Is Qujiangchi Heritage Park free?

Yes, the park is free and open to all. You pay only for boat rides or the small cafes inside.

What is Qujiangchi Heritage Park?

It is a lakeside park built on a Tang royal pond, with a pagoda view, walking paths and quiet space away from the crowds.

How do I get to Qujiangchi Heritage Park?

It is about 6 km south of the Bell Tower, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Take metro Line 3 or 4, then a short taxi or walk.

How long does Qujiangchi take?

About 1–2 hours to walk the loop and sit by the water. It is a calm add-on to a southern Xi'an day.

When is Qujiangchi best?

Spring and autumn are best for the greenery. Evenings are pleasant, with lit pavilions reflected in the lake.

Qujiangchi Heritage Park Xi'an 2026: Free Lakeside Walk

Qujiangchi Heritage Park is a free lakeside park on a Tang royal pond. Learn how to get there and what to see in 2026.

A traditional pagoda by a serene lake in Xi'an — Photo: changen-chan · Pexels License · source page · author

Qujiangchi Heritage Park is a free lakeside park on a Tang royal pond, about 6 km south of the wall. It pairs a pagoda view with walking paths and quiet water, a break from the busy centre. For foreign visitors it is an easy, green half-day.

Intro: why go

The pond once fed the Tang court’s pleasure grounds, and the rebuild keeps the calm. You walk a flat loop, watch the reflections and skip the ticket lines. It is the relaxed side of southern Xi’an, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Tickets & booking

The park is free and needs no ticket. Boat rides and the cafes cost extra; pay on site. There is nothing to reserve, so just turn up.

How to get there & in-site route

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then a short taxi or walk south to the park.
The route that works: enter at the north gate, loop the lake past the pagoda view, then rest at the south lawn.
On foot: paths are flat and stroller-friendly; a full loop is about 1–2 hours.
Boats run on the water in daytime if you want a ride.

Facilities

Toilets and cafes are around the lake. Shade is limited, so bring water in summer. Card and Alipay both work; keep some cash for the stalls.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): green and mild, best for the walk.
Summer (Jun–Aug): hot; go early or at dusk when it is cooler.
Winter (Dec–Feb): cold but quiet, with still, photogenic water.
Holidays: calmer than the pagoda next door; still pick a weekday.

Tips & scams

The park is free, so never pay anyone for entry.
Boat touts inside are optional; agree the price first.
Pair it with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for one southern afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Is Qujiangchi Heritage Park free?: Yes, the park is free and open to all. You pay only for boat rides or the small cafes inside.
What is Qujiangchi Heritage Park?: It is a lakeside park built on a Tang royal pond, with a pagoda view, walking paths and quiet space away from the crowds.
How do I get to Qujiangchi Heritage Park?: It is about 6 km south of the Bell Tower, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Take metro Line 3 or 4, then a short taxi or walk.
How long does Qujiangchi take?: About 1–2 hours to walk the loop and sit by the water. It is a calm add-on to a southern Xi'an day.
When is Qujiangchi best?: Spring and autumn are best for the greenery. Evenings are pleasant, with lit pavilions reflected in the lake.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.