A Xian Itinerary

Xian Itinerary

If you’re planning to visit this historical city and are wondering how much time you need to fully experience the highlights of Xian, then look no further. I have recently visited Xian for my 29th birthday and have created this Xian itinerary for anyone in need of assistance in planning their trip. This comprehensive guide includes the must-see attractions, mouth-watering food spots, and even a fantastic hotel recommendation. Plus, this Xian itinerary could easily be turned into a shorter 1 day trip or a 2 day weekend adventure. However, we found 3 days in Xian the perfect amount of time!

Drawing from my own personal experience, visiting Xian was an unforgettable journey that included fulfilling a long-standing dream of doing a terracotta warriors tour. Having lived in China for 5 years, I have the knowledge to make your trip go smoothly and ensure you have a remarkable experience.

Our 3 Day Xi’an Itinerary- What’s Included

• Day 1- Arrival, Ancient City Wall, Commune Bar
• Day 2- Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Hotel Cocktail Lounge
• Day 3- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Departure

Map of Xi an Below

Reasons to visit Xian

How long to spend in Xian?

Depending on what you want to see, 3 days is plenty for the main city sites. In 3 days we saw the Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, rode bikes along the Ancient City wall, saw the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoyed our amenities at the hotel. I do think its important to take into account when you arrive and when you plan on leaving as well. We arrived at our hotel at around 1:30PM on the Saturday from Xianyang International Airport and left at 11AM on the Monday. These attractions always appear on a Xian itinerary and landmarks are within such close proximity to each other. Therefore, if there is more that you want to see that’s not on this Xian itinerary then with more time, you can see it all!

There is one place we didn’t get to visit which was the Huashan Mountain, which is roughly 40 minutes away by train. Therefore, perhaps 4 days is the best amount of time to do all these incredible places!

What is the best time to visit Xian?

It is important to take into account the weather. We visited in May and it was hot one day and extremely cold and wet the next day. Normally, Spring and Autumn are generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Plus, Summer can be hot and humid and the winter very cold.  I do think weather can really impact your experience, so make sure you choose wisely. Even though we visited in May, the weather really varied, so pack for all conditions!

Three Days in Xian- Where to Stay?

The Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel

Before we dive into the itinerary, let me just explain how amazing the Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel is. I am in no way affiliated with them, I just think staying here was an experience in itself and one that made our overall visit to Xian great. First off, if budget isn’t a concern for you, then this place is an absolute dream. It is set in an architectural gem with a blend of old and modern.

Located in the perfect spot near all the major attractions, this hotel offers English-speaking staff, stunning facilities including a pool, gym, and beautiful outdoor gardens. Now, here’s the best part- they have a lounge where you can enjoy unlimited cocktails and snacks during specific evening hours. They call it, ‘Happy Hour’ and it sure is a happy time! Just make sure you book the right hotel because there are two Sofitel hotels in Xian.

How to get to Xian? Where is Xian?

Firstly, Xi’an is a city located in China. It is the capital of Shaanxi province and is one of the oldest cities in the country, with a history that dates back more than 3,100 years. Xi’an is situated in the central part of China, in the northwest region.

Getting to Xi’an is relatively easy as it is a major city in China with good transportation connections. Here are some common ways to get to Xi’an:

1. By Air: Xi’an has an international airport, Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY), which is well-connected to many domestic and international destinations. You can fly directly to Xi’an from major cities in China, as well as from some international locations.
2. By Train: Xi’an is well-connected to China’s extensive high-speed railway network. There are high-speed trains (G and D trains) that operate between Xi’an and major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and more. The train journey can be a convenient and scenic way to travel. With train stations in many places, it can be the best way to travel.
3. By Long-Distance Bus: Xi’an has long-distance bus connections with various cities and towns in China. However, this option is usually more time-consuming compared to trains or flights.

