Xi'an Attractions Ticket Price Guide (2026 Updated)
I've lived in Xi'an for years. These ticket prices, opening hours, and booking difficulty levels — I've figured them all out. Last verified June 6, 2026, cross-checked across Ctrip/Trip.com, Meituan, Tuniu, and Xi'an Local Treasure. ⚠️ Prices and hours may shift during holidays. Always double-check through official channels before you go.
📌 Table of Contents
Must-Go Core Sites: Terracotta Warriors · Huashan · Shaanxi History Museum · City Wall · Huaqing Palace
History & Culture: Stele Forest · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Bell & Drum Towers · Daming Palace · Small Wild Goose Pagoda · Guangren Temple
Tang Dynasty Experiences: Tang Paradise · Chang'an 12 Hours · The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Free Sites Quick Reference
Booking Difficulty Rankings — Which One Is Impossible?
One-Day Tour Group Price Benchmarks
10 Money-Saving Tips I Won't Tell Tour Groups
🥇 Must-Go Core Sites
🏛️ Terracotta Warriors — If You Skip This, Why Did You Come to Xi'an?
Ticket: ¥120 (includes Lishan Garden — don't miss it! Most people only see the warriors and leave. The Lishan Garden electric cart costs ¥15 extra.) Students ¥60. Free for: seniors 65+, kids under 16, active military, firefighters, disabled visitors.
Hours:
Peak season (Mar 16–Nov 15): 08:30–18:30, last entry 17:00
Off-peak (Nov 16–Mar 15): 08:30–18:00, last entry 16:30
Booking: "Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum" mini-program, tickets released 7 days ahead.
Getting there: Metro Line 9 to "Huaqing Pool" station → Tour Bus 5 or taxi.
My advice: Get in at 08:30 when doors open, or come after 15:00. The 10:00–14:00 window is tour-group hell — your experience will tank. Allow 3–4 hours total.
Ctrip and Meituan prices match. There's a "ticket + guide + shuttle" combo package. Time-slot booking required — late arrivals may be denied entry.
⛰️ Huashan (Mount Hua) — Climb All Five Peaks in One Day? Are You Serious?
Ticket: Peak season ¥160 (Mar 1–Nov 30), off-peak ¥100 (Dec 1–Feb 28, early 2026 had a promotional ¥80). Students: peak ¥80 / off-peak ¥50.
The cable car is the real decision — it determines your entire experience:
West Peak Taihua Cable: ¥140 peak season / ¥120 off-peak. 20–25 minutes to the top. ✅ This is my recommendation — it saves your legs so you can actually enjoy walking between the peaks instead of burning out before you even start.
North Peak Sante Cable: ¥80 peak / ¥45 off-peak. 5–8 minute ride. It's ¥120 cheaper than the West Peak option, but then you'll be hiking all the way from North to West Peak on foot. Choose based on your fitness, not your wallet.
Mountain buses: West Peak bus ¥40 one-way (~30 min), North Peak bus ¥20 one-way (~20 min).
Plank Road in the Sky and Oriole Flip: ¥30 each. These are the thrill experiences — extra fee on top of everything else.
The one-day golden combo: West up, North down — West Peak cable car up, North Peak cable car down. 5–10 hours, covers the main peaks.
Key times:
Tourist Center (cable car entry): Peak 07:00–16:00 / Off-peak 08:00–16:00
Huashan Gate (hiking): Open 24 hours
Cable car operation: Peak 07:00–19:00 / Off-peak 08:00–18:00
⚠️ Regardless of season, cable car boarding closes at 16:00. Miss it and you're hiking up.
Getting there: Xi'an North Station → Huashan North Station (high-speed rail, 30 min), then free shuttle to Tourist Center.
Source: Huashan official WeChat account, Ctrip
🏺 Shaanxi History Museum — Free? But Harder to Book Than the Forbidden City
Ticket: Free. But that "free" is a trap — booking difficulty is national-tier insanity.
Hours:
Peak (Mar 15–Nov 14): 08:30–19:00, last entry 18:00
Off-peak (Nov 15–Mar 14): 09:00–17:30, last entry 16:30
During renovation: closed Mondays; extended period cancels Monday closure
How to grab a ticket: "Shaanxi History Museum" WeChat account, book 5 days ahead, tickets drop at 17:00 daily. Pre-fill your personal info, hit submit exactly at 17:00. One ticket per person per day, max 5 per order.
