Xi'an
City in China
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province. The name is frequently misspelled as Xian.
The sub-provincial city of Xi'an has direct jurisdiction over 11 districts (Baqiao District, Beilin District, Chang'an District, Gaoling District, Huyi District, Lianhu District, Lintong District, Weiyang District, Xincheng District, Yanliang District, Yanta District) and 2 counties (Lantian County, Zhouzhi County).
The city borders the northern foot of the Qin Mountains (Qinling) to the south, and the banks of the Wei River to the north. Hua Shan is located 100 km away to the east of the city. Not far to the north is the Loess Plateau.
How to Reach Xi'an
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA Code- XIY) is the main airport serving Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, as well as the whole Guanzhong area. The airport is located within the administrative area of Xianyang city. It is 25 km northwest of Xi'an city center, and 13 km northeast of the center of Xianyang.
Buy cheapest air-ticket here.
Hotels in Xi'an
Book Hotel in Xi'an.
Tourist Places in Xi'an
I have described 53 best places to travel in Xi'an. You will need an entry fee of around US$ 290 to visit all the places listed below.
Day-1:
Daming Palace
Palace
The former royal residence was the Taiji Palace, built in the previous Sui dynasty (581-618).
In 634, Emperor Taizong began construction of the Deming Palace for his retired father, Emperor Gaozu. But the palace was not completed before the death of Emperor Gaozu in 635, and then construction stopped.
In 662, construction was resumed by Empress Wu. In 663, the palace was completed during the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong began the expansion of the palace in 662 with the construction of the Hanuan Hall, which ended in 663. On 5 June 663, the royal family began relocating from the not-yet-completed Taiji Palace to Daming Palace, which became the new seat of the Imperial Court and the political center of the empire.
The Danfeng Gate is the central south entrance to the Daming Palace. The gate consists of five doors. There is a courtyard after passing through Danfeng Gate. At the end is Hanyuan Hall. The Hanyuan Hall is connected by a corridor to the Xiangluan Pavilion on the east and the Qifeng Pavilion on the west. Hanyuan Hall serves as the main hall for hosting foreign ambassadors during diplomatic exchanges.
After Hanyuan Hall, the middle court begins. Xuanzheng Hall is located about 300 meters north of Hanyuan Hall. State functions were usually conducted in this hall. The Secretariat office was to the west of Xuanzheng Hall and the Chancellery office to the east.
Located on the inner court, Zichen Hall is located about 95 meters north of Xuanzheng Hall. It adopted central government offices. Taiye Pool, also known as Penglai Pool, is located north of Zichen Hall. The gardens located around the pond. Linde Hall is located west of the lake. It served as a place for banquets, ceremonies, and religious rites. It consists of three halls - one in front, one in the middle and one in the back, adjacent to each other. An imperial park is located to the north of the palace complex. The Sanqing Hall was located in the northeast corner of the Daming Palace and served as a Taoist temple for the imperial family.
On 1 October 2010, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park was opened to the public.
Visiting Time: March to October - 8:30 AM to 6 PM. November to February - 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 95 Yuan (US$14.16) for a combo ticket including cultural relics preservation area, movie ticket and battery cars. 60 Yuan (US$8.94) for cultural relics preservation area. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for movie ticket. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for child height 1.2-1.5 meter.
How to go: It is located north side of Xi'an railway station.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Park
How to go: It is located east side of Daming Palace.
Hancheng Lake
Lake
Hancheng Lake Park is built around the banks of Hancheng Lake.
Visiting Time: March to August - 6 AM to 10 PM. September to February - 7 AM to 9 PM. Shuttle Bus, Cruise Boat and Amusement Boat - 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Free: Free. 45 Yuan (US$6.71) for Gale Pavilion and free for child height below 1.2 meter. Shuttle Bus - 20 Yuan (US$2.98) for one way and 40 Yuan (US$5.96) for a round trip. Cruise Boat - 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for half way and 60 Yuan (US$8.94) for one way. Amusement Small Boat - 50-100 Yuan (US$7.45-14.90) per boat.
How to go: It is located about 3.5 km from northwest corner of Daming Palace.
Changle Palace
Palace
Also called Weiyang Palace was built in 200 BC by Emperor Gaozu of Han, founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty. It served as the administrative center and residence. The palace survived until the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 AD) when it was burned down. This was the largest palace ever built on Earth. It was 11 times the size of the Vatican City.
Now, little remains of the former palace. The site of the palace was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to go: It is located about 2.5 km from the southwest corner of Hancheng Lake towards west.
