Xian Shaanxi, China Travel Guide
24-hour layover highlights: This route plan stays compact, focusing on iconic sites using a well-run transport network. Morning (6-7 hours): Take a taxi or Metro Line 14 to Xi'an North Station, after that a high-speed train to Lintong (for Terracotta Army). From Lintong, a local bus or taxi reaches the museum. Allow 4-5 hours for round trip travel and the entire museum visit. This site is a must-see, even on a short visit. Afternoon (3-4 hours): Return to Xi'an city center. Walk around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Climb one for panoramic city views. These landmarks sit at Xi'an's historical core. Then, delve into the vibrant Muslim Quarter for dinner and street food. The area comes alive after dark. This is a packed schedule; booking in advance for Terracotta Army tickets plus getting from a to b helps.
Weekend getaway (2-3 days): This plan presents a balanced mix of history, culture, and culinary experiences. Day 1: Ancient City Exploration. Morning/Afternoon: Arrive, check into accommodation. Head to the Xi'an City Wall. Rent a bicycle (single or tandem) and cycle the entire 13.7 km (8.5 miles) circuit (about 1.5-2 hours). This reveals excellent city views. Alternatively, walk a section near the South Gate. Evening: Visit the Clock Tower and Drum Tower, beautiful when lit at night. Then, explore the lively Muslim Quarter for dinner and street food. Day 2: Imperial Wonders. Morning: Take an organized tour or independent transport to the Terracotta Army and Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Allow 3-4 hours. Afternoon: Visit Huaqing Palace, an ancient imperial bathing complex. Evening: Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, typically with a dumpling banquet. Day 3: Cultural Heart. Morning: Shaanxi History Museum (book online multiple days ahead). Allow 3-4 hours. Afternoon: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and surrounding area. Climb the pagoda for views. If time permits, visit the musical fountain show. Late Afternoon/Evening: Depart.
Tailor your Xi'an itinerary to your specific interests.
Core: Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum. Expansion: Great Mosque (blends Chinese and Islamic architecture), Daming Palace (Tang Dynasty imperial site), Hanyangling Mausoleum (Han Dynasty tomb), Qianling Mausoleum (Wu Zetian's tomb, a full day trip). Experience: This route immerses you in China's imperial past, from the unification under Qin Shi Huang to the grandeur of the Han and Tang dynasties. Find historical tours here.
Core: Extensive exploration of the Muslim Quarter's street food scene (multiple visits recommended). Expansion: Participate in a dumpling making class. Seek out specialized Paomo restaurants. Explore local noodle shops for Biangbiang Mian and Liangpi. Venture to night markets like Dongxin Street. Try regional snacks like persimmon cakes. Experience: A journey through Xi'an's unique wheat-based, savory, and spicy cuisine.
Core: Cycling along the entire Xi'a City Wall circuit. Expansion: A full-day trip to hike Mount Hua (choose your difficulty level, with or without cable car). Explore the trails and geological formations of Cuihua High hill National Geological Park. Consider a visit to the Qinling Wild Animal Park or the Panda Breeding Research Center. Experience: Combines historical exploration with active engagement in Shaanxi's natural landscapes.
Core: Terracotta Army (captivating for older children, consider strollers for younger ones). Cycling the Xi'a City Wall (tandem bikes are fun). Expansion: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and its musical fountain show (children enjoy the spectacle). Xi'a Qinling Wild Animal Park. Look for hotels with swimming pools. Consider a dumpling making class for a fun, hands-on activity. Experience: Balances historical education with engaging, active experiences suitable for all ages.
These routes cater to specific aesthetic and spiritual interests, deepening your engagement with Xi'an's heritage.
Stele Forest Museum, Great Mosque (unique blend), Daming Palace (Tang imperial architecture), Tang Sancai pottery. Focuses on aesthetics and structural elements.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Buddhist sites), Famen Temple (Buddha relic), hot spring resorts (Huaqing Palace), Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics. A calmer journey for spiritual and relaxation pursuits.
