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? đ¸
If this is your first time in China, check out my China Travel Guide for First-timers! Itâs packed with tips and tricks to avoid those last-minute emergencies!
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What is the best part of visiting Xi’an? It’s full of international students and expats. Therefore, the chances of meeting like-minded people and other travelers are high (also considering that they all hang out in the same places).
Itâs also a city where history meets culture, and I promise… youâll feel it in every corner. As one of China’s ancient capitals, Xi’an holds onto its rich cultural past and it’s home to the beautiful Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the best-preserved Ancient City Walls in all of China.
Planning Your Trip to Xi’an
General Tips for First-Timers in China
1. Download Alipay and Add Your Credit Card (but bring some cash with you!): Everything in China works with digital payments, even in more remote areas. Alipay will be your lifesaver. It allows you to quickly add your country credit or debit card and is immediately ready to be used.
2. Purchase an E-SIM with VPN Included: If your phone is recent, you can consider purchasing an E-SIM for your stay. It is very convenient, as you will not have to pay for a VPN and will have unlimited internet data. If you can’t use an E-SIM, download a VPN in your home country and then purchase a local SIM at the airport.
3. Download Pleco & DIDI App: Pleco is a helpful dictionary you can use during your stay in China. It is handy when ordering food at restaurants. DIDI is the Chinese Uber.
4. Licensed Taxis Only!: Upon arrival or anywhere else, you will be bombarded by “drivers” asking if you need a ride. Please don’t go with them! They see you as a foreigner, and if you don’t speak a word of Chinese, they will try to charge you more than they should. Stick to licensed taxis only! It’s easy to recognize them.
5. Book Your Visits in Advance: In China, you will find few foreign tourists. However, Chinese tourism is wild! Book your entry tickets to sites in advance on trip.com or GetYourGuide.com. Make sure to book your tickets for top attractions in Guangzhou
6. Avoid National Holidays To Travel to China: national holidays in China are not the ideal period to visit this beautiful country (unless you want to get stuck in queues). Periods such as the first week of October and the Chinese New Year are a no!
Xi’an At a Glance
đ 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.
đ Hotels: Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street and Shuyuan Youth Hostel Xi’An are great regarding location and pricing.
đ 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.
âď¸ 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)
đď¸ 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
1. Arriving in Xi’an by Air
Before the pandemic, Xiâan 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. Xiâanâs Xianyang International Airport now mainly handles domestic flights, so arriving by train from one of those major cities is more common.
However, if you land in Xiâan, hereâs what you need to know. Upon arrival, you’ll fill out an arrival documentâit asks for details like your passport number, accommodation address, length of stay, and return flight info. Keep that handy, as you’ll need it with your passport during customs control.
2. From the Airport to Xi’an City Center by Taxi
Pro tip: print out your accommodation address in Chinese charactersâthis will save you a lot of hassle with taxi drivers. After passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs to the official taxi stand. Important: Avoid random people offering you a ride; they often overcharge if you donât speak Chinese. A licensed taxi with a meter should cost 150â200 RMB to reach the city center. Stick with the official cabs to ensure youâre paying the correct fare!
3. From the Airport to Xi’an City Center by Subway
If youâre traveling on a budget and not in a rush, consider taking the subway from the airport to downtown Xiâan. Yes, the subway conveniently connects the airport to the city! While living there, I used this option multiple times, and itâs a great alternative to taxis.
Letâs say youâre staying near South Gate. Iâd recommend skipping the Bell Tower stop as itâs always crowded, and navigating with luggage can be a hassle. Instead, from Xiâan Xianyang International Airport, hop on Metro Line 14 and ride it to Xiâan Railway Station. From there, transfer to Line 2 at Beikezhan and get off at Yongningmen (South Gate) stationâitâs 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 earlier, youâll likely be arriving in Xiâan by high-speed train from one of Chinaâs major hubs. The good news? Itâs even simpler than arriving by air! No passport control or baggage claim hassleâhop off the train and head straight to the exit.
You can grab a taxi from Xiâan North Railway Station, and within 14 minutes, youâll be at South Gate. Itâs quick and convenient. If youâre feeling more adventurous or on a budget, the subway journey I mentioned earlier is another great way to reach your destination. Take Line 2 from Beikezhan station to Yongningmen (South Gate), and youâll 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 Xiâan, the capital of Shaanxi province and one of the oldest cities in China! Your first day here is about settling in, taking a breather, and soaking up the cityâs energy.
