Gay Friendly Guide • XI'AN | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
- World Mappers
- Jul 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 29
GAY XI'AN
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in XI'AN?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in XI'AN?
10 THINGS TO SEE in XI'AN
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is the symbol of Xi'an and one of the largest archaeological finds in the world. Thousands of statues of warriors, horses, and chariots, each with unique features, were made over 2,200 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site means immersing yourself in the history of early imperial China and admiring a masterpiece of extraordinary artistic precision.
Underground Palace of the Emperor Qinshihuang Mausoleum
The underground Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang still holds the tomb of the founder of unified China today. Although the burial chamber has not been opened, the archaeological complex fascinates with the mysteries surrounding it, including ancient chronicles of rivers of mercury and sophisticated defense systems. It is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating historical sites in the country.
Huaqing Palace
Located at the foot of Mount Li, Huaqing Palace is famous for its natural hot springs and the romantic love story between Emperor Xuanzong and concubine Yang Guifei. The complex combines elegant gardens, traditional pavilions and evocative landscapes. In addition to its beauty, the site is also linked to important events in modern Chinese history, such as the Xi'an Incident of 1936.
Xi'an City Wall
The ancient walls of Xi'an represent one of the best preserved urban fortifications in the world. Built during the Ming Dynasty, they surround the historic center for almost 14 kilometers. Walking or cycling along the scenic route allows you to observe monumental towers, bastions, and gates, enjoying splendid views of the modern and ancient cities that coexist harmoniously.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Great Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in China. Built in the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, it was made to house the sacred texts brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. Even today it is an important place of worship and offers an evocative atmosphere, especially at sunset and during performances at the nearby musical fountain.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
More collected and quiet than its famous "big sister", the Small Wild Goose Pagoda also dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Nestled in a pleasant park, it retains the elegance of traditional Buddhist architecture and bears witness to the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road. It is the ideal destination for those who want to discover a historic place away from the crowds.
Muslim Quarter / Great Mosque of Xi'an
The Muslim Quarter is the gastronomic and multicultural heart of Xi'an, full of markets, shops and local specialties. Inside it stands the Great Mosque, one of the oldest in China, characterized by an architecture that harmoniously blends Islamic and traditional Chinese elements. Strolling through its streets means experiencing a lively atmosphere and discovering the most authentic face of the city.
Xi'an Museum & Shaanxi History Museum
To understand Xi'an's extraordinary history, a visit to the Xi'an Museum or the Shaanxi History Museum is a must. The collections chronicle thousands of years of Chinese civilization through ceramics, bronzes, frescoes, statues, and precious artifacts from the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. They are ideal places to delve deeper into the city's central role in history and the Silk Road.
Bell Tower of Xi'an
The Bell Tower has dominated central Xi'an since the 14th century and is one of the city's most recognizable symbols. It once marked the rhythm of city life by announcing dawn with the ringing of the bell. Today it offers splendid panoramic views of the main urban arteries and is particularly evocative when illuminated in the evening hours.
Drum Tower of Xi'an
Located a few steps from the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower was used to signal the sunset through the sound of large drums. The building retains elegant Ming Dynasty architecture and houses a rich display of traditional drums. Live musical performances allow you to relive an ancient tradition and represent one of Xi'an's most engaging cultural experiences.
Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Xi'an (Old Town) - Google Maps
Day 2 - Xi'an (Pagode) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from XI'AN
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Xianyang
Tongchuan
Weinan
Baoji
Yuncheng
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WHERE TO SLEEP in XI'AN?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in XI'AN
WHERE TO EAT in XI'AN?
5 BEST RESTAURANTS in XI'AN Quality / Price
€€€ - Zui Chang'an
€€ - Xi'an Restaurant
GAY NIGHTLIFE in XI'AN
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in XI'AN
TRAVEL TIPS about XI'AN by World Mappers
To fully experience the thrill of the Terracotta Army, allow yourself at least half a day and don't limit yourself to the famous Pit 1. Also explore Pits 2 and 3, where you can discover archers, knights, and officers who recount the extraordinary military organization of the Imperial Army. Before reaching the statues, visit the museum to learn about the history of their incredible discovery and delicate restoration work. Finally, take the time to observe every warrior: no one is identical to another, and it is precisely these details that make this UNESCO site one of the most fascinating archaeological treasures in the world.
