Xian China 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Wonders and Delicious Food

Morning

  • Terracotta Warriors and Horses (): A must-visit attraction in Xi’an. Take bus no. 5 or 306 from the city center to get there.
    • Ticket price: ¥150 (around $22 USD)
    • Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Afternoon

  • Xi’an City Wall (): Walk or bike along the ancient wall that surrounds the city. You can rent bicycles near the South Gate.
    • Entrance fee: ¥50 (around $7.50 USD)
    • Opening hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Evening

  • Muslim Quarter (): Explore the vibrant streets, try some local snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
    • Try some famous Xi’an dishes like Rou Jia Mo () and Liang Pi ()
    • Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an (), one of the oldest mosques in China

Where to Eat

  • Lao Sun Jia: A popular restaurant serving traditional Shaanxi cuisine. Try their hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb skewers.
    • Address: No. 298, Huimin Street, Lianhu District
    • Price range: ¥20-¥50 (around $3-$7.50 USD)

Where to Stay

  • Xi’an Ancient City International Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms. It’s located near the South Gate of the city wall.
    • Address: No. 33, Nan Dajie Street, Lianhu District
    • Price range: ¥50-¥150 (around $7.50-$22 USD)

Transportation

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Show them your destination written in Chinese characters.
  • Bus: An efficient and affordable way to get around the city. Bus no. 5 or 306 can take you to the Terracotta Warriors.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases: While many locals don’t speak English, making an effort to communicate in Chinese will be appreciated.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking while exploring Xi’an’s ancient sites and streets.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks and Local Markets

Morning

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda (): A famous Buddhist pagoda with great views of the city. Take bus no. 5 or 21 to get there.
    • Entrance fee: ¥50 (around $7.50 USD)
    • Opening hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Afternoon

  • Shaanxi History Museum (): A museum showcasing the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
    • Entrance fee: free, but you need to book tickets in advance
    • Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Evening

  • Defachang Snack Street (): Try some local street food and snacks, like grilled squid and stinky tofu.
    • Address: Defachang Alley, Beilin District

Where to Eat

  • Xi’an Fanzhuang Restaurant: A popular spot for traditional Xi’an dishes like Pao Mo () and Guan Tang Baozi ().
    • Address: No. 123, Nan Dajie Street, Lianhu District
    • Price range: ¥20-¥50 (around $3-$7.50 USD)

Transportation

  • Bicycle: A great way to explore the city’s ancient streets and alleys. You can rent bicycles near popular attractions.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: When visiting temples or mosques, dress modestly and remove your shoes when required.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Xi’an is a popular tourist destination, so be patient and prepared for large crowds at popular sites.

Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Huashan

Morning

  • Mount Huashan (): Take a day trip to this famous mountain with stunning scenery and steep hiking trails. You can book a guided tour or take public transportation.
    • Ticket price: ¥180 (around $27 USD)
    • Opening hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Afternoon

  • West Peak (): The most challenging peak to climb, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Evening

  • Return to Xi’an: Head back to the city and explore the local nightlife, or relax at your accommodation.

Where to Eat

  • Local Street Food: Try some street food near the Mount Huashan scenic area, like grilled meat skewers and roasted chestnuts.
    • Price range: ¥10-¥20 (around $1.50-$3 USD)

Transportation

  • Tour Bus: Book a guided tour that includes transportation to and from Mount Huashan.
  • Public Bus: Take bus no. 1 or 2 from Xi’an city center to the Mount Huashan scenic area.

Tips

  • Pack snacks and water: The hike can be challenging, so bring enough food and water to keep you energized.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes: The trails at Mount Huashan can be steep and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip.

Other Things to Know

  • Language: While many locals in Xi’an don’t speak English, you can use translation apps or carry a phrasebook to help communicate.
  • Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw cash from ATMs.
  • Weather: Xi’an has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Xi’an, China!