Practical Info
Xi'an Attraction Tickets
All prices verified at attraction gates in August 2026. Students and seniors 60+ generally get 50% off with valid ID. This page covers every major attraction, how to book, when to book, what each ticket includes, and common money-saving strategies that most tourists miss.
Written by Chen Yu
Photography & Practical Guides Writer · Xi'an since 2021
Chen Yu is a Xi'an-based photographer who has shot the Terracotta Warriors in every season and lighting condition since 2021. He handles all the practical infrastructure content — transportation, payments, SIM cards, visa guides — because he has personally test-run every route and setup process described on this site.
| Attraction | Peak | Off-Peak | Student | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Warriors | $18 | $15 (Dec-Feb) | $9 | WeChat mini-program. Book 1-7 days ahead. |
| Ancient City Wall | $8 | Same year-round | $4 | At the gate or online. Bike rental $7 extra. |
| Huaqing Hot Springs | $18 | Same | $9 | At the gate or trip.com. |
| Mount Huashan | $24 | $15 (Dec-Feb) | $12 | At the gate. Cable car separate ($12-$21). |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | $6 + $4 climb | Same | 50% off | At the gate. |
| Shaanxi History Museum | Free | Free | Free | WeChat mini-program. Book 3-7 days ahead. Sells out fast. |
| Bell & Drum Towers | $7 (combo) | Same | $4 | At the gate. |
| Han Yangling | $10 | $8 (Dec-Feb) | $5 | At the gate. |
| Tang Paradise | $18 | Same | $9 | At the gate or online. |
| Daming Palace | $9 (core) | Same | $4 | At the gate. Park grounds free. |
Total Cost Estimate
All 10 major attractions: ~$100-$120 (peak, adult). With student card: ~$50-$60. Minimum must-sees (Warriors + Wall + Pagoda): ~$32.
Booking Urgency
Book ahead: Shaanxi History Museum (3-7 days). Optional: Terracotta Warriors. Walk up OK: City Wall, Bell Tower, Pagoda, Huaqing, Tang Paradise, Han Yangling.
How to Book: Online vs Gate
Most Xi'an attractions let you buy tickets at the gate, but online booking is increasingly common — and for the Shaanxi History Museum, it is mandatory. Here is the full breakdown by platform.
WeChat Mini-Programs (Recommended)
Most attractions have official WeChat mini-programs. Search the attraction name in Chinese in WeChat. This is the cheapest option (no service fee) and is what locals use. You will need a Chinese phone number to register. If you do not have one, use trip.com instead.
Trip.com (Foreigner-Friendly)
Trip.com accepts international credit cards and has English interfaces. They charge a small service fee ($1.5-$4 per ticket) but save you the hassle of WeChat registration. Available for Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Huaqing Pool, and Mount Huashan.
At the Gate (Cash or WeChat/Alipay)
Most attractions still have ticket counters. Bring cash as backup — not all counters accept foreign cards. Student IDs, passports (for age verification), and cash are the safest combination. During Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year, do NOT rely on gate tickets — book online.
Student, Senior & Other Discounts
Chinese attractions offer some of the most generous discount policies in the world — if you have the right documents.
Students: 50% Off Almost Everywhere
Bring a valid student ID with photo and expiration date. International student IDs (ISIC) are accepted at most attractions. The discount is applied at the ticket counter — show your ID when buying. Part-time and language school students: results vary, but it is worth trying.
Seniors (60+): 50% Off or Free
Age 60-64: 50% off with passport as proof. Age 65+: often free (varies by attraction). Chinese nationals use their ID card; foreigners use a passport. Some attractions require you to be 65 (not 60) for free entry, so check each attraction's policy.
Children: Height-Based Discounts
Children under 1.2m (3 ft 11 in) tall are usually free. Between 1.2m and 1.4m: half price. Above 1.4m: adult price. Some attractions use age instead (under 6 free, 6-18 half price). Bring your child's passport for age verification.
