Xi’an is a nationally recognized historic and cultural city, and one of the world’s most renowned travel destinations. As the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, it carries the legacy of Chinese civilization across millennia. The city features iconic sites like the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaqing Palace, and the Ancient City Wall. This 5-day Xi’an itinerary offers an authentic experience of the region’s character and charm.
Day 1 Majestic Terracotta Warriors and the Romance of the Tang Dynasty
*Accommodation: Stay at a hotel near Huaqing Palace with a New Tang Dynasty-style design, such as Xi’an Hua Qing Palace Hotel & Spa.
*Itinerary:
- Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Daytime): Located in Qinling Town, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum is built directly over the archaeological site of the Terracotta Army of Xi’an, part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb complex. The museum features three main pits and an exhibition hall. Pit 1, the largest and most remarkable, holds over 6,000 terracotta soldiers and horses, each with unique expressions, clothing, and postures, showcasing the artistry of ancient China. Pit 2 includes a variety of figures, such as chariots, cavalry, and infantry, with over 1,300 terracotta soldiers and horses. Pit 3, representing the command post, houses 72 terracotta figures and horses. The exhibition hall also displays the first and second Bronze Chariots—among the earliest and best-preserved bronze artifacts in Chinese archaeology. For an interactive experience, visitors can participate in a DIY terracotta figurine-making activity to gain a hands-on appreciation of this ancient craft. The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum offer a fascinating look into the skills and creativity of early Chinese artisans, making this a profound cultural experience of Terracotta Warriors tour. (Opening hours: 3/16 – 11/15: 08:30 – 18:30 ; 11/16 – 3/15: 08:30 – 18:00 PM)
- Huaqing Palace – “The Long Regret” Performance (Evening): “The Long Regret” is an immersive historical dance drama staged at Xi’an’s Huaqing Palace, bringing to life the legendary love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved Consort Yang. Inspired by Bai Juyi’s famous poem, this grand performance combines elaborate costumes, impressive scene, delicay stage design, classical music, and advanced lighting and sound effects, transporting audiences back to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. The performance unfolds in chapters, depicting the couple’s love and their poignant separation during the An Lushan Rebellion. Attending “The Long Regret” provides an enchanting journey into Tang-era splendor and an enduring romance that continues to captivate Chinese history enthusiasts. (Performance hours: 03/14-05/05 19:40 – 23:59; 05/06-10/31 19:10 – 23:59. To ensure smooth entry, please arrive at least 30 minutes before your selected showtime for security check-in and be seated 20 minutes before the performance begins.)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Zenggao
Lunch: Hulu Chicken, Country-style Fried Cake, Water Basin Lamb, etc.
Dinner: Dipping Noodles, Tongue Pancake with Roujiamo, etc.
*Accommodation: Stay at a cultural hotel with a national 国潮(Guochao style) near Xi’an Houhai Sailing Dock, such as Moshang Light Luxury Hotel
*Itinerary:
- Lishan – Cable Car (Daytime): The Lishan Cable Car, located south of Lintong County in Xi’an, stretches 1,800 meters and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,256 meters. Starting from the cable car station, you can ascend directly to the mountain peak, offering the best views of Lishan’s breathtaking panorama. During the ride, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Lishan’s rolling hills, lush forests, and the distant skyline of Xi’an city, creating a magnificent visual experience that highlights both Lishan’s historical significance and its natural serenity. The cable car concludes near the Bingjian Pavilion, where you can explore the historical site associated with the Xi’an Incident. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the mountain trails to discover additional attractions such as Laomu Temple and the Beacon Tower. It is also one of the best choice in Xi’an travel itinerary for exploring Xi’an’s history. (Opening hours: all year round: 08:00 – 18:00)
- Xi’an Houhai Sailing Dock (Afternoon/Evening): Xi’an Houhai, situated between Eurasia Avenue and Guangyuntan Park in the Chanba Ecological Zone, is renowned for its tranquil lakes and picturesque natural surroundings. This popular recreational area offers water activities like catamaran sailing. The sailing experience blends nature, sport, and relaxation, allowing you to glide across the lake on a sailboat, imparting a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Here, you can soak in the stunning lake views, with emerald waters and scenic landscapes fostering a close connection to nature. While sailing, you can appreciate the lakeside architecture, lush greenery, and local wildlife, all while inhaling the fresh air. You also can sailing in the evening, it provides an opportunity in your Xi’an tour to enjoy the gentle night breeze and take in the captivating night views of Houhai and the twinkling lights of Xi’an city. (Opening hours: all year round Monday to Friday: 15:00 – 21:00; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00; holiday hours align with weekend timings.)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Roujiamo
Lunch: Lintong Large Plate Chicken at the foot of Lishan
Dinner: Viewing Platform Hotpot near the Houhai Dock
*Accommodation: Stay in a Tang-style aesthetic guesthouse near Yongxingfang, such as Hantang Inn Hostel Xi’an.
