Written by Ivy Dong |
For tourists who have 3 days in Xian, you can cover most highlights of the city. The key issue is how to plan the itinerary reasonably.
As the former capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history and the eastern departure point of the Silk Road, Xian offers plenty of historical and cultural attractions to discover, such as the world-famous Terracotta Army. Besides, diverse delicacies are waiting for you, like paomo and roujiamo.
To ensure you enjoy a perfect Xi’an tour, this article shares top attractions and experiences, recommended itineraries and practical travel information, like transportation guide and accommodation advice.
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- What to See and Do?
- 3 Days Itinerary
- Practical Travel Information
- Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Travel with China Xian Tour
What to See and Do During Your 3 Days in Xi’an?
If you are planning a 3-day trip in Xi’an, the following attractions and experiences are highly recommended.
Iconic Attractions in Downtown Xi’an
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: aka Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The famous Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang once translated Buddhist scriptures in this 7-storey pagoda. Visitors can ascend the pagoda (with an additional fee) to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The music fountain show in the north square is another highlight there.
- City Wall: An impressive military structure dating from the Ming Dynasty, the Xiāan City Wall is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Here, visitors can glimpse the ancient warfare of China firsthand and enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride while admiring the historic charm of old Xiā
- Bell & Drum Towers: Located in the heart of Xian, these two Ming Dynasty towers are 5 minutesāĀ walk from each other. They once served as the timekeeping centers of ancient Xiāan, featuring intricate carvings, wooden structures, flying eaves, and traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics. The area is particularly enchanting at night when the lights are illuminated. Visitors can either ascend the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city center or just take some pictures from the surrounding square.
- Muslim Quarter: As the most famousĀ food street in Xi’an, the Muslim Quarter offers a variety of delicious snacks and local specialties. Our top recommended food here includes lamb and beef paomo, roujiamo, cold noodles, pomegranate juice, etc. It is a gathering place of the Hui people, thus also featuring a distinct ethnic charm besides food. The Great Mosque in the quarter is a highlight of its Islamic culture.
- Datang Everbright City: A free Tang-style block famous for its night view. After dark, the antique architecture on both sides are illuminated and various street performances come onto the stage along the street, making you feel like travelling back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Unmissable Attractions Near Xi’an
- Terracotta Army: Located about 47 km from Xian Downtown, it is often referred to as āthe Eighth Wonder in the Worldā. The unmissable highlights are the three burial pits housing over 8,000 life-sized warriors, horses.
- Mount Hua: About 120 kilometers from Xiāan, Mount Hua is one of the Five Great Mountains in China. It is known for its steep and perilous terrain, hence earning the title āThe Most Dangerous Mountain in the Worldā. Besides, there are numerous ancient temples and shrines on the mountain. You can take a cable car to make the trip easier.
Recommended Cultural Experiences & Activities to Add to Your Xian Itinerary
- Dumpling Banquet: Each dumpling is in a unique shape, with stuffings ranging from sea cucumbers, chicken, duck, seasonal vegetables and even fruits. The flavors are also various, including tomato sauce, spicy, fish-flavored, sweet and sour, curry, etc.
- Live-action performance: The Everlasting Regret performance in Huaqing Palace tells the epic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Concubine Yang Yuhuan in the Tang Dynasty. Its stage is backed by Lishan Mountain and surrounded by the lake. Other famous performances include the Romantic Show of Xian and the Great Qin.
- Traditional Chinese clothes experience:Ā You can find numerous traditional Chinese clothes stores near the scenic spots including Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which offer clothing rental and makeup service. So you can choose the one you like to try on and take photos as souvenirs.
- Intangible cultural heritage experience:Chinese shadow puppetry is a kind of folk drama whose characters are made of animal skins or cardboard, and it is performed by projecting characters onto a screen with lights. You can appreciate it in Gaoās Grand Courtyard in Muslim Quarter and Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Make your own terracotta warriors: In a factory or workshop near Terracotta Army Museum, you can make a mini replica of terracotta warriors under the guidance of a craftsman. It will be an exclusive souvenir for you.
- Home-cooked Shaanxi Cuisine: Step into a local family and learn to cook local specialties from the owner, such as biangbiang noodles and dumplings. You can also experience the authentic local life during the visit.
- Learn to practice Tai Chi: In the park at the foot of City Wall, learn some simple moves from a master to feel the unique charm of Chinese martial arts. You will be surprised to find that this seemingly slow exercise can actually make your heart race and you sweat profusely.
- Explore the Xicang Morning Market: Without exquisite decorations, this market is famous for its lively atmosphere. Here, varieties of goods can be found, including birds, flowers, antiques, daily items and snacks. Just immerse yourself in the localsā morning routine.
