Xian itinerary - A Travel Guide blog

Xi’An Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

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Visiting the Terracotta Warriors is one of the top attractions in Xian. In this travel guide blog, we’ll provide an Xi’an itinerary to help you explore all the must-see sites during your visit.

During our trip to China, Xi’An (Chinese: 西安) was at the top of our list. This historical city has a fascinating background and boasts centuries of rich history. It’s definitely worth spending time here, especially to witness the famous Terracotta Warriors in person. We were eager to experience this remarkable site ourselves. In addition to the Terracotta Warriors, there are several other historical attractions worth visiting during your stay in Xi’an. Most of these sites are easy to navigate, making trip planning straightforward.

In this Xi’An Travel Guide blog, we share useful information on how to reach Xian, what to expect during your day there, and the top attractions to consider when planning your Xi’an itinerary. Let’s dive in and explore what to do and eat in Xi’an!

Xi’An Travel Guide: Pre-Trip Essential

Getting around: Xi’an is a developed city that boasts an extensive network of buses, metro, and subways, making it easy to navigate using public transportation. As with many cities in China, knowing Chinese characters can significantly enhance your experience when visiting Xi’an and getting around.

How Many days for Xian: Three days is ideally sufficient to visit the major attractions in Xi’an and appreciate the city’s rich history and culture. Our suggested itinerary below allows you to explore key sites at a comfortable pace. If you’re short on time, you could still cover the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, and the Muslim Quarter in just two days.

Travel Tips: We recommend visiting the Terracotta Warriors on a weekday to avoid crowds. Depending on your itinerary, you can allocate either half a day or a full day to fully explore the Terracotta Warriors and their surrounding area.

How To Get to Xi’An

How To Get to Xian

Flight and high-speed train services are two major transportation options for getting to Xi’an. Many Asian cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macao, offer direct flights to this ancient city.

If you are already in China, you can easily take a domestic flight or a high-speed train to reach Xi’an. The city is well-connected by domestic flights from most major cities in China. High-speed trains are available from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Pingyao, and more. The direct high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an can cover the 1,216-kilometer distance in just 4.5 hours.

For more information about flight and high-speed train schedules, you can check Trip.com.

Planning for Xi’An Itinerary

Arrived in Xian

Xi’an offers a diverse array of attractions and activities to fill your itinerary, even if you’re only visiting for a couple of days. Our Xi’an itinerary includes both historical sites and amazing food.

Here’s a suggested Xi’An itinerary for your visit:

More things to do in Xi’an: Day Trip to Huashan, Watch Performance Shows, Traditional Hanfu Experience, and many more.

Since we arrived in Xi’an by plane late, we didn’t plan many activities for our arrival day. Feel free to adjust the itinerary based on your schedule. It felt a bit rushed, and we wished we had more time to explore the city.

Where To Stay

When planning your Xi’an itinerary, we highly recommend staying in or near the Muslim Quarter. This location puts you close to the South Gate, the Bell and Drum Towers, and offers easy access to all the delicious street food.

Here are popular pick hotels and budget hostels to stay in Xi’an:

Read more our Accommodation Guide for more options: Where to Stay in Xi’An.

Arrived in Xi’An – Check-in Hotel

Check-in Hotel in Xian

Our flight arrived in Xi’an in the late evening. Depending on your arrival time, it takes about 1-2 hours to get from the airport to the city center. Airport taxis are widely available, but we prefer using ride-hailing services. Didi rides are quite affordable, so even though you may endure a frustratingly long car ride to reach the city center. It’s important to note that traffic in Xi’an can be terrible.

Room View - Feiman Hotel

We stayed at the Feiman Hotel (Xi’an Bell Tower Subway Station Huimin Street Store), which is a lovely hotel in an excellent location. It is conveniently situated in a small alley right next to the Bell Tower, just a 1-2 minute walk from the Zhonglou metro station and the Bell Tower, which serves as the pickup area for day tours. Our room was cozy and clean, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration. In short, it offers a great location at great value. Highly recommended!

Check the room availability at Feiman Hotel

After checking into our hotel and enjoying dinner, we took a leisurely stroll to end the day. We wrapped up our first night in Xi’an by visiting the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower area. You will likely pass by these attractions as you explore the city throughout the day.