E Pang Gong
Palace
Construction of the Epang palace began in 212 BC. Qin Shi Huang died in 210 BC and construction work continued until 208 BC. His son and successor Qin Er Shi was an ineffective ruler, weakening Qin's power. Qin Er Shi was forced to commit suicide in October 207 BC and then the Qin Dynasty collapsed. In 206 BC, the city was disbanded, and the palaces of Qin were burned, along with the Epang Palace.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 30 Yuan (US$4.47).
How to go: It is located about 5.75 km from southwest corner of Changle Palace towards southwest at 44 Hongguang Road, Weiyang.
Kunmingchi Qixi Park
Park
How to go: It is located about 5 km from southwest corner of E Pang Gong towards southwest.
Day-2:
Fortifications of Xi'an
City Wall
It is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls. The Xi'an City Wall is on the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), established the Ming dynasty, and then built a highly fortified wall over a previously existing palace wall of the Tang dynasty (618–907). He started building the Xi'an City Wall in 1370. During the Longqing Emperor's period (1568) the wall was strengthened by laying blue bricks on the top. During the reign of Qianlong of the Qing dynasty (1781), the wall was enlarged, and other modifications were made.
By the end of the Qing dynasty rule, the structure had begun to deteriorate.
In 1926, the wall was attacked with bombs by enemy forces resulting in serious structural damage, but the city within the wall was not affected. During the Second World War, when the Japanese carried out air bombings from 1937 to 1940, the residents built bunkers, as anti-aircraft shelters. A few escape openings were also made through the wall as passageways. Even later, new gates to allow traffic through the Xi'an Wall were constructed during the Republican rule.
In 1983, the administration of the Xi'an municipality carried out more renovations and additions to the wall. At that time, the Yangmacheng tower, the Zhalou sluice tower, the Kuixinglou dipper tower, the Jiaolou corner tower and the Dilou defense tower were all refurbished; the crumbling parts of the rampart were changed into gates.
The southern embrasured watchtower constructed in 1378, was destroyed by fire in 1926[8] during the civil war of 1926, and was restored in September 2014.
The Xi'an Wall is rectangular in shape and has a total length of 13.7 km. The wall is 12 meters in height with a width of 12–14 meters at the top. Along the top of the wall is a walkway. The area within the wall is about 36 square km. 4 Main Gates: East Gate (Changle Gate), West Gate (Anding Gate), South Gate (Yongning Gate), North Gate (Anyuan Gate).
The South Gate very near to the Bell Tower. The South Gate Square is restored and formally open to public on September 6, 2014. Below the square is a large underground parking lot. Meanwhile, two museums inside the barbican and the archery tower of the South Gate are also open to the public. Tourists who visit the wall can enjoy a free visit to these two museums.
Encircling the rectangled city center of Xi'an, it has totally 18 city gates, but they are not all open for visitors. Visitors can ascend the Wall from the South Gate, Small South Gate, East Gate, West Gate, North Gate, Heping Gate, Wenchang Gate and Hanguang Gate.
Bicycling on the wall is an interesting part. A single bicycle rent 45 Yuan (US$6.71) for 2 hours. The tandem bicycle rent 90 Yuan (US$13.41) for 2 hours. An extra 10 minutes will cost respectively 5 and 10 Yuan (US$1.49).
The ordinary sightseeing battery car costs 80 Yuan (US$11.92) for a circle ride while the luxurious one costs 120 Yuan (US$17.88). One can also visit the wall by sections. The ordinary type costs 20 Yuan (US$2.98) between two stops. The luxurious type costs 30 Yuan (US$4.47).
Visiting Time: South Gate - 8 AM - 12 AM. Other Gate - May to October - 8 AM - 7 PM. November to April - 8 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 60 Yuan (US$8.94) for adults. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for child height 3.9 to 4.6 feet. free for children under 1.2 meters. 100 Yuan (US$14.90) for a combo ticket of the wall and Stele Forest.
Free Performance: Warrior Parade Performance (Barbican) - 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM. Relieving Guard Ceremony - 10 AM, 3 PM.
Chang'an Impression Performance: 2nd April to 4th November - 8 PM to 9:10 PM, except Monday. Cost 280 Yuan (US$41.72) / 380 Yuan (US$56.63) / 580 Yuan (US$86.43) / 1,280 Yuan (US$190.74), with the ticket of the city wall.
How to go: It is located south side of Xi'an railway station.
Guangren Temple
Buddhist Temple
Guangren Temple was first established by Kangxi Emperor in 1705 of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).
