Things to do in Xi'an in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit Xi'an. The weather is usually pleasantly warm, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 58—77°F (14—25°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Xi'an during this time. Some of our top recommendations: sample the local street food at the Muslim Quarter, take a leisurely stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, take a day trip to the Terracotta Army, and more!

Xi'an has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to Xi'an. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Xi'an in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Xi'an in September

Top experiences in September
Sample the local street food at the Muslim Quarter
September is a great time to explore the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter and sample the delicious local street food. The Muslim Quarter is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of traditional snacks and dishes, such as lamb kebabs, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread). The cooler temperatures in September make it more comfortable to wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of this unique culinary destination.
Take a leisurely stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square
September is a great time to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, a large public square with beautiful landscaping, fountains, and sculptures. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and it's a great spot to take a leisurely stroll, people-watch, and soak up the lively atmosphere. The cooler temperatures in September make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors and appreciate the architectural beauty of the pagoda and its surroundings.
Take a day trip to the Terracotta Army
September is a great time to visit the famous Terracotta Army, as the weather is usually mild and comfortable for exploring the outdoor site. The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It's a fascinating and unique historical site that offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese history and craftsmanship. A day trip to the Terracotta Army is a must-do experience in Xi'an.
Attend the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that falls in September, and Xi'an is a great place to experience the festivities. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous Buddhist pagoda, hosts a variety of cultural performances, lantern displays, and traditional food stalls during the festival. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the beautiful traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Attend a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a local teahouse
September is a great time to experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a local teahouse in Xi'an. Tea culture has a long history in China, and participating in a tea ceremony is a unique way to learn about the different types of tea, brewing techniques, and the significance of tea in Chinese culture. It's a relaxing and educational experience that offers insight into the art of tea and its importance in Chinese society.
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Hike Mount Hua and enjoy the autumn scenery
September is a great time to hike Mount Hua, one of China's five sacred mountains, and take in the beautiful autumn scenery. The cooler temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time to tackle the challenging trails and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Mount Hua is also known for its steep cliffs, narrow pathways, and stunning rock formations, making it a thrilling and unique hiking experience.
Visit the Huaqing Palace and enjoy the hot springs
September is a great time to visit the Huaqing Palace, a historical site known for its beautiful gardens and hot springs. The cooler temperatures in September make it the perfect time to relax in the hot springs and take in the stunning scenery. The palace also has a rich history, as it was once the site of a royal retreat for emperors and empresses. It's a unique and relaxing experience that shouldn't be missed.
Visit the Shaanxi History Museum and learn about the region's rich heritage
September is a great time to visit the Shaanxi History Museum and explore its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum showcases the history and culture of Shaanxi province, including ancient relics, artwork, and historical documents. It's a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage and appreciate the contributions of Shaanxi to Chinese history and civilization.
Explore the ancient city walls of Xi'an
September is a great time to visit the ancient city walls of Xi'an, as the weather is usually pleasant and not too hot. The city walls are one of the best-preserved ancient fortifications in China, and you can rent a bicycle to ride along the top of the walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city. It's a unique way to experience the history and grandeur of Xi'an while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Take a boat ride on the Hancheng Lake and enjoy the scenic views
September is a great time to take a boat ride on the Hancheng Lake, a picturesque body of water located in the outskirts of Xi'an. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Taking a boat ride is a peaceful and scenic way to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It's
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Holidays in Xi'an in September
September
  • Teachers' Day (September 10)
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (September 1517)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Xi'an in September

Temperatures on an average day in Xi'an in September

The average temperature in Xi'an in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 77°F (25°C) to a low of 58°F (14°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Xi'an, July, has days with highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 69°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 41°F (5°C) and lows of 23°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Xi'an in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
77°F
highs
58°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool
Feels like
35%
Chance of rain
0.215 in
Amount
8.5 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
12.4 hrs
Daylight length
6:26 AM
Sunrise
6:52 PM
Sunset
51%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 58°F (14°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Xi'an in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Xi'an has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Xi'an that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Xi'an for September.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
1. Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
4.6
(3779)
Museum
History Museums
Attraction renowned for lifelike sculptures of terra-cotta warriors built around the 3rd century BC.
Fortifications of Xi'an
2. Fortifications of Xi'an
4.5
(845)
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Well-preserved ancient fortifications with a moat, imposing gates & a cycling path atop the walls.
Xi'an Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter
3. Xi'an Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter
4.4
(69)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
4. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
4.4
(710)
Pagoda
Sights & Landmarks
Dating to the 7th century, this towering Buddhist pagoda was built to house sacred scriptures.
Bell Tower of Xi'an
5. Bell Tower of Xi'an
4.5
(345)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic bell tower built in 1384 during the Ming dynasty with historic displays & city vistas.
Shaanxi History Museum
6. Shaanxi History Museum
4.3
(465)
History museum
Museums
Large history museum displaying fossils, murals, pottery & metal objects in a Tang-style building.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
7. Great Mosque of Xi'an
4.5
(1014)
Mosque
Sights & Landmarks
Opulent mosque built in 742 & featuring colorful architecture & placid gardens.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
8. Bell Tower and Drum Tower
4.6
(111)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
9. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
4.4
(710)
Pagoda
Sights & Landmarks
Dating to the 7th century, this towering Buddhist pagoda was built to house sacred scriptures.
Huaqing Palace
10. Huaqing Palace
4.2
(273)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Han Yang Ling
11. Han Yang Ling
4.5
(17)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
2nd-century BC mausoleum for a Han dynasty emperor, with a museum exhibiting artifacts & models.
Xi'an Museum
12. Xi'an Museum
4.5
(113)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Modern museum complex featuring local heritage displays, gardens with pools & a historic pagoda.
Tang Paradise
13. Tang Paradise
4.3
(184)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Theme park with replicas of Tang Dynasty buildings, cultural performances & an evening light show.
西安碑林
14. 西安碑林
4.4
(256)
Museum
Attraction
Museum with exhibition halls displaying an extensive collection of steles & stone sculptures.
Banpo
15. Banpo
4.4
(44)
Museum
History Museums
Museum of objects from the Banpo archaeological dig, which uncovered a 6,000-year-old civilization.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
16. Small Wild Goose Pagoda
4.5
(278)
Pagoda
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark pagoda dating to 8th century offering scenic views from the top & an adjacent park.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Xi'an?

Get inspired for your trip to Xi'an with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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