Xian Travel Itinerary: Wonders to Discover in China’s Ancient Capital (From a “local”)
Welcome to the perfect 2-day Xian travel itinerary! Xi’an is my home away from home. After living there for over a year, I will share all the best things to do and discover with a detailed Xian Travel Itinerary. Are you ready to discover this absolute gem in the Shaanxi province? 🌸
If this is your first time in China, check my tips-packed China Travel Guide for first-timers! 🇨🇳
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Planning Your Trip to Xi’an
Xi’an At a Glance
📍 Where to Stay: Xi’an City Walls South Gate is the place to be to enjoy the energy of Xi’an city center. Most important sights, such as the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter, are nearby.
🏠 Hotels: Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street and Shuyuan Youth Hostel Xi’An are great regarding location and pricing.
🚄 How To Get To Xi’an: High-speed train is the way if you are in north or central China. High-speed trains are also convenient from Beijing and Shanghai.
✈️ Xianyang International Airport now mainly handles domestic flights, so arriving by train from one of those major cities is more common (unless you opt for an internal domestic flight landing in Xi’an)
🗓️ Best Time To Visit Xi’an: two sweet spots for visiting without battling the extremes of heat or cold: early fall and springtime. If you want to explore the city comfortably, aim for mid-September to the end of October or March to May.
⚡ Heat Season Warning: Avoid summer at all costs; it’s unbearable!
A beautiful sunset on the Xi’an City Walls, South Gate
Arriving in Xi’an
By Air
Before the pandemic, Xi’an was often your first port of entry in China, especially with the convenience of direct flights from Europe.
Depending on your departure city, you’ll likely land first in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou. Xi’an’s Xianyang International Airport now mainly handles domestic flights, so arriving by train from one of those major cities is more common.
2. From the Airport to Xi’an City Center by Taxi
After passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs to the official taxi stand. A licensed taxi with a meter should cost 150–200 RMB to reach the city center. Stick with the official cabs to ensure you’re paying the correct fare!
Make sure to have your addresses readily available to show to the taxi driver.
3. From the Airport to Xi’an City Center by Subway
If you’re traveling on a budget and not in a rush, consider taking the subway from the airport to downtown Xi’an.
Let’s say you’re staying near South Gate. I’d recommend skipping the Bell Tower stop as it’s always crowded, and navigating with luggage can be a hassle.
Instead, you can hop on Metro Line 14 from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Xi’an Railway Station.
From there, transfer to Line 2 at Beikezhan and get off at Yongningmen (South Gate) station—it’s just a quick two-minute ride. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs less than a taxi ride.
4. Arriving in Xi’an by High-Speed Train
As I mentioned, you’ll likely arrive in Xi’an by high-speed train from one of China’s major hubs.
You can grab a taxi from Xi’an North Railway Station, and within 14 minutes, you’ll be at South Gate. It’s quick and convenient.
If you’re feeling more adventurous or on a budget, the subway journey I mentioned earlier is another excellent way to reach your destination.
Take Line 2 from Beikezhan station to Yongningmen (South Gate), and you’ll be there in under 30 minutes.
Hotels in Xi’an
Regarding accommodation, I highly recommend exploring various listings on Booking.com and Trip.com. Many hotels and hostels frequently offer discounts and promotions, so you can find the best deals that suit your budget and preferences.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Xi’an
To fully experience the vibe of Xi’an, I suggest spending at least two days in the city. All the main landmarks within the City Walls are close to one another. Consider that half a day will be dedicated to the trip to the Terracotta Warriors Site.
Xian Travel Itinerary Day 1: Discover the Vibe of China’s Ancient Capital
Welcome to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province and one of the oldest cities in China!
Within the City Walls is where Xi’an truly comes alive—the city’s beating heart. You’ll find yourself wandering through vibrant streets packed with historical landmarks, delicious street food, and unique shops for all the souvenirs you didn’t know you needed.
