Top 5 Xi'an Itineraries: Highlights & Travel Tips

In Xi'an, one of China's most ancient cities, history and modern life blend seamlessly here. From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the bustling Muslim Quarter, every corner of Xi'an tells a story waiting to be discovered.

This guide will show you the 5 best ways to experience Xi'an, ensuring you make the most of your trip whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker. Let's dive into it and find out your favourite route to Xi'an.

A group of Terracotta Warriors

3 Days Itinerary - Classical Xi'an Tour

Shadow Puppet Show in Grand Gao's Mansion

Basically, three days can visit the major attractions in Xi'an and get a good feel for the city's rich history and culture. The itinerary below covers key attractions at a comfortable pace. If you're short on time, two days can still cover the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, and Muslim Quarter.

Keywords: First China tour, short trip to Xi'an

Insider Tips:

• Avoiding peak hours at the Terracotta Warriors. The ticket to Terracotta Warriors Museum covers two sites: the Museum of the Terracotta Army and the chariot museum at Lishan Garden. In the morning, the museum is usually very crowded, so it's recommended to visit Lishan Garden first in the morning and then go to the Terracotta Warriors Museum in the afternoon for a more comfortable experience.
• Cycling the Xi'an City Wall is a popular way to experience this ancient architecture. Bicycles can be rented at different gates and returned at any designated service points along the wall. If you are traveling in summer, the best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more pleasant. There are many shows in different gates, If you are lucky, you can watch the shows and take photos with the actors which is in ancient dress.
• If you're traveling with a guide, you will easily understand the cultural background of shadow puppets and the story it tells. Because there're no English subtitles and no official narrators. Apart from the show, there's a teahouse in Gao's Grand Courtyard. You can enjoy traditional Chinese tea there after watching the shadow puppet show.
• Don't expect to find pork in the Muslim Quarter. As the name suggests, the area is home to and run by Muslim residents, who do not eat or sell pork. Therefore, it's best not to ask for pork-related dishes when visiting the Muslim Quarter.
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5 Days in Xi'an - Authentic Tour with Family Visiting

Bell Tower in Xi'an

If you have a longer holiday, you can spend a few more days for a deeper exploration in Xi'an. This itinerary includes immersive cultural experiences, such as a local family visit and a Hanfu experience. Additionally, the 5-day duration is covered by the 10-day visa-free transit period. You can visit Xi'an without applying for a visa if you're from 54 eligible countries.

Keywords: In-depth Xi'an tour, immersive experience

Insider Tips:

• Trying a Hanfu Experience will bring you more immersive experience. The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are perfect spots for Hanfu photography. It's highly recommended to take Hanfu photos at night, as the Drum Tower and Bell Tower are beautifully illuminated. If you have extra time, consider visiting Tang Paradise, where the Tang-style gardens and night views make for an amazing backdrop for your photos.
• Visiting a local family can help you understand Chinese local culture better. Xi'an people are friendly and kind and would love to share the stories of their family or Xi'an. Also, they will teach you some simple Chinese dishes, such as preparing the dough and fillings dumplings. If you don't cook, the host will prepare the meal for you. All the dishes are home-cooked.
• Enjoy the evening fountain show at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. If you plan to visit this pagoda, it's best to go in the afternoon. After exploring, you can have dinner nearby and then enjoy the stunning light, music, and fountain show at night. After the show, the area gets very crowded, making it difficult to catch a bus or find a taxi. If you have a private car service, it will save you the hassle.
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Adventure with Mount Huashan

The amazing Mount Huashan

This route is designed for nature enthusiasts. In addition to cultural attractions in Xi'an like the Terracotta Army, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter, you will hike Mount Huashan, one of China's Five Great Mountains.

If you have spare time, consider exploring the ecological beauty near the Qinling Mountains, and marveling at the spectacular Hukou Waterfall, the second-largest waterfall in China.

