Xi’an Urban Sightseeing Buses: All Lines with Ticket Prices

Written by Veronica |

With thousands years of history and fascinating traditional culture, the ancient capital of Xi’anĀ is a must-visit destination on your first trip to China. For your XianĀ tours, the urban sightseeing buses is a great way to explore the city in depth. You can take these buses to the famous attractions in Xi’an, including the mighty Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the fascinating Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the city walls of Ming Dynasty and the grand Daming Palace. Get on and off the bus at the stops to experience yourself Xi’an’s historical charm and local cuisine.

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Sightseeing Bus Line 1: Welcome to Chang’an (åøøę„é•æå®‰1å·ēŗæ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Morning Departure Timetable: 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00;
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00
  • Duration: about 2.5-3 hours
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area – Shaanxi History Museum – Xiaozhai SEG Shopping Center – Xi’an SKP – Xi’an City Wall – Yisu Theatre Cultural District – Drum Tower – Bell Tower – Shaanxi Cuisine Museum – Daming Palace National Heritage Park – Hanguang Gate Museum – Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi’an Museum) – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area

“Welcome to Chang’an” city bus offers tourists a thrilling Xian city tour, as it includes stops close to some of the most famous sights in the city. Depending on traffic, the whole trip takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. You can buy a one-day pass and ride on the bus to explore Xi’an’s history and culture from the Tang Dynasty to the present day with only CNY 49.9. From 9:30 to 17:00, the bus runs every 30 minutes from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, which is the line’s first and last stops.

Xian Sightseeing Bus Line 1
Xian Sightseeing Bus Line 1 at Shaanxi History Museum

Major Attractions on City Bus Line 1

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A historic Buddhist pagoda along the Silk Road, with priceless Indian artifacts. The pagoda, Da Ci’en Temple, and a large square with a musical fountain are all part of it.

Shaanxi History Museum: The most important museum in Xian and China, it showcase Shaanxi’s civilization with 370,000 exhibits, and features bronze wares, pottery, and a special Tang Dynasty section.

SAGA International Shopping Center: where you can shop with global brands, local specialty goods, foods, and have a view of the city wall and moat.

Xi’an SKP (Shopping Center): An modern and upscale mall in Xian with international luxury brands, art exhibits, and a rooftop garden.

City Wall:Ā The best-kept ancient city wall in China, dating back to Tang Dynasty. It is home to South Gate Square and the City Wall Museum. You can have leisurely strolls, bicycling, and scenic tours.

Yisu Theatre Cultural District: A great place to experience both the tradition and modernity of Xian, with a range of performances, galleries, and local snacks.

Drum Tower: It was built in Ming Dynasty with ancient drums. You can expect occasional drum shows here.

Bell Tower: An iconic historical landmark in Xian, it was also built in Ming Dynasty building. You can still hear the bell-ringing of this giant bell.

Xi’an Restaurant: Time for your lunch or dinnder! Get out of the bus for this restaurant to enjoy authentic Shaanxi cuisine, especially its variety of dumplings, noodles, and local dishes.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park: You may have some cultural experiences at this vast historical park, where there are restored buildings replicating Tang Dynasty grandeur.

Hanguang Gate: It is a site of a significant Tang Dynasty battle, and showcase that era’s military history.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi’an Museum): Another famous Buddhist pagoda in Xian, but smaller. Don’t miss the music bell show at the museum.

Xian Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Sightseeing Bus Line 2: The Unsurpassed Beauty of Qujiang (ę›²ę±Ÿé£ŽåŽ2å·ēŗæ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Morning Departure Timetable: 10:15, 12:15
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable:14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15
  • Duration: about one hour
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Qujiang Pool Relic Park – Tang Paradise – Great Tang All Day Mall – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

ThisĀ urban busĀ traversesĀ the Qujiang areaĀ of Xian, with a blend of natural beauty and Tang Dynasty cultural treasures, showcased through the Qujiang Pool Relic Park, Tang Paradise, and the Great Tang All Day Mall. Operating from 10:15 to 18:15, with trips leaving every two hours from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as the first and last stop, a one-day pass costs CNY 49.9. If there is no traffic, the entire trip takes about an hour.

