Xian, China 7 Day Itinerary

Xi’an 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Ancient City

Day 1: Arrival and Terracotta Warriors

  • Arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. Transfer to your hotel (recommended: Grand New World Hotel or similar).
  • Afternoon visit: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see, showcasing over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses crafted for the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
  • Evening: Explore the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try local delicacies like Roujiaomo (Chinese pulled pork), Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns) and Xi’an’s famous Street Food street.

Day 2: City Wall and Bell Tower

  • Morning: Visit the ancient City Wall, one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. You can rent a bike or walk along the top for beautiful views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, both iconic structures that are great for photos. Don’t miss the bell striking ceremony at the Bell Tower in the mornings.
  • Evening: Stroll around the charming Bell & Drum Tower Area for dinner, where you can find various restaurants offering local and international cuisines.

Day 3: Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum

  • Morning: Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square, a Buddhist pagoda built in 709 AD. You can also climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi’an.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum, home to over 370,000 cultural relics dating from the Old Stone Age to the modern era.
  • Evening: Relax at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square or stroll along the Bell & Drum Tower Area for dinner.

Day 4: Tang Dynasty Show and Banquet

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk on the Ancient City Wall. Visit the Forest of Steles Museum in the afternoon.
  • Evening: Attend the Tang Dynasty Show with an authentic banquet. Experience traditional music, dance, costumes, and enjoy a taste of the Tang Dynasty cuisine.

Day 5: Hanyangling Mausoleum and Banpo Museum

  • Morning: Visit Hanyangling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Jingdi, the fourth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Banpo Museum, showcasing the excavated Neolithic Age site of the Banpo Matriarchal Village.
  • Evening: Enjoy a peaceful dinner at one of the riverside restaurants near Banpo Museum.

Day 6: Qianling Mausoleum and Tang Paradise

  • Day trip to Qianling Mausoleum, the mausoleum of Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.
  • Afternoon: Visit Tang Paradise for a taste of life during the Tang Dynasty. Enjoy traditional performances, try local Tang cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.
  • Evening: Return to Xi’an city, have dinner at leisure in the Bell & Drum Tower Area or Muslim Quarter.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last morning at leisure, shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions you may have missed.
  • Transfer to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit is from March to November when the weather is pleasant.
  • English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn a few basic Chinese phrases or hire a guide.
  • Xi’an Metro system can be a convenient way to get around the city.
  • Always carry cash as many shops and street vendors do not accept credit cards.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques.
  • Enjoy your trip!