Day 1 of The Xian Itinerary:

Arrival and Cycling the Ancient City Wall (Or Walk)

Now, let’s jump into the Xian Itinerary and embark on Day 1. After checking in and sipping on a welcome glass of champagne, I highly recommend heading straight to the renowned Ancient City Wall of Xian. This famous ancient wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is one of the oldest and largest military defence systems that’s still intact. It’s worth mentioning that this large rectangle wall in the middle of Xian is 14KM in length and will take around 3hours to cycle the entire thing. You certainly don’t have to ride a bike and can of course walk. However, the wall length is incredibly long and I would recommend getting a bike.

I think this was one of the best things we did in Xian besides seeing the Terracotta Army. It’s definitely a fun experience and a good way of seeing Xian’s surroundings at your own pace. Cycling around the city wall you can see key landmarks such as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower and stunning views of both the modern and ancient parts of Xian. It’s something not to miss on your China travel list! The best place to enter the wall is at the South Gate, this is where you can buy your entry ticket and head up top for panoramic views.

I do think you need to rent bikes to move around the wall because the length of the wall is too long to walk. However, a friendly warning: stay away from the tandem bikes! They might seem fun, but they’re super uncomfortable and hard to ride. Opt for a single bike instead. To be honest, the single bike I found uncomfortable too, but I think its because im short, so leaning far forward isn’t easy for me.

Top Tips for Visiting the Ancient City Wall

• Opens at 8AM and closes at 11PM (This was the time in May)
• On a hot summers day wear a hat, sunglasses and take water- there is zero shelter on that wall
• There are a few places along the wall that you can buy snacks and water
• A little Chinese comes in handy because no one could speak English on top of the wall
• Wear comfortable shoes because the wall is bumpy
• You can get a lovely view of the sun setting in the evening
• It costs 54RMB to enter the Ancient City Wall

Xian Travel Tips Continued: How to Rent a Bike for an Adventurous Exploration

First off, there are many bike rental places inside the wall and if you live in China, you cannot use Meituan APP to rent a bike from outside the wall. There are also no Meituan bikes inside. The bike rental places work with each other, so you can return your bike to any one of the bike rental places that you pass. To rent a bike, they will charge you per bike, per hour and they recommend you hire it for 3 hours. You also have to pay a deposit that you will get back once you return it. I believe the cost of a single bike was 45RMB and then you had to pay a 100 RMB deposit that you get back once you return the bike. You will see signs in English stating where to get your deposit back from as well.

Evening Dinner and Drinks at Commune to Conclude Day 1

After an exciting bike ride, head to Commune for drinks and food. This restaurant offers a mix of international and local food and will not disappoint. It is right next to the Ancient City Wall, by the water. It is most known for its range of beers that you can get from their huge fridge and western food. We had a juicy burger, calamari and a range of drinks. It is also a great way to see the Ancient City Wall lit up at night and a nice way to conclude Day 1 of Xian.

Day 2 of the Xian Itinerary:

Exploring the Magnificent Terracotta Warriors 

Start your day with an incredible western breakfast at the hotel. Then, hop in a taxi and embark on a one-hour journey outside the city to visit the iconic Terracotta Warriors. When you arrive prepare yourself for many tourists and eager tour guides offering their services. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, no worries! Just follow the signs and descriptions that are in English, or opt to pay for an electronic headset that provides an informative audio guide. Trust me, the admission fee of 120 RMB is absolutely worth it because no photo can capture the awe-inspiring presence of these warriors. It’s like stepping into history and being part of an archaeological wonder.

Why are the Terracotta Warriors so famous?

The Terracotta Army was a huge discovery for China and they were discovered in 1974 by local farmers who were digging to make a well. The terracotta sculptures are a mix of soldiers, horses, and other significant people from that time period. Amazingly, each of the people are unique and the purpose of the creation was to protect the first emperor of China in the afterlife. There are 3 pits, with Pit 1 being the most unearthed and most impressive. They are also one of the 8th Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. A site not to be skipped when travelling China.

What to expect on a tour of the Warriors

Upon entering the site, visitors can explore three distinct pits at the Terracotta Army site. Each pit houses a collection of broken parts of the ancient warriors, which are currently undergoing careful reconstruction. Additionally, there is a small museum displaying historical photos and the tools used during the excavation process.

