Breakfast→Xi'an Museum→Anrenfang→Lunch→Big Wild Goose Pagoda/Tang Paradise→Rest→Dinner→Tang Paradise Night Market
If you don't have breakfast at the hotel, there's a highly recommended breakfast spot right next to our first destination—the Xi'an Museum.
💰 Ticket price: Free 📷 Recommended visit duration: 2-2.5 hours Please enter through the West Gate, where you can store your luggage for free. With your passport, you can exchange your ticket at the window on the left after entering the main gate. After passing through the turnstiles at the West Gate, you will find restrooms on your left. The restrooms inside the museum often have long lines, so it is recommended to use the facilities before entering the museum. The elevators are not always in operation. If you need to use the elevator, you can call the security number posted near the elevator to request access. Once inside, avoid browsing the cultural and creative products immediately. It is better to complete your tour first and then choose your favorite souvenirs for purchase. The Xi'an Museum is a comprehensive city museum that integrates cultural relic collection, scientific research, social education, and garden leisure. The main building was designed and overseen by the renowned architect Zhang Jinqiu, who also designed other famous structures such as the Shaanxi History Museum, the Bell and Drum Tower Square, and the Tang Paradise. The museum covers an area of over 16,000 square meters, with an exhibition area of more than 5,000 square meters. The Xi'an Museum not only has a large exhibition space but also houses a vast collection of cultural relics spanning various historical periods. The museum boasts over 130,000 artifacts from different eras of Xi'an's history, including more than 14,400 precious items classified as national treasures. Many of these artifacts were unearthed from significant dynasties such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. The exhibition halls are spread across one underground level and two above-ground levels. The underground level is the core of the museum, primarily showcasing the historical development of Xi'an and featuring numerous exquisite artifacts unearthed in the region. It is important to note that while the underground level is comfortable in spring, autumn, and winter, it can become very hot in the summer, so be sure to take precautions against the heat. The museum is adjacent to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda), and both are part of the same scenic area. Therefore, in addition to appreciating the precious cultural relics, you can also explore the classical gardens and view the world heritage site. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, originally named the Jianfu Temple Pagoda, was constructed during the Emperor Zhongzong(Jinglong) era of the Tang Dynasty (707-710 AD). It served as the Buddhist pagoda of the renowned royal temple, Jianfu Temple, in the Tang capital of Chang'an. Having stood for over 1,300 years, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda remains remarkably intact and is the earliest example of a multi-eaved square brick pagoda from the Tang Dynasty, preserving its original architectural style. In 1961, the State Council of China designated the Small Wild Goose Pagoda as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Xi'an Museum Tour Guide Suggested Tour Sequence: Basement Level (B1) -> First Floor (1F) -> Second Floor (2F) After entering the main hall, follow this route: With your passport, you can exchange your ticket at the visitor center window. In the center of the main hall, there is a large map on the floor that clearly illustrates the changes in Xi'an over the past 3,000 years. To help you better understand and navigate, an English version of the map is provided below. The Xi'an Ancient City Wall that we see today is a part of the imperial city from the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It has undergone renovations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, resulting in its current appearance.
