Xian China 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Ancient City Walls

Morning

Afternoon

  • Visit the Ancient City Walls (), a well-preserved ancient fortification system ( ticket price: 50 CNY)
  • Walk or bike along the walls to enjoy the views of the city

Evening

  • Try some traditional Shaanxi cuisine at De Fa Chang Restaurant ()
  • Explore the Muslim Quarter (), a vibrant neighborhood with Islamic architecture, street food, and souvenirs

Transportation

  • Taxi: show your hotel’s address in Chinese characters to the driver
  • Metro: buy a prepaid card (20 CNY) for convenient travel

Tips

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ)
  • Download a VPN to access Google Maps and other blocked websites in China

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Morning

  • Take bus number 306 (10 CNY, 1 hour) or hire a private car (500 CNY, 1 hour) to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses ()
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (), the first emperor of China
  • Try some local snacks, such as rou jia mo (meat burgers) or liang pi (cold skin noodles)

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Shaanxi dinner at Xi’an Restaurant ()
  • Watch a cultural show, like the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Things to Know

  • The Terracotta Warriors are a must-see attraction in Xi’an; plan your visit accordingly
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season

Day 3: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Surroundings

Morning

  • Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (), a well-known Buddhist pagoda (ticket price: 50 CNY)
  • Explore the nearby Da Ci’en Temple (), a peaceful temple complex

Afternoon

  • Stroll around the Xi’an City Museum (), which features exhibits on Xi’an’s history and culture
  • Take a leisurely walk in the surrounding gardens and squares

Evening

  • Savor some street food at the South Gate Night Market ()
  • Try some local beers, such as Xi’an Beer or Huanghe Beer

Transportation

  • Taxi: always use the meter to avoid overcharging
  • Metro: line 2 connects many tourist attractions in Xi’an

Day 4: Mount Huashan and Its Breathtaking Views

Morning

  • Take a bus (30 CNY, 2 hours) or hire a private car (800 CNY, 2 hours) to Mount Huashan ()
  • Hike up the mountain for breathtaking views of Xi’an and the surrounding landscape

Afternoon

  • Visit the Huashan Plank Road in the Sky (), a thrilling hike with steep cliffs
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery and take plenty of photos

Evening

  • Return to your hotel and rest your legs
  • Try some local snacks, such as Xi’an’s famous Liang Pi (cold skin noodles)

Things to Know

  • Mount Huashan is a challenging hike; ensure you have proper gear and physical conditioning
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions on the mountain

Day 5: Last-Minute Explorations

Morning

  • Visit the Shaanxi History Museum (), which features exhibits on Shaanxi’s rich history (free admission)
  • Explore the nearby Xi’an Forest of Steles (), a museum showcasing ancient Chinese calligraphy and stone carvings

Afternoon

  • Last-minute shopping for souvenirs at the South Gate Shopping Street ()
  • Try some local desserts, such as Xi’an’s famous ice cream or sweet potatoes

Evening

Transportation

  • Taxi: book in advance to ensure availability
  • Metro: line 2 connects the airport to the city center

Tips

  • Exchange some currency back to your local currency before departing China
  • Keep all receipts and documents for tax refund purposes