1. Bell & Drum Tower
🏷️ Ticket Price for Bell Tower: the combo admission ticket (including both Bell & Drum Tower) is around 50 RMB
Let’s kick off your morning stroll with a visit to the iconic Bell Tower, the first stop of your Xian Travel Itinerary. Positioned at the heart of the city, it’s where all roads seem to meet and where you’ll truly feel the pulse of Xi’an. While you can explore the inside of the Bell Tower, the view is less of a “wow” moment since it overlooks the city’s busiest streets.
Find time to visit the City Wall in the late afternoon. The Bell Tower at night is stunning, with lights that bring out its full charm.
Just a short walk from here is the Drum Tower, which dates back to 1380 and is even older than the Bell Tower.
It’s located at the south end of Beiyuanmen pedestrian street, in the heart of the Muslim Quarter. Inside, you’ll find impressive drums, antique furniture, and occasional traditional musical performances featuring drums and other instruments.
You can purchase a combo ticket to visit both towers and experience their history, but the Drum Tower is my favorite for its cultural vibes and live performances.
2. Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque of Xi’an
From the drum tower, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Muslim Quarter, which is easily one of the city’s most unique places.
As the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has a rich cultural and religious blending history. This is where the largest Muslim community in China took root, and to this day, Islamic culture is beautifully intertwined with traditional Chinese customs.
The Muslim Quarter is buzzing with energy. Street food stalls offer a mix of Chinese and Muslim snacks, and tiny artisan shops sell souvenirs (and yes, there are a few fakes, but there are also some hidden gems!).
This area is home to the Great Mosque of Xi’an, the largest pre-modern mosque in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
It was built for the West Asian merchants who came to Xi’an and stayed for extended periods.
It’s worth spending some hours there to soak all the energy of this area and maybe sit down to treat yourself to some Biang Biang Noodles ( a super large type of noodle typical from Xi’an).
3. Bicycle Ride at Xi’an City Walls
Hopefully, you’ve had a delicious lunch and took a moment to catch your breath… because the afternoon is about to get active!
No trip to Xi’an is complete without a bike ride along its iconic City Walls. Stretching over 14km, these are the most well-preserved fortifications in all of China, and they offer the best panoramic views of both the old and modern sides of the city.
If you’re up for the challenge, you can cycle the entire circuit, but if you want to conserve some energy, I recommend focusing on the South Gate area.
From there, you’ll see Xi’an’s contemporary side, towering skyscrapers, sleek hotels, and vibrant parks lining a picturesque artificial river.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—why not save the bike ride for the morning when you’re feeling fresh?
Trust me, though, the late afternoon views from the City Walls are worth it. You might even catch a stunning pink sunset glowing through the haze if you’re lucky. You can thank me later for the unforgettable view!
4. Evening at the Tang Paradise
Ⓜ️ Subway Instructions: you can take the subway Line 2 from Yongningmen to Xiaozhai. Then, change to Line 3 at Dayanta subway station. You will arrive in front of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. You can take a short walk to the Tang Paradise theme park from there.
After an adventurous afternoon, it’s time to unwind at Tang Paradise, a cultural theme park that brings the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life!
Here, you can stroll through beautiful gardens, soak in the stunning architecture, and enjoy traditional live music performances. You’ll find plenty of dining options to taste the local cuisine.
But don’t miss the highlight of your visit: the fountain dance show every hour! The vibrant colors and rhythmic movements are mesmerizing.
And while you’re there, check out the majestic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda nearby. This is the best place to end your first day in Xi’an!
Xian Travel Itinerary Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Shaanxi History Museum
5. Xi’an Terracotta Army
Get ready for the highlight of your second day—drumroll—it’s time to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors!
This might be China’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site (okay, maybe tied with the Great Wall). The Terracotta Army is the reason Xi’an has gained international fame. I can’t tell you how often I’ve said, “Xi’an… you know, the city with the Terracotta Warriors!”.
Now, let’s talk about the real stars of the day—the warriors themselves!
Discovered by local farmers in 1974 (yes, you read that right!), these life-sized sculptures were built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The site is still an active archaeological dig, regularly making discoveries!
The first thing that hits you is the scale of the place—it’s massive! Even though it can get pretty crowded, you’ll still be able to find a spot to take in the incredible sight of the warriors.