Sightseeing Bus Line 3 & 4: Attractive Night View of Ancient Chang’an (é•æå®‰ä¹‹å¤œ 3å·ēŗæ & 4å·ēŗæ)

Line 3:

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Evening Departure Timetable: 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Shaanxi History Museum – Xi’an SKP (Shopping Center) – Bell Tower – City Wall
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2h

Line 4:

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 17:30;
  • Evening Departure Timetable:Ā 18:00, 18:30, 18:00
  • A;; Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Shaanxi History Museum – Xi’an SKP (Shopping Center) – Bell Tower – City Wall
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2h
Xian City Wall bike ride
Ride a bicycle on the City Wall

The stunning night view is one of the highlights of your travel in Xian. Xi’an Urban Night Sightseeing Buses – Lines 3 & 4 showcase the illuminated beauty of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Bell Tower, and City Wall, casting a colorful and captivating glow on these historical and cultural landmarks, now modern symbols of Xi’an.

Get a one-day pass that allows you to ride all four city sightseeing bus lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4) for just CNY 49.9. Take advantage of the freedom to get on and off at any stop whenever it suits you, as each one offers a 5–10 minute break for exploration. Travelers can receive assistance from on-board guides.

A delightful way to take in the city’s charm at night is to take advantage of Line 3, which runs from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Line 4, which operates from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Special Museum Line (åšē‰©é¦†å· åŸŽåø‚č§‚å…‰č½¦åšē‰©é¦†äø“ēŗæ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • Departure Timetable: From Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. Ā From Bell Tower and Drum Tower: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30.
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Shaanxi History Museum – Xi’an Museum – Xi’an Tang Hanguang Gate Museum – Xi’an Beilin Museum – Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Xian boasts some of the best museums in China, and this city sightseeing bus is especially for you to explore the rich cultural and historical relics of. This Special Museum Line connects the famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two of Xian’s most notable landmarks, with six museums that display artifacts and relics from different historical dynasties of China. You can explore the exhibits at your own pace by having the freedom to get on and off the bus at any stop. You can use the bus whenever you want during operating hours with a CNY 49.9 one-day pass.

Shaanxi History Museum Xian
Shaanxi History Museum

Tourist Bus Line 5 (the previous No. 306) 脿安游5 (306č·Æ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 2 to 5
  • Departure Timetable: from 7:00 in the morning to 19:00 in the evening with an interval of 30-40minutes
  • Duration: about 1 hour

Travelers love this bus route because it goes to the renowned Terracotta Army Museum, a remarkable archaeological discovery. See life-size clay soldiers and horses buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, more than 2,000 years ago. The 22,780 square meter museum is comprised of three pits and an exhibition hall.

Starting from Fangzhicheng Coach Station and concluding at the Terracotta Army Museum, the route covers 11 stops, including attractions like Huaqing Pool, a historical hot spring resort once an imperial palace, and the Lintong Campus of Xi’an Polytechnic University, a modern institution with a history spanning over 60 years. Ticket prices range from CNY 2 to 5 based on distance, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, running every 30 minutes.

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army

Xian City Wall Sightseeing Line (č„æå®‰åŸŽå¢™č§‚å…‰å·“å£«ēŗæ)

Departure point: Northwest corner of Yongning Gate, No. 2 Nan Da Street [Colorful Yunnan äøƒå½©äŗ‘å—]

This sightseeing route connects the 18 city gates of the City Wall with the central scenic areas of Xi’an, and it is specifically designed for exploring the City Wall. The ancient wall can be seen from various angles by visitors. The bus will pause for five to ten minutes at each station so that visitors can explore the wall and snap pictures at important locations.