After youâve dropped off your bags and freshened up, youâre only steps away from all the action! Within the City Walls is where Xiâan truly comes aliveâthe city’s beating heart. Youâll find yourself wandering through vibrant streets packed with historical landmarks, delicious street food, and unique shops for all the souvenirs you didnât know you needed. So, take your time, settle in, and prepare for an adventure-filled day!
1. Bell & Drum Tower
đˇď¸ Ticket Price for Bell Tower: the combo admission ticket (including both Bell & Drum Tower) is around 50 RMB
Letâs 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, itâs where all roads seem to meet and where youâll 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 cityâs busiest streets.
đĄPRO TIPđĄ Find time to return in the late afternoon. The Bell Tower at night is stunning, with lights that bring out its full charm. It’s worth the wait!
Just a short walk from here is the Drum Tower, which dates back to 1380 and is even older than the Bell Tower. Itâs 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 grab a combo ticket to visit both towers and take in the 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. This is easily one of the most unique places in the city. 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. It’s one of those fascinating contrasts that make Xi’an so special!
The Muslim Quarter is buzzing with energyâyou’ll find street food stalls offering a mix of Chinese and Muslim snacks and tiny artisan shops filled with souvenirs (and yes, a few fakes, but 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, youâve had a delicious lunch and took a moment to catch your breath… because the afternoon is about to get active! No trip to Xiâan 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 youâre 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 Xiâanâs contemporary side, towering skyscrapers, sleek hotels, and vibrant parks lining a picturesque artificial river.
Now, I know what youâre thinkingâwhy 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
âď¸ 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, itâs 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 performancesâfeeling hungry? Youâre luckyâ you’ll find plenty of dining options to taste the local cuisine. But donât miss the highlight of your visit: the fountain dance show every hour! The vibrant colors and rhythmic movements are mesmerizing. And while youâre 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 dayâdrumrollâitâs 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 Xiâan has gained international fame. I canât tell you how often Iâve said, âXiâan⌠you know, the city with the Terracotta Warriors!â.
Now, let’s talk about the real stars of the dayâthe 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. Whatâs even crazier? The site is still an active archaeological dig, regularly making discoveries!
The first thing that hits you is the scale of the placeâitâs massive! Even though it can get pretty crowded, youâll still be able to find a spot to take in the incredible sight of the warriors. And the detail on each figure? Mind-blowing! Each soldier has unique facial expressions, leaving you wondering how long it took to create this army of individuals. I wonât spoil too much, but trust meâthis is a day trip from Xiâan you wonât forget!
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 youâre 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 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. Pro tip: I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance to skip the lines if you’re visiting on the weekend. Trust me, this place is worth every second!
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 outâit’s actually worth seeing! Yes, itâs touristy, but the colors, the music, the costumes, and the entire performance are just incredible! The whole thing transports you back to the traditions of the Tang Dynasty, and I was blown away by how vibrant and captivating it was.
You can easily book tickets on their official website. As for dinner during the showâ Iâd skip that. Iâm about to keep it real with homemade dishes at a cozy, local restaurant instead. If youâre unsure if it’s your vibe, Iâd suggest checking out some videos online before you book. You might find itâs 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 havenât 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 itâs something I have to experience on my next visit. (Yes, Xiâan will see me again!) Over time, Iâve gathered many tips to help you nail your Mount HuaShan adventure.
If you’re feeling adventurous and need to know which other Mountains are worth visiting in China, check out the guide to the most suggestive and must-visit sacred mountains!
As you make your way up, the landscape changes, offering views of jagged cliffs, winding paths, and lush greenery. Along the way, youâll 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 summitsâespecially the East Peak, famous for its sunriseâare truly spectacular.
I can’t wait to hike it, soak in all that beauty, and experience the mystic and spiritual vibe. It’s one of those bucket-list hikes that Iâm determined to check off!
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 pleaseâbring 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 short taxi or the shuttle bus to the site’s ticket office. The entrance ticket is around 160 RMB.
And just like that, weâve 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 đĽ˘
Xiâan 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
- If you want to explore more sights in Xi’an, check out the 13 Best Things to Do in Xi’an
- and after Xi’an? As a starting point of the Ancient Silk Road, why don’t you embark on a Silk Road Themed Trip? Check out the trip to Zhangye, home of the Chinese Rainbow Mountains!
- Discover the Gansu Province: one of the most intriguing regions in China.
- Chengdu is another perfect stop after Xi’an! Pandas, ancient China vibe, and Sichuan spicy flavor!
- Discover Nature’s Paradise in Guilin with this 3-Day Guilin Travel Itinerary
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