In 1931, the bombs blew up the abbot's room, and soon it was reconstructed. In 1952, the temple was renovated and redecorated.
The south faces temple with the Shanmen (also known as the Gate of Three Liberations). As the entrance door is closed, visitors should enter the temple from the eastern side. Inside the gate, there is a Zhao Bi (a stone wall). After the wall, a tall hexagonal pavilion with an imperial stele.
Go out of the pavilion, the Devajara Hall in which a statue of Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara located. At the back of the Devajara Hall, there is a courtyard, where you can see 'Ten Thousand Year Lamp'. Mahavira Hall is located behind the lighthouse. There are 3 Buddha statues are in the Mahavira Hall. the Green Tara statue (middle), On its left is the statue of Manjusri and on its right is the statue of Samantabhadra. Behind Mahavira Hall, There is the One Thousand Buddhas Hall which was built in 2006. In front of this hall, there is a marble lotus which came down from the Emperor Qianlong period in the Qing Dynasty. There is a Sutras Keeping Hall.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 20 Yuan (US$2.98).
How to go: It is located northeast corner, inside the city wall.
Yang Hucheng Memorial
Landmark
Yang Hucheng (26 November 1893 – 6 September 1949) was a Chinese general.
The memorial was built in 1934. The memorial was the former residence of General Yang Hucheng. The memorial hall was opened to the public in 1983.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5 PM.
How to go: It is located east side of Guangren Temple.
Lianhu Park (West Gate)
Park
How to go: It is located inside the city wall. About 1 km from the north gate towards southeast.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
Mosque
One of the largest premodern mosques in China.
Emperor Xuanzong (7th emperor of the Tang dynasty, reigning from 712 to 756) decreed around the year 742 AD, that a place of worship for the Muslim community was to be constructed in the city. The mosque was built. Due to the fall of the Tang Dynasty and later the Song Dynasty, Xi'an city was destroyed along with the most of the original mosques built during the Tang Dynasty did not survive.
The city of Xian was reorganized in 1378 AD during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). The mosque was rebuilt. A plaque was erected there during the Ming Dynasty mentioning the announcement of the reconstruction of the mosque in 1606.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the front gate of the mosque, Pifang and Sebil were added. In 1768 the Qing's Government erected a plaque there announcing the fixing of the mosque.
The Dungan Rebellion (1862 - 1877) was followed by some restrictions on the practice of Islam that began due to ethnic and religious tensions between Muslims and Han Chinese. After the Dungan Rebellion, the Qing government restricted the freedom of worship of Muslims. Slaughter of animals was strictly forbidden. Construction of new mosques and pilgrimage to Mecca were banned, although these restrictions were lifted after the fall of the Qing Dynasty.
During the Cultural Revolution (May 16, 1966 – October 6, 1976), as with practically all other religious facilities in mainland China, the mosque was temporarily shut down and converted into a steel factory. In 1976, religious activities resumed, and the mosque was later upgraded in 1988 to a major nationally preserved historical and cultural site. In 1997, it was selected as one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Xi'an.
Visitors and tourists can pay a small fee to enter the park and stalls and visit the complex, but non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the prayer room.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 25 Yuan (US$3.73) for age 12 or more. Free for child age below 12.
How to go: It is located inside the city wall, about 950 meters from Lianhu Park towards south at 30 Haujue Lane, Lianhu District.
Xi'an Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter
Area
Most of muslim community live here. About 60,000 people live in this area, more than half of which are the Huis (Chinese-speaking adherents of Islam) and the others are the majority Hans. There are ten mosques in the area. The biggest one is the Great Mosque.
How to go: It starts from Great Mosque.
Drum Tower
Building
The tower was built in 1380 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The drum tower got its name from the huge drums located inside the building. The drums were beaten at sunset to indicate the end of the day.
On the first floor of the Drum Tower, there is a hall where many large drums are hung. There is also a drum museum inside the drum tower, where a variety of drums are on display, some of which may be thousands of years old. Drum shows are performed here every day.
Visiting Time: March 26 to October 25 - 8:30 AM to 9 PM. October 26 to March 25 - 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for Drum Tower only. 50 Yuan (US$7.45) for Bell and Drum Tower.
How to go: It is located northwest of Bell Tower.
Bell Tower of Xi'an
Historic Landmark
It was built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty about 1 km away from its current location.
In 1582, It was ordered to relocate to the present site. The overall migration of such a huge building more than 600 years ago is rare in the world architecture history.
