Things to Do in Xi'an: New Events & Hot Spots (Updated 2026)

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum has unexpectedly gone viral overseas after a traveler from Japan shared its chocolate shaped like the Terracotta Army excavation site. The museum is home to the Eighth Wonder of the World and draws countless visitors with its rich history, culture, and unique creative souvenirs. 🏺 Pit 1 Pit 1 is the earliest excavated and the largest hall. It contains about 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses arranged in a vast army formation, each with distinct poses. Every figure looks lifelike—from the armor to the facial expressions, from the weapons to the lines on their palms—leaving visitors in awe. 🏇 Pits 2 and 3 Pits 2 and 3 display different types of troops, including chariots, cavalry, and infantry, all set out in orderly formations. Though smaller than Pit 1, each pit has its own formations and roles, making them well worth a closer look. ⚔️ Bronze weapons The museum showcases a wide variety of bronze weapons—including swords, spears, ge, and halberds—many of which still have sharp edges after more than 2,000 years, highlighting the advanced metallurgical techniques of the time. 🍫 Creative highlight The chocolate shaped like the Terracotta Army excavation site has become a standout item, attracting many visitors to stop and buy. Beyond its unique design, it offers a different kind of cultural experience. 💡 Travel tip: Avoid peak hours and start with Pit 3. Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and experience the awe-inspiring power of history and culture!

The southwest corner of the Xi'an City Wall stands out with its distinctive semi-circular design, a striking contrast to the other three right-angled corners and a true highlight of the ancient city. As for its origins, some believe it is a remnant of the Yuan-era Anxi Prince’s Mansion, while others suggest it marks the site of a Tang-era corner bastion. This air of mystery only adds to its allure. 🌊 Moat boat ride The boat dock at the southwest corner offers smart self-driving boats that cruise along the moat for approx. 30 minutes. As you glide over the emerald water, look up to admire the wall’s majestic silhouette—an experience with a charm all its own. 🍂 Fall at Ring Park In fall, Ring Park is draped in golden ginkgo leaves, creating a picture-perfect scene. Walk from Anding Gate to the southwest corner and on to Hanguang Gate—about 2 km—at a leisurely pace to soak in the season’s calm and beauty. 🎥 Nighttime water screen show Every night at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM, a water screen show lights up the moat. With images shimmering across the ripples, it tells captivating stories of the ancient capital. Each 10-minute performance adds a special touch of romance to the night. 🚴 Cycling the wall and exhibits Ascend the wall at Hanguang Gate, rent a bicycle, and circle the wall in about 3 hours. Along the way, stop by the ancient bronze mirror exhibition at watchtower 35 and the City Gate Culture Exhibition at watchtower 36 to experience the fusion of history and culture. ⏳ Recommended time to visit: fall is the best season. 📍 Location: southwest corner of the Xi'an City Wall, section from Hanguang Gate to Anding Gate 💡 Travel tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking or cycling. Come to the southwest corner of the Xi'an City Wall and experience the unique charm of this ancient city.

Want to see giant pandas? Beyond Chengdu, many cities across China offer great viewing, with pandas of all personalities waiting to meet you. Here’s our roundup 👇 Sichuan 🐼 Hehua (Huahua) 📍 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Born in 2020, a short, chubby, and super-fluffy sweetheart at the Chengdu base. She stays calm even when her bamboo gets snatched. In 2023, her “triangle rice ball” look dominated trending searches, sending the base’s ticket sales soaring 9x, with 800,000+ Super Topic followers. Widely regarded as today’s top female star among pandas. 🐼 Fu Bao 📍 Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Born in 2020 at Everland in South Korea. Keepers made her a guitar, flower crowns, and little glasses. Before she came home, a petition on Korean sites drew tens of thousands of signatures. She returned to Sichuan in April 2024, with Chinese and Korean media coverage rivaling a celebrity’s airport arrival. 🐼 Xiang Xiang 📍 Bifengxia Base, Ya’an Born in 2017 at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. A nationwide naming vote drew 320,000 entries. She generated billions of yen in economic impact each year for Japan. When she returned to China in February 2023, Japanese media aired a 12-hour live farewell. Beijing 🐼 Meng Lan 📍 Beijing Zoo Born in 2015, Beijing Zoo’s serial escape artist. He’s climbed walls by stepping on a red ball, twisted door handles, and cheekily teased visitors from afar. A single Douyin video topped 300 million views. Netizens jokingly call him Beijing’s “985” genius on the loose. Jiangsu 🐼 Mengxun & Aobao 📍 Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park A brother-sister duo born in 2022 and total foodies. You can also watch them play-fight—super lively and adorable. 🐼 Jiujiu 📍 Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo Known as the most beautiful panda in East China. More than just a pretty face, Jiujiu is quite the performer—you might even catch this panda dancing. Chongqing 🐼 Shuangshuang, Zhongzhong, Xixi, and Qingqing (the “Four Joy Meatballs”) 📍 Chongqing Zoo There are 23 pandas here—one of them is sure to steal your heart. The viral foursome “Four Joy Meatballs” is from this zoo, and if you’re lucky, you might even see them “playing mahjong.” Liaoning 🐼 Feiyun 📍 Dalian Forest Zoo The zoo’s first-gen internet-famous female: round head, snow-white coat. Fans lovingly call her “Feiyun piggy.” Together with Jinhu and Miaoyin, she’s one of “Dalian’s three treasures.” Livestreams often draw 100,000+ viewers year-round. Shaanxi 🐼 Qizai 📍 Qinling Four Treasures Science Park The world’s only captive brown giant panda, discovered in Foping, Shaanxi, in 2009. With chocolate-colored fur, he’s jokingly nicknamed the Labrador of the panda world. Shandong 🐼 Yaji 📍 Jinan Zoo A little hidden gem who really knows how to work a crowd. When standing on all fours, Yaji looks like a small bench—hence the cute nickname “Little Bench.” Which panda has stolen your heart? Beyond the stars above, many other provinces across China have adorable giant pandas waiting to meet you. Start planning your panda trip and witness the charm of this national treasure up close