Xi’an Travel Tips: Make sure to get plenty of rest for tomorrow’s activities.

Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warrior Pit 1

The Terracotta Warriors (秦始皇陵兵马俑) are the most famous attraction in Xi’an. They were first discovered by farmers digging for water about 1.5 km from the Emperor’s tomb at Mount Lishan. Currently, there are three pits at this site, and archaeological excavations are still ongoing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit when in Xi’an!

Read More: Day Trip to Terracotta Warriors Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Terracotta Warrior Pit 2

You can reach the site on your own using public transportation and explore each pit without a guide. However, hiring a local tour guide can provide you with more historical information. It is recommended to arrive early. I suggest getting to the Terracotta Warrior museum around opening time. Typically, you can spend about 5 to 6 hours there, or even a whole day if time allows. The history is fascinating, and the craftsmanship of the Terracotta Warriors is spectacular!

Terracotta Warriors Ticket

Terracotta Warriors Admission Fee:

The fare is including the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Lishan Garden (Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park.

Xi’An City Wall

Xian itinerary - Xi'an City Wall

The Xi’an City Wall (西安城牆) is a popular tourist attraction. If you’ve never had the opportunity to walk along castle walls, now is your chance!

The Xi’an City Wall spans approximately 8.5 miles (13.75 kilometers), creating a complete loop for walkers and bikers to enjoy. For a quick morning excursion, consider walking from one gate to an adjacent one.

Xian City Wall

If you’re interested in a longer activity, you can rent a bike from one of the six rental locations at the South, West, North, East, or Hanguang Gates. The bike rental shops typically open around 8 am, allowing you to start your day early while enjoying the fresh morning air and avoiding the crowds.

Bike rentals cost CNY45 for single bikes and CNY90 or tandem bikes (2 hours). Every 10 minutes, the cost increases by CNY5 for single bikes and CNY10 for tandem bikes. Completing a full bike loop takes about 75 to 100 minutes, depending on your pace and how many photo stops you make.

Xi’an City Wall (西安城牆)

  • Opening Hours: The opening times vary depending on the gate, but generally the wall opens at 8:00 AM and closes at either 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
  • Admission Fee: The ticket price is CNY54 for adults and CNY27 for students.
  • Get your Xi’an City Wall Admission Ticket here.
  • Duration of Visit: It is recommended to allocate at least 2 hours for your visit.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Xian itinerary - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

If you’re interested, consider visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔). Built by Emperor Tang Gaozong, this well-preserved structure (also known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda) stands at 64 meters tall and is an important part of the Silk Roads. It’s a wonderful place to experience a piece of Xi’an’s history. Please note that there is a small entrance fee to access the temple grounds, as well as an additional fee if you wish to climb the pagoda.

Many visitors to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda also take the opportunity to explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔), which is located nearby, just south of the city wall. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda offers a quieter atmosphere compared to its larger counterpart and is a charming site from the Tang Dynasty. It pairs nicely with a visit to the nearby Xi’an Museum. I haven’t visited the museum myself, so I recommend doing some research to determine if it’s worth your time.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
  • Admission Fee: CNY50 for entrance to the temple grounds, and an additional CNY30 to climb the pagoda.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔)

  • Admission Fee: Free access to the temple grounds and CNY30 to access the viewing platform on top of the pagoda.

Xi’an Muslim Quarter

Xi'an Muslim Quarter

When planning your itinerary for Xi’an, be sure to check out the Xi’an Muslim Quarter (西安回民街) – it’s quite an experience. Xi’an has a significant Muslim population, with the community dating back to the 7th century. During the Tang dynasty, Muslim merchants and soldiers from Central and Western Asia settled in the city, which marked the eastern end of the Silk Road.

The Muslim Quarter is situated in the heart of the old city, surrounded by ancient walls and near the entrance of the Drum Tower. For an optimal experience, it is recommended to plan your Xi’an itinerary to include both attractions together.

Xi'an Muslim Quarter - Food vibe

The Xi’an Muslim Quarter serves as the city’s snack hub. This vibrant area features narrow alleys lined with hundreds of small shops offering a wide variety of souvenirs, local foods, and more. It’s an excellent place to eat and shop, characterized by winding streets, low houses, and a lively atmosphere filled with diverse ethnic cuisine and food stalls.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, honing their bargaining skills with local merchants and exploring the shops. Additionally, the Grand Mosque of Xi’an is nearby and is worth visiting for its historical and architectural significance. The area beautifully showcases a unique blend of Chinese and Muslim cultures.

