Xian, China-7-day-itinerary

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

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Ancient City Walls

  • Morning: Arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
  • Afternoon: Visit the Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China (¥50 entrance fee)
  • Evening: Walk around the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood with Islamic architecture, street food, and souvenirs
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Junction Inn or similar (¥300-500 per night)
  • Food: Try some traditional Xi’an dishes like Liangpi (cold skin noodles), Rou Jia Mo (meat sandwiches), and Xi’an Dumplings at Qing Zhen Lou Restaurant (¥50-100 per person)

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses

  • Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century (¥150 entrance fee)
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Xi’an puppet show at Xi’an Puppet Theatre (¥50-100 per person)
  • Food: Try some local snacks like Li Ji Ma La Tang (spicy noodles) and Xiaolongbao (steamed buns)

Day 3: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Night Market

  • Morning: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-known Buddhist pagoda in Xi’an (¥50 entrance fee)
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Da Ci’en Temple, a historic temple with beautiful gardens
  • Evening: Visit the Xi’an Night Market at the South Gate, where you can find souvenirs, try street food, and enjoy local performances
  • Food: Try some local desserts like Bao Bao Cha (sweet tea) and You Tiao (deep-fried dough sticks)

Day 4: Mount Huashan and Xi’an Museum

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Mount Huashan, one of the five most famous mountains in China (¥150 entrance fee, plus transportation costs)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Xi’an Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of Xi’an
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese massage at Xi’an Traditional Massage (¥100-200 per person)
  • Food: Try some local specialties like Shaanxi Noodles and Xi’an Hot Pot

Day 5: Banpo Museum and Ancient Village

  • Morning: Visit the Banpo Museum, which showcases Neolithic-era artifacts
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Huangling Ancient Village, a traditional village with ancient architecture
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Xi’an dinner at Defachang Restaurant (¥100-200 per person)
  • Food: Try some local fruits like Xi’an Apples and Shaanxi Pears

Day 6: Day Trip to Huaqing Pool

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Huaqing Pool, a scenic spot famous for its beautiful gardens and historic significance (¥150 entrance fee, plus transportation costs)
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Tang Dynasty Palace, a reconstruction of the imperial palace from the Tang Dynasty
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Xi’an tea ceremony at Xi’an Tea House (¥50-100 per person)

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city
  • Afternoon: Depart from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Things to Know

  • Best time to visit Xi’an: March to May or September to November
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese, but many locals speak some English
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
  • Weather: Xi’an has a continental climate with four distinct seasons

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available at the airport and around the city (¥10-20 per ride)
  • Bus: Convenient and affordable way to get around the city (¥1-2 per ride)
  • Subway: A modern and efficient way to travel around Xi’an (¥2-5 per ride)

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons like National Day or Chinese New Year
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions
  • Learn some basic Mandarin Chinese phrases to show respect and appreciation for the local culture
  • Bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors

Other Things of Interest

  • Xi’an Bell Tower: A historic bell tower in the heart of the city
  • Shaanxi History Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Shaanxi Province
  • Xi’an Forest of Stone Tablets: A museum featuring stone tablets with calligraphy and poetry
  • Mount Tai: A scenic spot with beautiful gardens and historic significance (day trip)

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, giving you a well-rounded understanding of Xi’an and its rich heritage. Enjoy your trip!