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Top 10 attractions in Xi'an
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, also known as the Terracotta Army, is located about 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and forms part of the extensive necropolis. There were more than a thousand terracotta soldiers unearthed here, each with a different facial expression. Standing before the massive underground army, you will feel the extraordinary might of the Qin Emperor that enabled him to unify six warring states two thousand years ago. The Qin Emperor Ying Zheng began building the mausoleum for himself at the age of 13. Nearly 720000 men and 38 years were required to complete this vast project.Xi'an · 33.8 km from downtown
Shaanxi History Museum
History background: Shaanxi History Museum is located in the northwest of the Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an. It is one of the landmark attractions of Xi'an. The museum was planned in 1983, started in the summer of 1986, and officially opened on June 20, 1991. It was named Shaanxi History Museum. In 2016, Shaanxi History Museum was selected as "China's 20th Century Architectural Heritage" by the Chinese Cultural Relics Society and the Chinese Architectural Society. Museum Features: Shaanxi History Museum is a large modern museum, and its completion marks a new milestone in the development of China's museum industry. This museum is a Tang-style building complex with a "central hall and four corner towers". The main and secondary buildings are well-organized, the heights are staggered, and the momentum is solemn. It integrates national traditions, local characteristics and the spirit of the times. The museum covers an area of 65,000 square meters, and houses more than 380,000 cultural relics ranging from simple stone tools used in the initial stage of ancient humans to various artifacts in social life before 1840, covering a time span of more than one million years. The cultural relics are not only numerous and diverse, but also of high quality and wide value. The collections in the museum are dazzling and exquisite. It is an art hall that showcases the history and culture of Shaanxi and ancient Chinese civilization, and is known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Capital, the Treasure House of China." There are many treasures in the museum, including bronzes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, pottery figurines from various dynasties, gold and silver utensils from the Han and Tang dynasties, and murals from Tang tombs. Most of them are treasures from the prosperous periods of the Han and Tang dynasties, and some of them are fine items that are prohibited from leaving the country. Collection treasures: There are three exhibition halls in the center of the museum. The first exhibition hall displays cultural relics from the prehistoric civilization of Lantian ape-man 1.15 million years ago to the Qin Dynasty; the second exhibition hall displays cultural relics from the Han Dynasty and the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties; and the third exhibition hall is mainly cultural relics from the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Each exhibition hall has its own treasure. There are special exhibition halls on the east and west sides of the central hall. On the west side, there is a "Special Exhibition of Tang Dynasty Treasures (Treasure Hall, Cultural Relics Unearthed in Hejiacun)", where many fine gold and silver wares from the heyday of the Tang Dynasty were transferred to be exhibited. On the east side, there is a "Treasures of Tang Dynasty Murals Exhibition", which exhibits a number of authentic Tang Dynasty tomb murals. The tripod The tripod is placed in the first exhibition hall at the entrance of the museum, and it can be said to be the treasure of the first exhibition hall. The replica is placed here, and the original is kept in the warehouse. Inscription on the outer wall: The inscription "All under heaven is the king's land; all the people are the king's subjects" reflects the land ownership system in the Western Zhou Dynasty. There are four lines of inscriptions with 28 characters on the inner wall of the Yi Ding. The general meaning is: In early August of a certain year, Wang Jiang took back the land originally given to Shi Lu and gave it to Yi, who then made this tripod to commemorate it. Queen's Seal: One of the treasures worth seeing in the second exhibition hall is the jade seal of the empress of the Han Dynasty, which is displayed separately. The seal is made of Xinjiang Hetian mutton-fat jade and is engraved with a Chihu, symbolizing royal power. Three-color camel figurines carrying music: This world-famous tri-color camel figurine carrying music is located in the third exhibition hall of Shaanxi History Museum. Its overall appearance and color are well preserved. There are seven men sitting on the camel's back, holding different musical instruments in their hands. Among them, the figurine holding the clapboard is listening attentively, as if intoxicated by the wonderful music. The woman in the middle is performing, and the camel opens its mouth wide and looks up to the sky, as if it is also singing with its master. Gold-inlaid animal head agate cup: This cultural relic, located in the special exhibition "Tang Dynasty Relics Special Exhibition", is one of the first 64 national treasures listed by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage that are never allowed to be exhibited abroad. There are also many other treasures such as black-glazed oil-drip bowls, green-glazed porcelain pots with handles, gilded silver bamboo-joint copper incense burners, gold bowls with mandarin duck and lotus petal patterns, and so on.Xi'an · 4 km from downtown