3 Days Itinerary in Xi’an
Itinerary A ā Xi’an 3-day Itinerary with Terracotta Army, Mt. Hua, and City Center Highlights
ThisĀ is a full-three-day trip in Xian. Youāll need to arrive at Xian one day in advance or in the early morning, as the tour will start in the morning on day 1.
Day 1 |
Terracotta Warriors āĀ City Wall āĀ Giant Wild Goose PagodaĀ ā DatangĀ Everbright City |
Day 2 |
Mt. Huashan |
Day 3 |
Xian Museum āĀ SmallĀ Wild Goose PagodaĀ ā Bell & Drum Tower ā Muslim Quarter |
Day 1:Ā Terracotta Warriors + City Wall + Ā Giant Wild Goose Pagoda +Ā Datang Everbright City
We recommend showing up at the Terracotta Warriors before 8:30 AM when it opens to escape the large crowds. Marvel at the lifelike terracotta warriors and horses there. After the visit, enjoy yourĀ lunch either outside Terracotta Army or when you go back to the city center.
Move on to the City Wall in theĀ downtown areaĀ and get around by bike or on foot. It is advisedĀ to ascend the wall from the South Gate where most of the main attractions within the wall are located.
Continue to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the Daciāen Temple. It features Asiaās largest music fountain show in the north square and many Tang Dynasty-style architecture. You can also ascend the pagoda and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Walk to the nearby Datang Everbright City, a large-scale Tang-style block. It is popular to rent a Tang Dynasty costume for a photo shoot here.
Day 2: Mt. Huashan Full Day Trip
Considering the long distance from the downtown Xian to Mount Hua, it is suggested to get up early at around 7:00 AM today. Take a high-speed train from Xian North Railway Station to Huashanbei Station, which will take about 0.5 hours. Spend about 7 hours hiking on the mountain and get back to Xian in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Xian Museum + Small Wild Goose Pagoda +Ā Bell & Drum Tower +Ā Muslim Quarter
Xian Museum houses rich relics from important dynasties in Chinese history, such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. It usually sees far fewer visitors, offering you an immersive experience. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is right next to the museum. You can walk there directly.
After that, head to Bell and Drum Tower located in the city center. Both are built in the Ming Dynasty to telling the time. You can ascend the towers to get close to the details of ancient architecture and overlook the city.
Finally, walk to the nearbyĀ Muslim QuarterĀ to seek local food and experienceĀ theĀ vibrant street atmosphere.
Itinerary B ā Xiāan 3-day Itinerary to Terracotta Army & Attractions in City Center
This less intense itinerary is for people who arrive in Xiāan in the afternoon or evening on day 1. TheĀ itinerary forĀ following two daysĀ is the same as Day 1 and Day 3 of Itinerary 1. Considering short duration, it removes Mount Hua and mainly focus on Terracotta Army and attractions in the city center.
Day 1 |
Xian Arrival |
Day 2 |
Terracotta Warriors āĀ City Wall āĀ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda ā Datang Everbright City |
Day 3 |
Xian Museum āĀ Small Wild Goose Pagoda ā Bell & Drum Tower ā Muslim Quarter |
If you travel with us, our local guide will introduce the stories and historyĀ of these scenic spots to ensure an in-depth experience. We can also arrangeĀ some experience activities, such asĀ learning the production process of terracotta warriors and makingĀ your own miniatureĀ with the help of a local master.
If you want to experience the fast high-speed train and explore the nearby cities, here are the recommended 2-day routes:
2 Days Best Luoyang Tour with Local Experts
2 Days Best Pingyao Tour from Beijing by High-speed Train
Practical Travel Information for a 3-day Xian Itinerary
How to Get to Xiāan?
By Plane
If you travel to Xian from relatively far cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc., taking a direct flight is faster than a high-speed train. Xian Xianyang International Airport is the only airport inside the city.
To travel between the airport and the downtown area, there are multiple shuttle bus lines available with the travel time ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours. Another choice is to take Metro Line 14 first and then transfer to Metro Line 2 or 4, a single journey takes about 1.5 hours. Also, you can take a taxi, which needs about 50 minutes.
By High-speed Train
The well-developed high-speed rail network makes it also convenient to travel to Xian by high-speed train. It is especially recommended for tourists from nearby citiesĀ for its convenience (no need to commute to the airport in suburban areas) and scenic scenery along the way.
The Xian Railway Station is located in the city center, and Xian North Railway Station is connected to the city center by Metro Line 2 and 4 and various bus lines. >>Ā How to Travel around Xian?
