The 6 things to do in Xi’An

What to do in China in its gigantic cities? Discover our top 6 things to do in Xi’An!

Xi’An, 1000 kilometres south-west of Beijing and 1,700 kilometres north of Canton, is the fourteenth largest city in Beijing China with a population of 8,467,837 inhabitants. The territory is vast, 983 km2, the equivalent of the Gironde (33), the largest metropolitan France department! Xi’An literally means “Western peace” and enjoys more than 3,100 years of history. High to 412 metres above sea level, it is located at the eastern end of the Silk Road. In fact, a Muslim community – from former Arab or Persian traders – joins the premises, Buddhists. The city was also one of the seven national capitals of China’s history, for 12 dynasties over a period of more than 1,000 years. Today, the fortified enclosure is still perceptible 3,000 years after its construction. Do you know what to do to Xi’An? You will not be bored: Xi’An contains an incredible historical and cultural heritage.

To help you prepare your trip to Xi’An, the Wanderlix editor has compiled a list of the must-sees to visit Xi’An. Here is our presentation, which unfortunately is far from exhaustive.

1. The ramparts of the old town

Walking around the old town is among the immanquables of a stay to visit Xi’An. Ceinted by its imposing antique walls, the old quarter reveals traditional China and its exotic attractions. The ramparts were erected under the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century. They capture the visitor’s eye by its impressive dimensions and form a border between the old city and the modernity that extends to a loss of sight. Two doors give access to the old town: the South Gate and the North Door. The wall covers a perimeter of 13.7 km long, making a width of 15 to 18 meters at its base and 12 to 14 meters at its top. Every 120 meters stand guard towers: to cool the urge to invade, at the time, potential enemies! It is possible to walk on the ramparts and from make a complete tour .

2. The Muslim Quarter of Xi’An

If you come to visit the old town of Xi’An, you will not miss the Muslim quarter, witness to the first globalization of trade between China, the Middle East and Europe along the Silk Road in the Middle Ages. Within her, 20,000 Muslim people live there. The district is famous for its Chinese food market, a den where to taste local Muslim specialties, such as Yangrou Paomo. The Great Mosque of Xi’An is one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. It bears witness to a particular cultural and social diversity in China, and is rarely mentioned.

3. La Grande Pagoda de l’Oie Sauvage

What are you looking for in Xi’An? Have you heard of the Great Pagoda of Wild Oy? Built in 652 under the Tang Dynasty, several times destroyed and rebuilt, it is a major interest for every tourist coming to visit Xi’An. At a height of 64 metres, it overlooks the surrounding area as a major building dedicated to Buddhist worship. Next, the DaCi Temple is also to be seen, as well as the Peony Pavilion, the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower and the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, a museum celebrating the Buddhist heritage of India and China.

4. Tang Paradise and Furong Lake

Gigantesque theme park located southeast of the Grande Pagoda de l’Oie Sauvage, it offers reconstructions dedicated to the Tang Dynasty . Combined with a visit to the Grande Pagoda, but be careful, this park is not unanimous among the travellers. You can always enjoy Furong Lake and green space if you are disappointed by the place.

5. Mausolée de l’Empereur Qin

Near the city, the Mausolée de l’Empereur Qin is a vast archaeological site of Antiquity, including the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (3rd century BC) and the pits where the remains of thousands of soldiers carved in terracotta were excavated. This gave the name of a site now famous: the terracotta army of Xi’An . These pits contain an army of 8,000 statues in terracotta of very detailed soldiers, whose faces are differentiated. This army dates from 210 before our era and were cooked in ovens at 900°C: a fact that once again attests to the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors. It is an obligatory passage those who come to visit Xi’An and its surroundings.

6. Go to Huashan (Mont Hua)

What to do in Xi’An if not mountain hikes ? Located about 100 kilometers from Xi’An, Mount Hua is one of the 5 sacred mountains of China. It is also called the mountain of the West ( xī yuè in Pinyin writing) . The highest point of the massif is 2,154.9 metres above sea level, at the Luoyan peak. The hike will be quite difficult because it consists mainly of stairs, which have the primary virtue of “breaking the legs”. But as you go, you will have a spectacular view and panorama. The hike begins with the North peak, which is reached by cable car (the easiest way), by the gorge trail or by the “soldiers trail” (the most difficult way with 4,000 steps sometimes very steep). Station at the yards!

How to get to Xi’An?

Two means of transport predominate to Xi’An: the plane and the train. By plane, Xi’An Airport, 13 kilometres from the city, serves the major cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Hong Kong but also London, Singapore, Bangkok, etc. From France, many flights are available to Xi’An, you can find a cheap flight by searching our partner’s website. Ulysses . By train, a large number of lines allows to join Beijing or Shanghai from Xi’An.

Where to stay in Xi’an?

The accommodation in Xi’An is cheap for China: rent costs 76% cheaper in Xi’An than in Beijing! ♪ areas where to stay are those close to the city centre, including the city walls, Yanta and Beilin. Do not hesitate to take a tour of this Compare hotels or on Airbnb to find your happiness, accommodation is not missing!