Xi'an City Wall
Xi'an City Wall is a landmark of this ancient city. The city walls that we see now were built in the early years of the Ming dynasty and they are now more than 600 years old. The walls were built on the foundations of the imperial city of the Tang Dynasty and they are formed together with a series of defensive installments such as moats and turrets. At present, Xi'an City Wall can be accessed by many city gates. Visitors can choose the nearest one to them. The South Gate is the visitor entrance of Xi'an City and is also the city gate with more tourists. Cycling on the ancient walls is a good experience. Riding on the wall overlooking the ancient capital of the thirteenth dynasty, you will have a feeling of travelling through time.Xi'an · 1.8 km from downtown
Huaqing Palace
Huaqing Palace attraction is located 30 km east of Xi'an, adjacent to the Terracotta Warriors. Renowned for its timeless hot spring resources and numerous historical events, it has become an iconic cultural tourism attraction of Tang Dynasty palaces in China. Palace scenic spots Huaqing Palace boasts a long history, serving as an imperial retreat for emperors from the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The palace features cultural zones like the Tang Imperial Hot Spring Relics Museum, the Xi'an Incident site—Five-Room Hall, Nine Dragon Lake and Lotus Lake scenic areas, and the Tang Pear Garden Museum. Notable architectural complexes include Feishuang Hall, Wanshou Hall, Changsheng Hall, Huanyuan Garden, and Yuwang Hall. The stele of "hot spring ode" Mount Li hot springs, developed early and favored by emperors throughout history, enjoy the reputation of being "the imperial hot springs under heaven." As far back as the Yangshao culture period 6,000 years ago, the ancient Jiangzhai people began utilizing these springs. With their profound cultural heritage spanning millennia, Mount Li hot springs represent an indispensable part of Chinese historical culture. The stele of hot spring ode in the attraction stands 154 cm tall, 72 cm wide, and 19 cm thick, featuring a coiled dragon design and a trapezoidal base. Engraved by Yuan Chang, the governor of Yongzhou during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the inscription reads, "The hot spring is nature's prescription and the primordial healer of the universe. People from all nations and those suffering from ailments come with provisions to seek relief in its waters." This stele is the earliest surviving written artifact at Huaqing Palace. Tang Imperial Hot Spring Relics Museum This is the site of the bathing pool described in the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" where Yang Guifei emerged from her bath. After the An Lushan Rebellion, little remained of the original structure. In 1982, while constructing the "Guifei Pavilion," the Lintong County Government accidentally discovered the ruins of a Tang Dynasty bathing pool. After excavation and restoration, the Huaqing Palace imperial hot spring ruins museum was established. This small yet exquisitely designed pool measures 3.6 meters east-west and 2.9 meters north-south, with an oval-like shape. The pool walls are entirely built with bluestone slabs, featuring a two-tiered terrace structure composed of 18 arched stone sections. Inside the pool lies a dedicated bathing stone for Yang Guifei, engraved with the character "Yang." At the center of the pool bottom is a 10 cm diameter water inlet. A white marble lotus pedestal was unearthed here, connecting to both a showerhead above and ceramic water pipes below that linked to the main water source. Due to natural pressure, hot spring water would spray outward through the lotus showerhead, creating a mist effect remarkably similar to modern showers. Adjacent to the Guifei Pool to the east lies Emperor Xuanzong's exclusive imperial hot spring. During the Tang Dynasty, the Nine Dragon Hall stood above this pool, featuring nine white jade-carved dragons spouting water outside. This pool's surface resembles a realistic lotus shape, hence its alternate name "Lotus Pool." Xi'an incident site The five-room hall at the Xi'an incident site in Huaqing Palace is where the Xi'an incident took place. To this day, the glass windows and walls of the five-room hall still bear bullet marks from the fierce battle during the military remonstrance. The desks, chairs, beds, sofas, tea sets, stoves, carpets, telephones, and other office items in each room are replicated and arranged according to their original appearance. Historical events: Beacon fire to deceive the feudal lords In 779 BC, King You of Zhou obtained the beautiful Bao Si, yet she never smiled. To solve this, the king conspired with