Xi'an 3-Day Itinerary

Xi'an 3-Day Itinerary
Photo by Aaron Greenwood / Unsplash

Day 1

8:30-9:30 - From Xi'an North Station to hotel near Bell Tower

  • Take the metro from North Station to a hotel near Bell Tower (convenient location, close to attractions)
  • Check-in and freshen up

10:00-11:00 - Visit Bell Tower / Drum Tower

  • Iconic Xi'an landmarks, perfect for photography
  • Recommend visiting Bell Tower, skip Drum Tower interior

11:30-12:30 - Lunch at Sanguanli Shaanxi Restaurant

  • Authentic local cuisine, famous for their meat sandwich (roujiamo)
  • Great value, highly recommended

13:00-14:00 - Return to hotel for short rest

14:30-16:30 - Terracotta Warriors Museum

  • Take metro to Terracotta Warriors (book tickets in advance)
  • One of the world's most significant archaeological sites

17:20-19:00 - Xi'an City Wall

  • Rent bicycles near the wall, enjoy sunset views while cycling

19:20-20:30 - Dinner at V.Spicy (Qingzhen)

  • Excellent value halal restaurant
  • Fresh ingredients, try their signature spicy dishes

Day 2:

07:00-08:00 - Breakfast at Muslim Quarter

  • Experience local morning food scene
  • Try Xi'an's specialty breakfast items

8:30-9:30 - Small Wild Goose Pagoda

  • Cultural relics exhibition from 18-20th century

10:00-12:00 - Shaanxi History Museum

  • "Ancient Silk Road Treasures" exhibition (book in advance)
  • One of Xi'an's must-visit spots

12:20-15:00 - Lunch and hotel rest

15:30-16:30 - Big Wild Goose Pagoda

  • Take photos outside (entry fee required for interior visit)

18:00-18:20 - North Square Musical Fountain Show

  • Free 10-minute show, quite spectacular

18:30-19:30 - Tang Paradise

  • Experience the night beauty of "Tang Eternal City"

20:00-21:30 - Dinner at Lao Bian Hot Pot (Yuhuamen Branch)

  • Authentic Xi'an-style hot pot
  • Recommend trying tripe and sliced beef

Day 3:

9:00-12:00 - Qianling Mausoleum

  • One of the "Eight Wonders" with impressive historical significance

12:00-13:00 - Lunch: Try biangbiang noodles

13:30-16:30 - Huaqing Palace

  • Famous hot springs with five scenic pools

20:10-22:00 - Tang Dynasty Show

  • Popular evening performance, book in advance

Xi'an Food Recommendations:

  1. Lamb Paomo (Bread in Mutton Soup)
  2. Liangpi (Cold Noodles)
  3. Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
  4. V.Spicy Restaurant (Halal)
  5. Sanguanli Shaanxi Restaurant (near Bell Tower)
  6. Lao Bian Hot Pot (Yuhuamen Branch)

This itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of Xi'an's historical sites, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Remember to book tickets in advance for popular attractions and shows.

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