Actual use levels and perceived crowding in the peak season at tourist sites in Xi'an

As a major destination in China, Xi’an receives around thirty million visitors annually in recent years. Some of the famous sites in Xi’an, such as the “Terracotta Army”, have an image of being crowded, especially during the Golden Weeks. There is though little documentation in the tourism literature on visitors’ use levels and perceived crowding at Xi’an sites. This study addresses crowding issues from five separate sites in Xi’an. Results showed that tourists’ use levels, perceived tolerance and preference differed in the ordinary peak season and the Golden Weeks. Evidence for crowding was confirmed and potential management actions discussed.