3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda in southern Xi'an. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, it is well preserved and has become one of the emblems of the city. It is part of the Da Ci'en Temple complex, where there are regular music shows in the square's fountain, as well as pleasant parks and Western eateries nearby. Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in the Jianfu Temple in the southern suburb of the city. As it is newer and smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the name was given to distinguish the two. Unlike the big one, it is dainty and exquisite in its appearance.

Admission: Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 50 yuan entrance fee; 30 yuan to climb pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: free; 30 yuan to climb pagoda

Opening hours: Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (peak seasons); 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (off seasons)

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travel tips: Better go to the square of Wild Goose Pagoda in the evening, when the biggest music fountain performance is available.

4. City Wall

Xi'an's City Wall is one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China and also one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world.

Construction of the first city wall of Xi'an began in 194 BC and lasted four years. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370 and encircles 14 square kilometers of the city.

The City Wall has 18 gates, which are all open for tourists to ascend the wall. No matter which gate you choose to enter, you can tour the whole circle of the wall.

Admission: 40 yuan

Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Travel tips: 1. The best way to enjoy the city walls is to hire a bicycle and ride it along the walls. 2. Many music performances can be found inside the bars along the walls.