the treacherous minister Guo Shifu and lit the beacon fires at the Huaqing Palace attraction. The feudal lords across the land saw the signals.Beacon fireHe quickly led his troops to rescue the king, but King You told the feudal lords, "I lit the beacon fires just to make my queen laugh," upon which Bao Si burst into laughter. The feudal lords arrived valiantly but left resentfully. Seeing King You's incompetence and the people's discontent, the Quanrong tribe seized the opportunity to launch an attack. As the enemy troops approached the mountain, King You urgently raised the beacon fires.Beacon fireHe mobilized troops, but none of the feudal lords came to his rescue. King You fled with Bao Si toMount LiHe was later killed by the Quanrong tribe, leaving behind historical anecdotes such as "a smile worth a thousand gold," "losing the kingdom for a smile," and "playing with beacon fires to deceive the feudal lords." And this beacon tower at Huaqing Palace attraction towers at an altitude of 913.6 m.Mount LiThe beacon tower at Huaqing Palace attraction on the first peak of Xixiu Ridge. Su Dongpo composing poetry at Mount Li During the Jiayou era of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Lishan hot springs, meticulously restored by Liu Ziyong and others, became breathtakingly beautiful, attracting crowds of visitors who composed poems and essays to express their nostalgia. Among the countless poetic works, the emerging literary giant Su Shi stood out with his masterpieces like "Lady of Guo's night outing" and "Lishan" during his visit to the hot springs. Xi'an incident The Xi'an incident, also known as the "double-twelfth incident". Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng launched a mutiny at Huaqing Palace, detaining the then chairman of the Military Commission of the National Government. Performance items You can watch a large-scale dance drama at the attraction. ▲ The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is China's first large-scale live historical dance drama created by Shaanxi Tourism Group. Based on Bai Juyi's timeless poem of the same name, it fully utilizes the attraction's resources and employs high-tech stage lighting to combine historical storytelling with live performances, recreating the love story of Emperor Li Longji and Yang Guifei at Huaqing Palace over 1,300 years ago. ▲There is also the historical adaptation "12-12 Xi'an Incident," which vividly and authentically recreates the lesser-known details of the "Xi'an Incident."Xi'an · 27 km from downtown
Mount Hua
Mount Hua, formerly known as "Xiyue", is one of the five famous mountains in China. It is located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. Huashan is also known as "Taihuashan". It is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The "Hua" in "Zhonghua" and "Huaxia" comes from Huashan. The words "strange and dangerous" are the essence of Huashan's scenery. "Since ancient times, there has been only one road to Huashan" describes the steepness of Huashan. The Attraction has many thrilling attractions such as Changkong Plank Road, Kitesurfing, Qianchi Chuang, Baichi Gorge, Laojun Ligou, etc., which are carved out on the steep cliffs. Those who visit them in person will be amazed. Huashan Attraction covers a vast area, including the Main Peak Attraction, Xiyue Temple Attraction, Xianyu Attraction, etc. The Main Peak Attraction is the core Attraction of Huashan, including "Huashan One Road" and the five main peaks in the southeast, northwest, and center. Huashan in most people's minds refers to the Main Peak Attraction. Five main peaks The East Peak is about 2,100 meters above sea level and is named for its location in the east. There is a platform on the top of the peak, which is high and dangerous with a wide view. It is a good place to watch the sunrise. It is called Chaoyang Terrace, and the East Peak is also called Chaoyang Peak. The East Peak consists of four peaks, one main peak and three s-ervant peaks. The peak where Chaoyang Terrace is located is higher, the Yunv Peak is in the west, the Shilou Peak is in the east, and the Botai is in the south. There are more than dozens of landscapes on the East Peak. There is a natural stone pattern on the cliff on the side of the East Shilou Peak, which looks like a giant palm print. This is the Huayue Immortal Palm, which is listed as the first of the eight scenic spots in Guanzhong. The story of the giant spirit opening the mountain and guiding the river originated from this. The West Peak is about 2,000 meters above sea level. Because there is a huge rock on the top of the peak that looks like a lotus petal, ancient literati often called it Lotus Peak or Hibiscus Peak. Xu Xiake wrote in his "Diary of Traveling to Mount Taihua": "There is a rock rising on the peak, and there are stone pieces covering it, like a lotus flower." This stone must be referring to it. There are many landscapes on the West Peak, including Cuiyun Palace, Lotus Cave, Giant Spirit Foot, Axe-Split Stone, Sheshen Cliff, etc., and there are many beautiful myths and legends. Among them, the well-known story of Chenxiang splitting the mountain to save his mother is circulated here. The South Peak is over 2,100 meters above sea level and is the highest peak of Huashan. The ancients called it the "Head of Huashan". On one side of the South Peak is a thousand-foot cliff, standing straight like a knife, and below is a deep ravine, which is separated from Sangong Mountain and Sanfeng Mountain. The South Peak consists of one peak and two peaks. The east side is called Songhui Peak, and the west side is Luoyan Peak. The origin of the name of Luoyan Peak is said to be because the migrating wild geese often land here to rest. The North Peak is about 1,600 meters above sea level, with cliffs on all sides, covered with clouds above and connected to the earth veins below. It stands tall and unique, and is also called Yuntai Peak because it looks like a cloud platform. Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem "A Song of the Cloud Platform of Mount Xiyue to Complimentary Danqiuzi": "Three peaks stand as if about to collapse, and the green cliffs and red valleys are high. The golden essence of the White Emperor mobilizes his vitality, and the stones become lotus flowers and the clouds become platforms." The famous story of "Taking Huashan by Strategy" took place here. There are many landscapes on the mountain, including the Zhenwu Hall, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Changchun Stone Chamber, and the place where Laojun hung the plow. The Middle Peak is the only way to the other four peaks. It is located in the middle of the East, West and South Peaks. The forests on the peak are lush and green, and the environment is quiet. There is a Taoist temple named Yunu Temple on the top of the peak. It is said that it was the place where Qin Mu Gong's daughter Nong Yu cultivated herself in the Spring and Autumn Period, so it is also called Yunu Peak. Main landscape: There are more than 210 famous Attraction in Huashan. From ancient times to the present, countless literati and poets have left various classic poems here. Skywalk The Changkong Plank Road is located on the east side of the Huashan South Peak. It was built by the master of the Huashan School, Taoist He Zhizhen of the Yuan Dynasty, who wanted to get away from the world and practice Taoism. He built it by inlaying stone piles on the cliffs and paving wooden boards. At the end of the plank road, you can see the "Hezu Cave" where Master He practiced self-cultivation. The road builders chiseled stone holes on the cliffs, wedged stone piles into the holes, and laid wooden boards about 40 cm wide between the stone piles. Visitors must stick to the cliff wall, pull the iron chain with their hands, step on the wooden boards, and move forward slowly sideways. Xiyue Temple Xiyue Temple, also known as Huayue Temple, is a temple where emperors of all dynasties worshipped and offered sacrifices to Shaohao, the Great Emperor of Xiyue. It was first built during the Yuanguang period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (134-129 BC) at the entrance of Huangshengu (now Huangfuyu) at the foot of Huashan Mountain. It was moved to its current location during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty (147-167 AD) and renamed today. It was rebuilt many times during the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing dynasties. Canglong Ridge The steps on Canglong Ridge are only 2 feet wide, with deep ravines on both sides, as steep as a knife. The height difference between the ridge and the top is about 500 meters, and the slope is more than 45 degrees. Looking at the green pines and white clouds in the distance and hearing the sound of the wind is dizzying. Jinsuoguan Jinsuoguan is one of the five passes of Huashan Mountain. It is built on a stone archway at the entrance of the three peaks. It is the throat of the Wuyun Peak to the four peaks of East, West, South and Center. There is no way to pass after the pass, so it is also called Tongtianmen. Taoists believe that Huashan is the fairyland of gods. Only after passing Tongtianmen can you enter the fairyland. Therefore, there is a folk song that "after passing Jinsuoguan, there is another world". There has been only one road to Mount Huashan since ancient times "There has been only one road to Mount Hua since ancient times" refers to the "Huashan Valley" hiking trail, which includes various scenic spots along the Huashan hiking trail since ancient times. When connected together, it is what is commonly referred to as "There has been only one road to Mount Hua since ancient times." How to visit Huashan has two mountain gates (entrances): East Gate and West Gate (also known as Huashan Gate). Take the cable car up the mountain and go to the East Gate; if you climb the mountain on foot, enter from the West Gate. Huashan currently has two cable cars, the East and West Lines, which reach the North Peak and the West Peak respectively (please plan the climbing route in advance before purchasing the ticket and purchase the corresponding ticket type, and you cannot change it midway.). Route 1: Hiking route There has been only one road on Mount Huashan since ancient times. It is an ancient mountaineering road with a total length of 12.5 kilometers and 9,567 steps. It takes about 4 hours to hike from Yuquanyuan, through Wuli Pass, Shaluoping (night climbing), Qianchi Chuang, Baichi Gorge, etc. to