Xian, China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Xi’an, China

Day 1: Ancient City Walls and Muslim Quarter

Morning

  • Terracotta Warriors (9:00 am - 10:30 am)
    • Take bus no. 306 from the city center to the Terracotta Warriors site (RMB 5-10, ~1 hour)
    • Explore the life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses
  • Xi’an City Walls (11:00 am - 12:30 pm)
    • Walk or bike along the ancient city walls for a panoramic view of the city

Afternoon

  • Muslim Quarter (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
    • Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, filled with street food, souvenirs, and Islamic architecture
    • Try some local snacks, such as rou jia mo (meat sandwiches) or liang pi (cold noodles)

Evening

  • Dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods Restaurant
    • Savor traditional Shaanxi dishes like pao mo (crumbled unleavened bread in a savory broth) and rou jia mo
    • Address: 137 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu Qu, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng
  • Accommodation:
    • Stay at the Xi’an Central Hotel or similar (RMB 500-800 per night)
    • Book through booking websites like Booking.com or Agoda

Day 2: Historical Landmarks and Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda (9:00 am - 10:30 am)
    • Take bus no. 501 from the city center to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (RMB 1-2, ~30 minutes)
    • Explore the ancient Buddhist pagoda and its surroundings
  • Shaanxi History Museum (11:00 am - 12:30 pm)
    • Learn about Shaanxi’s rich history and cultural heritage

Afternoon

  • Calligraphy Class at Xi’an Art College (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
    • Take a calligraphy class to learn traditional Chinese writing techniques
    • Address: No. 13, South Section of Yanta Road, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng

Evening

  • Dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant
    • Enjoy traditional dumplings and other local dishes
    • Address: 3 West Street, Lianhu Qu, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng
  • Watch a Traditional Shadow Puppet Show
    • Catch a performance at the Xi’an Shadow Puppet Theatre (RMB 50-100 per person)
    • Address: No. 175, North Section of Huancheng Road, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng

Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Huashan

Morning

  • Take a Bus to Mount Huashan (8:00 am - 9:30 am)
    • Take bus no. 1 or 2 from the city center to Mount Huashan (RMB 20-50, ~1.5 hours)
    • Hike up one of China’s Five Great Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views

Afternoon

  • Cable Car Ride to North Peak (11:00 am - 12:30 pm)
    • Take a cable car ride to the North Peak for stunning views
    • Try some local snacks, such as tea eggs or dried persimmons

Evening

  • Return to Xi’an and Enjoy a Local Snack Street
    • Visit the Snack Street (, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng) for a variety of local street food

Day 4: More Historical Landmarks and Departure

Morning

  • Banpo Museum (9:00 am - 10:30 am)
    • Explore the Banpo Neolithic Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Take bus no. 401 from the city center to the museum (RMB 1-2, ~30 minutes)
  • Xi’an Ancient Louvre Museum (11:00 am - 12:30 pm)
    • Discover ancient artifacts and relics at this museum

Afternoon

  • Departure
    • Take a taxi or bus back to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Weather: Xi’an can be hot in summer and cold in winter. Pack accordingly.
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the predominant language, but many locals speak some English.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Transportation: Taxis, buses, and bicycles are available for transportation. You can also hire a private car and driver for the day.

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons (e.g., National Day, Labor Day) when popular attractions can be very crowded.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors. It’s a common practice in China.
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).