Xi'an

Xi’an blends deep history with the warmth of everyday life. A 4-day, 3-night trip lets you cover both classic sights and local neighborhoods.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive in Chang’an · Start with Carbs: After arriving around noon, check in to your hotel first. In the afternoon, head to Sajinqiao to try local snacks such as meatball hulatang, cured beef roujiamo, and zenggao. At dusk, go to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower area to enjoy the night views. You do not need to climb the towers; instead, you can go to the viewing platform on the 5th floor of Kaiyuan Mall for panoramic photos. In the evening, continue exploring the Sajinqiao night market.

• Day 2 Awe-Inspiring History · Splendor of the Tang: In the morning, head to Lintong to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Lishan Garden. A guided explanation is recommended. Return to the city in the afternoon and visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Tickets need to be reserved 5 days in advance. In the evening, watch the musical fountain at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, then stroll along the Great Tang All Day Mall to experience the nighttime atmosphere of this Tang dynasty–themed district.

• Day 3 Slow Old-City Stroll · Ride with the Wind: In the morning, visit the Xiaonanmen morning market and try a local Xi’an breakfast. In the afternoon, climb the Xi’an City Wall from Yongning Gate, rent a bicycle, and ride around the wall, enjoying the evening breeze and sunset along the way. At night, go to Xiangzimiao Street and Defu Lane for coffee and small shops, and experience the nightlife south of the city wall.

• Day 4 Deeper Culture · Relaxed Departure: In the morning, you can visit Guangren Temple to pray for blessings, or go to Daxingshan Temple and interact with cats while relaxing in the quiet temple setting. In the afternoon, depending on your departure time, head to Yongxingfang to try specialty snacks or buy souvenirs, then go to the airport or high-speed rail station.

Xi’an Food Map

Xi’an’s noodles and specialty snacks come in generous portions, so leave enough appetite when planning meals.

Where Locals Eat: Consider Sajinqiao, Xiaonanmen Night Market, and Dapiyuan first. Compared with the main street of Muslim Quarter, these areas are closer to everyday local life and are more affordable. The main street of Muslim Quarter is good for walking around and getting a sense of the neighborhood atmosphere, but some snacks are relatively expensive, so the surrounding lanes are usually a better choice.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Near the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, or Yongning Gate: Located in the city center, with intersecting metro lines, convenient access to major attractions, and many dining options nearby. Suitable for first-time visitors to Xi’an.

• Near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Night views are concentrated here, and you can see Tang dynasty–themed lights as soon as you step outside. The area also has several historic sites and cultural parks, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy evening sightseeing or a slower pace.

• Near Xiaozhai or Dachashi: Accommodation and transport offer good value for money. The area is close to Metro Line 2 and convenient for reaching the south of the city and Qujiang. Suitable for students on a limited budget.

• Getting Around:
  • Metro: Best as the first choice for getting around the city. It covers major attractions and commercial areas, is efficient, and is less affected by road congestion. Operating hours are generally 6:00-23:00.
  • Shared Bikes: Widely available and suitable for short-distance trips. They can also be used for cycling on the Xi’an City Wall. Buying a short-term pass is recommended, as single rides can be expensive.
  • Taxis/Ride-Hailing: Suitable when you need a more flexible route. Choose licensed taxis or major ride-hailing platforms, and avoid unlicensed cars waiting at scenic-area entrances.
  • Getting to the Terracotta Warriors: You can take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station and then take a taxi, or choose an official direct shuttle to the scenic area. Do not trust fake tickets sold on the roadside claiming to “take you there for 60 yuan.”

Things to Note

• Ticket Reservations: Free tickets for the Shaanxi History Museum are hard to reserve. You need to book 5 days in advance at 17:00 through the official WeChat account. If you cannot get one, you can buy a 30-yuan special exhibition ticket for the Treasures Gallery, which includes admission; or switch to the Xi’an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda), which has fewer visitors and is easier to reserve. The Terracotta Warriors also require advance booking through the official WeChat account.
• Arrange a Guide: When visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Shaanxi History Museum, it is recommended to choose an official guide or rent an audio guide so you can understand the history behind the exhibits.
• Scam Prevention: Do not follow unofficial guides at scenic-area entrances, and do not buy Lantian jade or local products sold on the roadside. If a taxi driver repeatedly recommends a particular “cheap shop,” be cautious, as these shops may involve kickbacks.
• Hanfu Experience: The Great Tang All Day Mall and Xi’an City Wall are both good places to wear hanfu for photos. There are many hanfu experience studios in the city. Confirm the styles and prices in advance, and ask whether makeup, hairstyling, and photography services are included.
• Show Tickets: The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is highly watchable, but tickets can be difficult to buy. It is recommended to purchase tickets online 3-7 days in advance. For seats, the front rows of the central section are a good choice; in Section B, it may be harder to see the performers’ facial expressions clearly.
• What to Wear: A Xi’an itinerary usually involves long periods of walking, so comfortable sneakers are recommended. The city wall can be windy and has limited shade, so pay attention to sun protection and warmth. In autumn and winter, the weather is dry and cold, so consider bringing moisturizing face cream and lip balm.