Peng Gao
What's Inside
Ever watched a kid's face light up at the sight of ancient warriors? I have, hundreds of times. Xi'an is a city that respects history, but it doesn't always bend to toddler tantrums.
Here's the thing: most family guides miss the real challenges. They tell you to book tickets online—but not that the Chinese reservation system is a maze. They mention crowds—but not that the Terracotta Army is actually manageable if you go at noon.
I've led countless families through Xi'an's streets. From stroller battles on the City Wall to the miracle of a quiet moment with a 2,000-year-old soldier, this guide is packed with what actually works. No generic tips. Just the stuff I tell my own friends.
Let's cut through the noise and plan a trip your kids will brag about.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Xi'an with Kids?
Xi'an might be ancient, but it's surprisingly kid-friendly. The key is to choose experiences that are interactive and not too crowded. After years of guiding families, these are the five that always score a win.
| Attraction | Suggested Time | Best Age | Admission | Reservation? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Army | 2–3 hours | 6+ | About 120 RMB | Yes |
| City Wall | 2–4 hours | 4+ (bike trailer available) | About 54 RMB | No |
| Muslim Quarter | 2 hours | All ages | Free | No |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | 1–2 hours | All ages | Free to visit; pagoda climb about 100 RMB | No for the square |
| Shaanxi History Museum | 2 hours | 8+ | Free (reservation required) | Yes |
Let me break down the highlights you shouldn't miss. But first, a warning: don't try to squeeze all of these into one day. I've seen exhausted parents dragging crying kids from temple to temple. Even in Xi'an, less is more.
1. Terracotta Army
It's a must-see, but it's also a test of patience. The good news is that kids love spotting the different warrior faces and imagining the army in battle. I always tell parents to skip the stroller— there are too many stairs and crowds. Carry younger children or use a baby carrier. And book your tickets online ahead of time to skip the ticket window lines.
One thing that surprises most parents is that the warriors are actually in a giant hangar. The sheer scale is impressive, but it's also easy to get separated. Set a meeting point before you enter, like "Meet at the giant warrior statue at the exit." And don't forget to bring a small toy soldier—your kid will love matching it to the real ones.
2. Ride a Bike on the City Wall
This is hands-down my top pick for kids. The wall is 14 kilometers long, but you don't have to do it all. Rent bikes at the South Gate (the most accessible entrance) and ride a stretch. The wall is wide and flat, and there are rest stops. Kids under 1.2 meters can ride in a trailer attached to a tandem bike. Sunset from the wall is magical.
The bike rental process can be slow. My tip: rent at the South Gate entrance and return at the same gate. Trying to return at a different gate adds complexity. Also, the wall is bumpy, so keep a hand on your kid's trailer.
3. Snack Your Way Through the Muslim Quarter
This is a sensory wonderland. The narrow lanes are filled with sizzling skewers, sweet persimmon cakes, and the famous "biangbiang" noodles. It's a great place to introduce kids to Chinese street food in a safe, festive atmosphere. Just hold hands tightly—it gets packed.
The crowd is intense between 6 PM and 8 PM. Go earlier if you can. Also, be careful with skewers—they're hot and have sharp sticks. Hold your child's hand, especially near the narrow stalls.
4. Watch the Fountain Show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Every evening, the North Square of the pagoda hosts a synchronized fountain show with lights and music. It's free, it's impressive, and kids will be mesmerized. The show runs at 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 (check current schedule). Bring a raincoat—you might get misted.
If you're visiting during summer, the night show is much cooler. But the square fills up early—bring a picnic blanket to stake out a spot.
5. Time Travel at Shaanxi History Museum
This is a free museum, but you need to book a ticket at least a week in advance via the official WeChat account. It's full of treasures from the Tang Dynasty—some pieces are so vivid they look like they were made yesterday. Older kids will love the interactive displays.
The museum has a lot of exhibits. Don't try to see everything. Pick a few highlights, like the Tang Dynasty gold and silver artifacts. Even I get bored after an hour, so plan a coffee break.
Now, let's dig into the two attractions that require the most planning: the Terracotta Army and the City Wall.
How to Plan Your Xi'an Family Itinerary?
A typical family trip to Xi'an lasts 2–3 days. Here's how I structure it to keep everyone happy.
One Perfect Day in Xi'an with Kids
- Morning (7:30–10:30): Start at the South Gate of the City Wall. Rent bikes and ride a few kilometers. The air is fresh, and there's usually no crowd before 9 AM.
