Xi'an travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Xi'an.
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- Rowboat rental at Yunge Pavilion
- Lakeside walking paths through the reconstructed Tang-era royal garden
- Lotus ponds in bloom through summer
- Nearby restaurants and teahouses
Qujiang Pool Park
Editor’s tip. Visit June through August for the lotus ponds at their fullest bloom
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- Boat tours on the wetland channels (¥50)
- Bike rental for the greenway paths (¥30/hour)
- Wetland museum with exhibits on the Ba-Wei river confluence ecosystem
- Birdwatching areas
Chanba National Wetland Park
Editor’s tip. Rent a bike to cover the park's large area more efficiently than walking
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- Pedal boat and rowboat rental on the 10-hectare Xingqing Lake
- Xi'an's largest urban park at 780 mu, with a 150-mu lake area
- Lakeside walking paths and the Tang-era Shen Long Pavilion ruins
- Popular with locals for morning tai chi and evening strolls
Xingqing Palace Park Lake
Editor’s tip. Visit in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi around the lake
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- Boat, kayak, and canoe rental
- Sand play areas and barbecue spots
- Seasonal water attractions
- Lakeside restaurants
Weiyang Lake Amusement Park
Editor’s tip. Check current seasonal water attraction status before a special trip, since offerings vary year to year
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- Lakeside walking paths adjoining the Han Chang'an City Weiyang Palace archaeological site
- Museum halls covering Han-dynasty culture, ceramics, and the Silk Road
- Quiet, less-visited alternative to the central city lakes
- Seasonal boat rental
Hancheng Lake Park
Editor’s tip. Arrange a taxi or ride-hailing car, since direct subway access is limited
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- Riverside walking and cycling paths along the Ba River
- Wetland reed beds and seasonal birdwatching
- Open lawns for picnics
- Quieter than the central-city parks, popular with local cyclists
Baqiao Ecology Wetland Park
Editor’s tip. Bring or rent a bike, since the riverside paths are popular with local cyclists covering longer distances
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- Guangyun Lake and Jinxiu Lake, together covering roughly 188 hectares of water area
- Lakeside walking paths through the former 2011 World Horticultural Expo grounds
- Greenhouse and garden pavilions
- Evening lake-view dining options
Xi'an Expo Park
Editor’s tip. Allow a good portion of a day to walk the full grounds, given the park's large scale
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- Central lake with seasonal boat rides
- Splash zones and interactive fountains in summer
- Evening water-and-light fountain show in peak season
- Reconstructed Tang-dynasty garden pavilions around the shoreline
Tang Paradise Lake
Editor’s tip. Visit May through September for the splash zones and evening fountain show to be operating
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Xi'an’s coast.
Can visitors swim in Qujiang Pool?
No, the lake is used for boating and photography, not swimming; there is no designated swimming area.
From the Qujiang Pool Park editorial.
Is there an entrance fee?
Walking the park's public paths is free; charges apply only for boat rental at Yunge Pavilion.
From the Qujiang Pool Park editorial.
Is entry to the park free?
Yes, the public wetland zones are free to enter; separate fees apply for the boat tour, museum, and bike rental.
From the Chanba National Wetland Park editorial.
Can visitors swim in the wetland channels?
No, the water areas are a protected wetland ecosystem used for boat tours and birdwatching rather than swimming.
From the Chanba National Wetland Park editorial.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, Xingqing Palace Park is free to enter; boat rental on the lake is a separate paid activity.
From the Xingqing Palace Park Lake editorial.
Can visitors swim in Xingqing Lake?
No, the lake is used for pedal-boat and rowboat rides rather than swimming.
From the Xingqing Palace Park Lake editorial.
Is Weiyang Lake worth a special trip from central Xi'an?
It suits visitors already staying in the northern districts for a relaxed half day; those based near the Bell Tower will find Xingqing Palace Park or Qujiang Pool more convenient.
From the Weiyang Lake Amusement Park editorial.
Are kayaks and canoes available, or just boats?
The park offers boat, kayak, and canoe rental on the lake, giving a bit more variety than the pedal-boat-only central lakes.
From the Weiyang Lake Amusement Park editorial.