Once you have a general impression, let's head downstairs to the basement level (B1). Today's theme is the Tang Dynasty, but we will also take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of artifacts from other eras along the way. Next, let's begin our tour following this route:
The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Sculptures from the Sixteen Kingdoms and Northern Dynasties," "Sculptures from the Sui and Tang Dynasties," and "Sculptures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties." It features nearly a thousand Buddhist sculptures spanning from the Sixteen Kingdoms period to the Qing Dynasty, offering a comprehensive overview of the development of Chinese Buddhist art. Sixteen Kingdoms and Northern Dynasties Period: The sculptures from this era were influenced by Indian Gandhara and Mathura art, while also incorporating local cultural elements. The style is characterized by a robust and vigorous aesthetic, with a primitive and unrefined beauty. The faces of the Buddha statues are solemn and dignified, with slightly exaggerated body proportions and simple, flowing drapery lines, exuding an ancient charm. Sui and Tang Dynasties： Buddhist sculpture art reached its zenith during this period, with a style that is grand and majestic. The Buddha statues have full, rounded faces with benevolent and gentle expressions. The body proportions are harmonious and balanced, and the drapery is detailed and realistic, showcasing a high level of artistic skill and aesthetic value. Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties： Building on the traditions of previous eras, Buddhist sculptures during these periods saw new developments and changes, becoming more secular and realistic. The range of subjects expanded to include not only traditional Buddha statues but also numerous Arhat and Guanyin figures. These sculptures emphasize the individual characteristics and emotional expressions of the figures, giving them a strong sense of life and vitality. Here, you will find one of the museum's prized treasures—the Buddhist sculpture by Dong Qin. Discovered in 1974 in Dongbali Village, located in the southern suburbs of Xi'an, this sculpture holds immense artistic and historical value. Created by Dong Qin, a county magistrate during the Sui Dynasty (584 AD), this masterpiece consists of a Buddha, two Bodhisattvas, two warriors, an incense burner, and two crouching lions, all set on a high-footed platform. Including the four-legged square base, the sculpture comprises 23 individual components, each connected by mortise and tenon joints, allowing them to be disassembled separately. This is the most exquisite example of assembled sculptures still in existence and is the most complex and well-preserved gilt bronze Buddhist statue from the Sui Dynasty. The inscription roughly translates to: In the fourth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, General Ningyuan and County Magistrate of Wuqiang, Dong Qin, with a heart full of reverence, cast a statue of Amitabha Buddha. The purpose was to ensure that His Majesty the Emperor, along with his parents, siblings, and wife, could all hear the true teachings of Buddhism. Life is fleeting, and only by relying on the "Great Vehicle" of Buddhist teachings can one navigate the path of life smoothly. The true Dharma body of the Buddha appears in the form of an emanation body on the lotus throne, coming to save all beings from the suffering of samsara. People should contemplate cause and effect, keep all beings in their hearts, and understand that to escape the suffering of the world, which is like a burning house, they must first comprehend the expedient means temporarily established by the Buddha to guide beings. Establishing such a virtuous act is out of compassion for all sentient beings, with the hope of transcending the mundane world together and enjoying the bliss of the Pure Land. Leaving the world of the Buddha statues, let's head to the second floor—
The Spirit of Heaven and Earth: Jade Artifacts Exhibition
📷 Recommended visit duration: 0.5 - 1 hour The Xi'an Museum, Jianfu Temple, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda are actually part of the same attraction, but for the sake of clarity in our tour, we will treat them as two separate stops.
Anrenfang is just 130 meters from the West Gate of the Xi'an Museum, approximately a 2-minute walk. Of course, if you're feeling hungry, you can skip Anrenfang for now and head straight to lunch. After your meal, you can visit Anrenfang or proceed directly to the Dayan Pagoda. This flexibility allows you to tailor your itinerary to your needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience as you explore the historical treasures of Xi'an.