On October 10, 1939, the Xi'an Bell Tower was bombed by Japanese planes and was seriously damaged. Later it was repaired.
The original giant bell of Xi'an Bell Tower was the "JingYun" bell cast by the year of Jingyun in the Tang Dynasty. It was originally used by Jinglong temple.
How to go: It is located about 500 meters from Great Mosque of Xi'an towards southeast.
Forest of Stone Steles Museum
Museum
Also called Beilin Museum, is a themed museum. It exhibits of stone steles, epigraphs and stone sculptures from past dynasties.
There are 7 exhibition rooms for steles and 2 sculpture galleries.
Visiting Time: March to April - 8 AM to 6:15 PM. May to October 7 - 8 AM to 6:45 PM. October 8 to November - 8 AM to 6:15. December to February - 8 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 65 Yuan (US$9.69) from March to November. 50 Yuan (US$7.45) from December to February. A combo ticket for this museum and Xi'an City Wall costs 100 Yuan (US$14.90).
How to go: It is located about 300 meters east from the south gate.
Residence of Zhang Xuellang
Historical House
3-story houses built in Western style.
Chang Hsüeh-liang or Zhang Xueliang was born on 3 June 1901 in Haicheng, Liaoning.
In 1921, he went to Japan to study the Japanese military. In 1922, he was promoted to the rank of Major General and led an army-sized force. Two years later, he was also made commander of the aircraft unit. After the Japanese army killed his father in 1928, he succeeded him as leader of the Northeast Peace Preservation Forces. In December of the same year, he declared allegiance to the 'Kuomintang' party. In the 1930s, he was tasked with eradicating the Communist Party from the north. He fought first in central China and then in Shaanxi Province. On 12 December 1936, Zhang and General Yang Hucheng kidnapped Chiang Kai-shek and imprisoned him until he agreed to form a united front with the communists against the Japanese invasion. Chiang agreed and was released on December 26, with Zhang preferring to return to the capital, Nanking. Chiang then placed him under house arrest.
In 1949, Zhang was transferred to Taiwan, where he remained under house arrest for the next 40 years in a villa in the northern suburbs of Taipei. He spent most of his time collecting literature from the Ming Dynasty, Manchu language, Chinese fan painting, calligraphy. Zhang studied the New Testament Bible. In 1964, she officially married Edith Chao. After Chiang's death in 1975, his independence was officially restored. Zhang moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1995. He died of pneumonia on 15 October 2001 at Straub Hospital in Honolulu and was buried in Hawaii.
How to go: It is located southeast corner inside the city wall.
Day-3:
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Museum
Museum of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses inside the premises.
Visiting Time: March 16 to November 15 - 8:30 AM to 6 PM. November 16 to March 15 - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Foreign passports will be required when booking tickets and entering the museum.
Entry Fee: 120 Yuan (US$17.88) for adult. Free for child below 1.4 meter or 4.6 feet. 60 Yuan (US$8.94) for child taller than 1.4 meter and age below 16, foreign students studying in China with valid student ID. The fare is for the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum Through Ticket including the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Lishan Garden and shuttle buses inside the scenic area.
How to go: Take airport metro line to Beikezhan (Xi'an North Railway Station), change to line 4 to Wulukou, then change to line 1 to Fangzhicheng, and last take metro line 9 to Huaqing Pool, where you can take Lintong Bus 602 to Terracotta Army. From there you will get Shuttle bus.
Underground Palace of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum
Mausoleum
This mausoleum was constructed over 38 years, from 246 to 208 BC.
The first fragments of warriors and bronze arrowheads were discovered by Yang Zhifa, his five brothers, and Wang Puzhi who were digging a well in March 1974 in Xiyang, a village of the Lintong county. At a depth of around 2 meters, they found hardened dirt, then red earthenware, fragments of terracotta, bronze arrowheads and terracotta bricks. They sold everything they found.
In May 1974, a team of archaeologists went to the site to undertake the excavations. About 7,000 statues of terracotta warriors and horses, and about a hundred wooden battle chariots and numerous weapon were found.
The Terracotta Army is about 1.5 km east of the tomb mound.
In December 2012, it was announced that the wreckage of a huge "imperial palace" had been found on the site. Based on its foundations, the courtyard-style palace was estimated to be 690 meters long and 250 meters wide. The palace had 18 courtyards and a main building overlooking the houses.
The underground palace has not yet been excavated, a two-story man-made attraction of the palace is built about 2 km west of Qin Shi Huang Tomb. Although the description of the book Historical Records written by Sima Qian is cast, according to archaeologists, the attraction is much less magnificent than the reality, so it is not recommended to go.