Huaqing Palace has put on its limited-edition fall look. Red walls glow against autumn leaves, branches are heavy with persimmons, and the city of Chang'an is at peak fall vibe. The scenic area is also rolling out exclusive benefits and promotions for you to unlock. 🎂 Birthday benefits ✨ Highlights: • Birthday tag: Guests who visit on their birthday can pick up an exclusive birthday tag and become the center of attention at the Tang palace. • Tang flying cash: Receive free Tang flying cash to kick off an interactive journey through the palace. • Float parade: Enjoy a free ride in the float parade, touring the palace with the imperial consort for an immersive Tang dynasty experience. • Exclusive blessings: Performers (NPCs) will greet you with formal bows and birthday blessings so you can feel the Tang court’s royal welcome. • Visitor services: Get professional inquiry support and a printed guide to easily unlock hidden gems. • Thoughtful services: Luggage storage, umbrella loans, and first-aid kits are all available. • Cultural gifts discount: Enjoy 15% off storewide at the cultural and creative center. Take home Tang-style jewelry, palace decor, and more at great prices. • Longevity noodles: The Royal Dining Court at Huaqing Yutang Hotel offers a complimentary bowl of longevity noodles to mark the occasion. • Special setup: Guests staying at Huaqing Yutang Hotel can enjoy birthday room decor and customized surprise services. 👑 Yang Yuhuan styling surprise benefits ✨ Highlights: • Special waist fan: Dress in a Yang Yuhuan–themed outfit to receive a free waist fan. • Float parade: Enjoy a free float parade experience and tour the grand Tang era with the imperial consort. • Priority access: Get priority for interactive activities in the park with no lines, and unlock a center-stage experience. • Exclusive treatment: Performers (NPCs) will salute you throughout, recreating the Tang court’s highest honors. • Cultural gifts discount: Get 10% off at the cultural and creative center for even better deals on Tang-themed merchandise. • Spring water: Receive 1 free bottle of freshly drawn hot spring water, and check in at the same No. 1 Spring Under Heaven favored by the imperial consort. 💡 Travel tips: Bring a valid ID to verify birthday benefits. Temperatures can swing in fall, so pack a light jacket. Come to Huaqing Palace to unlock limited-time fall perks and delightful Tang-era surprises!

