10 Things to Do in Xi'an - Top 10 Activities to try in Xi'an

The Terracotta warriors are not only the area's chief attraction but also the reason why most visitors travel to Xi'an in the first place. There's no finer venue to explore the beauty and heritage of this archaeological marvel than at the Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum which not only offers visitors a glimpse of the pits in which the soldiers are found but also provides context to their significance as well.

Located near the Drum Tower, the Islamic quarter in Xi'an is a cultural highlight in its own right. Home to the renowned Great Mosque, a tour of the area's bustling bazaars and alleyways bursting at the seams with its Muslim populace is a cultural experience unlike no other. The shopping opportunities in this area are also the best in Xi'an with affordable consumer goods reigning supreme.

As the best-preserved city wall intact in its entirety in all of China, touring the Xian City Wall is another activity visitors should enjoy during a trip to the area. Having served as an intricate defence mechanism the wall was constructed during the Tang Dynasty and expanded by Ming Dynasty rulers.

Bell towers and Drum towers are part and parcel of Ancient China's city plans and Xi'an is home to exquisite examples of the same. The bell was rung each dawn while the drum was sounded at the hour of dusk to let the citizens keep track of the passing of time. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the drum tower and bell tower are found in the heart of the city centre.

History buffs are not the only visitors who would benefit from a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum which is home to some of the regions finest artefacts. Home to its own share of terracotta horses and soldiers, the bronze ware and ceramics on show belong to several dynasties.

Occupying pride of place beneath Lishan Mountain, splashing around the Huaqing Hot Spring is another must-experience highlight for visitors vacationing Xi'an. As one of the most romantic locations in all of Xi'an, couples and families can enjoy the scenery surrounding the hot springs at leisure. Visitors staying at Grand Park Xian or any other similar hotels in Xian will find that the springs are conveniently located from most bases around the city.

Witnessing the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is not only one the true pleasures of visiting Xi'an, but also the best way to spend a night out in the city. The audiovisual spectacle takes place nightly and illuminates the entire city with its sights and sound.

Dating back to 1087, The Forest of Stone Steles contains one of the largest collections of steles in the country. Some of the key points of interest in the attraction include its classical courtyard which is housed in an area that was once the site of a Confucian Temple. Spread out over 30,000m2 the museum's ancient stone engravings are also exquisite and is the work of master calligraphers in the nation.

As one of the holiest places in Xi'an, this iconic pagoda is found in the Daci'en Temple. Located in the heart of the city, the Buddhist place of worship is a tranquil and sacred space worthy of a visit.

Renowned for its terracotta animal sculptures and other figurines a tour of this historic relic hub is also a must for first-time visitors. Located 20km away from Xi'an airport the tomb and the artefacts contained within are the main highlights of a visit.