Xian, China-2-day-itinerary

Xian, China 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • Terracotta Warriors and Horses (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Take bus no. 5 or taxi from city center to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (~30-40 minutes, ¥10-20)
    • Explore the life-sized terracotta army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Lunch
    • Try traditional Shaanxi noodles at Defachang Restaurant (¥20-50 per person)

Afternoon

  • City Wall of Xian (1:00 pm - 3:30 pm)
    • Take bus no. 101 or taxi from Terracotta Warriors Museum to South Gate of City Wall (~20-30 minutes, ¥10-20)
    • Walk or bike along the ancient city wall for stunning views
  • Muslim Quarter (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
    • Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its rich history and cultural heritage
    • Try some local snacks and street food

Evening

  • Dumpling Dinner
    • Head to Xi’an Dumpling Restaurant for a delicious dumpling feast (¥50-100 per person)
  • Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
    • Enjoy a spectacular show at the Shaanxi Grand Opera House (¥150-300 per person)

Day 2

Morning

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda (9:00 am - 11:00 am)
    • Take bus no. 118 or taxi from city center to Big Wild Goose Pagoda (~20-30 minutes, ¥10-20)
    • Explore the historic Buddhist pagoda and surrounding square
  • Lunch
    • Try some local dishes at Lao Sun Jia Restaurant (¥20-50 per person)

Afternoon

  • Shaanxi History Museum (12:00 pm - 2:30 pm)
    • Take bus no. 5 or taxi from Big Wild Goose Pagoda to Shaanxi History Museum (~20-30 minutes, ¥10-20)
    • Discover the rich history and culture of Shaanxi Province
  • Great Mosque (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
    • Explore one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques

Evening

  • Farewell Dinner
    • Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at Qin Dynasty Restaurant (¥50-100 per person)

Accommodation

  • Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian: luxurious hotel with excellent service and amenities (~¥1,500 per night)
  • Xi’an Han Tang House Boutique Hotel: cozy boutique hotel with traditional Chinese architecture (~¥800 per night)
  • Xian Travellers Inn: budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms (~¥100-300 per night)

Transportation

  • Airport to City Center: take taxi or bus no. 266 (¥20-50, ~30-40 minutes)
  • City Bus: ¥1-2 per ride, or purchase a day pass for ¥10
  • Taxi: ¥10-20 for short distances, ¥20-50 for longer trips

Tips and Essentials

  • Best Time to Visit: March to November for comfortable weather
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese, but many locals speak some English
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (¥), with ATMs and currency exchange available throughout the city
  • Safety: be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
  • Dress Code: dress modestly when visiting mosques and temples

Other Things to Know

  • Xian’s Famous Snacks: try some local delicacies like rou jia mo (meat sandwiches), liang pi (cold skin noodles), and huang men ji (yellow millet porridge)
  • Local Markets: explore the vibrant markets in the Muslim Quarter for souvenirs, snacks, and cultural experiences
  • Bicycle Rentals: rent a bike to explore the city walls and surrounding countryside (~¥20-50 per day)

Remember to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions. Enjoy your trip to Xian!