What if you can't get one?
Buy a guided tour package starting at ¥128 — reliable
Go straight to the Qin-Han Branch — no booking needed! Since October 2025, walk-in entry. Metro Line 14, "Qin Palace" station
Allow 2–3 hours. Metro Lines 2/3, "Xiaozhai" station, Exit E.
⚠️ Oct 2025–Feb 2026: equipment renovation, some halls closed, daily cap 4,000–6,000 tickets. Main branch booking ≠ Qin-Han Branch. The two branches don't cross-accept tickets.
🏯 Xi'an City Wall — ¥54 to Ride the Full Loop. Best Value in Xi'an.
Ticket: ¥54. Students ¥27. Lantern Festival period ¥100 (Jan 1–Mar 22).
Hours:
South Gate (Yongning Gate): 08:00–22:00 — recommended entry, closes latest
Other gates: 08:00–20:00
Free on the 15th of each month (pick up voucher on 8th–10th, Xi'an residents only — visitors, this one's not for you).
I strongly suggest: Climb up between 16:00–18:00. Sunset light hitting the wall, the Bell Tower silhouette in the distance — that's Xi'an's most beautiful frame. Cycling the full 13.7 km loop takes 1.5–2 hours; walking takes about 3–4 hours.
After closing time, don't panic — staffed exits: Yongning Gate North, Changle Gate, Anyuan Gate, Anding Gate, Zhongshan Gate.
Metro Line 2, "Yongning Gate" station, Exits A1/D1.
Source: Ctrip, Xi'an Local Treasure
🏗️ Huaqing Palace — Without The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, Half a Day Is Enough
Ticket: ¥120. Students ¥60. Free for seniors 65+, kids under 1.2m, military.
Hours:
Peak (Mar–Nov): 07:30–18:00, last entry 17:00
Off-peak (Dec–Feb): 07:30–17:30, last entry 16:30
Important: Huaqing Palace + Lishan Mountain = one ticket. Don't throw it away! Afternoon Lishan climbing has tree cover — more comfortable than morning. Key sights: Lishan Beacon Tower, Xi'an Incident site (Five-Room Hall).
3–4 hours. Metro Line 9, "Huaqing Pool" station.
"The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance: ¥219–888, every night at 20:00 (late Mar–late Oct, pauses in winter), book 9 days ahead. Lishan Mountain as backdrop, lake surface as stage — called "China's top immersive live show." About 70 min.
Source: Ctrip
🏛️ History & Culture
🖌️ Stele Forest Museum — Not Into Calligraphy? ¥85 Might Feel Steep
Ticket: ¥85. Students ¥42.
Hours:
Mar–Jun: 08:00–18:30, sales stop 17:00
Jul–Aug (summer): 08:00–19:00
Dec–Feb: 08:00–18:00
From Mar 2026: resuming 09:00–18:30
3–5 hours (calligraphy lovers could stay all day). Metro Line 2, "Yongning Gate" → Shuyuanmen pedestrian street.
Booking: WeChat account, 5 days ahead.
Source: Xi'an Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ctrip
🗼 Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Da Ci'en Temple) — ¥75 Total: Temple ¥50 + Pagoda Climb ¥25
Ticket: ¥50 (temple) + ¥25 (pagoda climb) = ¥75. Some channels show ¥40/¥30 — confirm on-site. Student half-price.
Hours:
Peak (Mar–Oct): 08:00–18:00, sales stop ~17:00
Off-peak (Nov–Feb): 08:30–17:30
Pagoda climb closed Mondays for maintenance
No booking needed — buy on-site. 1.5–2 hours. Metro Lines 3/4, "Giant Wild Goose Pagoda" station.
North Plaza Musical Fountain: Free. Shows around 12:00/16:00/19:00/21:00, but times shift often — check same day.
🔔 Bell Tower & Drum Tower — Combo ¥50, Separate ¥60. Only a Fool Buys Separately
Single tower ¥30 each, combo ¥50 — saves ¥10, don't buy them separately. Students ¥15 per tower.
Hours:
Peak (Apr 1–Oct 10): 08:30–21:30, sales stop 21:00
Off-peak (Oct 11–Mar 31): 08:30–18:00, sales stop 17:30
Drum Tower summer extension (Jul 19–Aug 31): until 22:30
30 min–1 hour per tower. Metro Lines 2/6, "Bell Tower" station, underground passage leads directly in.
