Xian, China 6 Day Itinerary

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

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Ancient City Walls

  • Morning: Arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and take a taxi or metro to your hotel.
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the ancient city walls (), which date back over 600 years. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the walls for stunning views of the city.
    • Explore the South Gate (), one of the four main gates of the ancient city walls.
  • Where to Eat: Try some traditional Shaanxi cuisine at Xi’an Famous Foods Restaurant, including dishes like liang pi (cold skin noodles) and rou jia mo (meat burgers).
  • Where to Stay: Book a hotel near the ancient city walls, such as the Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square or the Xi’an Hotel.

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses

  • Morning: Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take bus #306 from the city center to get there.
  • Places to Go:
    • Explore the life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots in Pit 1, 2, and 3.
    • Visit the nearby Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (), the first emperor of China.
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a lunch of local flavors at the Terracotta Warriors Restaurant or try some street food near the site.
  • Tips:
    • Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
    • Hire an audio guide or join a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the history and significance.

Day 3: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da Ci’en Temple

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda (), a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD. Take bus #401 from the city center to get there.
  • Places to Go:
    • Explore the temple complex, which includes several smaller temples and gardens.
    • Climb to the top of the pagoda for panoramic views of the city.
  • Where to Eat: Try some local snacks and tea at a nearby café or restaurant.
  • Things to Know:
    • The pagoda is an active Buddhist site, so be respectful of worshippers and dress modestly.

Day 4: Muslim Quarter and Street Food

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter (), home to over 30,000 Muslims. Take a stroll along the narrow streets and alleys.
  • Places to Go:
    • Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an (), one of the oldest mosques in China.
    • Try some delicious street food, such as kebabs, naan bread, and rou jia mo.
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a lunch of Xinjiang cuisine at a local restaurant or try some street food.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and narrow streets.
    • Respect the local Muslim community by dressing modestly and removing shoes when entering mosques.

Day 5: Huaqing Pool and Mount Li

  • Morning: Visit Huaqing Pool (), a scenic spot famous for its natural hot springs and stunning mountain views. Take bus #307 from the city center to get there.
  • Places to Go:
    • Explore the picturesque gardens and pavilions around the pool.
    • Take a hike up Mount Li () for breathtaking views of Xi’an.
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine at a nearby restaurant or try some snacks from vendors.
  • Things to Know:
    • The hot springs are a popular spot, so be prepared for crowds.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • Transportation:
    • Take a taxi or metro back to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) for your departure flight.
    • Alternatively, consider taking a high-speed train to other destinations in China.

Other Tips and Information

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Consider downloading a translation app or carrying a phrasebook.
  • Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw from ATMs.
  • Weather: Xi’an has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated.
  • Safety: Xi’an is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Enjoy your trip to Xi’an!