Xian, China 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Xi’an, China

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Arrival: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main gateway to the city. Taxis and airport shuttle buses are available for transportation.

  • Accommodation: Recommended hotels in downtown Xi’an: Grand Hyatt Xian, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square, or Shangri-La Hotel Xian.

  • Activities: Stroll around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, visit the Muslim Quarter for local food and souvenirs.

  • Dinner: Try local specialties such as Roujiaomo (Xi’an Lamb Burger) or Goubuli Baozi (traditional steamed buns) in the Muslim Quarter.

Day 2: Ancient City Wall & Terracotta Warriors

  • Morning: Visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. You can bike or walk along it for a panoramic view of Xi’an.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. It’s about 1.5 hours by bus from the city center. Don’t forget to book tickets in advance online to avoid long queues!

  • Dinner: Qingzhou Bean Paste Noodles (Liangpi) is a must-try for dinner, available at many restaurants around the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Day 3: Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Shaanxi History Museum

  • Morning: Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding garden in Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a wealth of historical relics from China’s ancient dynasties.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Chinese hotpot dinner at Chuan Ban Yuan or Lao Sheng Jia (Old Sheng’s Family).

Day 4: Tang Dynasty Show & Banquet

  • Evening: Experience the Tang Dynasty Dance Show, which showcases the culture and traditions of Xi’an during the Tang Dynasty. The show is usually followed by a traditional Tang Dynasty banquet.

Day 5: Huluguan Mosque & Great Mosque

  • Morning: Visit the Huimin Street (Huimin Jie), also known as Muslim Street, which offers a variety of Middle Eastern and local cuisines. Don’t miss the famous Xi’an Pizza (Cao Cao)!

  • Afternoon: Explore the Huluguan Mosque and the Great Mosque, both are significant Islamic architecture landmarks in Xi’an.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of the many riverside restaurants along the Bell Tower Square.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your flight schedule. Don’t forget to pick up some terracotta warriors souvenirs!

  • Departure: Head back to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for your departure. If you have a late flight, you can visit the nearby Forest of Stupas for a peaceful end to your trip.