⏰ Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 09:00 - 17:30 (last entry at 17:00) Closed on Tuesdays (except for public holidays) 📷 Recommended visit duration: General visit: approximately 30 minutes In-depth visit: around 1 hour Discover the Anrenfang Heritage Museum Historically, Anrenfang was one of the 108 wards of the outer city of Tang Chang'an. Located just two wards north of the imperial city and adjacent to the central north-south axis of the Tang capital, Zhuque Avenue, Anrenfang was a prestigious residential area. According to the "Records of Chang'an," Anrenfang was home to the families of princes and high-ranking officials, with grand residences lined up, making it one of the most admired areas in the capital. Notable residents included Princess Wanchun, Liu Yanjing, Wang Xin, high-ranking officials like Zhang Qianqiong and Yuan Zai, famous poets such as Yuan Zhen and Du Mu, historians like Du You, and eminent monks like Yijing and Jin'gangzhi who translated Buddhist scriptures here. You can think of Anrenfang as the Beverly Hills of Los Angeles or the Long Island of New York in the Tang Dynasty. The most captivating aspect of the Anrenfang Heritage Museum is not just the ruins themselves, but the meticulously curated exhibits that provide a comprehensive view of the lifestyle of the Tang Dynasty's upper class. The exhibition hall is divided into two levels. The lower level features the ancient living quarters, where you can stand on the observation deck and view the excavated Anrenfang ruins. This includes the layout of buildings, road planning, and even patterned floor tiles, allowing you to imagine the opulence and refinement of this area in its heyday. This immersive experience offers a unique window into the luxurious lives of the Tang Dynasty elite, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture. The above-ground portion of the exhibition hall is divided into two levels, each corresponding to different aspects of Tang Dynasty life. Here, history comes alive through the daily activities and customs of the Tang people, allowing you to feel the warmth of history. First Floor: Poetry, Dance, Music, Clothing, and Residence: This floor showcases the cultural and artistic achievements of the Tang Dynasty. You will find exhibits on Tang poetry, traditional dances, musical instruments, clothing styles, and residential architecture. These displays provide a vivid picture of the refined and elegant lifestyle of the Tang elite. Second Floor: Lanterns, Festivals, Food, Tea, and Wine: This floor focuses on the folk customs and culinary traditions of the Tang Dynasty. Exhibits include traditional lanterns, festival celebrations, various foods, tea culture, and wine-making practices. These displays offer insights into the everyday life and social customs of the Tang people.
Let's go and savor some local delicacies, some of which are historically significant dishes that might have graced the tables of the Tang Dynasty.
After lunch, let's head to our afternoon destination. We highly recommend visiting the Dayan Pagoda, a famous Chinese Buddhist pagoda located within the Da Ci'en Temple. This site is rich in historical and cultural significance. If you are not particularly interested in cultural history, you can simply admire the pagoda from the outside and take some photos. In the afternoon, you can also visit the Tang Paradise（大唐芙蓉园）, a theme park that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Of course, if you are willing and have the energy, you can visit both attractions.
💰 Ticket price: 30 RMB, no reservation required ⏰ Opening hours: 08:30 - 18:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1.5 - 2 hours You can scan a QR code to buy tickets at the entrance, but we recommend purchasing them in advance. Plan to enter the Dayan Pagoda（around 2 PM, as there are usually fewer people in line at that time. Please note that there is an additional 25 RMB fee to climb the pagoda, and you will likely need to wait in line for this.
Tang Costume Rental If you wish to don Tang Dynasty attire and immerse yourself in the historical ambiance at the Great Tang All Day Mall (大唐不夜城), consider renting from the following shops: Typically, the rental package includes individual Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) rental and makeup services, costing around 150-200 RMB. If you would like to hire a professional photographer for a photoshoot, it usually costs an additional 500 RMB.