Xi'an in the fall is colorful with pleasant temperatures, making it a perfect time to enjoy the season. Below are several parks ideal for fall foliage. Most are free and worth a visit. 🍁 Yannan Park 🎫 Tickets: Free, no reservation required for entry ✨ Highlights: • Annual maple season: Vast maple groves turn a fiery red, creating one of the richest displays of fall color in Xi'an. • Elevated skywalk: A 1 km-long winding skywalk weaves through red maples and golden ginkgo canopies, offering a bird's-eye view of the autumn hues. • Pink muhly meadows: Red, pink, and gold blend like colorful clouds. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 6 to Zhangba 1st Road Station, then walk 1.3 km. Driving is also an option. 🍂 Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Park 🎫 Tickets: Free, no reservation required for entry ✨ Highlights: • Peak bloom: Large swaths of ornamental grasses, red burning bush, and pink muhly borders are at their most vibrant. • Rows of ornamental trees: Gradually turn golden, creating striking contrasts with the Olympic sports complex of one stadium and two arenas. • Photo hotspot: Wide-open views and a light breeze, where modern city vibes blend beautifully with autumn colors. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 14 to Olympic Sports Center Station. Exit from Exit D and walk approx. 6 minutes to the park’s core area. 🏯 Tang Paradise ⏰ Time: Early to late November ✨ Highlights: • Royal garden in fall: The grandeur of a Tang imperial garden meets the luxurious golds of late fall. • Ginkgo arcade: Golden ginkgo trees near Ziyun Tower and the Ladies' Hall make a perfect backdrop for photos in Tang-style hanfu. • Water reflections: Golden canopies are mirrored in the lake for a dazzling visual. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 4 to Tang Paradise Station. From Exit D4, walk west about 200m to reach the west gate (Yuyuan Gate). 🏛 Archaeological Park of Weiyang Palace in Chang'an City of the Western Han Dynasty 🎫 Tickets: Free ✨ Highlights: • Reeds like snow: Tens of thousands of reeds around Cangchi Pool by the front hall turn silvery white. • Golden grass waves: Fountain grass and groundcovers in the open fields glow gold, pairing beautifully with pink muhly. • Cycling: Rent a bike and ride along the Han-era terrace trails to soak up the vast autumn landscape. 🚗 Transportation: From Hancheng Road Station on subway Line 1, transfer to a bus or use a shared bike. 🍂 Xi'an Expo Park 🎫 Tickets: Free ✨ Highlights: • Diverse tree species: A rich variety lines the route from Debao Gate and the Aquatic Plant Garden to the Chang'an Tower. • Lakeside scenery: Bald cypress turns a rusty red, red maple canopies blaze like fire, and their reflections shimmer across the broad lake. • Lawn camping: Flat lawns are great for camping, soaking up the sun, and enjoying lake views. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 3 to Xianghu Bay Station. From Exit A2, walk east to the main entrance. 🏞 Qujiang Pool Heritage Park 🎫 Tickets: Free ✨ Highlights: • Lakeside autumn: Willows shift from emerald to bright yellow, and withered lotus on the water shows deep golden-brown textures. • Sunset glow: The lake shimmers with golden light at sunset, creating a captivating scene. • Lakeside loop: A rubberized loop path around the lake is ideal for walking, with a comfortable feel underfoot. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 4 to Qujiangchi West Station. From Exit D, walk about 800m east to enter. 🌳 Xingqing Palace Park 🎫 Tickets: Free ✨ Highlights: • Xingqing Lake in fall: Clear waters reflect the yellowing willow strands and the Tang-style Chenxiang Pavilion. • Dappled shade: The main road from the south gate is lined with trees casting dappled light, full of autumn charm. • Local life: Stroll among longtime Xi'an residents as they play chess and practice morning exercises, and feel the relaxed, easy pace of daily life. 🚗 Transportation: Take subway Line 6 to Jiaotong University · Xingqing Palace Station. From Exit A, you’ll arrive at the park’s south gate. 💡 Travel tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes for strolling through the parks. Temperatures can vary widely between morning and evening in fall, so bring a light jacket. Come to Xi'an and experience the charm of its autumn parks.

In early November, the ginkgo trees in Tang Paradise reach their peak, and their golden leaves add a deeply poetic fall mood to Chang'an. 🍂 Hudian Narrow lanes of gray brick are blanketed with golden ginkgo leaves, and fallen leaves cover the bluestone slabs like a scene from a Tang-era marketplace. Sunlight filters through the leaves in dappled patterns, and a gentle breeze sends golden leaves drifting down, adding to the late-fall poetry. 🍁 Zhuyu Terrace Climb Zhuyu Terrace to see red dogwood berries interwoven with golden ginkgo leaves, creating a vivid fall tableau. Sunlight streams through the branches onto the stone steps. Look up, and the layered hues of fall will captivate you. 🌳 Slope beside Ziyun Tower On the slope beside Ziyun Tower, imperial pavilions and golden ginkgo groves reflect each other in a stunning view. A thick layer of fallen leaves forms a golden carpet, and the slanting sun casts crisscrossing light and shadow, as if you’ve stepped into a painting. Put on hanfu and stroll through the scene to feel transported back to the glory of the Tang dynasty. ⏳ Recommended visiting time: early November–when the ginkgo leaves finish falling. 📍 Location: Tang Paradise, Xi'an 🚇 Transportation: Subway Line 4, "Tang Paradise Station," Exit D, direct access to the park 💡 Travel tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes for getting around the park. It can be windy in fall, so bring warm clothing. Come to Tang Paradise to experience Chang'an’s poetic fall and the golden romance of ginkgo!

Xi'an Ring Park circles the ancient City Wall and is a can't-miss spot to soak up fall vibes for locals and visitors alike. The greenbelt along the moat turns golden in the fall breeze, revealing a uniquely beautiful seasonal scene. 🍂 Ginkgo and goldenrain tree promenade In fall, ginkgo leaves gradually turn yellow and goldenrain trees hang heavy with fruit, forming a golden corridor. Strolling here feels like walking through a fall painting. 🌊 Autumn waters of the moat By the moat, the autumn breeze sends tiny golden ripples across the surface. Water and fall colors intertwine, tranquil and gentle, inviting you to linger. 🚶‍♀️ Riverside stroll Walk along the moat with the quiet ancient City Wall above and flowing fall waters underfoot. The wall, the water, and the colors blend together; every step is a scene, capturing Xi'an's deep affection for fall. ⏳ Recommended time: October–November is the best viewing period. 📍 Location: at the foot of the Xi'an City Wall 💡 Travel tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and stroll along the river to soak up the fall atmosphere. Come to Xi'an Ring Park and experience this ancient city's heartfelt ode to fall.