- Mid-morning (11:00–13:00): Take a taxi to the Shaanxi History Museum (about 20 minutes). Spend an hour inside, then grab lunch at a nearby noodle shop.
- Afternoon (13:30–15:30): Go back to the hotel for a nap. This is non-negotiable. A rested kid is a happy kid.
- Late afternoon (15:30–18:00): Visit the Muslim Quarter. Snack your way from the Drum Tower down to the main street.
- Evening (18:30–20:30): Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Time your visit so you arrive just before 20:00 for the fountain show.
If you have more time, add a full day to the Terracotta Army (it's outside the city, so budget half a day) and a relaxed day for wandering the city.
3-Day Family Itinerary Suggestion
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and hit the City Wall at sunset (9:00–12:00).
- Day 2: Morning: Terracotta Army (leave by 8 AM). Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (if booked).
- Day 3: Morning: Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Old City. Afternoon: Muslim Quarter shopping.
Remember, Xi'an's streets can be chaotic. Always allow an extra 15 minutes for traffic, especially when returning to your hotel for the midday nap. The cab ride from the Muslim Quarter to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda will take about 20 minutes if you hit the freeway.
Insider Advice: Always book your Terracotta Army tickets for noon—tour groups are usually having lunch, so you'll have more room to breathe. And download the AMap Global app before you go; Google Maps won't work here.
Visiting the Terracotta Army with Kids: What You Need to Know
The Terracotta Army is about an hour northeast of Xi'an city center. Here's how to get there, what to expect, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
How to Get There
- Taxi: From the city center, it's about 100–150 RMB and takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Ask the hotel concierge to write the Chinese address.
- Metro Line 9: Take Line 9 to Qinling West stop, then a shuttle bus or taxi the rest of the way. This is cheaper but requires about 20 minutes of walking.
- Tour Bus: Many hotels offer shuttles. It's convenient but often ties you to a schedule.
What You Need to Know
Tickets: You must book online in advance. Use the official "Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum" WeChat program or platforms like Trip.com. Don't rely on walk-up tickets—they're often sold out. You'll need your passport for real-name registration.
Strollers: Don't bring one. The site has uneven stairs and massive crowds. Use a baby carrier for little ones.
Facilities: There are restrooms and food courts inside. The food isn't great, but it exists. Bring snacks and water—kids will get hungry.
Best Time to Go: As I said, book for around noon. You'll dodge the morning tour groups and the early-afternoon heat.
The Experience: The first pit is the most impressive. All three pits are under giant hangars to protect the warriors. Kids will be amazed by the sheer numbers—more than 8,000 soldiers, each with a unique face. Encourage them to spot the different hairstyles and expressions.
Inside the site, there's a food court with Chinese chains like KFC and fried shrimp noodles. It's not haute cuisine, but it's clean. For a better meal, ask your driver to stop at a local restaurant on the way back. I usually recommend 'Tong Sheng Xiang' (usually near the site) but you can go with your hotel's advice.
Biking the Ancient City Wall: A Family Favorite
The City Wall is the most accessible and enjoyable experience for families. It's right in the city, flat, and offers stunning views.
Which Entrance to Use
Use the South Gate (Yongning Men). It's the most convenient for bike rentals and has easy access to the rest of the city. The entrance is near the Bell Tower, about a 10-minute walk.
Bike Rental Details
- Cost: Single bikes are about 45 RMB for 2 hours, with a refundable deposit of 100 RMB. If you need a tandem with a child trailer, it's around 100 RMB.
- Age: Children under 1.2 meters can ride in a trailer. Kids over 1.4 meters can have their own bike.
- Payment: Cash or Chinese mobile payments. International credit cards may not work—bring cash as backup.
I usually suggest riding from the South Gate to the West Gate and back. That's about 6 kilometers, perfect for younger kids. Stop at the corner towers for photo ops.
One caveat: the wall is made of stone bricks, so the ride can be bumpy. A backpack with snacks is essential.
Other Kid-Friendly Attractions in Xi'an
Beyond the Big Three, here are some lesser-known spots that are perfect for families.
- Tang Paradise: A large cultural theme park with shows, lanterns, and gardens. Kids love the night-time performance. Hours: 9 AM–10 PM. About 120 RMB per adult (kids under 1.2m free). It's a bit touristy but very fun.
- Xi'an Zoo: Technically in the city, but with limited animals. It's better to skip and spend time elsewhere.
