Ever wondered how to turn a trip to an ancient Chinese city into an unforgettable family adventure? Brace yourselves, because Xi'an - home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors - is about to become your new favorite family destination.
But here's the kicker: there's so much more to this city than those famous clay soldiers, and I'm betting there are at least five kid-friendly Xi'an experiences you've never even heard of.
Thinking of skipping Xi'an because you're traveling with little ones? Think again. This blog post is packed with insider tips and practical advice that will make your family trip worthwile. From cycling atop centuries-old city walls to hunting for the best kid-approved Xi'an burgers, I'm about to share secrets that will make your trip not just manageable, but magical.
Whether you're a seasoned family traveler or planning your first big adventure with the kids, you're in for a treat. By the end of this post, you'll have a treasure trove of information that most tourists - even seasoned China travellers - don't know about visiting Xi'an with kids. Ready to uncover the family-friendly side of this ancient capital that guidebooks often miss? Let's dive in!
Why Xi'an Should Be on Your Family Travel Bucket List
Xi'an isn't just about the Terracotta Warriors (though they're pretty amazing). This city, once the starting point of the Silk Road, offers a unique glimpse into China's rich past while being surprisingly kid-friendly. From cycling atop ancient city walls to savouring dumplings in bustling markets, Xi'an has something for every little explorer.
For us personally the best part of Xi'an is, unsurprisingly, the food! We simply couldn't get enough of the famous Biang Biang noodles and amazing Xi'an burgers! If not for any other reason, you should go to Xi'an just to sample its delicious cuisine.
Planning Your Xi'an Adventure with Kids
When to Visit
Xi'an's climate can be a bit extreme, so timing is everything. Due to our own time constraints, we visited Xi'an in the peak of summer heat, which makes sightseeing quite difficult, but the best time to visit the city is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration.
Winter in the north tends to be cold, but if you are not discouraged by low temperatures, there no reason not to visit at that time as well.
Getting There and Around
Xi'an is well-connected by air and high-speed rail. We arrived to Xi'an from Lanzhou (3h) and then continued to Beijing (4.5h). It is a great place to start you Silk Roads adventure, continuing towards to the far west of Xinjiang province.
Once in the city, the metro system is efficient and easy to navigate, even with little ones in tow.
There are still parts of the city that are not easily accessible by metro, but we were not discouraged by it.For shorter trips, don't hesitate to use DiDi (China's equivalent of Uber) – or just call a taxi, which are both reasonably priced.
What to Do in Xi'an with Kids
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors
No trip to Xi'an is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army. To make it engaging for kids:
- Play "spot the difference" with the warriors' facial features
- Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds
- Consider hiring a guide who can tell stories that bring the history to life
Cycle the Ancient City Wall
Our kids are still too young for this one, but if travelling with little biking pros it is a great way to explore this sightseeing spot! Rent the bikes and take a ride atop the 14km-long wall. It's a fantastic way to see the city and burn off some energy. Make sure to consider the temperatures - in the summer it might be too much for the kids!
Explore the Muslim Quarter
A feast for all senses, the Muslim Quarter is perfect for adventurous little eaters. Try the famous Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton stew with bread) or stick to kid-friendly options like sweet potato fries and fruit skewers.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
This iconic pagoda offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. Let the kids count the levels and enjoy the musical fountain show in the North Square.
Have a stroll at Tang Paradise theme park
Combine a history lesson with a leisurely stroll in a Tang Dynasty themed park. Featuring live outdoor performances and architecture replicating the style of the Tang Dynasty, it is a fun activity for sunny days.
Family-Friendly Eats in Xi'an
Xi'an's cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Don't miss:
- Cold sour noodle soup
- Biang Biang noodles: Wide, chewy noodles that are fun to slurp
- Roujiamo: Often called "Chinese hamburgers," these are usually a hit with kids - it definitely were with Hanna
The best thing about visiting any place in China is the helpful locals - they will always advice you on what food you can give to your children, considering the level of spice.
Where to Stay in Xi'an with Kids
We found the area near the drum tower to be most convenient. It's central, walkable, and close to many attractions - and great foods of the Muslim Quarter.
We stayed at Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel which has had its best days behind, and it definitely had this old school hotel feeling to it, but our room was a family friendly room with a panorama view on the Bell Tower, which was pretty spectacular.
Travelling with kids you rarely have the time to explore the night life, and this way we could at least look at it through our bedroom window. Booking breakfast is not worth it though, you are better off just heading out and grabbing some delicious street food in the city!
Tips for a Smooth Xi'an Family Adventure
- Pace yourselves: Xi'an can be overwhelming. Plan one major activity per day and leave room for spontaneity. And remember: you don't have to see everything, kids cherish much more the atmosphere than queuing up for tourist attractions.
- Stay hydrated: Xi'an can be dry. Carry water bottles and refill at your hotel.
- Learn a few Chinese phrases: A simple "xièxie" (thank you) goes a long way!
Our Xi'an Experience with Kids
We had limited in Xi'an and at the time we visited, it was quite hot and our older one, Hanna, at the age of 2.5 was not really the best material to do big sightseeing tours, which is why we actually didn't do that much of the "must-do" things.
That being said, it we loved the Muslim Quarter and we walked it back and forth, sampling all kinds of food. We also were lucky enough to be shown around the city by two friends we met in Xiahe, who studied in Xi'an and happened to be spending few days there and showed us around and invited us for dinner, which was great!
Hanna also loved Tang Paradise, and we did too! It is a great place to have an evening stroll, especially when it is so hot and there is not much more you could enjoy in such heat.
We also visited Fangsuo Commune bookstore, which we first encountered in Chengdu. I highly recommend it for anyone who is into books, the architecture of that bookstore is awe-inspiring and beautiful, and it really makes you feel like you want to buy everything and learn Chinese just to be able to read that! The bookstore, located in a modern shopping mall, is a great place to see the "New China", the modern China that majority of people in the West are not aware exists. It is also a place where we first discovered % Arabica coffee shop, which is a Japanese brand, very fancy, high-end cafe popular across Asia (also available in London!).
Wrapping Up Our Xi'an Family Adventure
Visiting Xi'an with kids is an unforgettable experience. It's a chance to step back in time, taste incredible flavors, and create lasting family memories. Our kids left with a newfound appreciation for Chinese history and culture – and a serious love for Chinese burgers!
We very much enjoyed Xi'an, and Xi'an being portrayed as the foodie paradise is not at all an exaggeration.
Remember, the key to a successful family trip to Xi'an is to balance the big sights with plenty of downtime and kid-friendly activities. Happy travels!
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