Beijing’s Palace Museum showcases the grandeur of the Ming and Qing courts, Sichuan’s Sanxingdui Museum unveils the mysterious Shu civilization from 3,000 years ago, and Shaanxi History Museum distills the splendor of a capital that hosted 13 dynasties. Together, these three museums trace a timeline from antiquity to the early modern era—an in-depth cultural journey for anyone fascinated by Eastern civilizations. About the Palace Museum in Beijing 👑 ▪️ Also known as the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum sits at the heart of Beijing and served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A total of 24 emperors lived and governed here. Covering about 720,000 square meters, it is the largest surviving wooden palace complex in the world. ▪️ Unlike the heavy stone architecture of many European palaces, the Forbidden City is equally monumental yet distinctly Chinese: a strict north–south central axis, red walls and yellow glazed tiles, sweeping eaves, and complex bracket sets—everywhere you look reflects traditional ritual order and a cosmic worldview. ▪️ The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony along the central axis form the symbolic core complex. The Hall of Supreme Harmony hosted enthronement ceremonies, and its gilded throne symbolizes imperial power. Some halls may have phased closures for conservation or restoration. Check official notices before your visit. ▪️ The Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery, located in the Eastern Six Palaces area, house a wealth of Qing imperial treasures and mechanical clocks from Europe, including gifts once presented by British envoys—making for an intriguing cross-cultural comparison for visitors from the UK. ▪️ Plan for at least half a day. Enter via the Meridian Gate and exit via the Shenwu Gate or Donghua Gate for a smooth route. Tickets must be reserved in advance with timed entry. Opening hours vary slightly between peak and off-peak seasons, and summer/holidays see heavy crowds, so plan ahead. 🎫 ▪️ After your visit, walk to Jingshan Park and climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City—an iconic photo spot. About the Sanxingdui Museum 🗿 ▪️ Located in Guanghan, Sichuan Province, about 40 km from Chengdu, Sanxingdui Museum showcases artifacts unearthed from the Shu civilization dating roughly 3,000–5,000 years ago. ▪️ Excavated sacrificial pits have yielded large numbers of bronze masks, bronze sacred trees, gold scepters, ivory, and more—challenging long-held notions that Chinese civilization was centered solely in the Central Plains. Newly excavated items are progressively restored and exhibited to the public. ▪️ Unlike the solemn, symmetrical bronzes of the Shang and Zhou Central Plains, Sanxingdui bronzes are fantastically imaginative—huge protruding-eye masks, vertical-eye figures, and sky-reaching sacred trees that exude mystery. ▪️ The large standing bronze figure is about 2.6m high—one of the earliest, largest, and most complete bronze standing figures in the world. The bronze sacred tree rises nearly 4m, with divine birds perched on its branches. It is believed to have been a ritual conduit between heaven and earth. 🌳 ▪️ The new exhibition hall centers on the theme “Asleep for millennia, awakened to awe,” with three main galleries and an interactive zone. It features many artifacts and employs climate-controlled cases and glasses-free 3D, offering a contemporary experience. ▪️ For the latest exhibition updates, opening hours, and reservation rules, refer to official channels. ▪️ Getting there: take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Guanghan North, then a taxi to the museum. You can also join a day tour from Chengdu or charter a vehicle for a convenient round trip. 🚄 About Shaanxi History Museum 🏺 ▪️ Based in the ancient capital of Xi'an, Shaanxi History Museum is among China’s first national first-grade museums and is acclaimed as a “treasure house of Huaxia.” Its vast collection spans from prehistory to the late Qing. In addition to the main building, the Qin and Han Civilization Museum (a branch) focuses on Qin and Han themes. ▪️ Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, was the capital for 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang, and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road. This background gives the museum an exceptionally dense and high-caliber collection. ▪️ Unlike the Palace Museum’s emphasis on imperial life, Shaanxi History Museum also presents imperial grandeur but highlights the long, continuous arc of Chinese civilization, especially the peaks of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang eras. ▪️ Signature masterpieces include a gold-inlaid agate cup with animal-head terminals, a gilt silver ewer with a dancing horse holding a cup, the empress’s seal, the Du tiger tally, and a gilt bronze silkworm—each telling a story of the Silk Road or dynastic change. ▪️ The “Treasures of the Great Tang” special exhibition showcases the Hejia Village hoard of gold and silver, with exquisite craftsmanship and imported elements from Persia, Sogdia, and Rome—direct evidence of Silk Road exchange. The Tang mural gallery, famous for rare tomb murals, requires a separate reservation. ✨ ▪️ Admission is free but by reservation with timed entry. The main building and the Qin and Han branch release reservations separately. Quotas during summer and holidays are extremely competitive and are released at fixed times—be ready to book the moment they open. During peak seasons the museum often adjusts closure days and extends opening hours; follow official notices for details. ▪️ After the museum, consider visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Army, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi'an’s ancient city wall to compare artifacts with their historical settings. Practical tips 📝 ▪️ Reservations: the Palace Museum, Sanxingdui, and Shaanxi History Museum all require real-name reservations, especially busy in summer and on holidays. Rules and release times vary by venue. Your passport can serve as a valid ID for international visitors. 🎫 ▪️ Guides: all three museums offer audio guide rentals with English available. Many galleries have bilingual labels. For deeper insight, book a live guided tour or join an official English tour group. ▪️ Photography: most outdoor and many indoor areas of the Palace Museum allow photography, but flash and selfie sticks are prohibited. Some precious exhibits at Sanxingdui and Shaanxi History Museum are not allowed to be photographed—follow display case notices. 📸 ▪️ Transportation: high-speed trains and flights are frequent between Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi'an, making it easy to link your itinerary. The Beijing–Xi'an high-speed train takes about 5 hours, and Xi'an–Chengdu takes about 3–4 hours. ▪️ Language and payment: major cities and top attractions have decent English coverage, and translation apps help with daily communication. Mobile payments primarily use WeChat Pay and Alipay, both of which support linking overseas bank cards. 💳 ▪️ What to wear: museum interiors are temperature-controlled, and air conditioning can feel cool in summer—bring a light layer. The Palace Museum covers a large outdoor area, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. 👟 ▪️ Food: signature local dishes include Beijing roast duck, Sichuan cuisine, and Xi'an specialties like yangrou paomo and roujiamo, with distinct flavor profiles. If you are sensitive to spice, ask for mild or no spice when ordering. 🍜 From the red walls and gilded roofs of the Forbidden City, to the bronze sacred trees of Sanxingdui, to the Tang gold and silver at Shaanxi History Museum—one trip offers a sweeping view of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization at its finest.

