Weekend in Xi'an

A lively pedestrianised warren of food stalls, silk shops and the Great Mosque. You can wander the main lanes for free; the mosque charges a small fee.

Tip: Skip the overpriced skewers on the main Beiyuanmen street. Head instead to Xiyangshi or Dapiyuan for cheaper, local noodles and lamb paomo. The mosque is worth the 25 yuan—go late afternoon for quieter courtyards.

One of China's great museums, with a chronological display of artefacts from the Zhou to Tang dynasties. The permanent collection is free, but you need to book at least a day ahead

Tip: Book tickets online via the official WeChat mini-program. Go early—by 8:30—to avoid the school groups. The free tickets are limited, so check at least 48 hours in advance.

A quieter alternative to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda grounds and the adjacent Xi'an Museum are free, with daily ticket quotas. Pleasant gardens with a fountain and old bell tower.

Tip: The free ticket covers both the museum and the pagoda compound—book via the museum's official booking page. Climb the pagoda for 30 yuan; better views from the park's low hills. Go on a weekday morning for near solitude.

A large Tang-dynasty theme park with gardens, lakes and nightly light shows. The main area is free, but the indoor exhibits and evening performances cost extra.

Tip: Enter through the north gate after 18:00 for free access to the grounds and the water-laser show at 20:30. Don't pay for the daytime shows—they're crowded and not worth the 120 yuan. Bring snacks; park food is expensive and mediocre.

The best-preserved ancient city wall in China, spanning 14 km. Entrance is cheap, and cycling the full circuit takes about 90 minutes.

Tip: Rent a bike on the wall itself—54 yuan for 2 hours, cheaper than any shop outside. Sunset from the South Gate (Yongningmen) is free to watch if you don't go up. Avoid midday in summer; the wall has almost no shade.