How to go: It is located about 3.2 km from Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum towards west.
Huaqinggong Relic Site
Ruins
The ruins were a cluster of structures belonging to the ancient Huaqing Palace (Huaqinggong) of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). The newly-discovered buildings were centered around the "Chaoyuan Pavilion", which was built on a 6-meter-high roof. It was built with the highest construction techniques of the time. Emperor Xuanzong has spent months here every year since 742 AD. After 755, the empire caused unrest year after year, and caused its final collapse. The Chaoyuan Pavilion collapsed in 970 AD. Huaqing Palace is one of the most well-known historical monuments to the Chinese people.
How to go: It is located about 250 meters north of Hua Qing Chi.
Lintong Museum
Museum
It exhibits about 10,000 artifacts that many of them are about 2,000 to 3,000 years old in 3 big exhibition rooms.
Visiting Time: 7:30 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: December to February - 80 Yuan (US$11.92) for adult and 60 Yuan (US$8.94) for students. March to November - 110 Yuan (US$16.39).
How to go: It is located about 250 meters from Huaqinggong Relic Site towards east at 1 Donghuan Lu, Lintong District.
Day-4:
Hua Qing Chi
Hot Spring
This tourist attraction is listed as 5A. Huaqing Pool is the Imperial Pools of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). In this premises you will see Pear Garden, Frost Flying Hall, Nine-Dragon Lake, Five-Room Building and Mount Li. There are five hot spring pools at this are - the Lotus Pool, Haitang Pool, Star Pool, Shangshi Pool, and the Prince Pool. Tourists are not allowed to use hot springs.
Visiting Time: March to November - 7 AM to 7 PM. December to February - 7:30 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Huaqing Pool + Mount Li - 120 Yuan (US$17.88). Free for child below 1.2 meter.
How to go: About 25 km east of Xi'an. Take airport metro line to Beikezhan (Xi'an North Railway Station), change to line 4 to Wulukou, then change to line 1 to Fangzhicheng, and then take metro line 9 to Huaqing Pool station.
Lishan Mountain
Mountain
On the mountain you will see Sunset Pavilion (Wanzhao Ting), Remonstrance Pavilion (Bingjian Ting), Beacon Tower (Fenghuo Tai), Laojun Palace (Laojun Dian).
Entry Fee: Hua Qing Chi entry fee 120 Yuan (US$17.88).
How to go: You have to go through Hua Qing Chi.
* You also may visit Mingshenggong, Lishanniao Yulin, Juyuan Happy Farmhouse, Huaqing Mountain Villa, Zongyi Happy Farmhouse, Renzu Temple, Jinyuan Happy Farmhouse, Qionglu.
Day-5:
Xi'an Expo Park
Park
You can rent bicycle inside the park.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located on the way from Xi'an to Huaqing Pool station.
Chang'an Tower
Tower
99 meters tall with 13 levels tower serves as a viewing platform for visitors to view of the whole expo site.
How to go: It is located inside the Xi'an Expo Park.
Banpo Museum
Museum
An archaeological site of a village dates back to 4500 BC, once home to a matriarchal clan community. It was discovered in 1953. The museum exhibits artifacts from the archaeological site of Banpo and also the access to the excavated buildings. It has 3 parts: Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall, the hall of the Banpo Sites and Auxiliary Exhibition Hall.
Visiting Time: March to November - 8 AM to 6 PM. December to February - 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 55 Yuan (US$8.20) from March to November. 40 Yuan (US$5.96) for December to February. Free for child height below 1.2 meter (3.9 feet).
How to go: It is located about 6 km away from Xian city. By Metro Line 1 and get off at Banpo Station. Exit A and walk towards west 5 minutes and then turn south and walk 2 minutes along Banpo Road.
Day-6:
Bailuyuan Film and TV Scenic Spot
Scenic Spot
Also called White Deer Plain. Whale Gully with a waterfall and a lake. Bailuyuan Folk Culture Village is located in the southeast. The Folk Village has resort. Bailuyuan Studios houses many visiting zones.
In every May, from Cherry Orchard, you can pick and taste the cherries. The ski area opens from middle December to February.
Visiting Time: Bailuyuan Studios - 9 AM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee: Free for Folk Culture Village and Bailuyuan Studios. 40 Yuan (US$5.96) for Cherry Orchard. Bailuyuan Ski Area - 138 Yuan (US$20.56) on weekday. 168 Yuan (US$25.03) on weekend. Extra charge for ski clothes, ski gears and locker.