If you want to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea and take a break, we have found two places for you to try:
💰 Ticket price: 120 RMB ⏰ Opening hours: 09:00 - 22:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours The brief introduction to the Tang Paradise: The Tang Paradiseis located by the Qujiang Pool, which was a famous royal garden as early as the Qin Dynasty. During the Sui Dynasty, the city of Daxing was built along the Qujiang River, expanding the royal garden around the Qujiang Pool and planting hibiscus flowers, leading to the pool being renamed "Furong Pool." In the Tang Dynasty, Furong Pool became the royal garden known as Furong Garden, a leisure and vacation spot for the imperial family. Emperor Xuanzong even constructed the Ziyun Tower here, making "the emperor's visit to Furong Garden" a regular entertainment activity. To fully showcase the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and allow people to experience its culture and history firsthand, the construction of Tang Paradise began in 2002, just north of the original Tang Dynasty Furong Garden site. Designed by the esteemed Chinese architect Zhang Jinqiu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the park features grand and imposing structures with intricate yet robust details. Utilizing a wooden construction system, it boasts numerous ancient-style buildings, making it the largest complex of Tang-style royal architecture in China. The park vividly displays the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, blending Tang culture with modern elements. Within the park, there are numerous attractions closely linked to Tang Dynasty culture. For instance, 1300 years ago, the Apricot Garden was the venue for the banquet of newly appointed scholars who had passed the imperial examination. Today, the Apricot Garden is a courtyard-style Tang architectural complex that serves as an exhibition and business venue reflecting the culture of the Tang imperial examination. The Cai Xia Corridor is a cultural story corridor depicting the diverse lives of Tang Dynasty women. The Lu Yu Teahouse, named after the "Tea Sage" Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty, is a place for tea ceremonies and leisure tea tasting, surrounded by replicas of tea utensils unearthed from the underground palace of Famen Temple. "Dream Back to the Great Tang Dynasty" Here, you can enjoy the grand water dance and light show ""Dream Back to the Great Tang Dynasty with tickets priced at 120 RMB. "Dream Back to the Great Tang Dynasty"uses the culture and charm of the flourishing Tang Dynasty as its foundation, with the Qujiang grand banquet as its original theme. The show is designed with "visuals" as its core concept and "dreams" as its theme, aiming to showcase the vibrant and majestic song and dance culture of the Tang Dynasty. Audiences will embark on a boat ride, slowly drifting across Furong Lake, immersing themselves in the storyline. The performance utilizes multiple high-tech elements, including adjustable water curtain art installations, mist systems, and architectural projections, creating a constantly changing and breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere. Combined with live performances by actors, the show transports the audience into a dreamlike fairyland. The storyline of "Dream Back to the Great Tang Dynasty" is centered around the legendary poet Li Bai, with the famous poem "Bring in the Wine"(one of the most famous poems by the legendary Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai） as its underlying tone. The show is divided into four picturesque acts: "Prosperous Chang'an"(capturing the bustling and vibrant life of Chang'an, the capital city of the Tang Dynasty.）, "Beauty and Love in the Painting"(featuring a group of beautiful Tang Dynasty women who appear and dance gracefully to the rhythm of the music）,"Silk Road Impressions"(taking the audience on a journey along the ancient Silk Road, highlighting the cultural exchanges and trade that flourished during the Tang Dynasty）, and "Qujiang Grand Banquet"(showcases the grandeur of the Qujiang Grand Banquet, a lavish celebration hosted by the emperor at Ziyun Tower）, creating a romantic atmosphere that transcends a thousand years and connects the ancient with the modern. Prologue - Entering the Dream: The melodious singing of a young girl leads the audience's boat through a giant arched water curtain, with light and water creating an illusion of a time tunnel. The imagery of Tang Dynasty architecture morphs on the Ziyun Tower, and an elder storyteller narrates the tale of the Qujiang Grand Banquet. Act One - Beauty and Love in the Painting: A group of beautiful Tang Dynasty women appear, dancing gracefully to the rhythm of the music, followed by young noblemen who join in the dance. Thirty real-life beauties also take the stage, dancing towards the water and disappearing. Additionally, there is a storyline of a young girl and a nobleman meeting, falling in love, and parting within a painting. Act Two - Dream Road - The Silk Road: As the sound of a resounding horn echoes, the boats set sail, leading the audience through a time tunnel. Caravans of horses and camels slowly pass by, with officials and merchants from various countries dressed in different attire, recreating the bustling diplomatic exchanges of the Tang Dynasty. A massive water curtain in the