*Itinerary:
- Gao Grand Courtyard (Morning): Located in the Beiyuanmen area of Xi’an, Gao Grand Courtyard is the former residence of Gao Yuesong, a prominent figure from the Qing Dynasty. This well-preserved complex features traditional Chinese architecture, with brick and wood construction adorned by intricate carvings and paintings, exuding an ancient charm. The courtyard follows a typical three-courtyard layout, comprising guest rooms, halls, wing rooms, a main house, a study, a garden, an ancestral hall, a private school, and a theater. The Dafeng Tang Hall hosts performances of traditional arts such as Qin opera, Heyang string puppetry, Huaxian shadow puppetry, and Huayin Laoqiang, all recognized as national intangible cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the exquisite craftsmanship and design of ancient Chinese architecture, enjoy a cup of fragrant China tea, and immerse yourself in the charm of performances, give you a culture experience in your Xi’an travel. (Opening hours: all year round: 10:00 – 22:00)
- Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Afternoon): The Xi’an Bell Tower and Drum Tower are iconic landmarks, situated near the city center and the Muslim Quarter. The Bell Tower, built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, was originally used for timekeeping, while the Drum Tower, constructed in 1380, was used to signal the time. These two structures face each other and symbolize the historical and cultural heritage of Xi’an city. Both towers are beautifully illuminated at night. You can explore them in the afternoon and early evening during your Xi’an tour, enjoying panoramic views of the city from the Bell Tower as the sun sets. After dark, the illuminated towers create a stunning contrast with the vibrant street scene, making Xi’an’s night view particularly enchanting. You can appreciate the unique beauty of these ancient buildings while enjoying performances of the “Morning Bell and Evening Drum”, along with traditional folk music and dance, providing a rich cultural experience during your China travel.
(Opening hours: Bell Tower: 10/11-03/31 08:30 – 18:00; 04/01-10/10 08:30 – 21:30;
Drum Tower: October 11 – March 31: 10/11-03/31 08:30 – 18:00; 04/01-10/10 08:30 – 21:30；Performance times: 09:30、10:15、11:00、11:45、14:00、15:00、16:00、17:00) - Yongxingfang (Evening): Yongxingfang is a vibrant commercial district that beautifully blends traditional culture with modern lifestyles, famous for its lively night market and diverse street food offerings. This popular gathering spot attracts both tourists and locals, featuring a wide variety of Xi’an specialties, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The food scene at Yongxingfang is particularly enticing, with over fifty vendors offering regional delicacies, including provincial and municipal intangible cultural heritage Xi’an street foods like spicy garlic lamb blood, roujiamo, walnut cakes from southern Shaanxi, millet crisps from northern Shaanxi, and lamb paomo. You can savor authentic Xi’an foods and cuisines while soaking in the rich cultural atmosphere. The area also showcases various handicrafts and traditional skills, such as paper-cutting, clay figurines, and sugar painting, along with performances of intangible cultural heritage like Qin opera and folk songs from northern Shaanxi, as well as the popular “broken wine bowl” experience, recently popularized on social media like tiktok. Engage with these traditions and feel the deep cultural heritage and unique charm of Shaanxi Xi’an. Additionally, Yongxingfang features numerous craft shops, cultural studios, and art displays, providing visitors with even more entertainment options. (Opening hours: all year round, all day)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Tofu pudding
Lunch: Biang biang noodles, liangpi (cold skin noodles), etc.
Dinner: Lamp paomo (lamb soup with bread).
*Accommodation: Stay at a Chinese elegant-style hotel near the Xi’an City Wall, such as Xi’an Bell & Drum Tower Ancient City Wall Lanfeng Hotel.