How to go: It is located about 40 km from downtown Xi'an. By bus no. 240 from Xi'an Railway Station to Dizhai Station. Then by minibus to Bailuyuan Film and TV Scenic Spot. Minibus may take 10 Yuan (US$1.49).
Shuilu nunnery
Buddhist Temple
It was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).
Entry Fee: 15 Yuan (US$2.24).
How to go: It is located at the foot of Wangshun mountain in Puhua Town.
Day-7:
Ba Xian An
Temple
Temple of the Eight Immortals also known as Eight Immortals Nunnery is the biggest Taoist temple in Xi'an. The temple is said to be built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The present structures were mainly built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 3 Yuan (US$0.45).
How to go: It is located east side of Xian city wall on Changle Fang Street.
Chijian Wanshou Baxian Gong
Temple
How to go: Near Ba Xian An Temple.
Wangjisi
Buddhist Temple
How to go: It is located about 350 meters south of Ba Xian An temple.
Xingqinggong Park
Park
How to go: It is located about 200 meters south of Wangjisi Temple.
Qinglong Temple
Buddhist Temple
Also known as Shifo Temple. Princess Chengyang was sick. When she recovered, she established the Guanyin Temple, which was renamed "Qinglong Temple" in 711 during the reign of Emperor Ruizong.
Emperor Wuzong believed in Taoism, so in 845, he ordered the demolition of Buddhist temples and forced the monks to return to secular life. The Qinglong Temple was abolished. A year later, it was renamed the "Huguo Temple". In 855, in the Dazhong era, the temple regained its original name.
In 1086, during the reign of Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty (960-1127), the Qinglong Temple was completely destroyed. People have gradually forgotten that.
In 1963, a team of archaeologists found the site of the Qinglong Temple. Shortly afterwards, the local government began rebuilding the Qinglong Temple on the main site. In 1982, Kukai's monument was erected. Two years later, the memorial halls of Huiguo and Kukai were added to the temple. In 1986, Qinglong Temple introduced more than 600 sakura trees from Japan.
Visiting Time: October 16 to March 14 - 6:30 AM to 6 PM. March 15-October 15 - 6:30 AM to 9 PM.
How to go: It is located about 2 km from Xingqinggong Park towards south.
Day-8
Jianfu Temple
Buddhist Temple
It hosts the famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Jianfu Temple was originally the residence of Emperor Zhongzong (26 November 656 – 3 July 710) of the Tang dynasty. It was converted to a temple in 684. The famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built between 707 to 710. The Temple was ruined during the end of the Tang dynasty but the Small Wild Goose Pagoda was preserved.
The Ancient Bell in the Bell Pavilion was built in 1192 during the Jin dynasty (1115–1234). In 1998, the replica of the bell was made. Tourists can toll it in a steel frame in the open. There are more than 10 pagoda trees inside the temple, with age of over a 1000 years.
In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Jianfu Temple was rebuilt, preserving the original pattern. Reconstruction was completed in 1449. In the late Qing dynasty (1636–1912), more buildings were erected, including the Sutra Library and Nanshan Gate.
There is a small iron bell hanging on the iron scaffold beside the Bell Pavilion. It was built in 1494.
Fair held at the temple from 1st to 15th of the first lunar month.
Visiting Time: Tuesday remains closed. March 15 to October - 9 AM to 6 PM. November to March 14 - 9 AM to 5:30.
Entry Fee: Free. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for Ascending the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
How to go: It is located few hundreds meters south from the south gate of the city wall.
Xi'an Museum
Museum
Visiting Time: Tuesday remains closed. March 15 to October - 9 AM to 6 PM. November to March 14 - 9 AM to 5:30.
Entry Fee: Free Ticket has to collect.
How to go: It is located southwest side of Jianfu Temple.
Shaanxi Art Museum
Museum
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Xi'an Museum towards southeast. Southeast side of the stadium.
Xi'an China Art Academy
Art Gallery
How to go: It is located about 1.5 km from Xi'an Museum towards southwest at 296 Hanguang Road South Section.
Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts
Art College
Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts was founded in 1949.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Xi'an China Art Academy towards south.
Daxingshan Temple
Buddhist Temple
Daxingshan Temple was first constructed as "Zunshan Temple" in 266 by Emperor Wu.
Zhigu Temple was constructed at the site of Zunshan Temple by Emperor Ming (534–560).
In 582, Emperor Wen ordered to relocate the temple to the present site and renamed "Daxingshan Temple".