On September 28, 2026, the Xi'an–Ankang high-speed railway officially opened. The inaugural train G9997 departed from Xi'an East station and arrived at Ankang West station after 45 minutes of high-speed travel, marking Ankang’s entry into the high-speed rail era. On the same day, the K5 bus route also launched, creating a seamless connection between the high-speed railway and the Yinghu Scenic Area. ⏰ Time: From September 28, 2026 🚄 Xi'an–Ankang high-speed railway ⏰ Time: From September 28, 2026 📍 Location: Xi'an East – Ankang West ✨ Highlights: • The inaugural G9997 Fuxing smart EMU departs, taking only 45 minutes from Xi'an East to Ankang West. • With the line open, Ankang and Xi'an are now within a 1-hour travel time. 🏞 Yinghu Scenic Area 🎫 Admission: Free admission with a Xi'an–Ankang HSR ticket stub dated within 7 days (Sep 28–Dec 31) ✨ Highlights: • Oct 8–Dec 31: Free admission with a high-speed rail ticket stub dated within 7 days. • Fall at Yinghu is atmospheric and serene—perfect for a boat ride on the Bashan waters and quiet moments with sweeping landscapes. 🚗 Transportation: K5 bus goes directly to Yinghu Scenic Area. The bus stop is a 5-minute walk from Ankang West station, and the ride takes approx. 40 minutes. 💡 Travel tips: Show a high-speed rail ticket stub dated within 7 days to enjoy the Yinghu Scenic Area admission offer. Expect crowds, and consider traveling outside peak times. ⏰ Time: From September 28, 2026 Hop on the Xi'an–Ankang high-speed railway and unlock Yinghu’s fall scenery!

In late fall, the persimmon trees on the slope beside Ziyun Tower in Tang Paradise, Xi'an, are crimson and heavy with fruit, a striking scene of the season. As the sun sets at an angle, their skins glow with golden edges, like embers wrapped in flame, making it hard to tear yourself away. 🍂 Persimmon grove at Tang Paradise This grove sits on the slope beside Ziyun Tower, where persimmons hang like red lanterns that light up the entire fall. The weighty fruit bends the branches, and their tangerine sheen glistens in the sun, telling the joy of a bountiful harvest. 🌅 Sunset and light At dusk, the afterglow bathes the grove. Light filters through the leaves and settles on the fruit, casting a golden halo. When the wind stirs, the leaves rustle and light and shadow dance across the trunks and earth like a living painting. 🍁 Ginkgo and the feel of fall In the park, ginkgo leaves are turning pale gold, a vivid contrast to the persimmon red. A cool autumn breeze brings a crisp touch. Stroll through and feel fall’s gentle arrival, quietly poetic. 📍 Location: slope beside Ziyun Tower, Tang Paradise, Xi'an 🚇 Transportation: subway Line 4, Tang Paradise Station, Exit D, direct access 💡 Travel tip: late fall is chilly, so wear warm clothing. Come to Tang Paradise and savor the bold persimmon reds of late fall and the season’s gentle warmth!