Exiting the site leads you to a nearby village, where a variety of local food and souvenirs are available. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Liang Pi, a dish of cold noodles with peanut sauce. Souvenirs can be purchased for prices ranging from 30 to 100 RMB.

To make the most of your visit and avoid crowds, it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning and avoid national holidays, which tend to attract larger numbers of tourists.

Day 2 Evening: Experience the Hotels Cocktail and Snack Bar

If you do end up living your best life in this luxurious hotel as part of your Xian tour then make sure you head to the lobby in the evening. They offer a range of different cocktails and bite sized snacks to enjoy, all included in the price. You get 2 hours every evening of your stay and its the perfect way to start any evening! We decided to do this before heading to the famous Muslim Quarter. Interestingly, there is also a mini museum nearby the lobby, which is worth checking out. Many famous people have stayed at this hotel, included the Queen of England! Its a nice little extra during your stay.

Things to do in Xian China – Indulge in Authentic Xian Bites in the Famous Muslim Quarter

You might have heard of the Muslim Quarter before when googling what to eat in Xian. The name Muslim Quarter is unique for China, so I wanted to check it out. This area of Xian is where many Muslims settled when they were travelling east, hence the name. The Quarter is a famous street filled with different foods to try and many souvenirs to buy. If you live in China then you would have come across many of these foods before. One food I would highly recommend though is the meat bun. One of the stalls we went to had slow cooked tender meat in a breaded bun. It was delicious!

We simply walked up and down the street, indulging in various yummy bites to share, and it turned out to be a memorable evening. Additionally, we discovered these delightful little colorful balls filled with gas. When you take a bite, you exhale a puff of smoke. Although they didn’t have much flavor, it was fun to take a bite. That’s the beauty of embarking on your own food tour as you have the freedom to set your own pace and savour whatever catches your fancy.

Another great reason to visit the Muslim Quarter is that you are so very close to the Drum and Bell Towers. The Muslim Quarter is actually behind the north of the Drum Tower and west of the Bell Tower in the centre of Xi’an. These are also on many peoples must see attractions lists- so be sure to check them out as you are wandering around eating delicious street food.

Lastly,  you will also notice a massive metal dragon’s head situated in the middle of the street, with hanging love hearts. If you want to express your affection to a friend, lover, or family member, you can purchase a heart-shaped token from a nearby shop and hang it on the dragon for everyone to see. This charming tradition will serve as a delightful memory of your time in China.

Day 3 of the Xian Itinerary:

Exploring the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Departure

Finally, we arrive at Day 3! Begin your day with another delightful buffet breakfast before embarking on a visit to the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. As a significant symbol of Xian’s rich cultural and religious heritage, this remarkable structure is easily accessible by taxi. Upon arrival, we recommend exploring the historic grounds first, where you’ll find beautiful gardens and locals engaged in music, dance, and the art of sword movements.

To reach the inside, you need to buy a ticket at the front entrance which costs 50 RMB. When you enter you will see the pagoda and if you are lucky, you will see monks practicing inside the temples. Around the back, there are gardens and it’s just a nice peaceful place to explore before heading home.

If you would like to go up the Pagoda itself, you can buy a ticket to it which is just beneath it for an extra 30 RMB.

Lastly, if you have time there is a nearby museum called the Shaanxi History Museum for a deeper understanding of the regions history.

Is Xian Worth Visiting? 

As you can see, in just three days, you can experience an incredible range of attractions and activities in this Xian itinerary. This Xian itinerary showcases not only the renowned Terracotta Warriors but also the city’s abundant offerings beyond that. From indulging in new and authentic culinary delights to exploring ancient landmarks, Xian truly has it all. It’s worth noting that Xian’s touristy spots are conveniently close to each other, easily accessible by taxi. The furthest you’ll need to travel is to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. We value your feedback, so please share in the comments if this guide has been helpful to you and if you’ve incorporated any unique elements into your own exploration.

Please check out my other blog articles to help you plan more of your China adventure! Best Places to Visit in China

Also, if you do want to use a tour company, then China Discovery is a popular choice. I know coming to China can be daunting, and this company can tailor a tour to what you want to see! I am in no way affiliated with this company but just want people to have a good time in China.