Day 1
Ancient City Walls (西安城墙)
The Ancient City Walls of Xi’an, built during the Ming Dynasty (14th century), are the best-preserved city walls in China. The walls stretch 13.7 km and offer excellent views of the old and modern city.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Yongning Gate Station (永宁门站) for the South Gate.
By Taxi:
10–20 RMB from most city center locations.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 54 RMB (adults), 27 RMB (students with valid ID).
Opening Hours
8:00 AM–10:00 PM (March–November);
8:00 AM–8:00 PM (December–February).
What to Do
1. Rent a bike to cycle around the entire wall (45–60 minutes, ~45 RMB).
2. Walk along the wall to enjoy panoramic views.
3. Visit the South Gate for cultural displays, including ancient weapons and costumes.
Tips
• Sunset is an excellent time for photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes if walking the walls.
Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque (回民街 & 清真大寺)
The Muslim Quarter is a vibrant hub for street food and shopping, reflecting Xi’an’s Silk Road history. The Great Mosque is a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Bell Tower Station (钟楼站), then walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from downtown locations.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee (Great Mosque): 25 RMB.
Opening Hours
8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Try local snacks like roujiamo (Chinese burgers) and yangrou paomo (lamb soup).
2. Shop for souvenirs such as silk, handicrafts, and dried fruits.
3. Visit the tranquil Great Mosque courtyard and admire its traditional design.
Tips
• The Muslim Quarter is busiest in the evenings; visit earlier for a quieter experience.
• Carry cash for street food purchases.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)
Built during the Tang Dynasty (7th century), this Buddhist pagoda was used to store sacred scriptures brought from India. It is a symbol of Xi’an.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 3 to Dayanta Station (大雁塔站).
By Taxi:
15–20 RMB from the city center.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee (Pagoda Grounds): 50 RMB.
• Climbing the Pagoda: Additional 30 RMB.
Opening Hours
8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Climb the pagoda for panoramic views of Xi’an.
2. Stroll through the surrounding Da Ci’en Temple complex.
3. Watch the Fountain Light Show in the square (free, daily at 8:30 PM).
Tips
• Evening visits are great for enjoying the light show.
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Day 2
Terracotta Army Museum (兵马俑博物馆)
Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
How to Get There
By Bus:
Take Bus 306 (Tourist Bus) from Xi’an Railway Station (~1 hour).
By Taxi:
150–200 RMB one way (45–60 minutes).
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 120 RMB (March–November), 90 RMB (December–February).
Opening Hours
8:30 AM–5:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Visit Pits 1, 2, and 3 to see soldiers in battle formation.
2. Watch the introductory film in the museum’s theater.
3. Learn about the excavation process and history at the exhibition halls.
Tips
• Hire a guide or audio tour for a better understanding of the site.
• Visit early to avoid crowds.
Huaqing Palace and Hot Springs (华清宫)
Famous for its royal hot springs and Tang Dynasty history, Huaqing Palace was once a retreat for emperors and their concubines.
How to Get There
By Bus:
Take Bus 306 (same route as the Terracotta Army) and get off at Huaqing Palace.
By Taxi:
120–150 RMB one way from Xi’an (40–50 minutes).
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 120 RMB.
Opening Hours
8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Tour the Imperial Pool Relics and royal pavilions.
2. Visit the site of the Xi’an Incident for its historical significance.
3. Walk through the scenic gardens surrounded by mountains.
Tips
• Combine this with a visit to the Terracotta Army.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.
Day 3
Mount Hua (华山)
One of China’s Five Great Mountains, Mount Hua is famous for its dramatic cliffs, steep trails, and Taoist temples.
How to Get There
By Train:
Take a high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station (华山北站) (~40 minutes), then transfer to the shuttle bus or taxi to the mountain entrance.
By Taxi:
300–400 RMB one way.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry Fee: 160 RMB (March–November), 100 RMB (December–February).
• Cable Car: 80–140 RMB one way, depending on the peak.
Opening Hours
7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Take the cable car for easier access to peaks like the North Peak.
2. Hike the famous Plank Walk on the South Peak for adrenaline-pumping views.
3. Explore Taoist temples and ancient inscriptions.
Tips
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Avoid hiking during rainy weather.
Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆)
One of China’s best museums, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the Tang Dynasty.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station (小寨站), Exit C, and walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from downtown Xi’an.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free (passport required), special exhibits 20–30 RMB.
Opening Hours
8:30 AM–6:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
What to Do
1. Explore exhibits on the Silk Road and Tang Dynasty culture.
2. See bronze artifacts, pottery, and murals from ancient tombs.
Tips
• Arrive early as free tickets are limited.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔) and Xi’an Museum (西安博物院)
A charming Buddhist pagoda dating to the Tang Dynasty, paired with Xi’an Museum, showcasing regional artifacts.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Take Line 2 to Nanshaomen Station (南稍门站), then walk 10 minutes.
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from downtown Xi’an.
Tickets and Costs
• Entry: Free (passport required).
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Climb the pagoda for views of the surrounding area.
2. Visit the Xi’an Museum’s collections of ancient relics and pottery.
Tips
• Combine with nearby attractions like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Attraction Details
All information is subject to change.