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Shaanxi · 西安

Xi’an

City walls and night markets, with the Terracotta Army east of town.

Pedestrians walk between brightly lit storefronts in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter after dark.
Beiyuanmen, Xi’anShop lights spill across the stone paving on Beiyuanmen in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter.

The city wall, the Qin emperor’s mausoleum and the Terracotta Army.

What to see

Soft light falls on rows of excavated terracotta warriors seen from above.
Terracotta ArmySide light picks out the clay figures in the front ranks of Pit 1.
Yellow beams cross above the red and gold lights on Yongning Gate.
Yongning GateYongning Gate glows during the 2024 winter lantern festival on Xi’an’s city wall.

Xi’an through the year

UNESCO · Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

March–May

Spring

Spring blossoms in Xi’an

Look for spring flowers against Xi’an’s grey roof tiles and courtyard walls. The close view can be as rewarding as the skyline.

June–August

Summer

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit the pagoda precinct late in the day and stay for the light to change behind the roofline.

September–November

Autumn

Terracotta Army, Pit 1

Spend time at the front of Pit 1, where side light brings out the detail in each face and armour plate.

December–February

Winter

Yongning Gate lantern festival

Walk around Yongning Gate after dark. For a lantern festival visit, check the dates for the year you travel.