What to See in Xi'an, China: Free Audio Guide

Xi’an is a historic city in China, known for its imperial monuments, Muslim Quarter and connection to the Silk Road. Once the capital of several dynasties and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, it offers a rich mix of archaeology, architecture, food and religious heritage. Neywo’s free audio guides cover nearby cities such as Xining and Urumqi.

What to see in Xi’an

Xi’an City Wall

The massive city wall still encloses Xi’an’s central district and gives a clear impression of the scale of the old city. Walking or cycling along the top provides views across the historic centre and the modern streets beyond.

Bell Tower

At the traditional centre of Xi’an, the Bell Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its layered roofs and vivid colours stand out among the surrounding streets and make it a natural reference point when exploring the city.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda from the Tang Dynasty. Its slender brick structure stands in a quieter courtyard near the city centre, offering a more peaceful setting than Xi’an’s busiest streets.

Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are among the world’s best-known archaeological discoveries. The life-size figures were buried with China’s first emperor and reveal the extraordinary scale of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb complex. Their site lies just outside Xi’an, making it one of the most important excursions from the city.

Muslim Quarter

Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a lively network of narrow lanes filled with food stalls, shops and historic buildings. Lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, flatbreads and sweets reflect the area’s long connection with merchants travelling along the Silk Road.

Great Mosque

Inside the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque combines traditional Chinese building techniques with an Islamic religious purpose. Its courtyards, pavilions and prayer hall are a distinctive expression of the cultural exchange that has shaped Xi’an.

Calligraphy, painting, handicrafts and antiques

Workshops and shops devoted to calligraphy, painting, handicrafts and antiques offer another way to explore Xi’an’s artistic traditions. Visitors can watch artisans at work or browse objects influenced by local aesthetics.

Buddhist and Taoist temples

Xi’an’s Buddhist and Taoist temples provide quieter places to visit within the busy city. Their halls, statues and incense-filled courtyards add a contemplative dimension to an itinerary focused on monuments and archaeological sites.

Mount Hua

Mount Hua offers a change of scenery beyond the city. The mountain is known for its steep trails and dramatic peaks, giving hikers the chance to experience the landscapes surrounding Xi’an as well as its historic attractions.

Exploring China beyond Xi’an

Xi’an is one of several destinations where history, culture and distinctive local traditions come together. For more places to explore, see the wider China destination guide, or continue to Pingyao, Lijiang or Yangshuo.

Explore Xi’an with Neywo

Neywo does not yet have narrated places or tours in Xi’an. Its free audio guides are available in nearby cities, including Tianjin, Shanghai and Qingdao.