We spent several hours here exploring, dining, and shopping.

Bell and Drum Towers

Bell and Drum Tower Square

The Bell and Drum Towers in Xi’an are remnants of the city’s ancient past, though they have been restored and maintained. These towers are among the attractions you can visit for a fee.

Xian Bell and Drum Towers

While we didn’t climb to the top, we highly recommend the Bell Tower over the Drum Tower. The Bell Tower is located in the center of a roundabout, offering clear views of both the North and South gates of the city wall.

At night, the Bell and Drum Towers are beautifully illuminated, adding to their charm.

Xi’An Drum Tower (西安鼓楼) and the Bell Tower (西安鐘樓)

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 to 17:00.
  • Admission Fee: The ticket price is CNY30 for adults and CNY15 for students for one tower. If you purchase tickets for both towers, there’s a discount of CNY10 off the total price.
  • You can get your Bell and Drum Towers Admission Ticket here.
  • Duration of Visit: Less than 1 hour.

What To Eat in Xi’An

What to Eat in Xian

Be sure to try a variety of local specialties; the food in Xi’An is exceptional. The city takes great pride in its culinary offerings, with numerous street food vendors and restaurants lining the streets. There are many great spots for discovering local cuisine, and food can be found literally everywhere. However, we found the best offerings in the Muslim Quarter. We enjoyed almost all the dishes we tried there!

Biang Biang Noodles
Xian Street Food - Meat Skewer

Highly recommended Xi’An local foods and Shaanxi specialties include:

  • Biang Biang Noodles: Thick, chewy hand-pulled noodles drizzled with chili oil and aromatics. They are the hottest food sensation in Xi’an.
  • Yangrou Paomo: A delicious mutton stew served with crumbly bread.
  • Yang Rouchuan: Tasty lamb meat skewers. Other meat skewers including beef, chicken, and more. These skewers are delicious and exceptional. Must-eat Xi’an street food!
  • Houjiarou: Steamed buns filled with savory stewed meat.
  • Hulu Ji: gourd chicken.

There are many more local food to try in Xi’an. Make sure to eat as much as you can!

More Time for Xi’An itinerary

Day Trip to Huashan from Xian

We spend just limited two full days in Xi’an before continuing our adventure to Chengdu by high-speed train, which takes approximately 3 to 5 hours. Tickets can be purchased through Trip.com. There are many interesting activities to include in your Xi’an itinerary. Here are a few suggestions:

Trip to Huashan (華山): Huashan Mountain, located about 120 kilometers from Xi’an, is renowned as “the most precipitous mountain under heaven” due to its steep slopes and towering peaks. HuaShan is one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China. One of the highlights of the visit is the Taihua Cable Car, which is the longest cable car in China.

A visit to Huashan typically lasts around five hours. It is a popular day trip destination from Xi’an, so we recommend starting your day early to avoid crowds. Plan to set off in the morning and return to your hotel in the evening to rest.

Performance Shows: If you enjoy live performances, the Grand Tang Mall (大唐不夜城), Song of Everlasting Sorrow (長恨歌), and the Chang’an Twelve Hours scenic area (长安十二时辰) offer a variety of shows. It’s recommended to visit the Grand Tang Mall at night, as entry is free, and you can enjoy light displays and traditional cultural performances. The Chang’an Twelve Hours scenic area requires a ticket and is perfect for a full day of exploration, featuring numerous exciting performances.

Traditional Hanfu Experience: Near the Grand Tang Mall, you will also find the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, where you can experience dressing in traditional Chinese “Hanfu” (汉服) and makeup. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable photos and create lasting memories.

Overall: A Visit to Xi’An

All in all, we hope this simple Xi’an itinerary is helpful. Although our visit to this ancient city was brief, we would have loved to spend more time exploring its historical sites. The city of Xi’an can be explored in just two days, but the surrounding regions also offer numerous attractions, such as Mount Hua, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, among others. If time permits, consider extending your Xi’An itinerary to include some optional day trips. Enjoy your trip to Xi’An!

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