Top 10 Free Things to do in Xi'an, Shaanxi

May 22, 2021 Hana Mouser

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. Xi'an Qujiangchi Site Park

South-east of Qujiang New District, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061 China
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Xi'an Qujiangchi Site Park

2. Celebration Palace Park

No.55 Xianning West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an 710048 China +86 29 8248 5349 http://www.xingqinggong.com
Excellent
42%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Celebration Palace Park

3. Dayan Pagoda Northern Square

Yata Road, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061 China +86 29 8552 7958
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 978 reviews

Dayan Pagoda Northern Square

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.

4. Muslim Quarter

West of Bell Drum Towers Square , Beilin District, Xi'an 710000 China +86 173 6014 1905 http://artofadventuring.com/the-foods-of-xian-muslim-quarter
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,119 reviews

Muslim Quarter

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).

5. Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

No. 6, East Section of Huanta South Road, Yanta District Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square, Xi'an 710065 China
Excellent
35%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

Reviewed By Dennis0002 - Herriman, United States

As part of our tour through china we had the opportunity to visit this place and we are glad we did. After seeing so many streets in china where is felt like a tourist trap I felt like I was part of the Chinese culture. The street is extremely busy but not with tourists, but locals. All age groups were there. We arrived just before dark and the lights were just being turned on. The vendors were out in force with food, souvenirs, entertainers. For as busy as this place was it was relatively clean compared to other places we visited in china. We spent over an hour walking this street, but we ran out of time. We could not find any western toilets so if that is an issue find one before you visit here. We did try a couple of sticks of local food, some very tasty, some not but was worth trying. There were a few restaurants along the way but we did not try them. I felt very safe here but would still say to keep your guard up with your valuables.

6. Beiyuanmen Night Market

Huimin Street, Xi'an China
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Beiyuanmen Night Market

7. Muslim market

Muslim Street, Xi'an China
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 268 reviews

Muslim market

Reviewed By bostondave11 - Boston, United States

Muslim Street is larger than just one street. It is an area of the Muslim quarter where there are food stalls on the streets, as well as some "fake" market streets to satisfy both your dining and shopping pleasure. You do not need a guide and you do not need to speak Chinese. All the food looks great. We tried the "Xi'an burgers", which were shredded lamb with some marinade and some hot sauce (if you want it). Fantastic. Went back for more many times during our stay - each time to a different vendor. We also tried the lamb skewers, pomegranate juice, and the "spicy, spicy, spicy" meatballs on a stick (a Chinese friend wanted to see me eat one). I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. It makes me hungry just thinking about Muslim Street. Lights, sounds, smells, and great people watching. Don't forget to bargain hard at the Fake market just off the Muslim Street.

8. Tianshuijing Catholic Church

Wuxing Street, Xi'an China
Excellent
48%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Tianshuijing Catholic Church

Reviewed By charlescH5960TN

The church is 300 years old and incorporates Chinese style into both its exterior and interior. The service on Sunday afternoon is in English and many ex-patriots from all over the world attend in addition to local nationals.

9. Yongxing Fang

Xinjie, Xincheng, Xi'an China http://www.yongxingfang.com.cn
Excellent
52%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Yongxing Fang

Reviewed By KodoDrummer - Yekaterinburg, Russia

We had a fun and interesting time shopping and tasting some of the Shaanxi street foods in this ancient China type market area. It is helpful to have WeChat Pay. I was originally hesitant to use it, but now find it to be a very convenient and safe way of paying.

10. Kaiyuan Square

Yanta S Rd, Xi'an 710061 China
Excellent
31%
Good
69%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Kaiyuan Square

Reviewed By AZCasualTraveler - Mesa, United States

Kaiyuan Square is a lovely square and walkway that is an excellent place to visit during the evening hours where the lighting of this area is in full glow - very beautiful high-tech lighting all along the walkway. I can say lighting in this area is comparable (or even more stunning) than Las Vegas. The laser lighting from this area fills the sky during the night which can be easily be seen from blocks away because they are so bright. There are sections of the walkway that are also lighted from below and are pressure sensitive - the steps changes colors as you step on the sidewalk squares - impressive. There are water fountains, statues and replicas of terra-cotta statues scattered along the walkway which is well lighted and interesting to see so many different things along the way. There are many "fast food" stands, restaurant, shops and a mall along the way to keep things interesting. There is also a very nice bandstand along the walkway where local musicians come and play. I would definitely come back again to this area when I return to Xian, because the one evening that we had available on our tight schedule was not enough to see everything in this area. Very enjoyable area to walk and see the sights here.

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