Travel Distances & Times to Xi’an from Nearby Cities
Cities |
Distance |
By Flight |
By High-speed Train |
Beijing ā Xiāan |
1,069 km |
2.5 h |
4 h20 m |
Chengdu ā Xiāan |
755 km |
1.5 h |
3.5 h |
Chongqing ā Xiāan |
708 km |
1.5 h |
5.5 h |
Shanghai ā Xiāan |
1,379 km |
2.5 h |
7 h |
Guangzhou ā Xiāan |
1,679 km |
3 h |
9.5 h |
How to Travel around
By Metro
The metro network in Xian covers all the majorĀ scenic spotsĀ and transportation hubs, so it is the most efficient way to travel around. You can either scan the WeChat or Alipay Transport Code or buy a metro card on site to take the metro. Below are the key lines and stations for the major scenic spots inside the city.
- Bell and Drum Tower: metro line 2 or 6, Zhonglou Station
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: metro line 3, Dayanta Station
- City Wall: metro line 2, Yongningmen Station
- Xian Museum: metro line 2 or 5, Nanshaomen Station
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
In China, Didi app is widely used to call a taxi or ride-hailing car. It is similar to Uber. To facilitate international travelers, the app is equipped with an English interface and supports Visa and MasterCard. If you only travel inside the city, the cost basically ranges from CNY 20 – 60.
Special Case: Transportation to Terracotta Army and Mount Hua
Both attractions can not be reached by metro. Here are the detailed guides.
To Terracotta Army:Ā Take metro line 9 to Huaqingchi Station and then transfer to bus line 602 or 613 to get there.
To Mount Hua: Take a high-speed train from Xi’an North to Huashan North Train Station. Then take a free shuttle bus to the tourist center at the station exit.
Where to Stay in Xian
- Near the Bell and Drum Towers:Ā
Pros: right in the city center, the best-connected metro lines, abundant food options.
Recommended hotel: Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower Hotel: only 5 – 10 minutesāĀ walk away from Bell and Drum Towers and Muslim Quarter; near the Zhonglou Station on Metro Lines 2 and 6, providing direct access to major attractions and train stations.
- Near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda:
Pros:Ā most beautiful nightscapes, rich in historical landmarks, two metro lines.Ā This area is close to the Datang Everbright City and the largest musical fountain show in Asia.
Recommended hotel:Ā The Westin Xiāan: A global five-star hotel chain; next to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Datang Everbright City; the Qujiang Art Museum is located on the basement floor and is free to guests
- Near the Ancient City Wall:
Pros:Ā quieter and more peaceful, connectedĀ to other major attractionsĀ by metro.
Recommended Hotels: Xian Daling Castle Hotel: Ancient Tang-style design; only 2 minutesāĀ walk to the metro station; some rooms offer a direct view of the performances in City Wall.
Xian Travel Tips
- Book tickets for popular sites in advance as manyĀ attractions in Xian, such as the Terracotta Army and Xian Museum, implement visitor caps during peak tourist seasons.
- If you arrive in Xian by train, it is advised to choose either Xian Railway Station or Xian North Railway Station, as they are directly connected to the city center via Metro Lines 2 and 4. Xiāan South Railway Station is not a good choice since it is far from the city center.
- TheĀ 240 hour (10 days) visa-free policy is published in Shaanxi Province, which is applicable toĀ 54 countries including America, Canada, UK. With this visa-free policy, you can travel in 24 provinces in China and leave from any applicable port all over China.
- For your convenience, it is recommended to prepare a note or card in advance to record the Chinese names of the hotel and important scenic spots for taking a taxi and asking for directions.
FAQs about 3-day Itinerary in Xian
Where to go shopping in Xian to save time for tourists on a 3-day vacation?
Bell Tower Business Circle and Datang Everbright City Business Circle are the most recommended areas for shopping. Both are near the attractions, allowing you to buy souvenirs during the visit without taking extra time. Besides, abundant options are available, such as fridge magnets, silk products, POPMART, DJI.
Are there English signs and information available at the major tourist attractions?
Yes. There are plenty of foreign tourists in Xian every year, so most major tourist attractions are equipped with English signs and information to improve the travel experience.
Plan Your Memorable Xian Trip with China Xian Tour
As a hot tourism city, Xian seems to be in peak tourist season all year round. So the problem tourists face during the tour is that it is quite difficult to book a ticket of these scenic spots.Ā China Xian TourĀ can help you buy in advance to save yourĀ trouble. It is highly recommended to travel with us, because we can also tailor a trip and arrange all the things based on your needs, including arranging a guide and reserving the hotel. So contact us now to plan yourĀ Xian trip.