Don't take photos from inside the towers — go to Kaiyuan Mall 5th-floor terrace or Bawang Chaji's 3rd floor instead. Those angles are actually insane.
🏛️ Daming Palace National Heritage Park — Outer Grounds Free for Strolling, Core Area ¥60
Core ticketed zone ¥60. Students ¥30. Outer grounds free, open all day.
Hours:
Peak (Apr 15–Oct 15): 08:30–19:00, sales stop 17:30
Off-peak (Oct 16–Apr 14): 08:30–18:00, sales stop 17:00
Free on 2nd Wednesday each month (Xi'an residents/residence permit holders only).
3–4 hours. Metro Line 4, "Daming Palace" station, Exit A.
🏺 Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda Grounds) — Free but Closed Tuesdays
Grounds free (booking required). Pagoda climb ¥30 but currently not open for climbing.
Hours:
Peak (Mar 15–Oct 31): 08:30–18:00, last entry 17:00
Off-peak (Nov 1–Mar 14): 09:00–17:30, last entry 16:30
⚠️ Closed every Tuesday (except national holidays)
Booking: WeChat account / Meituan app, 7 days ahead, tickets drop at 18:00 daily. Enter via the West Gate — fewer crowds. Free volunteer-led tours at 10:00 and 14:00 daily.
3–4 hours. Metro Lines 2/5, "Nanshaomen" station, Exit F, ~8 min walk.
🛕 Guangren Temple — Free, Zero Barriers. Tibetan Buddhism's Hidden Surprise
Ticket: Free, no booking needed.
Hours:
Summer (May 1–Oct 7): 07:30–18:00
Winter (Oct 8–Apr 30): 08:00–17:30
1.5–2 hours. Metro Line 1, "Yuxiangmen" station, Exit D, 10 min walk.
⚠️ Spin prayer wheels clockwise only. No photos of Buddha statues. Dress appropriately.
🏮 Tang Dynasty Experiences
🌸 Tang Paradise (Datang Furongyuan) — ¥120 for Day + Night. Timing Is Everything
Ticket: ¥120. Students ¥60.
09:00–22:00, last entry/sales 21:00. Lantern Festival (Jan–Apr) may adjust pricing.
My advice: Enter between 15:30–16:30. One ticket covers daytime scenery + illuminated night views. Best value move. Lights come on around 18:30–21:00.
Xi'an residents occasionally get free promotional tickets — follow the WeChat account.
3–5 hours. Metro Line 4, "Tang Paradise" station.
🏮 Chang'an 12 Hours Theme Block — ¥68 to Time-Travel to the Tang Dynasty
Ticket: ¥68 (price adjusted after Mar 2026 renovation). Students/kids ¥38.
Hours: Regular days 10:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00), weekends/holidays 09:30–22:30.
⚠️ Closed Mar 4–17, 2026 for renovation. Reopens Mar 18 with a fresh look.
Hanfu rental available for immersive Tang-style experience — great for photos. Main shows:
"All Nations Pay Tribute" 16:00
"Rainbow Skirt Feathered Coat Dance" 19:30
"Supreme Banquet" 21:00
"Willow Farewell" 21:30
3–4 hours. Metro Line 4, "Tang Paradise" station, Exit A, 500m walk. After 17:00, there may be discounted evening tickets.
🎭 "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" — ¥219–888. China's Top Immersive Live Show
Inside Huaqing Palace. Lishan Mountain as backdrop, lake surface as stage. Every night at 20:00 (late Mar–late Oct), ~70 min. Some seasons add a 21:30 show.
Book 9 days ahead via WeChat account or Ctrip/Meituan.
🌳 Free Sites Quick Reference
Grand Tang Mall (Datang Buyecheng) — No booking needed. Open 24 hours (shops ~10:00–24:00), core shows 19:00–23:00. Metro Lines 3/4, "Giant Wild Goose Pagoda" station. Must-see night view! Check show times on the day you visit.
Muslim Street (Huimin Jie) — No booking needed. Open all day. Metro Line 2, "Bell Tower" station. Tourist snack street — prices run high.
Sajinqiao Street — No booking needed. Open all day. Metro Line 1, "Sajinqiao" station. ✅ Where locals actually eat. Way more authentic than Muslim Street.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda Grounds — Booking required. 08:30–18:00 (peak season), closed Tuesdays. Metro Lines 2/5, "Nanshaomen" station. Pagoda climb is currently closed.