City Bus Routes & Prices

Route 1:

  • Ticket Price: RMB 49.9 yuan (USD dollor 7), including local souvenirs and guide’s interpretation
  • Morning Departure Timetable: 10:00, 11:00, 12:30;
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 13:30, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00
  • Night Departure Timetable: 19:00
  • Operation Route: Yongning Gate > Bell Tower > Wenchang Gate > Hanguang Gate > Anding Gate > Yuxiang Gate > Guangren Temple > Anyuan Gate > Northeast Corner of City Wall > Changle Gate > Southeast Corner of City Wall > Xi’an City Wall

Route 2:

  • TicketĀ  Price: RMB 168 yuan (USD dollor 23), including Xian souvenirs, Xian guide’s interpretation, and free entry to the City Wall
  • Morning Departure Timetable: 10:00, 11:00, 12:30
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 13:30, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00

Route 3:

  • TicketĀ  Price: RMB 198 yuan (USD dollor 27), including high-end afternoon tea, Xian guide’s interpretation, and free entry to the City Wall
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 13:00, 14:30
  • Operation Route: Yongning Gate > Bell Tower > Wenchang Gate > Hanguang Gate > Anding Gate > Yuxiang Gate > Guangren Temple > Anyuan Gate > Northeast Corner of City Wall > Changle Gate > Southeast Corner of City Wall > Wenchang Gate City Wall

Route 4:

  • TicketĀ  Price: RMB 188 yuan (USD dollor 26), including slightly tipsy set meal, guide’s interpretation, and free entry to the City Wall
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 16:30, 17:30, 18:30
  • Operation Route: Yongning Gate > Bell Tower > Wenchang Gate > Hanguang Gate > Anding Gate > Anyuan Gate > Northeast Corner of City Wall > Jianguo Gate > Changle Gate > Old Market > Wenchang Gate City Wall

Mountain Tourist Line 1 (č„æå®‰ēŽÆå±±ę—…ęøø1å·ēŗæ)

  • Departure Timetable: From the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: 8:30-11:00; From Louguantai: 13:30-17:30
  • Ticket Price: CNY 2 to12
  • Main Stations: Qinling Wildlife Park – Qinghua Mountain – Fengyukou Valley – Caotang Temple – Hutai Grape Base – Taiping National Forest Park – Guifeng Mountain – Jinfeng Temple – Golden Dragon Valley – Zhuque National Forest Park – Qingliang Mountain – Xi’an Qujiang Agricultural Exposition Park

If you are nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this Xian city sightseeing bus line is for you. Hop on it and travel all the way to the Qinling Mountains, home to rare and endangered species like the giant panda, golden monkey, and takin. You will be treated with rich biodiversity and breathtaking mountain landscapes, from lush green forests, crystal-clear streams, and majestic peaks. Along the route, there are also a number of ancient Buddhism and Taoism temples and monasteries offering insights into the flourishing Buddhism and Taoism in Xian. to the City Wall

From the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a significant landmark symbolizing cultural exchange between China and the West during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD), the bus operates from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The entire trip spans approximately 9 hours, with ticket prices ranging from CNY 2 to 12 based on the distance covered.

Related Reading:

How to Get to & Travel around Xian – Ultimate Xian Transportation Guide

Sightseeing Bus LineĀ 6: Ancient City Tour (å¤åŸŽę¼«ęøø6å·ēŗæ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Morning Departure Timetable: 10:30, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00
  • Afternoon Departure Timetable: 15:30, 16:30, 18:30, 19:30
  • Duration: about 2.5 – 3 hours
  • All Stations:

Daytime Route: Yongning Gate > Hanguang Gate > Moon Bridge > Anding Gate > Yuxiang Gate > Guangren Temple > Shangwu Gate > Anyuan Gate > Northeast Corner of City Wall > Changle Gate > Southeast Corner of City Wall > Wenchang Gate > Yongning Gate

Night Route: Yongning Gate > Hanguang Gate > Anding Gate > Anyuan Gate > Northeast Corner of City Wall > Changle Gate > Jianguo Gate > The Old Market Creative Cultural District > Wenchang Gate > Yongning Gate