center of the water scene projects images of ships setting sail to the West, while dancers in traditional costumes from various Silk Road nations perform, depicting the vibrant culture of the Silk Road. Act Three - Dream of Li Bai - Bring in the Wine: The show presents Li Bai at three different stages of his life—youth, middle age, and old age. He is seen dancing with a sword and reciting poetry on the steps, raising a cup and reciting "Bring in the Wine" on the Que Tower arch bridge, engaging in a poetic dialogue across time and space, expressing his emotions and sentiments towards the flourishing Tang Dynasty. Act Four - Dream Garden - Qujiang Grand Banquet: The emperor hosts a grand banquet at Ziyun Tower, with Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei celebrating the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty with music and dance. Moving screen images and live performances by actors create a majestic royal atmosphere, culminating in a grand visual feast for all to enjoy. Epilogue - Dream Back to the Great Tang Dynasty: The grandeur of the Tang Dynasty is frozen in a sculptural space, with the elder dreamer walking through the fading Tang Dynasty, encountering Emperor Xuanzong. This dream of a thousand years, filled with splendor, is forever remembered in the nightscape of Furong Garden. If you wish to watch the show, make sure to purchase your tickets and board the boat at the North Pier by 8:00 PM. Late arrivals will not be able to view the performance. Ticket prices vary based on the distance from the stage and the viewing angle, and are divided into four categories: Supreme Zone: Adult ticket 618 RMB, Child ticket 318 RMB VIP Zone: Adult ticket 518 RMB, Child ticket 268 RMB Zone A: Adult ticket 418 RMB, Child ticket 218 RMB Zone B: Adult ticket 318 RMB, Child ticket 168 RMB The North Pier, where you board the boat, is located 50 meters directly north of Ziyun Tower. After the show, you will disembark at the South Pier (Hudian Pier). Main Attractions Entering from the West Gate, you will encounter the following attractions in sequence:1、Lu Yu Teahouse——2、Apricot Garden——3、Flag Pavilion——4、Ladies' Pavilion——5、Colorful Clouds Pavilion——6、Qujiang Hudian——7、Ziyun Tower——8、Imperial Banquet Palace——9、Phoenix Singing in the Sky Theater——10、Soul of Poetry - Tang Poetry Gorge——11、Chongyang Terrace——12、Tang Market Street——Exit through the South Gate.
We recommend two ways for you to get to the restaurant.
For dinner, we have arranged a selection of intriguing options for you, some of which are inspired by Tang Dynasty stories and legends. Please take your time to savor the experience. The dinner venues are all within 1.2 kilometers of your next destination, The Great Tang All Day Mall (DaTang Buye Cheng), making it convenient for you to walk there.
📷 Recommended visit duration: 2 hours Stretching 2,100 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west, with a total construction area of 650,000 square meters, this immersive, multifunctional district is a vibrant showcase of the grandeur of Tang Dynasty culture. It is also one of Xi'an's most renowned leisure and entertainment landmarks. The district is centered around the Yan Nan Road Scenic Commercial Pedestrian Street, which serves as the main axis. Along this axis, you will find three themed squares: Xuanzang Square, Zhenguan Cultural Square, and Kaiyuan Celebration Square. Additionally, the area features six Tang Dynasty-style streets and four major cultural buildings: the Xi'an Concert Hall, the Shaanxi Grand Theater, the Qujiang Cinema City, and the Xi'an Art Museum. Our travel itinerary is designed around the performance schedules, so while it may not seem geographically logical, it ensures you won't miss any of the spectacular shows.
As you step out of the Great Tang All Day Mall or the Tang Paradise, don't forget to return your rented Hanfu. When the last Tang-style palace lantern extinguishes by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you might still hear the echoes of grand Tang music in your ears, and the shimmering figures in Tang attire might still dance before your eyes. On this day, you have touched the gilded relics of the Hejia Village cellar, experienced the morning bells and evening drums of Anrenfang, witnessed the profound history of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and danced with the souls of a thousand years ago under the myriad golden lights of The Great Tang All Day Mall. The greatness of the Tang Dynasty lies not only in its once powerful presence and inclusive spirit but also in the fact that it has never truly left. The hoofbeats on Zhuque Avenue, the shouts of Western merchants in the West Market, and the wild songs of poets have long been woven into the indelible fabric of this land's heritage and expression. The moonlight of Chang'an once illuminated Li Bai's wine cup and Xuanzang's scriptures, and it was likened to the sleeping chambers of beauties and the bronze mirrors of poets. Tonight, it will also gently envelop every dreamer of the grand Tang era. Good night. Oh, and if you enjoyed today's itinerary, please don't hesitate to leave us a positive review. It will greatly help other travelers considering a trip to China. Of course, if there was anything that did not meet your expectations, please let us know promptly. Your feedback will help us continually improve our services. Thank you very much.