Emperor Wuzong believed in Taoism, so in 845, he ordered the demolition of Buddhist temples and forced the monks to return to secular life. The Daxingshan Temple was destroyed along with thousands of temples.
During the Yongle era (1403–1424), the Daxingshan Temple was reconstructed the halls and drum tower.
In 1943, Daxingshan Temple became the site of a Buddhist college and the Association of Chinese Religious Believers.
Inside the Premeses: The Shanmen (the Gate of Three Liberations), Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Ping'an Ksitigarbha Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Dharma Hall, Courtyard.
Visiting Time: 6 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located about 1.5 km from Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts towards northeast and 1.1 km from Shaanxi Art Museum towards south.
Shaanxi History Museum
Museum
Visiting Time: Monday remains closed. Tuesday to Sunday - March 15 to November 14 - 8:30 AM to 6 PM. November 15 to March 14 - 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: Free. The museum issues 6,000 free ticket per day. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for the Exhibition Hall for Treasures of Great Tang Dynasty. 300 Yuan (US$44.70) for the Exhibition Hall for Mural Paintings of Tang Dynasty.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Daxingshan Temple towards straight east.
Shaanxi Minsu Daguanyuan
Garden
How to go: It is located about 700 meters from Shaanxi History Museum towards southeast and west side of Daci'en Temple.
Daci'en Temple
Buddhist Temple
The Daci'en Temple was first constructed in 648. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 648/649. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt in 1466.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was added to UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage.
Inside the Premises: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Mahavira Hall, Xuanzang Sanzang Hall, Pagodas Forest.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: 40 Yuan (US$5.96) for adult. 20 Yuan (US$2.98) for child height between 1.2 to 1.5 meter (3.9-4.9 feet) 25 Yuan (US$3.73) for climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
How to go: It is located east side of Shaanxi Minsu Daguanyuan.
Tang Paradise
Theme Park
Visiting Time: March to November - 9 AM to 10 PM. December to February - 9 AM 9:30 PM.
Entry Fee: Free. 198 Yuan (US$29.51) for performance show 'Dream back to the Great Tang Dynasty'. Free for child below 3.9 feet without seat.
How to go: It is located 700 meters from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda towards east.
Botanical Garden, Xi'an
Botanical Garden
There are different types of garden such as Water Garden, Silk Road Garden, Qinling Garden, Children’s Garden, Hundred Flowers Garden.
Best Time to Visit for Tulips Show in spring, Lotus Show in summer, Chrysanthemum Show in autumn, and Plum Flower Show in winter.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Yuan (US$1.49) for normal days and 20 Yuan (US$2.98) during flower shows.
How to go: It is located about 1.2 km from Tang Paradise towards southwest.
Qujiangchi Pool Park
Park
Visiting Time: Whole day. Sightseeing Light Rail - operating from Monday to Friday - 12 AM to 4 PM. Saturday & Sunday - 12 PM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Park Free. Sightseeing Light Rail - 80 Yuan (US$11.92).
How to go: It is located about 900 meters from Tang Paradise towards south. About 2 km from Botanical Garden, Xi'an towards east.
Day-9:
Huimin Street
Muslim Street
Muslim Area with food.
How to go: By Metro Line 2 and get off at Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Station. Exit B. Walk towards west for around 6 minutes and you can see the Drum Tower. The street is behind the Tower.
Xiangji Temple
Buddhist Temple
The temple was established in 681. the temple was completely destroyed in the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864). The temple was reconstructed.
How to go: It is located about 4 km south from Huimin Street Muslim area.
Day-10
Zhongnan Mountains National Forest Park
Mountain
The scenic spots here are Cuihua Mountain, South Wutai Mountain, Stone Turtle Valley and Arhat Plateau. There are few temples such as Zhaoyin Temple, Bamboo Forest Temple. There are few springs such as Pearl Spring, Deer Running Spring and Tiger Running Spring.
How to go: It is about 30 km away from the city center of Xi'an. My Metro Huanshan tour line 2 to reach South Wutai Mountain station.
Guanzhong Folk Art Museum
Museum
Visiting Time: March to October - 8 AM to 6:30 PM. November to February - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 120 Yuan (US$17.88) for adult. 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for child between 1.2-1.4 meters (3.9-4.6 feet).
How to go: It is located near South Wutai Mountain station.
Day-11:
Taiping National Forest Park
Mountian Park
There are about 12 waterfalls in the park. Most notable waterfalls are the Caihong (Rainbow) Waterfall, the Xianheqiao (the Bridge of Cranes) Waterfall, the Yanxia (Mist and Clouds in the Twilight) Waterfall and the Longkou Waterfall. Cable car is available between the Longkou Waterfall and the Caihong Waterfall.
