Travel with Phoebe: A 4-Day Journey Through Xi'an's History and Food

"Explore the recent 100 years in Shanghai; discover the recent 1000 years in Beijing; unravel the 3000 years of history in Xian." This saying has always captivated the imagination of the Chinese people, and Xian's rich history and culture have long intrigued me. So, on a whim, in April 2023, a friend and I decided to embark on a 4-day adventure in Xian, starting with a high-speed train journey from Chengdu.

3 Days Classic Xian Tour (Best Highlights Plus Enjoyable Pace)

Itinerary: Xian
Highlights: Airport Pickup, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Great Mosque, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum

Day 1 Chengdu to Xian

Our morning began with a swift 4-hour high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Xian, covering about 400 miles. The journey was not just efficient but also offered breathtaking views. As a devoted food enthusiast, including Xian's delectable food and snacks is an absolute necessity on my itinerary. Upon arrival, we indulged in a delicious Shaanxi specialty for lunch - Gourd Chicken (葫芦鸡), known for its crisp skin and juicy meat.

Our First Meal in Xian (Gourd Chikcen in Left)

In the afternoon, we immersed ourselves in the exploration of the Ancient City Wall, engaging in a memorable biking experience amidst the time-honored structure. As we pedaled along the ancient ramparts, it was as if we had stepped back in time, the historical resonance of the wall unfolding around us. The breeze carried whispers of centuries past, making our journey along this iconic landmark a truly immersive and nostalgic encounter with Xian's rich history.

Xian Ancient City Wall

We then visited the well-preserved Bell Tower and Drum of Xian, once vital timekeeping devices. In the past, before the prevalence of modern timekeeping methods, the bell and drum towers served as essential timekeepers. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in Xian are exceptionally well-preserved.

Drum Bell (Left) and Bell (Right)

As night fell, our culinary exploration continued in the Muslim Quarter and Sajin Bridge, where local specialties tempted our taste buds. Despite the abundance of enticing snacks, our stomachs had limits.

A Bite of Xian in Muslim Quater

Day 2 Terracotta Warriors Exploration

The morning treated us to an authentic Chinese hamburger, setting the tone for a day of diverse culinary experiences. Biangbiang noodles, wider and chewier than usual, captivated our taste buds.

Chinese Hamburger and Biangbiang Noodles

The best part of the trip was visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. It was amazing to see these old protectors up close and learn about their history. Even though I had seen pictures and read about them online, seeing the real statues left me truly amazed. I gained more insights into the history of the Terracotta Warriors, making this visit very special for me. There were also people working on fixing up old artifacts at the site. Believe me, experiencing it in person is much more awe-inspiring than just looking at pictures!

The Magnificent Army of Terracotta Warriros

A Close View of Terracotta Warriors

1 Day Efficient Xian Tour including Terracotta Warriors

Itinerary: Xian
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower

Day 3 Xian City Discovery

This morning, I finally got to enjoy the pepper and chili soup I've been craving. To balance out the spicy and salty flavors, we added tofu, and it was absolutely delicious. Trying it was definitely worth it!

Pepper and Chili Soup

We visited Da Cien Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a witness to Xian's rich history. Many people were dressed in Hanfu there, and it made me feel like I had traveled back to the Tang Dynasty.

View of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Distance

The Night View of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Tonight, we explored the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, the sole expansive imitation of a Tang architectural complex pedestrian street in China, featuring the thriving Tang culture as its backdrop. This place is a local landmark scenic spot. I sensed a beautiful blend of history and modernity and enjoyed various forms of art performances during my visit.

The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City

Day 4 Xian to Chengdu

While four days covered the highlights of Xian's icons, it felt too short for an in-depth exploration. It was my first visit, but certainly not the last. I'm eagerly anticipating another visit to Xian, to see the treasures exhibited at the Shaanxi History Museum, appreciate the beautiful calligraphy at the Xian Beilin Museum, watch more Tang Dynasty shows, perhaps hike Mount Hua nearby, and, of course, savor more yet-to-be-discovered local delicacies.

Are you interested in traveling to Xi'an with me? Browse our best Xian Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized Xi'an trip.

5 Days Classic Tour by Xian Chengdu High Speed Train

Itinerary: Xian / Chengdu
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu Panda Base, Ancient City Wall, Jinli Old Street, Chengdu Xian High Speed Train Experience

Our Delighted Customers in Xian