From the fragrance of osmanthus in September to the crimson leaves in October and the golden ginkgo in November, Xi'an's fall is a 3‑month feast of color. Whether it’s the sweet scent of blossoms drifting through hidden lanes, the Qinling Mountains cloaked in fiery hues, or golden ginkgo leaves at ancient temples, the season’s beauty will leave you wanting more. 🏞 Xingqing Palace Park ⏳ Recommended visit time: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. 🎫 Admission: Free, no reservation required ✨ Highlights: • The park has 200+ osmanthus trees, including 40+ that are around 80 years old. • The south gate and the area around Xianghui Building are especially fragrant. • Take a small boat on Dragon Pool and enjoy how the ripples carry the fragrance. 🏞 Xi'an Textile Park (West Gate) ⏳ Recommended visit time: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. 🎫 Admission: Free, no reservation required ✨ Highlights: • Over 150 orange osmanthus, golden osmanthus, and silver osmanthus trees bloom in succession. • Watch the entire cycle from first blossoms to petals falling. 🏞 Huancheng Park 🎫 Admission: Free, no reservation required ✨ Highlights: • Follow the scent at the foot of the city wall, where dense clusters of blooms complement 600‑year‑old blue‑gray bricks. • At dusk, the fragrance sinks into the wall’s shadow with the fading light for a timeless mood. ⏳ Recommended visit time: All day 🏞 Qujiang Pool Heritage Park 🎫 Admission: Free, no reservation required ✨ Highlights: • Stroll along the water as tiny petals drift down on the breeze. • After dark, reflections of lanterns ripple across the surface, recalling the brilliant nights of Tang‑era Qujiang. ⏳ Recommended visit time: All day 🍁 Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area ⏰ Dates: Mid‑October to early November ⏰ Business hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) ✨ Highlights: • A beloved red‑leaf hideaway right on Xi'an’s doorstep. • Seas of shattered rock and blazing foliage make for dramatic views. • The Dragon Ridge area has the most vivid red leaves. 🍁 Zhongnan Mountain · Nanwutai Scenic Area ⏰ Business hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ✨ Highlights: • Once called Taiyi Mountain, long celebrated for the divine beauty of Zhongnan. • In fall, smoketrees and maples turn red in waves. • After rain clears, seas of clouds and red leaves shine together. 🍁 Heihe National Forest Park ⏰ Business hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) ✨ Highlights: • Brilliant fall foliage contrasts with the still, emerald Heihe River. • Trees glow with russet tones while the river keeps a calm green hue. • In the canyon, autumn colors mirror on the water and maples blaze like fire. • The park is vast. Choose suitable transportation to visit multiple attractions. 🍁 Zhuque National Forest Park ⏰ Business hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM ✨ Highlights: • Along mountain roads, deep greens fade into pale yellow and orange‑red. • Clear streams accompany the trail as fallen leaves drift away. • When mist rises, colorful forests and peaks appear and vanish like a painting. 🍂 Ancient Guanyin Temple ⏰ Business hours: Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (exit only after 4:30 PM). On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, on Buddhist commemorative days, and on public holidays, the mountain gate opens earlier at 8:30 AM. 🎫 Admission: Free. Reserve in advance via "Zhongnan Chanyun"; each reservation slot is 30 mins. ✨ Highlights: • Legend says a ginkgo here was planted by Emperor Taizong of the Tang, now over 1,400 years old. • In late fall, the tree turns fully golden and carpets the courtyard, its leaves glowing against blue‑gray bricks and old tiles. 🍂 Tang Da Ci'en Temple Heritage Park ⏳ Recommended visit time: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. 🎫 Admission: Free ✨ Highlights: • Hundreds of ginkgo trees line the water’s edge, showering gold leaves with every breeze. • Pavilions peek through layered foliage, and shimmering water intertwines with lights. • Try to enter before 2:00 PM for the best photo lighting. 🍂 Mausoleum of Qin II Ruins Park 🎫 Admission: Free ✨ Highlights: • Golden ginkgo interweaves with the warm browns of Chinese cypress and the dark greens of pines, covering slopes and paths. • Leaves settle on ancient bricks and bronze sculptures like a silent golden rain. ⏳ Recommended visit time: All day 🍂 Louguantai Zongsheng Palace 🎫 Admission: Free ✨ Highlights: • Legend says a ginkgo here was planted by Laozi when he taught the Dao De Jing, now 2,600 years old. • In late fall, the tree turns to blazing gold. Leaves fall like rain onto the stone steps before the hall and into the seams of time. 💡 Travel tips: Visit outside peak times. Some attractions require advance reservations. Temperatures in mountain areas can vary greatly, so bring a light jacket. Come to Xi'an and experience the city’s brilliant, poetic fall.

