Top Xian Natural Attractions

Song of Everlasting Sorrow – Xi’an’s #1 Night Show This open‑air spectacle tells the tragic romance of Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved Yang Yuhuan. When a rebellion forces him to choose between his empire and her life, he makes a devastating decision that leaves him haunted by guilt and loss forever. Performed on Nine‑Dragon Lake inside Huaqing Palace, the show turns Mount Li into a glowing natural backdrop with thousands of lights, fire, water, and projections – creating an immersive Tang‑dynasty dreamscape that has earned it the top spot among Xi’an’s evening attractions. Note: Your show ticket gives you access to the performance area only – no separate palace entry fee is needed at night. For daytime sightseeing, purchase a day pass and exit the grounds by 6 PM, as the site is cleared for show preparation.

Indulge your craving for authentic Chinese cuisine and taste your way through Xi’an on a half-day walking and tuk-tuk tour. With an English-speaking guide, get off the beaten path and travel to the city’s ancient Muslim Quarter. Sample street food carts, try local specialties like the “Chinese hamburger” and pita bread-lamp soup, watch the preparation of dumplings and noodles, and get an insider’s view of the region’s rich food culture.

Immerse yourself in China’s imperial history—and enjoy both cultural and culinary offerings—with this Xi’an dinner show. Set during the Tang Dynasty and the rule of Wu Zetian, China’s only female leader, the performance includes colorful costumes, elaborate sets, song and dance, and more. Book tickets in advance, and upgrade to add a dinner accompaniment: pick between a royal banquet and a dumpling banquet.

Unless you can write your name in Chinese characters and have a credit card to match, online booking is hard in China. This service makes it easy, guaranteeing a spot at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, without locking you into transfers and guiding. Your ticket includes entry to the main excavations and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, plus a shuttle bus in between.

30km (18.6 miles) east of Xi'an and beside the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace features the Imperial Pools of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), Pear Garden, Frost Flying Hall, Nine-Dragon Lake, Five-Room Building and Mount Li. Huaqing Pool is famous for the romantic love story of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Yuhuan. Huaqing Palace Ticket Checking Time: 7:00 a.m. – 5:10 p.m. Please make your own way to Huaqing Palace Huaqing Palace Ticket: Valid for anytime entry during the day’s opening hours. There are two showtimes for the Xi'an Incident Live Show at Yaoguang Theater inside Huaqing Palace Scenic Area First Show: 10:10 a.m. Second Show: 3:00 p.m. Duration: Approximately 1 hour Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the showtime for admission.

On this full-day private tour, experience the Yellow River’s largest waterfall without the hassle of hiring your own transport and navigating rural roads. Settle in for a long drive to the Hukou Waterfall; this tour is operated with a private, air-conditioned vehicle, so you’ll arrive fresh and ready to explore. Take in the unique landscape of the Loess Plateau (named for its wind-deposited yellow soil) and watch as the Yellow River suddenly shrinks to less than 20% of its width, causing water to plummet into the gorge below.