- Qianling Mausoleum: The tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian. It's outdoors with big stone carvings—could be fun for older kids who like a treasure hunt.
Actually, I'd recommend spending more time in the old city areas—the hutongs around the Drum Tower are great for wandering and letting kids run around.
Practical Tips for Parents Visiting Xi'an
These are the game-changers that make a trip smooth or painful.
Payments: Cash or Mobile?
Most places in Xi'an accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, but some smaller vendors still prefer cash. Always carry about 200 RMB in small bills as backup. International credit cards are rarely accepted except at big hotels and some chain restaurants. Set up a mobile payment with your international card before you arrive—it's simpler than you think.
Getting Around
Forget Google Maps—it's inaccurate here. Download AMap Global or use Apple Maps (which works in China). Buses and metro are stroller-friendly, but the metro can be packed. Taxis are affordable, but be sure to have your destination in Chinese characters to show the driver.
Language Barriers
English isn't widely spoken outside the tourist areas. Use a translation app like Apple Translate or Baidu Translate. Download the offline pack beforehand. Have your hotel write down key phrases and addresses for you.
Staying Connected
The Great Firewall of China means no Google, Gmail, or WhatsApp without a VPN. Set up a VPN before you go. Also, consider getting a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi for reliable access.
Health and Safety
- Carry a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and kid-friendly pain relievers.
- Tap water isn't drinkable. Always use bottled water.
- Sun protection is vital—Xi'an can get hot and sunny. Bring hats and sunscreen.
- For emergency services, dial 120 for ambulance, 110 for police.
Entertainment on the Go
For long queues, have a few downloaded games or offline videos queued up. Trust me, you'll be waiting in line at least once.
FAQs: Things to Do in Xi'an with Kids
This content is based on years of first-hand guiding experience and has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
I'm a dad traveling solo with my boys (5 and 8), and this guide made our Xi'an leg stress-free. Staying near Bell Tower was a lifesaver—we walked almost everywhere. The pre-booked guide at Shaanxi History Museum kept the kids hooked for nearly two hours, which is practically a miracle. Our 5-year-old rode in the bike trailer on the City Wall and our 8-year-old had his own rental bike, and it was the best hour of the entire trip. We visited the Muslim Quarter at 5pm as suggested and avoided the worst queues. The food was awesome, the kids tried eight different snacks, and nobody was exhausted. We'll be back.
Tang Paradise is the move if you're traveling with kids! The light show and the nighttime water show had my 5-year-old literally screaming with excitement. I'm so glad this guide warned against going up the pagoda when the kids are tired—we just wandered the gardens, chased ducks, and ate ice cream. The two-day combo pass mentioned in the article worked perfectly and saved us some money. We also found the metro really easy with a stroller; plenty of lifts. This was the easiest, happiest cultural trip we've done with our kids. Would recommend to any family.
This guide nailed everything. We did exactly what it said: arrived at the Terracotta Warriors right at opening, hired a guide at the gate, and let the kids pick a souvenir from the first stall we passed. My 7-year-old was genuinely amazed by the soldiers, and our 4-year-old loved the electric shuttle between pits. We also went to the Muslim Quarter in the late afternoon and it was chaotic but fantastic—pomegranate juice, lamb skewers, and sizzling cold noodles. The City Wall bike rental at dusk was the perfect ending. Every tip worked, and both kids were still smiling by the time we collapsed into bed.
We spent a relaxed morning walking and cycling on the City Wall, then powered through to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for the evening fountain show. The wall at 9am was quiet enough for my 8-year-old to try one of those two-person bike taxis and he loved it. The fountain show was a big hit, too. My only real complaint is the lack of shade on the wall and very limited lunch spots near the South Gate that would work for picky eaters. We ended up back at a noodle chain and the wait was rough. Still, that sunset view over Xi'an made it worth it. Almost perfect, but not quite.
We visited in May with our 6-year-old and 9-year-old. The Terracotta Warriors are honestly incredible, but the crowds and heat were overwhelming. The article said to bring snacks and a stroller, and that helped, but there are very few changing facilities and the toilet queues near Pit 1 were badly packed. My younger one got tired and cranky, so we skipped the bronze chariot museum entirely. The kids did enjoy seeing the warriors up close, so it wasn't a wasted day, but I expected a smoother family experience. It's more of a 'fascinating' trip for adults than a 'fun' day for little kids.