1. This guide does not apply to Tuesdays, as one of the core destinations, Xi'an Museum and Anrenfang Ruins Exhibition Hall, is closed on Tuesdays and New Year’s Eve (except on holidays).
2. Please wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking today.
3. Bring an umbrella, sun protection clothing, or a jacket as needed. From May to October, it is usually difficult to say it’s cool in Xi'an, and at other times, your concern will be about lower temperatures.
4. Try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone is charged.
5. Please do not carry too many items, especially knives or fragile items.
6. The itinerary of this guide is relatively tight, but we do not hope for you to feel overly tired during the journey. So if you feel physically challenged, we also have arrangements for nearby interesting small shops where you can take a break.
7. The basic ticket for Xi'an Museum is free, but must be booked 1-2 days in advance. However, there may be some difficulties booking on weekends and holidays like National Day, so please try to book ahead.
8. Remember to bring your passport.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 11 reviews from app travelers
Xi'an's museum day is a deep dive: the Xi'an Museum's Buddhist statues, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda's quiet compound, and Anrenfang's heritage alley. Then dressing up as Tang-dynasty figures before the Tang Paradise at night — lanterns, water shows, a whole dynasty rebuilt. I felt a bit silly in costume, then I saw everyone else doing it and joined in. Delightful.
Designers, put the Tang Paradise on your list — it is a full-scale theatrical recreation of Tang-dynasty gardens, lit up beautifully at night. Earlier, the Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda gave the real ancient texture. Anrenfang Heritage Museum was a great stop. The costume photo shoot was more fun than I expected. A complete Xi'an day.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s story starts with the monk who went west for sutras, and the Anrenfang ruins museum lets you “walk into” a Tang-dynasty neighbourhood. The lights of the Tang Paradise night street relight the golden age — history here isn’t on display, it’s nightlife.
As an American-born Chinese, I've read about the Tang Dynasty, but seeing it brought to life was something else. The Xi'an Museum was incredible, filled with stunning artifacts that tell the story of a golden age. But the real showstopper was the Tang Dynasty Everbright City at night. It's a dazzling, immersive spectacle of light and performance. This app was my guide through the beautiful chaos, helping me find a great spot for the fountain show and then pointing me to a place for amazing biangbiang noodles. It perfectly connected the quiet history of the museum with the vibrant energy of the street.
El museo de las ruinas de Anrenfang me dejó «caminar» por un barrio de la dinastía Tang — bajo mis pies estaba la tierra apisonada de hace mil años; quien estudió arqueología lo entiende. La Pagoda del Gran Ganso es la meta del monje que fue por los sutras, y las luces de la calle nocturna Tang, la continuación de esa época: un día del subsuelo a las nubes.
For someone drawn to the High Tang period, this itinerary is wonderfully coherent: museum context first, then the living “stage set” of the city at night. Xi’an Museum gave me the grounding I wanted—flourishing Tang culture, everyday life scenes, and the kind of refined objects (Tang sancai, gold pieces) that reward careful looking. From there, the route through Anrenfang and on toward the Big Wild Goose Pagoda / Tang Paradise made the historical thread feel continuous rather than scattered. The evening in Datang Everbright City was admittedly lively, but it’s curated spectacle done well—music fountains, performers, and the famous “tumbler” show create a vivid sense of celebration. I also enjoyed the optional cultural extras like Hanfu styling and the dumpling banquet experience. Food was plentiful and varied: roujiamo, lamb blood soup, mi pi, and even sweet stops like osmanthus lattes and pastries.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour