The Shaanxi History Museum, with a vast collection of bronzes and fine ceramics, is one of the best and most modern museums in all of China. Exhibitions range from pre-historic and early-dynastic periods, fabulous cast bronzes, funereal objects, weapons, ceramics, and artefacts from the Sui, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals was difficult to locate, and almost completely overlooked by tourist guidebooks and maps, nevertheless we persisted and recommend it highly for both its bustling flea market and its rich and fascinating temple compound. Inside, Taoist priests in traditional costume perform all sorts of mysterious rituals. Devotees burn incense and "hell money" to appease ancestors and try their hand at attracting good luck by getting coins to stick to a stone calligraphic wall. Beautiful bronzes and architecture are lovingly tended.

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are imposing structures that now sit in the midst of city traffic. You will probably see them as you drive around Xian, and that is probably about as much time as you'd like to spend on them unless you have a particular interest in traditional architecture.

The Big Goose Pagoda was built to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by China's Marco Polo, the wandering monk Xuan Zang. The Little Goose Pagoda is from the same Tang dynasty period. These two temples are somewhat unprepossessing, but if you have a special interest in Buddhism, they will probably interest you.

Xian has a number of beautiful city parks, some on the grounds of former royal pleasure gardens and still sporting splendid traditional palace structures, pagodas, and follies. Why not take a stroll and see how city residents spend their leisure time? Xian is home to a large number of universities and trade schools, and students are always curious to meet and chat with foreigners.