Having served as the capital of an impressive thirteen dynasties, Xi'an is also one of China's most family-friendly travel destinations. Lined with archaeological sites and cultural hotspots, Xi'an is a more laid-back and tranquil alternative to a Chinese getaway in Beijing or Shanghai. From exploring the city's main highlights to enjoying family-oriented activities, here are some of the top things to do with your kids in Xi'an.

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While parents with smaller children may believe that the biggest archaeological find in the 20th century may not captivate their offspring, nothing could be farther from the truth when it comes to this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerised by the Terracotta Army, which is considered one of the Eight Great Wonders of the World. Apart from the ceramic figurines of the warriors, all 8000 of them, there are sculptures of horses, chariots and other ceramic figures in war formations to marvel at. The entire museum, which is spread out over 16,300 square metres, contains three excavation pits. Children who have a keen interest in archaeology and history will find this area immensely captivating.

Families that love bike tours can go for an enchanting bike ride around the Xi’an Ancient City Wall during a trip to this historic corner of China. The 14-kilometre-long wall not only affords spectacular views of the city and all of its different quarters but will also help your family work up a sweat before breakfast or lunch, depending on the timing of the cycling excursion. In Xi'an, visitors can conveniently rent bicycles, including tandem bikes suitable for both adults and young riders, catering specifically to their needs. Although families can take an electric car ride around the city wall, it is not quite as memorable as biking the length.

Xi'an's Muslim Quarter is often considered the finest entertainment district in the city as this is where the best restaurant and souvenir shops are found. The streets of the Muslim Quarter are not only full of street vendors and Muslim restaurants but also traditional Arabian-style bazaars where families can spend hours shopping and grabbing local snacks along the way. Must-sample delicacies that are only available in the Muslim Quarter include Yang Rou Pao Mo and fried rice served with pickled cabbages while Jiasan buns are also a local favourite in this area.

Dubbed Xi'an's finest cultural theme park, Tang Paradise takes visitors on a time machine back to the golden era of the Tang Dynasty. The park's main showcases include Kung Fu displays, acrobatics, stilt walking and lion dances while water screen movies and laser shows are also some of the most popular attractions for young visitors.

Families based at Grand Park Xian or any similar rest must also drive over to the Qujiang Ocean World, which lies just 5km away from the heart of the city. Frequently featured on Xian hotel deals and tour packages, Qujiang Ocean World is what Sea World is to Florida in that the venue is a centre for learning and entertainment focused on marine life. The larger-than-life aquarium is one of the many areas that your kids will find engaging during a visit. The dolphins, the underwater garden and the rainforest are breathtaking enclaves that defy belief.

Enthusiasts of musical fountains should make sure to visit the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for a captivating audio-visual experience that takes place every day. Renowned as the largest music fountain square in the world, the Northern Square of the Dayan Pagoda undergoes a mesmerising transformation after sunset, where laser beams and water jets gracefully dance to the rhythm of music, creating a truly magical atmosphere.