the North Peak, and then start the tour from the North Peak. Route 2: "Up West and Down West", a mountaineering route suitable for the Seniors and tourists with children This route goes up the West Peak Cableway of Mount Huashan and down the West Peak Cableway, that is, going up from the west and down from the west. The whole route takes a relatively short time, about 4 hours, and is also more energy-saving, making it more friendly to the Seniors and tourists with children. Route 3: "Up West and Down North", a one-day mountaineering route chosen by 80% of tourists This route goes up by cable car from the West Peak of Mount Huashan and down by cable car from the North Peak, that is, going up from the west and down from the north. The entire route is a classic one-day tour route, which takes about 6 hours. You can visit all the attractions without backtracking. Most tourists choose this route because this road almost goes straight down, which is easier and faster than the uphill road. Route 4: "North up and north down", a time-saving, economical and panoramic mountaineering route This route goes up by cable car at the North Peak of Huashan and down by cable car at the North Peak, that is, going up from the north and down from the north. The whole route is a relatively low-cost cable car mountaineering route. If your sightseeing time is limited, you can choose this route and visit the North Peak, which has the Memorial Pavilion, Ear-Crushing Cliff, Canglong Ridge, Huashan Sword Contest Monument, panoramic Huashan and other attractions.China · Huayin
Grand Tang Mall
Grand Tang Mall is located between the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise, full of Tang stylistic elements. Grand Tang Mall's Central Axis View Avenue is a 1,500-meter central and sculptured pedestrian street that runs from the north and south. It is surrounded by nine groups of themed groups such as the emperor, historical figures, heroic stories, and classic works of art, offering three-dimensional representations of the Tang Dynasty's supremacy in the fields of religion, art, science and technology and to highlight the great country.Xi'an · 5.3 km from downtown
Xi'an Museum
Xi'an Museum is a modern comprehensive museum built around the historic site of Jianfu Temple from the Tang Dynasty and its iconic structure, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It integrates cultural relic preservation, academic research, exhibition displays, public education, and garden leisure activities. The museum's core area occupies the original site of Jianfu Temple, a royal monastery during the Tang Dynasty, with the well-preserved Small Wild Goose Pagoda serving as its distinctive landmark and spiritual center. The temple ruins and pagoda not only form the foundation of Xi'an Museum but also serve as its key outdoor historical exhibition area and visitor highlight. The main museum building, located north of the ancient temple site, creates a unique cultural space where "museum, pagoda, temple, and garden" harmoniously coexist, vividly showcasing Xi'an's historical continuity from ancient times to the present. Xi'an Museum officially opened to the public on May 18, 2007. Established to comprehensively showcase the glorious history and brilliant culture of Xi'an (ancient Chang'an) as the capital of thirteen dynasties, it filled the gap of lacking a comprehensive urban history museum in Xi'an. Collection highlights: The museum houses approx. 130,000 precious artifacts from various historical periods of Xi'an, including over 10,000 nationally classified Grade III or above cultural relics. The collection spans from prehistoric times to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with particular emphasis on artifacts from the golden ages of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. Featured items include bronze ware, jade pieces, gold and silver objects, ceramics, murals, stone steles with epitaphs, and Buddhist statues, systematically showcasing the political, economic, cultural, social life, and foreign exchanges of ancient Chang'an. Main exhibition: The permanent exhibition "Ancient Capital Xi'an" traces the city's development history through precious artifacts, models, charts, and multimedia displays. It chronologically presents Xi'an's evolution and achievements as both a capital city (Zhou's Fenghao, Qin's Xianyang, Han's Chang'an, Sui-Tang's Chang'an) and a prefectural city (Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties). Unique setting: The museum's standout feature is its environment. Visitors can not only explore modern exhibition halls but also stroll through the expansive heritage park, which includes the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the ancient architectural complex of Jianfu Temple (featuring structures like the Ming Dynasty bell tower housing a Jin Dynasty ancient bell), an ancient stone carving art exhibition area, and garden views. Here, they can immerse themselves in the charm of this thousand-year-old capital right at the historical site. The renowned "Morning Bell at Wild Goose Pagoda" view adds to its fame. World heritage site: As one of the key heritage sites in the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" UNESCO World Heritage, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding Jianfu Temple historic area represent the core cultural value of Xi'an Museum. Function and positioning: The museum serves not only as a vital center for cultural relic collection, research, and exhibition, but also as an urban cultural park where citizens can relax and immerse themselves in history. It plays a significant role in social education and cultural exchange.Xi'an · 2.4 km from downtown
