Plan by Days: Core Sights + Unique Experiences, Simplified
Xi’an’s historical wonders and natural landscapes cater to trips of all lengths! Here’s a streamlined guide for foreign travelers:
Itineraries by Duration
3-Day Classic Tour
Perfect for First Visits
Day 1: Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace
- Terracotta Warriors (¥120): Join free English tours to see Pit 1 and the Kneeling Archer. Take a shuttle to Lishan Garden for bronze chariots.
- Huaqing Palace (¥120): Explore Yang Guifei’s hot springs. Watch the Song of Everlasting Sorrow night show (¥268+).
- Transport: Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then taxi ¥80 to Warriors (30 mins).
Day 2: City Wall + Museum + Datang Everbright City
- City Wall: Rent a bike to cycle from South Gate to East Gate (5 km) for moat views.
- Shaanxi History Museum (Free, reserve ahead): View Tang Dynasty camel figurines with the museum’s English app.
- Evening: Datang Everbright City for the “tumbler” show (19:00) and light displays.
Day 3: Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Surroundings
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (¥40): Climb for city views. Catch the 12:00 music fountain at North Square.
- Relax at Da Ci’en Temple Park and shop for cultural souvenirs at the Shaanxi Intangible Heritage Hall.
Itineraries by Duration
5-Day Extended Experience
Add Huashan + Folk Village
Day 4: Huashan Day Trip
- 30-min high-speed rail to Huashan North Station . Take West Peak cable car up and North Peak down – 4–5 hours of hiking.
- Tip: Join a guided tour for ease. Wear non-slip shoes and carry water (¥10/bottle on the mountain).
Day 5: Yuanjia Village Experience
- Taxi (1.5 hrs) to Yuanjia Village (free). Taste oil-splashed noodles and watch tofu-making. Buy jujubes and handcrafted vinegar.
Itineraries by Duration
7-Day Relaxed Itinerary
Include Nearby Cities
Day 6: Choose a Day Trip
- Yan’an: 2-hr train to see Pagoda Mountain and Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site (free).
- Luoyang: 2-hr train to Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple; return to Xi’an at night.
Day 7: Flexible Options
- Bell & Drum Towers : Climb for city views and catch the 21:00 light show.
- Or visit Daxingshan Temple (free) for Tang-style architecture, or rent Hanfu for photos at SEG Plaza.
Themed Itineraries by Interests
Photography Enthusiasts
Sunrise at City Wall’s South Gate, sunset at Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and night lights at Datang Everbright City.
Family-Friendly
Xi’an Museum (free) for interactive exhibits and shadow puppet workshops at Yongxingfang .
Food Lovers
Muslim Quarter’s lamb paomo and Hu spicy soup + meat sandwich at Sajinqiao Street.
⚠️ Planning Tips
Booking Tips
Reserve the history museum and Datang shows via the “Shaanxi Culture and Tourism” app (passport needed).
Transport
Use metro lines 2/3/4 for downtown. Take high-speed trains for day trips (e.g., Huashan in 30 mins).
Crowd Avoidance
Visit Warriors/Museums Tue–Fri, early morning or late afternoon.
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