This line is designed specially for Xian City Wall, which connects the 18 gates of the city wall. The bus is the first sightseeing bus in the theme of Tang poetry in China, which integrates the IP images of ancient concubines and soldiers. Inside the bus, you can see the cultural and creative products in Tang style such as scented sachets and toys of the IP images on the first floor. On the second floor, you can enjoy the city landscapes. During the tour on this bus, you can immerse yourself in the culture of prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Sightseeing Bus Line 7:Ā Traveling Across Time (ē©æč¶Šå¤ä»Š7å·ēŗæ)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 49.9
  • Departure Timetable: 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:00
  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • All Stations: Bell Tower, Yisu Theatre Cultural District > Anyuan Gate > Jiefang Gate > Dahua 1935 > Daming Palace National Heritage Park > Chaoyang Gate > Revolution Park > Guangren Temple > Yuxiang Gate > Northwest University > Hanguang Entrance Remains Museum > Small Wild Goose Pagoda > Datang Everbright City > Tang Paradise > Giant Wild Goose Pagoda > Shaanxi History Museum > SEG Shopping Mall > SKP > Xian City Wall > Bell Tower

Combining culture of Tang Dynasty, Silk Road and museums, you will have a time-travelling tour experience in this sightseeing bus line. The highlights of the bus include the decorations of Tang Dynasty poetry, wall paintings with the elements of Silk Road and classical music and lighting, which create an atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. To enhance immersion, NPCs will appear randomly to interact with passengers, the characters include poet Li Bai and concubine Yang Yuhuan.

Dream Chasing in Chang’an Theme Line (长安寻梦)

  • Ticket Price: CNY 88
  • Departure Timetable:

Poet Li Bai Line: 08:30 – 20:30 with 24 shifts, depart about every 30 minutes

Concubine Yang Yuhuan Line: 08:50 – 20:50 with 15 shifts, depart every half an hour to one hour

Detective Di Renjie Line: 10:25, 14:40, 18:10

Talented Women Shangguan Waner Line: 10:15, 14:20, 17:50

Flute PlayerĀ Line: 10:00, 10:20, 14:00, 17:40, 18:00

  • Duration: about 2.5 hours
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda > Shaanxi History Museum > SEG Shopping Mall > SKP > Xian City Wall > Bell Tower and Drum Tower > Shaanxi Cuisine Museum > Daming Palace National Heritage Park > Hanguang Entrance Remains Museum > Small Wild Goose Pagoda > Datang Everbright City > Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Transforming from traditional sightseeing bus to ā€œmoving theaterā€, this line is the first mobile immersive experience space in China. There are in total of 5 themed routes and each route has different dedicated character of Tang Dynasty. During the ride of the 5 routes, you can explore Tang Dynasty poetry with poet Li Bai, learn etiquette and tea art from Concubine Yang Yuhuan, play puzzle games with Detective Di Renjie, know about calligraphy from talented women Shangguan Waner, listen to Tang Dynasty music performed by flute player, respectively. This immersive interaction experience will leave a deep impression during your Xian tour.

Tang Dynasty Charm Night Tour Lineļ¼ˆå”éŸµéœ“č£³å¤œęøøäø“ēŗæļ¼‰

  • Ticket Price: CNY 68
  • Departure Timetable: 20:10, 20:30, 20:50from July 5thĀ to August 31st
  • Duration: about 1hour
  • All Stations: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda>Ā Xiaozhai Business Circle > Xian City Wall > Bell Tower > Datang Everbright City > Tang Paradise > Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

This line connects the three major landmarks for night travel in Xian, Xi’an City Wall, Bell Tower and Datang Everbright City. After boarding the bus, you can try on the traditional Chinese clothes Ā provided for free on the bus throughout the tour and take pictures as souvenirs. Professional actors will teach you the ancient etiquette, tell you the history of cultural relics and play games with you.

Top Xian Urban Sightseeing Buses at a Glance

Name
Start Stop
Main Stops
Ticket Price
Shifts
Welcome to Chang’an
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum,Ā City Wall, Bell Tower, Small Wild Goose Pagoda
CNY 49.9
09:30 – 17:00 with 16 shifts
The Unsurpassed Beauty of Qujiang
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Qujiang Pool Relic Park, Ā Tang Paradise, Tang Everbright City
CNY 49.9
10:15 – 20:15Ā with 6 shifts
Attractive Night View of Ancient Chang’an
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum,Ā Bell Tower, City Wall
CNY 49.9
Line 3: 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00

Line 4: 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 18:00

Special Museum Line
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Shaanxi History Museum,Ā Xi’an Museum, Xi’an Beilin Museum
CNY 49.9
From Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: 9:00 – 16:00Ā with 8 shifts.