Fengxian Pond, Bell Pond and Moon Palace Pond are the ponds in the park.
Hotels are available in the park.
Visiting Time: March to November - 7 AM to 6 PM. December to February - 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: March to November - 60 Yuan (US$8.94). December to February - 40 Yuan (US$5.96). 30 Yuan (US$4.47) for child between 3.9 and 4.6 feet (1.2-1.4 meters). Free for child below 3.9 feet.
Cable Car: 80 Yuan (US$11.92) for round trip. 50 Yuan (US$7.45) for single trip.
How to go: The Huanshan tourist line 1 from the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day-12:
Heihe National Forest Park
Mountain Park
Visiiting Time: 6 AM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee: March to November - 50 Yuan (US$7.45). December to February - 25 Yuan (US$3.73).
Trekking: Park Service Office (Shuiyuan Villa) - White Dragon Sucking Water - Yudong Spring - Black Dragon Pool - Dragon’s Backbone Gorge - Heihe Canyon - Thin Strip of Sky - Small Stone Arch - Two Rivers.
After arriving in Two Rivers you may-
1. Go West: Hopping Fish Pool - Dragon’s Horn Peak - Primordial Coniferous Forest - Damang River.
2. Go Southwest: Sweet Water Spring - Relic of Ancient Plank Road - Houzhenzi Ancient Town - Guanyin Cave - Elephant’s Trunk Sucking Water - Waterfall of Big Urn Pool - Guest-Greeting Pine - Fishing Platform.
How to go: About 80 km from Xian. By bus from Xi'an Bus Station on Fengqing Road.
Louguantai
Cultural Center
There is a Louguantai temple was built by Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC). There are aslo Star Viewing Tower, the Stove, and Lüzu Cave inside the premises. Temple of God of Wealth, Huanü Spring, Louguantai Wild Animal Center and Louguantai Forest Park. The Yansheng Taoist Temple was built for Princess Yuzhen in Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: Louguantai Forest Park - March to November - 45 Yuan (US$6.71). December to February - 30 Yuan (US$4.47).
How to go: By Huan Shan Tour Bus No. 1 from the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda to God of Wealth and Ancient Louguantai Taoist Temple. Bus fair 12 Yuan (US$1.79).
Day-13:
Qinling Country Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
It is said that the world’s largest Botanical Garden by area. Inside the premises, there are Mulberry Garden, Orchid Garden, Rock Plant Garden, Gingko Garden, Peony Garden, Aquatic Plants Garden, Greenhouse Hall, Paleontology Hall, World Expo Hall.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: March 16 to October - 65 Yuan (US$9.69). November to March 15 - 45 Yuan (US$2.24-6.71).
How to go: BY Huan Shan Tour Bus No. 1 from the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda to God of Wealth and Ancient Louguantai Taoist Temple. Bus fair 12 Yuan (US$1.79).
Famen Temple
Buddhist Temple
It is said that the temple was built by Emperor Huan (132- 25 January 168) and also by Emperor Ling (156 – 13 May 189) of the Eastern Han dynasty. During Emperor Wu (543–578) of Northern Zhou dynasty, the Famen Temple was almost completely destroyed.
Famen Temple was rebuilt during Sui dynasty (589–618). It was named Famen Temple in 618 after formation of the Tang dynasty. At the end of the Sui dynasty (589–618), the temple was burnt was rebuilt later. The Pagoda was built after 631.
During the Prince of Qin Li Maozhen (856 – May 17, 924) spent more than 30 years renovating Famen Temple.
Famen Temple was greatly destroyed in Guanzhong earthquake during Longqing's years (1567–1572). In 1579, the Pagoda was rebuilt, and became 13-storied pavilion-like pagoda.
After formation of the Republic of China (1912 to 1949), it was largely ruined. The reconstruction started in 1938, and completed in July 1940. The expansion of the temple and the reconstruction of the pagoda were completed in October 1988. On 9 November 1988, the Famen Temple Museum was opened.
Visiting Time: March to November - 8:30 AM to 7 PM. December to February - 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: March to November - 100 Yuan (US$14.90) and December to February - 90 Yuan (US$13.41) for adult. Half Price for child height between 1.2-1.4 meter (3.9-4.6 feet). Free for child height below 1.2 meter (3.9 feet).
How to go: By direct tourist bus from Xi'an West Bus Station at 9 AM, 11:40 AM, and 4:30 PM.
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