Xi'an Bell Tower
Xi'an Bell Tower is one of the larger and well-preservedBell tower, originally built in 1384, during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty,Bell towerLocated in the heart of Xi'an, it is one of the landmarks of the ancient city, radiating east, south, west, and north streets from its center, connecting to the east, south, west, and north gates of the Xi'an city wall respectively. The Xi'an Bell Tower was originally located on Guangji Street in the west. As the city center shifted eastward, it was relocated toDrum towerEast side, today's location. The Xi'an Bell Tower features a typical Ming Dynasty architectural style, with a square brick-and-stone base at the bottom and a triple-eaved pyramidal roof structure at the top, covered with dark green glazed tiles. The gilded pinnacle at the roof's apex is particularly striking under sunlight. Each side of the base has a central arched doorway approx. 6 m high, which were interconnected and once served as passageways for the intersection of four major streets—east, south, west, and north—allowing pedestrian and vehicular traffic. These doorways are now sealed, with a traffic roundabout built around them and an underground pedestrian passage. The entrance to the Xi'an Bell Tower is located within this underground passage, accessible via a spiral staircase. Inside the tower, there is a replica of the "Jingyun Bell," whose original was cast in the second year of Emperor Ruizong's Jingyun era (711 AD) during the Tang Dynasty and is now housed in the Xi'an Beilin Museum. Standing on the Xi'an Bell Tower, you can see the four main streets extending east, south, west, and north from the Xi'an Bell Tower. Around the Xi'an Bell Tower, there are bustling commercial areas and not far awayDrum towerTravelers can also enjoy wonderful historical performances when visiting the Xi'an Bell Tower.Xi'an · 7m from downtown
Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise, a national 5A attraction, is located in Qujiang New District in the south of Xi'an City, not far away from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It covers an area of 998 acres, including 300 acres of water area, 440 acres of green space, and a construction area of nearly 100,000 square meters. The overall planning and architectural design of the park's architecture is by Mr. Zhang Jinqiu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the garden landscape design is by Mr. Hiroshi Akiyama, a Japanese garden master. It is a large-scale cultural theme heritage park that comprehensively displays the style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Since its official opening to the outside world on April 11, 2005 (the third day of the third lunar month), it has been committed to creating high-quality, high-standard brand tourist attractions. Tang Paradise aims to build "a garden of history, a garden of spirit, a garden of nature, a garden of humanity, and a garden of art". It specially invited more than ten Tang historians, Tang poems, Tang paintings, etc. from the China Tang Dynasty Literature Society. An expert group composed of Tang construction experts, doctoral supervisors, researchers and tourism experts re-excavated and sorted out the historical and cultural content of Tang Paradise, re-planned and positioned the entire garden landscape, and divided into fourteen ares including the imperial cultural area, female Cultural area, poetry culture area, imperial examination culture area, tea culture area, song and dance culture area, food culture area, folk culture area, diplomatic culture area, Buddhist culture area, Taoism culture area, children's play area, gate landscape culture area and water show performance area, fully reproduce the splendid civilization of the Tang Dynasty. There are more than 20 scenic spots such as Ziyun Tower, Ladies Pavilion, Lu Yu Tea House, Apricot Garden, Caixia Corridor, Qujiang Drinking, Beauty Walk, Tang Poetry Gorge, Dogwood Terrace, etc. It displays the Tang Dynasty's dazzling spiritual outlook and splendid and unparalleled culture and art. It is known as a tourist attraction that “shocks the Chinese people and amazes the world”. The theme performance of the attraction is the large-scale water dance light and shadow show "Chasing Dreams of the Tang Dynasty", and you can take a boat trip to the dreamy holy land; the large-scale super-dimensional situation dance drama "Dreams of the Tang Dynasty" is majestic and dreamlike; the palace Yan music of the Tang Dynasty "Drums" performs Dongcang drum music, an intangible cultural heritage of mankind, as well as high-quality cultural tourism activities such as the New Year Festival, Shangsi Festival, and Qujiang Flower Moon Banquet. Brands and projects. The multiple Complimentary attractions and exciting performances every day are a warm invitation from the Tang Dynasty royal family to tourists, allowing them to experience the sacred and grandeur of royal culture in a shocking way. As a theme heritage park with excellent quality, full of personality and rich cultural connotation, Tang Paradise is a cultural window for Xi'an to show the world the ancient historical heritage of Chang'an and the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and a cultural gateway to attract the world to understand China...Xi'an · 5.8 km from downtown
