Xi'an Expo Park occupies the former grounds of the 2011 International Horticultural Exposition in the Chanba Ecological Zone, a 418-hectare site of which roughly 188 hectares is water, making it one of the largest concentrations of lake and wetland scenery anywhere in the city. The two main bodies of water, Guangyun Lake and Jinxiu Lake, are bordered by landscaped paths, garden pavilions, and the greenhouse structures built for the original expo, giving the park a distinctly horticultural character alongside its lake views. Walking the full perimeter of both lakes takes a good portion of a day given the park's scale, and the layout rewards a leisurely pace rather than a rushed visit, with garden displays and shaded seating areas spaced throughout. In the evening, restaurants and cafes along parts of the lakefront offer lake-view dining, a pleasant way to close out a day spent walking the grounds. Unlike the more historically themed lakes at Qujiang Pool or Xingqing Palace, Expo Park's scenery leans toward landscaped horticulture and contemporary park design rather than reconstructed Tang-era architecture, offering a different visual character for visitors who have already seen the more historical sites. Direct subway access via Line 1 to Expo Park Station makes this one of the more convenient large-scale lake parks to reach from central Xi'an.
| Distance | Approx 10 km (6.2 miles) northeast of the Bell Tower |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Subway Line 1 to Expo Park Station, direct exit into the park grounds |
| Best season | April–October |
| Address | No. 1 Chanba Avenue, Chanba Ecological Zone, Xi'an 710026 |
Amenities
- 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
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, couples
Weather through the year in Shaanxi
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
No. 1 Chanba Avenue, Chanba Ecological Zone, Xi'an 710026
34.3300, 109.0500 View on map
Highlights
- Two major lakes, Guangyun and Jinxiu, covering roughly 188 hectares of water
- Former 2011 World Horticultural Expo grounds with greenhouse and garden pavilions
- Evening lake-view dining along parts of the shoreline
- Direct subway access via Line 1 to Expo Park Station
Tips for visiting
- Allow a good portion of a day to walk the full grounds, given the park's large scale
- Take Subway Line 1 directly to Expo Park Station for the most convenient access
- Visit in the evening for lake-view dining along parts of the shoreline
- Combine with a visit to Chanba National Wetland Park nearby, since both sit in the same ecological zone
When to visit
April through October for the gardens in bloom and comfortable temperatures for walking the large grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xi'an Expo Park still used for its original horticultural purpose?
The greenhouse and garden pavilions from the 2011 World Horticultural Expo remain, alongside the two lakes, functioning now as a general public park rather than an active expo site.
How does this differ from Chanba National Wetland Park?
Both sit within the same Chanba Ecological Zone, but Expo Park emphasizes landscaped lakes and horticultural gardens, while the wetland park focuses on conservation, boat tours, and birdwatching.
Is there an entrance fee?
Much of the park's outdoor grounds are accessible without a ticket, though specific garden or greenhouse exhibits may charge separate admission; checking current signage on arrival is recommended.