From October 20 to December 31, 2026, the Guanque Tower Scenic Area in Yongji, Shanxi is launching the "Qin–Jin friendship · Meet by the river" exclusive fan gift pack for visitors from Shaanxi. During the promotion, Shaanxi residents who present their ID card can enjoy half-price admission and 10 exclusive perks. We warmly invite friends from Shaanxi to embark on a cultural journey along the Yellow River. 🛤 Qin–Jin friendship · dedicated lane for Shaanxi and Shanxi The scenic area has set up a "Qin–Jin friendship · dedicated lane for Shaanxi and Shanxi." Visitors from Shaanxi can enter quickly with their ID card, reducing wait times and enjoying a smoother visit. 🚗 Qin–Jin friendship · designated parking for Shaanxi To honor visitors from Shaanxi, the scenic area provides "Qin–Jin friendship · designated parking for Shaanxi," so self-drive travelers feel welcomed from the moment they park. 🎤 Qin–Jin friendship · dedicated guides for visitors from Shaanxi A team of dedicated guides will offer free guided tours for visitors from Shaanxi. From Guanque Tower’s thousand-year poetic legacy to the deep roots of Yellow River culture, they will connect through familiar accents and shared heritage, and revisit the history of a unified written script. 🎁 Entry perks Shaanxi visitors who purchase admission with their ID card can claim 1 free bottle of mineral water and a "Qin–Jin friendship" commemorative ticket as a keepsake from this Yellow River journey. 📸 Signature wall for 10 cities and the Shaanxi dialect wall In the main plaza, a signature wall features 10 cities: Xi'an, Tongchuan, Baoji, Xianyang, Weinan, Yan'an, Hanzhong, Yulin, Ankang, and Shangluo. Visitors can sign their name on their hometown’s section to leave a unique mark. The Shaanxi dialect wall, filled with familiar phrases, is also a popular photo spot. 🗿 "Terracotta Warriors Yongji branch figures" The scenic area has created the interactive "Terracotta Warriors Yongji branch figures" installation, blending Shaanxi culture into the Yellow River banks of southern Shanxi. Visitors from Shaanxi can take photos and interact with the figures to experience a different side of the Qin–Jin friendship. ⏰ Time: October 20–December 31, 2026 💡 Travel tips: Shaanxi residents must present their ID card to enjoy the exclusive offers. Self-drive visitors can use the scenic area’s designated parking spaces. Visit the Guanque Tower Scenic Area in Yongji, Shanxi, and experience the timeless Qin–Jin friendship!

On June 14, the special exhibition "civilization perfected — gold art of the Hellenistic period" opened at Shaanxi History Museum. Bringing together 250 pieces/sets of gold artifacts from 25 cultural institutions in Greece, the exhibition has traveled across mountains and seas to Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, where a deep dialogue between Chinese and Greek civilizations unfolds amid a cluster of Tang‑style buildings. Structured around four themes—honor the gods, rites of life, myriad wonders, and fusion of craft—the exhibition presents the brilliant achievements and core spirit of Hellenistic goldwork from 323 BCE to the 1st century CE. Visitors can admire close-up depictions of deities, personal ornaments, household vessels, and masterpieces of composite techniques, and feel how faith, ritual, and aesthetics converge in gold. Shaanxi History Museum is a pearl of the ancient capital and a treasure house of Chinese civilization. Its permanent galleries trace over 1 million years of cultural history and are renowned for national treasures such as the Hejia Village hoard of gold and silver, original Tang‑dynasty tomb murals, a sancai camel carrying musicians figurine, and an agate cup with a gilded animal‑head mount. In dialogue across time with the museum’s High Tang gold artifacts, this special exhibition bathes Chang'an in golden light once more, transforming the city into a dazzling stage for mutual learning among civilizations. Head to Shaanxi History Museum and embark on a golden conversation spanning 2,000 years!

As fall and winter bring cooler weather, many young travelers from South Korea are searching for warming food trails across China. 5 cities, one steaming pot, warming you from stomach to bones—vibes fully maxed out ✨ 🌶️ Chongqing | The pinnacle of nine-grid hotpot Fog rolls through this mountain city in fall and winter, and the rising steam from hotpot sets an unbeatable mood. With the classic nine-grid pot, duck intestine, beef aorta, and beef tripe are musts—swish for 8 seconds for a crisp, tender bite. Individual pots are everywhere, so solo diners feel right at home. Peijie Old Hotpot and Xiaoyu Hotpot are hugely popular, and around the winter solstice you can also try specialty mutton soup hotpots. 🍢 Chengdu | The happy place for chuan chuan and bobo chicken Top pick for night market vibes. Cold pot skewers, bobo chicken, and mala tang come in endless varieties. Steel Pipe Factory No. 5 and Xiao Jun Gan chuan chuan are beloved classics. Not into heat? Most places offer mild options or a yuanyang split pot. Seasonal fall–winter additions include mutton soup hotpots and Jianyang mutton soup. 🐑 Xi'an | Yangrou paomo and nourishing flavors in the ancient capital Once called Chang'an, the city echoes with history, home to luminaries like Han Yu and Bai Juyi. Crumble your own flatbread into a bowl of yangrou paomo (mutton soup with flatbread). One sip of hot broth sends warmth through your whole body. Lao Sun Jia and Tong Sheng Xiang Restaurant are time-tested favorites. Fall–winter specials like hulutou paomo and shuipen yangrou serve up authentic northern comfort. 🍲 Beijing | Copper-pot shabu mutton + fall foliage romance Savor thin-sliced fresh mutton swished in a clear charcoal-fired copper pot, then dip into rich sesame sauce. Dong Lai Shun and Jubaoyuan are must-tries. On the streets you’ll also find tanghulu (candied hawthorn), sugar-roasted chestnuts, and roasted sweet potatoes—street treats you’ll rarely experience in Seoul. In November, pair Forbidden City red leaves with fall colors + shabu mutton + Peking duck, all in one trip. 🐑 Hohhot | A paradise for lamb lovers Perfectly aligned with South Korea’s fall–winter tradition of nourishing samgyetang, this is a lamb-forward feast. Hand-held mutton, whole roast lamb, and lamb offal soup are fresh and not gamey. Don’t miss Gerile Ama Milk Tea House. Warm pots against snowy grassland scenes, plus the chance to experience the winter Naadam, bring the vast northern spirit to life. One pot, one city. No need to overthink it—pick a city and start your Chinese nourishing food journey, and eat the winter chill away!