Keywords: Nature view, cultural landmark

Insider Tips:

• Try to take private cars when traveling. Mount Hua and other great places for adventure in Shaanxi Province, like the Qinling Mountains, Hukou Waterfall, are relatively far apart from downtown Xi'an. We can arrange private car transfers for you, saving you the hassle of waiting for a taxi while providing a private space and avoiding crowds of trains and buses.
• Pack some clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Bring sportswear and non-slip, waterproof shoes. In winter, bring extra thick and warm clothing, as temperatures on the summit of Mount Hua can be very low.
• Taking cable cars to ascend and descend Mt. Hua will make your trip easier. Huashan has five peaks and various hiking routes. The most recommended and easiest route is to take the Xifeng (West Peak) cable car to the most scenic West Peak and take the cable car back down after exploring.
• It's not recommended to stay the night on Mount Hua. Because accommodation on Mount Hua is limited. Most rooms are like dormitory with multiple beds, or similar to capsule hotels with individual small pods.
• Visit Great Tang all Day Mall at night for traditional performances. This mall is filled with Tang-style architecture, sculptures, and cultural elements. At night, there will be more than 10 cultural shows, including Chinese calligraphy, parades, and dancing.

Recommended Extensions:

• Qinling Area: Qinling Four Treasures Science Park; Qinling Botanical Garden
• Hukou Waterfall
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Discover Chinese Kung Fu - Xi'an & Luoyang

Watch a Kung Fu Show at Shaolin Temple

If you're interested in the Chinese kung fu, Xi'an and Luoyang in Henan Province are good options to visit. Both Xi'an and Luoyang served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. They took turns serving as the imperial capital for in the Tang Dynasty, each leaving behind precious cultural heritage. Plus, there are several interesting activities on this tour, such as making a clay Terracotta Warrior and Kung Fu lesson. Both of them are popular among all ages.

Keywords: Chinese history; kung fu

Insider Tips:

• Take bullet trains rather than flights. Xi'an and Luoyang are relatively close, and taking a bullet train takes only about an hour and a half, making it more convenient than flying.
• Be sure to listen to a guide at the Shaanxi History Museum. To better understand the history behind the artifacts, it is highly recommended to listen to a guided tour. Our guides are highly knowledgeable about the museum's exhibits and can fluently answer your questions in English.
• Install a translation app on your phone if you're travelling alone. It's worth mentioning that English is not as widely spoken in Luoyang as in major tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an.
• Don't add Laojun Mountain into your Luoyang itinerary. Laojun Mountain is located in the southwest of Luoyang and has a rich Taoist cultural background. However, to visit this mountain, you'll need a Chinese/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan passport.
• Relax about learning Kung Fu. The Kung Fu class is not difficult and will teach you some basic moves. The instructor will demonstrate the movements for you and help you adjust your posture.
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A Glimpse of China: Beijing & Xi'an Culture Tour

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda at night

Beijing and Xi'an are among the most recommended cities to visit in China. Both have a rich historical and cultural background, allowing you to experience the essence of Chinese history. They are also friendly to first-time visitors to China.

Transportation between these two cities is simple - taking a 5-hour bullet train. In China, most of the train stations are in the downtown area. It often takes within an hour to check in.

Keywords: first trip to China, historical exploration

Insider Tips:

• Book in advance. Many attractions in Beijing require reservations, such as the Forbidden City. Additionally, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an also require advance booking. If you're worried about not being able to secure reservations, you can contact us to help plan your itinerary and make the necessary bookings, ensuring you a worry-free trip.
• Get to the Temple of Heaven earlier for Tai Chi Class. In the morning, many locals exercise in the Temple of Heaven Park. If you visit the park in early morning, you can join them in activities like practicing Tai Chi or dancing in the square.
• Be aware of the ingredients of food. Xi'an has many delicious foods made from wheat flour. If you have celiac disease, be sure to ask about the ingredients before purchasing or communicate with your tour guide to arrange suitable meals for you.
• Consider visiting Mutianyu Great Wall but not Badaling Great Wall. Because it's too popular among domestic visitors and might be crowded. Relatively, you may add Summer Palace on the same day if you still have spare time after your Great Wall tour.
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Plan Your Xi'an Tour Today

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible food, Xi'an offers an unforgettable journey through time. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy a hassle-free adventure. Tailor your trip with us today with a click or write to trip@odynovotours.com and get ready to explore one of China's most captivating destinations!