Each soldier has unique facial expressions, which make you wonder how long it took to create this army of individuals.
How to Get There
Located about 40 km outside the city center in the Lintong District, getting there is easy.
From Beidajie Subway Station, you take line 1 and get off at Fanzhicheng. At the Fanzhicheng Bus Station, you take the N. 306 tourist line 5 bus.
The journey will last around 2.30 hours. If you’re going the bus route, I recommend booking your tickets in advance on Trip.com for the site.
You can even book an English-speaking guide, which I highly suggest. Having someone there to share historical facts and local stories and answer your questions makes the experience much richer.
Set aside at least 4-5 hours to explore the site, plus another two hours for transportation. Or, if you’d prefer, you can book an all-inclusive tour with GetYourGuide.com.
6. Shaanxi History Museum
If your visit to the Terracotta Warriors has left you craving even more history and culture, then the Shaanxi History Museum is your next must-see!
Conveniently located near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (which, by the way, is the perfect spot to head for dinner afterward), this museum houses a staggering 370,000 items – everything from murals and paintings to ancient pottery, coins, bronze, gold, and silver artifacts.
The rich history of the Shaanxi region is all in one place! The museum itself is a modern marvel, built between 1983 and 2001, but its design is a throwback to the grand architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. If you’re visiting on the weekend, I highly recommend booking your tickets to skip the lines.
7. Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show
Ok, confession time! Before my last trip to China, I thought the Tang Dynasty Show was too touristy. But hear me out—it’s actually worth seeing!
Although it’s touristy, the colors, music, costumes, and performance are incredible. The whole thing transports you back to the traditions of the Tang Dynasty.
You can easily book tickets on their official website. As for dinner during the show— I’d skip that. I’m about to keep it real with homemade dishes at a cozy, local restaurant instead. If you’re unsure if it’s your vibe, I’d suggest checking out some videos online before you book. You might find it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
Xian Travel Itinerary Bonus: Day Trip to Mount Huashan
I lived in Xi’an for over a year, and believe it or not, I still haven’t been to Mount Huashan. My plans were cut short by COVID before I could make the trip.
But while I was there, plenty of friends hiked it, and their stories left me with no doubt that it’s something I have to experience on my next visit. (Yes, Xi’an will see me again!). Over time, I’ve gathered many tips to help you nail your Mount HuaShan adventure.
Feeling like climbing another mountain in China? Discover the ultimate guide to the Chinese Mountains worth visiting once in a lifetime!
As you ascend, the landscape changes, offering views of jagged cliffs, winding paths, and lush greenery.
Along the way, you’ll find several ancient temples, including the Jade Spring Temple near the base and the Golden Lock Pass, where travelers leave locks as a symbol of good luck.
These sacred spots add a spiritual dimension to your journey, and the views from the summits—especially the East Peak, famous for its sunrise—are truly spectacular.
When to Go
Mount Huashan is a no-go from late October through March.
The weather can get chilly at that altitude, and icy paths make climbing too risky. So, mark your calendar for early fall, spring, or summer. And please—bring proper hiking shoes!
The trails can be challenging, especially if you plan to take on the famous HuaShan Plank Walk, which is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
How to Get There
The easiest way to the base of Mount Hua is to take the high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station and get off at Huashan North Station.
You can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the site’s ticket office. The entrance ticket is around 160 RMB.
And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our Xian Travel Itinerary! I hope this blog post will help you plan your stay in Xi’an and inspire you to discover its gems 🥢
Xi’an is truly a must-visit destination, not just because of its ancient landmarks but also because of its rich history as the starting point of the Silk Road. The blend of cultures, vibrant human exchanges, and deep commercial roots that shaped this city make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Central China.
This Blog Post was all about the perfect Xian Travel Itinerary.
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DISCLAIMER: These suggestions are purely based on my experiences and thoughts and are meant to inspire and provide advice. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—there is no need to follow it in detail. All prices, transport options, and instructions mentioned reflect my knowledge at the time of writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the information before your trip to ensure accuracy. All opinions and recommendations are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