Shaanxi History Museum (Main Branch) — Booking is extremely hard. 08:30–19:00 (peak extended hours). Metro Lines 2/3, "Xiaozhai" station. Tickets drop at 17:00 daily, book 5 days ahead.
Shaanxi History Museum (Qin-Han Branch) — ✅ No booking needed — walk right in. 08:30–18:00 (peak season). Metro Line 14, "Qin Palace" station. Can't score main branch tickets? Come here instead.
Daming Palace Outer Grounds — No booking needed. Open all day. Metro Line 4, "Daming Palace" station. Green space — great for walking and cycling.
Guangren Temple — No booking needed. 07:30–18:00 (summer hours). Metro Line 1, "Yuxiangmen" station. Tibetan Buddhist temple, quiet and atmospheric.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza — No booking needed. Open all day (fountain shows around 12:00/16:00/19:00/21:00). Metro Lines 3/4, "Giant Wild Goose Pagoda" station. Fountain times shift often — verify same day.
📱 Booking Difficulty Rankings — Which One Is Impossible?
Shaanxi History Museum (Main Branch) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Insanity Level. Book via WeChat account, 5 days ahead, tickets drop at 17:00 daily. This is the hardest ticket in all of Xi'an, period.
Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda) — ⭐⭐ Moderate. Book via WeChat / Meituan, 7 days ahead, tickets drop at 18:00 daily.
Stele Forest Museum — ⭐⭐ Moderate. Book via WeChat account, 5 days ahead.
Terracotta Warriors — ⭐⭐ Moderate. Book via mini-program, 7 days ahead.
Huashan — ⭐⭐ Moderate. Book via mini-program, 1–10 days ahead.
Huaqing Palace — ⭐⭐ Moderate. Book via WeChat account, 3 days ahead.
City Wall — ⭐ Easy. Book via mini-program, 2 days ahead.
Bell & Drum Towers — ⭐ Easy. Book via WeChat account, 2 days ahead.
Tang Paradise — ⭐ Easy. Book via WeChat / mini-program, 2–3 days ahead.
Chang'an 12 Hours — ⭐ Easy. Book via mini-program / Ctrip, 1–3 days ahead.
Daming Palace — ⭐ Easy. Book via mini-program, 1 day ahead.
💰 One-Day Tour Group Price Benchmarks — Below These Prices, Watch for Shopping Tours
Warriors + Huaqing Palace one-day tour: Pure-play reference price ¥200–300 (no Song of Everlasting Sorrow included). Anything below ¥200 is a shopping tour — steer clear.
Huashan one-day tour: Pure-play reference price ¥300–500 (includes cable car). This covers round-trip transport + entrance ticket + cable car.
East Line full route (Warriors + Huaqing + Song of Everlasting Sorrow): Pure-play reference price ¥400–600. Includes the performance ticket.
Pure-play vs. shopping tour: The difference is about ¥50–80. That ¥50 is worth spending. Shopping tours waste your time, ruin the experience, and force purchases. Don't save that little bit — it's not worth it.
💡 10 Money-Saving Tips — The Ones Tour Groups Won't Tell You
Bell + Drum Tower combo ¥50. Separate = ¥60. Only a fool buys separately.
Huashan North Peak cable car saves ¥120 vs. West Peak — but you'll burn more leg energy. Choose based on your fitness, not your wallet.
Shaanxi History Museum is free but nearly impossible to book → backup: Qin-Han Branch (no booking) or guided tour package ¥128+.
City Wall free on the 15th of each month — Xi'an residents only. Visitors, this tip doesn't help you.
Huaqing Palace + Lishan = one ticket. Don't throw it. Afternoon Lishan has shade.
Enter Tang Paradise after 15:30 — one ticket covers daytime + illuminated night.
Terracotta Warriors ticket includes Lishan Garden. Don't just see the warriors and leave (electric cart ¥15 extra).
Xi'an Museum is free. Remember to book via WeChat ahead of time.
Chang'an 12 Hours may have discounted evening tickets after 17:00.
Guangren Temple, Grand Tang Mall, Sajinqiao — ¥0 total. You can experience Xi'an well without spending a yuan.
Zhangjiajie Travel China — Private China Tours, Designed Around You. Operating since 2014. Fully licensed. 5.0 average rating from 50+ verified reviews across 15+ countries.
Ready to explore Xi'an?