*Itinerary:
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Morning): The Xi’an Big Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Daci’en Temple, is also known as the “Daci’en Temple Pagoda.” It was constructed in 652 AD, during the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty, under the guidance of Master Xuanzang. The pagoda was built to preserve the Buddhist scriptures and statues he brought back from India along the Silk Road. This square, tiered brick pagoda exemplifies traditional Chinese architectural artistry and stands as a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture. Inside, each level features exhibits that document Xuanzang’s journey to the West and the spread of Buddhist culture. You can ascend the ancient stairs to the top, experiencing the tower’s weight and solemnity. The interior houses statues, scriptures, inscriptions, and other relics that provide deep insights into the history and culture surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This spot is the highlight tourist attraction in Xi’an. (Opening hours: 03/01-10/14 08:30 – 18:00; 10/15-02/28 08:30 – 17:40)
- Beilin Museum(The Stele Forest or Beilin Museum) (Afternoon): The Beilin Museum, located within the Wenchang Gate in Xi’an, is the largest stele art museum in China and one of the largest collections of stele art in the world. It features precious steles and calligraphy from various Chinese dynasties. The museum is divided into three sections: the Confucian Temple, the Stele Forest, and the Stone Carving Art Room. The steles in the Stele Forest are invaluable resources for studying Chinese history, culture, and art, showcasing calligraphy from the Han to the Qing Dynasties, along with rich historical context. In addition to steles, the museum displays exquisite stone carvings, including statues, epitaphs, and reliefs, highlighting the sculptural art of ancient China. The Beilin Museum not only showcases a wealth of steles and stone relics but also offers an immersive artistic experience during your Xi’an travel. It features areas for calligraphy and rubbing experiences, allowing you to engage in traditional calligraphy and rubbing techniques, deepening your understanding of stele art and its historical connections. (Opening hours: all year round: 09:00 – 17:30)
- Night Cycling on the Xi’an City Wall (Evening): The Xi’an City Wall is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. It serves not only as a military defense structure but also exemplifies ancient urban planning and architectural artistry. The main gates include Changle Gate (East Gate), Yongning Gate (South Gate), Anding Gate (West Gate), and Anyuan Gate (North Gate), with the wall stretching approximately 13.7 kilometers. Cycling along the outer ring road of the city wall at night provides a unique perspective on its grandeur. The illuminated city wall creates a vibrant atmosphere after dark. As you cycle, you’ll be surrounded by the historical charm of ancient bricks and tiles, combined with the lively ambiance of old Xi’an. Riding along these ancient paths allows you to feel the length of history while enjoying the bustling night scene of the modern city. After your ride, head to the nearby Muslim Quarter to sample local Xi’an delicious food such as lamb paomo, roujiamo, and liangpi, for an authentic taste of Xi’an street food. (Opening hours: all year round: 08:00 – 20:00)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Sour Soup Dumplings
Lunch: Soup with Pepper, Beef Pie, etc.
Dinner: Northwest Barbecue
*Accommodation: Stay at a hotel near the Tang Dynasty Everlasting City that blends classical architectural style with modern luxury, such as the Canopy by Hilton Xi’an Qujiang
*Itinerary:
- Great Tang All Day Mall – The Longest Day in Chang’an theme block (Daytime): The Longest Day in Chang’an theme block is located at Mandi Square, east of the Great Tang All Day Mall in Qujiang New District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. It is the country’s first immersive Tang-style cultural street, inspired by the ancient Chinese system that divided a day into twelve two-hour periods, each representing different cultural meanings and activities. The entire area is dedicated to Tang culture, featuring rich cultural displays, performances, and food that authentically recreate the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. There are 41 performances throughout the day across various areas, along with spontaneous interactions with NPCs (non-player characters) to engage visitors. Here, you can experience a Xi’an travel through the Tang Dynasty and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural atmosphere. (Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:30, last entry at 21:30)
- Great Tang All Day Mall (Evening): Great Tang All Day Mall is a large-scale replica of Tang architecture located in the Yanta District of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Based on the flourishing Tang culture it blends elements of traditional Tang style with modern urban aesthetics, becoming a landmark and tourist attraction in Xi’an city. The district features four main squares: Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, Xuanzang Square, Zhenguan Square, and New Era Leadership Square, as well as four cultural venues: Xi’an Concert Hall, Shaanxi Grand Theatre, Xi’an Art Museum, and Qujiang Pacific Cinema. It showcases five cultural sculptures: “Buddhist Culture of the Tang Dynasty”, “Heroes of the Tang Dynasty”, “Zhenguan Governance”, “Empress Wu”, and “The Prosperity of the Kaiyuan Era”, perfectly integrating shopping, dining, entertainment, culture, and art. At night, the Great Tang All Day Mall sparkles with vibrant lights, music, flowing water, and fountains, creating a captivating atmosphere. You can enjoy the dazzling water dance light show and exciting performances, taste Tang-era cuisine, admire traditional handicrafts, and experience the brilliance of the Tang Dynasty up close. (Opening hours: all year round, all day)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Fried tea with dough twists
Lunch: Saozi noodles, Crispy fried noodles, etc.
Dinner: Lamb blood noodles, Egg with Fermented Glutinous Rice, etc.
