A Ghost & Folklore Tour of Xian Itinerary

Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and—unbeknownst to many—ghostly tales. Beyond the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls, Xi’an hides a darker side filled with eerie folklore, haunted sites, and spine-chilling legends. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who crave a mix of history and the supernatural. Over three days, we’ll explore Xi’an’s most haunted spots, uncover local ghost stories, and even visit places where paranormal activity has been reported.

Day 1: The Ghosts of Ancient Xi’an

Morning: The Haunted Ruins of Daming Palace

Start your ghostly adventure at the Daming Palace National Heritage Park. Once the grandest palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, it now lies in ruins—but locals claim the spirits of emperors and concubines still wander here. According to legend, on foggy mornings, visitors have reported hearing faint whispers and seeing shadowy figures near the Danfeng Gate.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise for an eerie, mist-covered atmosphere that amplifies the site’s haunted vibe.

Afternoon: The Cursed Tomb of Emperor Jingdi

Next, head to the Han Yangling Mausoleum, the resting place of Emperor Jingdi. While not as famous as the Terracotta Army, this site has its own dark reputation. Workers who excavated the tomb reported strange occurrences—tools moving on their own, sudden chills, and even sightings of a robed figure believed to be the emperor’s ghost.

Folklore Fact: Locals say disturbing the emperor’s slumber brings misfortune, so tread lightly!

Evening: Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

As night falls, make your way to Xi’an’s infamous "Ghost Street" (not to be confused with Beijing’s). This narrow alleyway is lined with restaurants serving late-night snacks, but it’s also rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. Diners have claimed to see apparitions of past residents, and some vendors swear their food mysteriously disappears overnight.

Must-Try: Sample the local yangrou paomo (lamb stew with bread)—just don’t ask who—or what—might be watching you eat.

Day 2: Temples, Shadows, and Cursed Artifacts

Morning: The Enigmatic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist landmark by day, but at night, locals whisper of ghostly monks pacing its corridors. Legend says a monk who betrayed his vows haunts the pagoda, his mournful chants echoing after dark.

Spooky Detail: Some visitors report feeling an unseen hand tugging at their clothes while climbing the stairs.

Afternoon: The Cursed Artifacts of Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum houses thousands of relics, but a few are said to carry curses. One exhibit—a Tang Dynasty mirror—is rumored to show reflections of the dead. Another, a jade burial suit, allegedly causes nightmares for those who stare at it too long.

Local Belief: Museum staff occasionally leave offerings to appease the spirits of the artifacts.

Evening: The Phantom Bell of the Bell Tower

Xi’an’s Bell Tower is iconic, but few know its ghostly secret. It’s said that on certain nights, the bell rings by itself, a phenomenon tied to the spirit of a heartbroken maiden who leaped from the tower centuries ago.

Night Tour: Join a guided ghost walk to hear the full tragic tale—just don’t be surprised if you hear a faint chime when no one’s near the bell.

Day 3: The Dark Side of Xi’an’s Underground

Morning: The Underground Ghost City of Xi’an

Beneath the modern city lies a network of ancient tunnels, some dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Urban explorers have reported ghostly encounters—phantom footsteps, cold spots, and even glimpses of spectral soldiers.

Caution: Many tunnels are off-limits, but guided tours explore safe sections while sharing chilling stories.

Afternoon: The Tomb of Qin Shi Huang’s Unfinished Army

While the Terracotta Warriors are world-famous, lesser-known is the legend of the "unfinished army"—ghostly soldiers said to roam the excavation pits at night. Some archaeologists claim tools go missing, only to reappear in strange locations.

Myth: Locals believe the spirits of the craftsmen who died building the tomb still guard it.

Evening: A Ghostly Farewell at the City Wall

End your tour by walking Xi’an’s ancient City Wall at dusk. It’s said the shadows of executed prisoners can be seen along the ramparts, and some visitors have captured unexplained figures in their photos.

Final Thought: Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Xi’an’s haunted history adds a thrilling layer to its already rich past.

This itinerary is perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Just remember—when visiting these sites, you might not be alone.