Peak vs Off-Peak Season Prices
Several major attractions have two-tier pricing. Off-peak runs December through February. Peak runs March through November. The savings are modest ($3-$9 per attraction) but add up if you are visiting multiple sites.
| Attraction | Peak (Mar-Nov) | Off-Peak (Dec-Feb) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Warriors | $18 | $15 | -$3 |
| Mount Huashan | $24 | $15 | -$9 |
| Han Yangling | $10 | $8 | -$2 |
City Wall, Bell Tower, Huaqing Pool, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, and Daming Palace charge the same price year-round. Shaanxi History Museum is always free.
What Each Ticket Includes (and Does Not)
Terracotta Warriors ($18)
Includes: Pits 1, 2, 3, and the Bronze Chariots exhibition hall. Does NOT include: audio guide ($6), live guide ($30-$45), shuttle bus from ticket office to museum entrance ($0.5).
City Wall ($8)
Includes: Access to the entire 14km wall, all gates. Does NOT include: bike rental ($7 single, $13 tandem for 3 hours), electric cart ($12 for one complete loop).
Mount Huashan ($24)
Includes: Park entry and hiking trails. Does NOT include: cable car ($12 one-way, $21 round-trip via North Peak; $18/$30 via West Peak), shuttle bus from visitor center to cable car station ($6), plank walk experience ($4), insurance ($1.5).
Big Wild Goose Pagoda ($6 + $4)
Two separate tickets: $6 for the temple grounds (Da Ci'en Temple), $4 to climb the pagoda itself. The musical fountain show in the square outside is free. Most visitors buy both tickets.
Shaanxi History Museum (Free)
The main exhibition halls are free but require advance reservation. A paid special exhibition ($4-$7) is sometimes available and grants access without needing a separate free reservation — useful if free slots are sold out.
Bell & Drum Towers ($7 combo)
$4 for either tower alone, $7 for both. Drum performances happen at set times — check the schedule at the ticket office. The combo ticket is the better deal.
Combo Tickets & Bundles
Some attractions are geographically close and offer combo tickets. These save $1.5-$4 per person — not enormous, but convenient since you do not have to queue twice.
- Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Pool: $33 (save $3). Available at either ticket office. Both in Lintong District, 10 minutes apart by taxi.
- Bell Tower + Drum Tower: $7 (save $1.5). Available at either tower.
- City Wall + Stele Forest Museum: $15 (save $2). South Gate ticket office. The Stele Forest is a 10-minute walk from the South Gate.
- Xi'an City Pass (trip.com): Covers 3-5 attractions. Check trip.com for current bundles — they change seasonally.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake: Not booking Shaanxi History Museum in advance
This is the #1 ticket mistake in Xi'an. The museum is free but requires a reservation through the WeChat mini-program 3-7 days before your visit. Slots are released at specific times and sell out within minutes during peak season. Have your passport number ready. If you cannot get a free slot, try the paid special exhibition route.
Mistake: Paying for a "skip the line" tour at the Terracotta Warriors
There is no skip-the-line option at the Warriors. Everyone goes through the same entrance. "VIP" or "priority" tickets sold by third parties are just regular tickets with a markup. The only way to avoid crowds is to arrive at 8:30 AM when the museum opens.
Mistake: Underestimating Mount Huashan costs
The $24 entry fee is only the beginning. Cable cars ($12-$30), shuttle buses ($6), plank walk ($4), food and water on the mountain (2-3x normal prices), and an overnight stay if you want to see sunrise ($22-$75). Budget $60-$90 per person for a full Mount Huashan experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a foreign credit card to buy tickets at the gate?
Usually not. Most ticket counters only accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash (yuan). Bring cash as backup. For online purchases, trip.com accepts international cards.
Are tickets refundable if my plans change?
Generally no for gate purchases. Online bookings through trip.com or WeChat may allow cancellation up to 24 hours before, but policies vary. Read the cancellation terms before booking.
Do I need to print my online ticket or is a phone screenshot OK?
Phone screenshots are usually accepted. Some attractions require the QR code from within the WeChat mini-program or trip.com app (not a screenshot). At the Terracotta Warriors, bring your passport — the name on the ticket must match your ID.
Want to see how these fit into a full itinerary?