Outdoor Activities in Xi’an

Explore the ancient city of Xi’an and immerse yourself in a variety of exciting outdoor activities!

1. Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Archaeological Park

• Location: East of Xi’an city center
• Activities: Exploring the famous Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring water and sunscreen, and consider hiring an audio guide or tour guide for a more in-depth experience.

2. Mount Hua (Hua Shan)

• Location: East of Xi’an city center
• Activities: Climbing one of China’s Five Great Mountains, taking in breathtaking views, and exploring ancient Taoist temples.
• Tips: Start the climb early to avoid crowds and heat, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, and consider hiring a guide for safety.

3. Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)

• Location: Southwest of Xi’an city center
• Activities: Strolling through the bustling streets filled with Islamic architecture, delicious street food, and unique shops.
• Tips: Try local specialties like roujiaomo (lamb skewers), yangrou paomo (noodles soaked in mutton soup), and xianghuapian (cakes made from glutinous rice flour).

4. Bell Tower (Zhonglou) and Drum Tower (GuLou)

• Location: Central Xi’an, near the Muslim Quarter
• Activities: Climbing the towers for panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
• Tips: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and note that there is a fee for entry.

5. City Wall (Chengzhen)

• Location: Central Xi’an
• Activities: Cycling or walking around the ancient city wall, one of the largest and best preserved in China.
• Tips: Rent a bike at various locations along the wall, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and remember to bring water.

6. Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta)

• Location: Southern Xi’an, inside Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Park
• Activities: Visiting the iconic pagoda, exploring the park, and learning about Buddhist history and culture.
• Tips: The pagoda has multiple stories to climb, so wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be aware that there are stairs with no railings in some areas.