7 Things to Do in Xi’an in Spring
Spring from March to May is one of the best seasons to visit Xi’an thanks to the charming warm and sunny climate. The trees begin to burgeon and many flowers come into full blossom, injecting vitality to this thousand-year-old city. Travelling in spring, you can have many top things to do in Xi’an, like visiting some historical sites including Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall and Banpo Museum, or have a spring outing to Mount Huashan, Qinglong Temple and Xi’an Botanical Garden.
1
Mount Huashan
As it’s neither too hot nor too cold and seldom does it rain, one of the top things to do in Xi’an in spring is to climb the Mount Huashan. During this time, Mount Huashan is beautifully decorated like an amorous lady. In the morning, the pine trees and mountain rocks are shrouded by a layer of thin mist, creating a dreamlike world. The frozen streams begin to melt and flow through the stones. Some unknown wild flowers shyly bud. You can admire peach flowers all the way to the mountain top. If you climb the mountain at night, you can watch the sunrise and sea of clouds in the next morning. The stunning beauty will leave you a deep impression. If you are kind of adventurous traveler, do not forget to challenge the dangerous cliffside Changkong Plank Road.
Book a Mount Huashan Ticket.
Book a Mount Huashan Ticket.
2
Qinglong Temple
When it comes to the top things to do in Xi’an in spring, admiring the cherry blossoms in Qinglong Temple is always on the list. Located in the eastern outskirt of Xi’an, Qinglong Temple is the cradle of both the Esoteric Buddhism and Japanese Shingon Buddhism. In 1986, over one thousand cherry trees of 11 varieties from Japan were introduced to Qinglong Temple. Every year from mid-March to late April, throngs of tourists go to the temple to appreciate the cherry blossoms and take photos. Travelling in the flower seas surrounding Tang Dynasty architecture complex, you will have a feeling that you get back to the heyday of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). It will be an excellent experience to dress the Tang Dynasty costumes and take a photo under the cherry trees. If you travel during the Cherry Blossom Festival held from March 15 to April 15, you can take part in lots of fun activities.
3
Xi’an City Wall
What’s your impression for Xi’an City Wall? Grey bricks and tiles, very antique? Actually, you can see another side of Xi’an City wall in spring, when it is immersed in various colors. Walking on the City Wall, you can see the circular City Wall Park below covered by flourishing trees and various flowers. The moat around the wall quietly flows and ripples every now and then. On a sunny day, you can walk along the City Wall to admire the ancient watchtowers, archery towers, and ramparts. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and cycle on the wall to feel the gentle breeze and warm sunshine. Flying a kite on the wall is a favorite activity of the locals. In April, there is a Kite Festival held on Xi’an City Wall, lasting for about 20 days. During this time, you can see many kinds of kites and performances on the wall.
Recommended Tour: One Day Group Tour including City Wall from $59
Book a Xi’an City Wall ticket.
Recommended Tour: One Day Group Tour including City Wall from $59
Book a Xi’an City Wall ticket.
4
Terracotta Army
Visiting the Terracotta Army is definitely one of the top things to do in Xi’an. You can explore the underground army guarding the Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang. In the three pits, different arrays of warriors and chariots are displayed orderly, showing the military formation of the Qin Kingdom over 2,200 years ago. The expressions of the life-size warriors are all different, from which you can see how skillful the ancient crafters are. After the visit, you can take the free shuttle bus inside the scenic area to go to the Lishan Garden, also known as the Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park. In the park, you can see the pottery figures of civil officials and acrobats.
Recommended Tour: 3 Days Xi'an Tour from $349
Book a Terracotta Army ticket.
Recommended Tour: 3 Days Xi'an Tour from $349
Book a Terracotta Army ticket.
5
Xi’an Botanical Garden
As soon as spring approaches, you can feel it in Xi’an Botanical Garden. In early spring, you can admire plum blossoms and winter jasmines. With the rise in temperature, all things in the Botanical Garden come back to life. A wide variety of flowers begin to blossom and compete with each other for beauty. In the light wind, they wave slightly, as if greeting with tourists. The tulips, magnolia flowers and hyacinth in the garden are particularly famous, attracting lots of tourists.
6
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
If you are interested in history and culture, then climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda should be one of the top things to do in Xi’an in spring. It was built in 625 during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) for the Monk Xuanzang to translate the Buddhist classics that he took back from India. Later on, the pagoda was used to store Buddhist records, figures, and Buddha’s relics. On the top floor, you can overlook the surrounding parks in the distance. At night, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is busier than daytime. Many tourists go to the north square to see the largest musical fountain of Asia. You will be intoxicated by the amazing sound and light effects.
Book a ticket for Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Book a ticket for Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
7
Banpo Museum
Comparatively speaking, Banpo Museum is not touristy as other attractions in Xi’an. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, Banpo Museum will be a great choice. You can learn about the Banpo culture dating back to 6,000 years ago. It houses the best-preserved ruins of the Matriarchal Clan Community along the Yellow River. From the stone wares and mysterious patterns, you can have a rough idea of how the prehistoric people lived. The pottery basin with the design of a human face and a fish body is the highlight of the museum.
Book a Banpo Museum Ticket.
Book a Banpo Museum Ticket.
Further Reading:
8 Things to See in Xi’an in Summer
What to See in Xi’an in Autumn - 9 Best Destinations
What to Do in Xi’an in Winter - 7 Best Destinations
10 Best Places to Visit in Xi’an
- Last updated on Mar. 31, 2023 by Catherine He -