, and the 8-level variable frequency square fountain pool is the biggest in the world. Every water pool has 7 level fountains, which matches the 7-floor tower in a perfect way. This serial fountain is designed with 22 kinds fountain styles, like lotus, sky cloud, flying sea mew, water and fire, etc.

When every time you see the great fountain show, the multi-color laser lights are flying and dancing from the water pool into the sky became different shapes and colors with perfect music rhythm, you will be astonished to see how amazing the fountain designer is really! Every time you watch and enjoy the outstanding fountain show, you will always feel the very deep feeling of surprising and shocking.

Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi was the ancient imperial capital of China, having been the seat of more than 13 feudal dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The province is rich in cultural relics. With the completion of the Shaanxi History Museum, it collected over 370,000 precious relics which were unearthed in Shaanxi Province, including bronze wares, pottery figures, and mural paintings in Tang tombs. Since it was opened to the public in 1991, its architectural buildings, internal apparatus, and exhibits have made it famous as a first-class museum in China. The main part of the museum is composed of three sections: the General Exhibition Hall, the Local Themes Exhibition Hall and the Temporary Exhibition Hall. If you are interested in Chinese culture, there is the option of seeing a tomb murals exhibition for an extra charge.

Optional activities (at additional costs)

The Traditional Tang Dynasty show

The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful lifestyle of the period.

Cycling on the City Wall

It’s amazing how Xian history envelops you when biking atop the old City Wall and enjoying a great view of the city.  >>more

Terracotta private tour

A private up and close encounter with the warriors, and view the workshop where they get restored.

Shaanxi cuisine

Shaanxi Cuisine, also known as Qin Cuisine. Firstly, various kinds of materials deriving from both north and south China are adopted. Second is the special cooking skills of the local chefs. Finally is its frequent use of salt, vinegar, capsicum and garlic, making the savory flavor of sour, spicy and fragrant.