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the Da Ci'en Temple in the southern part of the city. The Da Ci'en Temple was a magnificent royal temple in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty. It was built during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty by Crown Prince Li Zhi in memory of his mother, Empress Wende, and was first abboted by Master Xuanzang, who had returned from his journey to the West to seek Buddhist scriptures. During this period, the master supervised the construction of the Dayan Pagoda. Master Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures and promoted Buddhism in Da Ci'en Temple for 11 years, and founded the "Appearance-Only School" of Buddhism, making Da Ci'en Temple the ancestral temple of the Appearance-Only School (also known as the "Faxiang School"). During this period, the master personally supervised the construction of the Dayan Pagoda to enshrine the scriptures, statues and relics brought back from India. The current Da Ci'en Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty on the basis of the original temple "West Pagoda Courtyard", and most of the existing halls are buildings from the Qing Dynasty. The main buildings on the central axis of the temple are the Great Hall, the Dharma Hall, the Dayan Pagoda, and the Xuanzang Tripitaka Courtyard. Among them, the Buddha's relics enshrined in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the parietal bones of Master Xuanzang are respectively enshrined in the Xuanzang Tripitaka Courtyard, which are the "treasures of the temple" of Da Ci'en Temple. To the east of the central axis of the temple is the Pagoda Garden. Within the garden are nine stupas housing the relics of nine eminent monks of the temple since the Qing Dynasty. There are squares to the south and north of Da Ci'en Temple. There are also Shaanxi History Museum and Tang Paradise Souvenir .Xi'an · 4.8 km from downtown
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Free things to do in Xi'an
Shaanxi History Museum
Xi'an · 4 km from downtownGrand Tang Mall
Xi'an · 5.3 km from downtownXi'an Museum
Xi'an · 2.4 km from downtownBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytime
Shaanxi Archaeology Museum
Xi'an · 16.8 km from downtown
Xi'an Muslim Quarter
Xi'an · 333m from downtown
YONGXING FANG
Xi'an · 2.2 km from downtown
Xi'an Expo Park
Xi'an · 12.7 km from downtown
Small Wild Goose Pagoda Heritage Park
Xi'an · 2.3 km from downtown
Zhongnan Mountain
Xi'an · 36.9 km from downtown
Terra-cotta Warriors Pit No.1
Xi'an · 33.4 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
More ways to travel from Xi'an
Private Tours in Xi'an
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Group Tours in Xi'an
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What travelers say about Xi'an
迷你小麻花October 6, 2026
5.0
My teacher, Ms. Zhang, is enthusiastic and meticulous. Her explanations are interesting and professional, and she has a wealth of knowledge. She proactively helped us calculate time and plan our itinerary. Our family of four booked a session with her, and there weren't many people today, so it was quite easy to get front-row seats. My family all thought Ms. Zhang was great.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
M47***56October 5, 2026
5.0
Teacher Mingqian led us into the Shaanxi History Museum, where the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties unfolded before our eyes. From pottery and bronze to Tang dynasty gold and silver artifacts, each piece of cultural relic tells a story of a thousand years past. The history in our textbooks became a reality before our eyes, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the profound power of Chinese civilization.
Shaanxi History Museum
Anonymous userOctober 5, 2026
5.0
The Xi'an City Wall is a must-see landmark in Xi'an. Yongning Gate (South Gate) is recommended for the best views. You can walk or rent a bicycle to climb the wall. During the day, admire the architectural details; in the evening, wait for the lights to illuminate the walls for a more immersive nighttime experience.
Xi'an City Wall
Anonymous userOctober 4, 2026
5.0
I like the environment inside Huaqing Palace, which has a magnificent royal style. There are also performances of Tang Dynasty weddings during holidays. As for the pools, they're not very interesting.
Huaqing Palace
Anonymous userOctober 5, 2026
4.0
Mount Hua's natural scenery is truly impeccable, with its towering peaks and precipitous cliffs. The view from the South Peak is expansive, with continuous mountain ranges and breathtaking sea of clouds – truly deserving of its title as the most precipitous mountain under heaven.