In late fall, Yizhe Incense Workshop at Chang'an Wharf in Tang Paradise offers a hands-on experience of fresh botanical aromas and Tang aesthetics, using the traditional intangible cultural heritage craft of Yizhe yeast-based incense making. 🍂 Fresh botanical aromas Stroll along Chang'an Wharf as the autumn breeze brushes your face and the air fills with the natural, blended scent of herbs. Every wisp of fragrance comes from the Shaanxi provincial intangible cultural heritage method of Yizhe yeast-based incense making, with fresh botanical notes infused with the depth of time. The steadiness of sandalwood recalls the sturdy walls of ancient Chang'an, agarwood's calm mirrors autumn skies over still waters, and the lively lift of patchouli feels like golden leaves spinning down in the fall wind, revealing the restraint and romance of Chinese aesthetics. 🖌️ Hands-on incense craft At Yizhe Incense Workshop, you can craft your own incense plaque. Under the guidance of a heritage instructor, crush and blend the botanicals, knead the mixture, press the incense clay into a mold, and let it set. Each step draws you in, as if the outside world fades away, inviting the focused calm the ancients cherished. 🎋 Tang aesthetics This hands-on session is more than making incense—it is a journey into the grandeur of Tang aesthetics. Create an auspicious Tang-style incense pendant, roll aromatic beads, and pair them with a cord and tassel for a subtle, lingering scent; sew a botanical sachet filled with atractylodes, patchouli, and dried tangerine peel to support well-being; or assemble a collage with incense materials to capture the forms of myriad herbs and feel the philosophical beauty of traditional blending. 💡 Travel tip: We recommend booking the heritage incense-making experience in advance, as holidays can be busy. Visit Yizhe Incense Workshop at Chang'an Wharf in Tang Paradise to experience the unique charm of late fall botanicals and Tang aesthetics.

Starting Oct 19, 2026, Xi'an will host a variety of free events, including a 20 m giant Nailong scene exhibition, the Fall Harvest Fair, and a maple leaf–themed interactive photo spot—perfect for a family day out. 🏯 Xixian MixC Fall Harvest Fair ⏰ Dates: Oct 17–Nov 8, 2026 📍 Location: Xixian MixC, Gate 6 atrium/outdoor plaza ✨ Highlights: • Immersive autumn farm: autumn harvest displays, harvest collages, and an autumn fields photo studio with Americana country backdrops. • Hand-shelling grain mini contest: fun interactions that celebrate the joy of harvest. • "Suisui Market" pumpkin festival: soak up the fall harvest vibes and join pumpkin-themed activities. 🦖 20 m giant Nailong scene exhibition ⏰ Dates: From now through Oct 31, 2026 📍 Location: Xiying Film Park (Xiying TIME Store), Film Square ✨ Highlights: • A stunning 20 m giant Nailong takes center stage with powerful visual impact. • Capture panoramic shots against red-brick factory backdrops, or shoot upward from its feet—perfect for your Moments cover. • Adorable vibes all around, making it a great family-friendly photo spot. 🍁 Xi'an Huiju × Yannan Park maple leaf–themed interactive photo spot ⏰ Dates: Oct 15–Nov 15, 2026 📍 Location: Xi'an Huiju Phase II, Maple Forest ✨ Highlights: • Limited-time collaboration featuring a maple-themed interactive photo spot with rich autumn ambience. • Ideal for photos to capture the season’s best moments. 🎭 Hanbote × Hyde Town "Pet Night of Wonder" ⏰ Dates: Oct 24–Oct 25, 2026 ⏰ Business hours: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM 📍 Location: Hyde Town Grand Hall ✨ Highlights: • Secondhand journaling supplies sale: washi tapes, stickers, journals, sticky notes, sealing wax, stamps, and materials galore. • Specialty market: a creative hub for journaling enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. 🛍️ CapitaMall · Yujincheng flea market ⏰ Dates: Oct 24–Oct 25, 2026 📍 Location: CapitaMall · Yujincheng, South Plaza ✨ Highlights: • Neighborhood life festival: swap toys, picture books, handicrafts, and home goods to give pre-loved items a new life. • Community connections: enjoy warm, neighborly interactions and a welcoming community atmosphere. 💡 Travel tips: Plan your time in advance and organize a smart route if you want to visit multiple events. Some events are outdoors, so bring rain gear or sun protection based on the weather. Come to Xi'an and unlock colorful free activities!