2-Day Xi’an Tour from Beijing by High-Speed Train
Tour Overview
Only have two days for Xi’an while staying in Beijing? Yes, two days are enough to see Xi’an’s highlights if you travel by high-speed train and follow our well-planned itinerary below.
Stand before the Terracotta Army first and see ranks upon ranks of warriors, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. Step onto the well-preserved ancient city wall. Stroll or cycle along the ramparts, looking down over the moat and narrow old-city lanes, then out toward Xi’an’s modern skyline. Later, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where Tang-style architecture and centuries of Buddhist heritage are on full display.
It’s a short trip, but one that takes you from Xi’an’s ancient past into the pulse of the living city.
Travel destinations: Beijing, Xi’an
Suitable for: Culture & History Lovers, City Explorers, First-Time Visitors
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Beijing – Xi’an
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High-speed train to Xi’an, Xi’an City Wall strolling or cycling, Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square, Muslim Quarter food, Datang Everbright City night view
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2
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Xi’an – Beijing
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Terracotta Army, Daci’en Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, evening high-speed train back to Beijing
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Highlights of this tour:
Look closer at the Terracotta Army across the vast excavation pits where you’ll see thousands of terracotta warriors and horses arranged in military formation. Focus on the details — differences in facial features, hairstyles, armor, and dress reveal soldiers of different ranks and roles.
Travel along one of China’s best-preserved ancient city walls, with the moat below, old-city streets inside the walls, and Xi’an’s modern skyline stretching beyond them.
Discover the story behind the Big Wild Goose Pagoda inside the Ci’en Temple and learn how this Tang-Dynasty landmark became closely linked with the monk Xuanzang, the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India, and their translation in Xi’an.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Beijing to Xi'an by High-speed TrainExplore Xi'an's City Wall, Old Quarter & Local Food
In the morning, your private driver will pick you up from your Beijing hotel and transfer you to Beijing West Railway Station. Please take an early high-speed train around 7:00 a.m., so you have enough time to explore Xi'an after arrival.
Note: The exact departure time depends on ticket availability, and the journey usually takes around 4–5 hours.
After meeting your Xi'an tour guide, transfer to the city and begin your sightseeing.
Your first glimpse of Xi’an’s history comes at the Xi’an City Wall. The wall stretches about 13.7 kilometers around the old city, making it one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Walk along the top and see how old and new Xi'an coexist side by side. If you'd rather cover more ground, rent a bicycle (optional, extra fee) and cycle along the wall. Below, the moat traces the old city's outline, while beyond it, traditional neighborhoods gradually give way to the modern city.
Our customers on Xi'an City Wall in February From here, continue to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. The Bell Tower stands at the heart of Xi'an and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Walk over to the nearby Drum Tower, and you'll soon find yourself at the entrance to the Muslim Quarter.
The Muslim Quarter is bustling, aromatic, and packed with food. Wander through the streets without sticking to a fixed route — just follow whatever catches your attention, from sizzling food stalls to cozy local restaurants. Try roujiamo (often called a Chinese hamburger), liangpi (cold skin noodles), and fried persimmon cakes, or choose a restaurant that looks good for dinner at your own expense.
Optional Activity:
You may continue to Datang Everbright City after dinner. In the evening, the pedestrian area is illuminated with Tang-style buildings, sculptures, and themed displays, and street performances are often held at different locations along the avenue. Take a walk through the area, watch any scheduled performances, and enjoy the evening atmosphere before returning to your hotel.
- Day 2: Xi'an Back to Beijing by High-speed TrainDiscover Xi'an's Qin and Tang Heritage
Check out of your hotel and drive about one hour to the Terracotta Army. Explore the three main excavation pits, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
Begin with Pit No. 1, the largest of the three, where you'll grasp the scale of the Qin Dynasty’s underground army. Row after row of terracotta warriors stand in formation alongside war chariots and the horses.
Continue to Pit No. 2 to admire infantry, cavalry, archers, and chariot units arranged in a more complex military formation. Then visit the much smaller Pit No. 3, generally interpreted as the command center of the terracotta army. Your guide will explain what the different formations reveal about Qin military organization and how the Terracotta Army was constructed more than 2,000 years ago.
After the visit, have lunch near the scenic area before heading back toward downtown Xi'an.
Visit Daci'en Temple in the afternoon, where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda has stood since the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Learn about the connection between the pagoda, the monk Xuanzang, and the translation of Buddhist scriptures.
Then it's time to head to Xi'an North Railway Station. Your departure time will depend on the train schedule, but you'll arrive well before departure and have some time to have dinner and wait for your evening high-speed train back to Beijing. (The exact train number will be confirmed once your ticket is issued.)
Upon arrival at Beijing West Railway Station, meet your driver and transfer back to your hotel.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation for This 2-day Beijing to Xi'an Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