Rent a bike and ride the ancient walls at sunset! Many visit Xi'an's walls on foot, but the most evocative way to discover them is by bicycle. The complete route is approximately 14 kilometers long and offers a unique perspective on the ancient and modern city. Towards sunset the temperatures are more pleasant, the lights start to come on and the view becomes particularly scenic, providing one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
To understand Xi'an's role as China's ancient capital, it is worth attending a show dedicated to the Tang Dynasty. Traditional music, dances, imperial costumes and choreography reconstruct the city's heyday along the Silk Road. Many shows also include a typical Shaanxi dinner, making the evening a complete and engaging cultural experience.
Spend an evening seeing the illuminated walls. After sunset, Xi'an completely changes his face. The ancient walls, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are illuminated with elegant plays of light that create a magical atmosphere that is very different from the day. Strolling unhurriedly along the monumental gates or sipping a drink in a rooftop overlooking the fortifications allows you to appreciate the perfect balance between the charm of the imperial city and the modernity of the metropolis.
Taste Roujiamo, the famous “Chinese sandwich” typical of the Shaanxi region and one of the must-try specialties during a visit to Xi'an. Considered one of the city's most iconic street foods, it consists of a crispy, lightly spiced bread, grilled or baked, traditionally filled with pork stewed for a long time with spices and aromatic herbs. There are also variations with beef or other fillings, often linked to the tradition of the local Muslim community. It is a simple, inexpensive and very popular dish: it is easily found among the stalls of the Muslim Quarter and in the small restaurants of the city.
If you love contemporary architecture, a must-see stop in Xi'an is the Xi'an MixC Mall (万象城), famous for its spectacular installation "Xi'an Tree" (Tree of Life). Standing 57 meters tall and inspired by the majestic ginkgo tree of Guanyin Temple, this imposing structure stands in the center of the shopping center and is distinguished by its large suspended "leaves" that create an evocative play of light, especially in the evening hours. In addition to hosting boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, the mall has become one of the most photographed locations in the city. To get there, simply take the subway to Qujiang District, one of Xi'an's most modern neighborhoods, or take a taxi. The famous structure is located in the mall's central lobby, easily visible upon entry, but for the best photos, it's worth climbing to the upper floors and admiring it from above.
Among the must-see dining experiences in Xi'an is dinner at Defachang, the city's most famous restaurant for its historic dumpling banquet (Jiaozi Banquet). Founded in 1936, it has become an institution thanks to its artisanal ravioli, prepared in over 300 different forms: animals, flowers, fish, fruits, and even characters, each with a different filling. More than just dinner, it's a true culinary experience that combines tradition, creativity, and art. The restaurant is within walking distance of Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter, making it the perfect choice after a day of exploring the historic center. If you're short on time in Xi'an and want a truly original experience, this is the place to savor one of the city's most famous gastronomic traditions.
Visit the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an (Muslim Quarter), also known as Huimin Street, is one of the city's liveliest and most distinctive areas, famous for its night market, street food stalls, and the intersection of Chinese culture and Muslim tradition. It is located in the heart of the historic center, near the Bell Tower of Xi'an, and is easily accessible by metro by getting off at Zhonglou Station (lines 2 and 6), which can be reached on foot in just a few minutes. The best time to visit is from late afternoon until evening, when the streets come alive with lights, scents, and vendors preparing local specialties such as meat skewers, grilled bread, noodles, dried fruit, traditional sweets, and the famous roujiamo, typical of Shaanxi. In addition to food, the stalls offer souvenirs, spices, handicrafts, and curious items, although the area is more popular for its atmosphere and gastronomic experience than for shopping.
Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here
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