The downsides: the cable car only goes halfway up the mountain, not directly to the summit. The rest of the climb involves a large number of steps, making it very strenuous and physically demanding. After the climb, you'll be exhausted and your legs will be weak.
Overall, the scenery is definitely worth the trip, but it's not suitable for those with weaker stamina. We recommend bringing trekking poles and knee pads.
Mount Hua
赵美如September 17, 2026
5.0
When visiting Xi'an, the most stunning night view is undoubtedly the Tang Paradise. The entire street is centered around the culture of the Tang Dynasty, with magnificent and grand architecture, a neat and spacious layout, and lights that illuminate the area gradually after nightfall, creating a dazzling and magnificent spectacle that truly recreates the prosperity of Chang'an a thousand years ago.
The pedestrian street is clean and tidy with smooth traffic flow. Along the way, the Tang-style buildings with their upturned eaves and antique charm are perfectly complemented by atmospheric lighting, seamlessly blending ancient style with modern lighting. Walking through it, you'll see tourists dressed in Hanfu and Tang Dynasty attire everywhere; every step reveals a picturesque scene, offering an immersive experience of traveling back to the Tang Dynasty. Every photo you take will be a masterpiece.
The street offers a rich variety of activities, including Tang poetry sculptures and cultural installations that recreate the poetry and wine culture of the Tang Dynasty, as well as numerous exciting street performances and interactive programs, such as the "Tang Dynasty Secret Box," ancient-style dances, and parades, all full of fun and creating a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a blend of rich historical heritage and a lively, relaxed nighttime atmosphere, making it suitable for all ages.
The shops along the way are neatly organized, offering a wide variety of unique cultural and creative products, Xi'an snacks, and traditional Chinese ornaments, all presented in a pleasing yet uncluttered manner. The overall management of the scenic area is very standardized, with excellent order and cleanliness.
Grand Tang Mall
Xinyuuuu_October 3, 2026
5.0
It's great. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands tall in the scenic area, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. It features exhibits on the history of Xi'an as an ancient capital, many modern Buddhist statues for visitors to see, and a VR experience of Van Gogh's paintings. Overall, it's a very good and worthwhile attraction.
Xi'an Museum
Anonymous userOctober 6, 2026
5.0
The Xi'an Bell Tower truly lives up to its reputation as a landmark of Xi'an, a magnificent ancient building dating back over 600 years to the Ming Dynasty. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the ancient city, where ancient architecture blends seamlessly with the vibrant cityscape, exuding a rich historical atmosphere. A visit to experience the charm of Chang'an is highly recommended.
Xi'an Bell Tower
E10***54October 5, 2026
4.0
The Tang Paradise is a man-made park modeled after Tang Dynasty architecture, and the night view is quite beautiful. However, the park is not large, and apart from the paid performances, there are no other activities, making it lacking in entertainment. As a paid tourist attraction, it is considerably inferior to the Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden in Kaifeng.
Tang Paradise
M22***86September 27, 2026
5.0
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda boasts a long history, originally built in the Tang Dynasty to house the Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back by the monk Xuanzang. The ancient brick pagoda is solemn and imposing, and climbing it offers panoramic views of Xi'an. The rented audio guide was very useful; it provided detailed explanations wherever you went, clearly explaining the relevant historical stories. It was easy to use and reasonably priced. The self-guided listening allowed for a flexible pace, freeing you from large tour groups, allowing you to explore and listen at your own pace. Renting one is highly recommended.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Popular cities near Xi'an
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Xi'an?
Don't miss these attractions in Xi'an: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, and Xi'an City Wall. If you like Day tours, try Xi'an Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace with Lunch|Chinese & English Speaking Guide | Day Tour. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Xi'an Terracotta Warriors+Huaqing Palace+The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show+Lunch | Day Tour.
What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Xi'an?
You can give Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian Since 1988 and Daming Palace Banquet: A Journey Back to the Golden Age of Tang - Immersive Tang Culture Dining Show with Optional Hanfu Costume and Makeup a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
What are the recommended tours and excursions in Xi'an?
When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Xi'an Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace with Lunch|Chinese & English Speaking Guide | Day Tour, Half-day tour to Xi'an emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum site museum (terracotta warriors) with professional guide and optional car transfer, and Xi‘An Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace +Lunch | Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.
What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Xi'an?
As of October 6, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Xi'an is around USD 28.66 – USD 108.71. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.
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Can I change or cancel my booking?
Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.
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