From Bell Tower and Drum Tower: 9:30 – 16:30Ā with 8 shifts.

Xian City Wall Sightseeing Line
Yongning Gate
Main gates of City Wall, Bell Tower, Guangren Temple
CNY 49.9 – 188
10:00 – 19:00 with 8 shifts
Ancient City Tour
Yongning Gate
Moon Bridge, Ā Guangren Temple, Old Market Creative Cultural District
CNY 49.9
10:30 – 19:30 with 8 shifts
Traveling Across Time
Bell Tower
Small Wild Goose Pagoda,Ā Datang Everbright City, Tang Paradise, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, City Wall
CNY 49.9
10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:00
Dream Chasing in Chang’an Theme Line
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum, Xian City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Small Wild Goose Pagoda,Ā Datang Everbright City
CNY 88
Poet Li Bai Line: 08:30 – 20:30Ā with 24 shifts;

Concubine Yang Yuhuan Line: 08:50 – 20:50Ā with 15 shifts;

Detective Di Renjie Line: 10:25, 14:40, 18:10;

Talented Women Shangguan Waner Line: 10:15, 14:20, 17:50;

Flute Player Line: 10:00, 10:20, 14:00, 17:40, 18:00

Tang Dynasty Charm Night Tour Line
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
City Wall,Ā Bell Tower,Ā Datang Everbright City,Ā Tang Paradise
CNY 68
20:10, 20:30, 20:50Ā from July 5thĀ to August 31st

FAQs about Sightseeing Buses in Xian

What types of sightseeing buses operate in Xi’an (e.g., Hop-on/Hop-off, “Dang-dang” Trolley, themed tours)?

There are mainly two types: the regular sightseeing bus and the themed sightseeing bus. The ticket of the regular sightseeing bus is valid for one day and passengers can get on and get off at any stops they like. The theme bus provides the fixed bus and you will have a round-trip on the same bus.

What is the difference between the dedicated sightseeing buses and the regular public tourism routes (like Bus 5 or 306)?

The Sightseeing buses themselves are tourism experience products. While public tourism routes belong to the public transportation, the purpose is to solve the problem of how to get to. As for experience, the sightseeing buses are mainly double-decker buses. Usually, there are themed decorations and abundant facilities, such as comfortable chairs and dedicated areas selling cultural and creative products and beverages. Some buses also have NPCs interacting with passengers. The tourist routes are the same as the normal bus. And the routes of sightseeing buses are designed specially to connect the main scenic spots. While the public tourism routes have fixed routes and cover more stops, including residential areas and transportation hubs.

Is the sightseeing bus service available all year round, or only during peak tourist season?

Most buses are available all year round, except the Tang Dynasty Charm Night Tour Line. It operates in summer vacation during July and August.

Is there a specific route dedicated to night tours or food experiences?

There are specific night bus lines, including Sightseeing Bus Line 3: Attractive Night View of Ancient Chang’an and Tang Dynasty Charm Night Tour Line. But there is no dedicated route for food experience now.

Where is the main starting point or hub for the sightseeing bus routes?

The north square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Yisu Grand Theater near Bell TowerĀ and the intersection of Xiangzimiao Street near Yongning Gate are the three main starting points.

How much does a ticket for the Xi’an Urban Sightseeing Bus typically cost?

The cheapest ticket of most buses is CNY 49.9. Some buses are relatively expensive, which cost CNY 68 – 188.

Can I purchase a ticket that allows for multiple rides or a full day of use (Hop-on/Hop-off)?

Yes. The ticket for Sightseeing Bus Line 1 – 7 all can be used for a full day and allows for multiple rides.

Explore Xian with China Xian Tour

If you are a history or culture lover, Xian is definitely suitable for you with rich historical and cultural heritages. As a leading travel agency in China, China Xian Tour‘s travel agency can arrange a knowledgeable guide for you who can offer in-depth explanation for the scenic spots of the city. Besides, we can tailor the Xian tour route based on your preference. So feel free to contact with us at any time.