These specialized routes allow you to personalize your Xi'a trip to match your passions and unique interests.
Xi'a caters to various budgets. These plans assist in maximizing your experience, whether a backpacker or seeking luxury.
Accommodation: Stay in hostels (dorm beds are cheapest) or extremely simple guesthouses. Look for places with communal kitchens to cook some meals. Food: Rely heavily on street food, local noodle shops, and markets in the Muslim Quarter for delicious and inexpensive meals. Transportation: Utilize public transport (metro and buses) almost exclusively. Walk extensively. Activities: Prioritize free attractions (Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'a Museum - with advance reservations). Cycle the City Wall instead of taking the electric cart. Enjoy strolling through the Muslim Quarter and city parks. Savings: Travel during the low season (winter, summer) for lower flight and accommodation prices.
Accommodation: Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or well-rated guesthouses. Food: Enjoy a mix of local restaurants and some nicer, sit-down meals. Continue to sample street food for realness. Transportation: Mainly use public transport, supplementing with occasional taxis or Didi Chuxing rides for convenience. Activities: Visit all major attractions (Terracotta Army, City Wall, pagodas, museums). Consider a guided tour for certain places or a food tour. Value: Look for value deals on booking sites, especially during shoulder seasons.
Accommodation: Stay in 4-5 star international hotels. Food: Experience upscale restaurants within hotels or high-end independent establishments. Enjoy private dining experiences. Transportation: Mainly use taxis, personal vehicles with drivers, or Didi Premier services. Activities: Arrange private tours for attractions like the Terracotta Army. Consider exclusive experiences (e.g., VIP access at some sites if available, private cultural performances). Comfort: Focus on comfort and convenience, with less concern for daily costs.
Travel during shoulder or low season for lower prices for flights and accommodation. Utilize the metro and public buses extensively for daily commutes. Embrace local street food and small eateries for authentic and affordable meals. Prioritize free attractions or those with lower entry fees (e.g., Shaanxi History Museum with reservation). Consider purchasing an international student ID (ISIC) if eligible for discounts at certain sites.
Xi'an offers different experiences depending on the season, influencing activities plus vibe. Summer (June-August): Focus on indoor attractions like museums to escape the heat and humidity. Enjoy evening strolls regarding the City Wall when temperatures are cooler. Savor refreshing dishes like Liangpi and fresh pomegranate juice (late summer). The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda's musical fountain show is a popular evening activity. Preparation for heat, humidity, and potential monsoon rains.
Xi'an offers different experiences depending on the season, influencing activities and atmosphere.
Focus on indoor attractions like museums (Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'a Museum) to escape the heat and humidity. Enjoy evening strolls on the City Wall when temperatures are cooler. Savor refreshing dishes like Liangpi (cold noodles) and fresh pomegranate juice (late summer). The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda's musical fountain show is a popular evening activity.
Enjoy significantly fewer crowds at attractions, creating a more relaxed pace. The possibility of snow creates picturesque scenes, especially on the City Wall or around old temples. Indulge in hot pot (huoguo) and warming local dishes like Yangrou Paomo (lamb bread in soup). Dress warmly. Air quality can be a concern on some days. Check attraction hours, as some outdoor activities may have reduced operations.
These periods offer special decorations, performances, and local celebrations, but often come with increased crowds and higher demand for travel services.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season brings profits from lower prices for flights and accommodation, and fewer crowds at major sites. For winter, dress warmly. For summer, focus on early morning or late afternoon outdoor activities and indoor attractions during midday. Many indoor attractions, museums, and food markets remain open year-round, offering rich cultural experiences regardless of the weather.
Xi'an experiences distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Spring and autumn generally offer mild and nice weather, making them popular times to visit.
During major festivals like Chinese New Year or National Day, book flights and accommodation months in advance.
Transport hubs and popular attractions will be extremely busy. Allow extra time for travel and queues.
