Xi’an may become an unexpected highlight of your trip to China, and a great lesson of Chinese culture and
history. You may have known Xi’an is the home to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most significant
UNESCO Heritage Site, but don’t mistakenly think that Terracotta Warriors is all the ancient city has to offer and
sightseeing in Xian is all about museums and historical sites. Actually X’an is full of adventure, adrenaline, and
fun. From museums to mountains, temples to street food, Xi’an has something for everyone.
Brief Xian Travel Guide:
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Where is Xian: Shaanxi Province, northern China (5hrs' train from Beijing)
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Best time to visit: suitable to visit all year around; March to June and September to
November are two best periods to visit Xian.
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Recommended trip length: 2-4 days
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Main transportation: flights, high speed trains, buses, driving, biking, etc.
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Accommodation: various choices from deluxe resort hotels, starred hotels to budget
hostels and homestays.
Xian Sightseeing Map and Places to Go
Xian is packed with culture and history. Most of the things to do in Xian are about exploring the magnificent
history and culture of the city (of China as well). Don’t worry that it may be boring because you can explore and
feel the Xian’s culture and culture in many interesting ways, such as making your own terracotta warriors with
clays after visiting the real Terracotta Warrior Museum, biking on the top of the Ancient City Wall, learning
Chinese calligraphy in Tangbo Art Museum, dressing like ancient Chinese emperors, etc. Generally speaking, the
Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History
Museum are 6 places you can never miss out no matter you have 2 day, 3 days or 4 days in Xian. If you like
adventure, Mount Huashan is a MUST either. It is only about 40mins’ train ride from Xian. To visit above 7 places
all together, you need at least 3 full days. If time allows, you can add several smaller attractions into your
itinerary, such as Hangyangling, Huaqing Pool, Tang Paradise Park, etc.
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The Terracotta Warriors famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” is the best highlight in Xian. This
terracotta army was buried intending to protect the afterlife of China’s first feudal King.
• Opening Hours: 8:30 - 18:00
• Ticket: CNY 120
• Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an 西安市临潼区秦岭北路
• Recommended visit time: 2hrs
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Though Mount Huashan is not exactly in Xian city, they are only 2 hours’ drive away. It is famous for
having
the most thrilling hiking trail in China - the famous Plank Road in the Skye.
• Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00
• Ticket: CNY 160
• Address: Huashan Town, Huayin City, Shaanxi Province 陕西省华阴市华山
• Recommended visit time: 1~2 days
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The best preserved ancient city wall in China. Walking or biking around the wall is awe inspiring with interesting and different views of the old and new parts of Xian.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 22:00
• Ticket: CNY 54
• Address: Zhongxin District, Xi'an, China 陕西省西安市中心区
• Recommended visit time: 1~1.5hrs
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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the bright pearl on the Silk Road with excellent architectural beauty, precious
Buddhist relics, rich religious culture, stories of the famous ancient monk - Xuan Zang, etc.
• Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00
• Ticket: CNY 50
• Address: Da Ci’en Temple, Yanta District, Xi’an 西安市雁塔区大慈恩寺内
• Recommended visit time: 1hr
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The Muslim Quarter featuring in rich Islamic culture has a large number of tasteful snacks along its several streets, such as Rou Jia Mo, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, and Soup Dumplings.
• Opening Hours: All day
• Ticket: Free
• Address: #125 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xian 西安市莲湖区北院门125号
• Recommended visit time: 1.5hrs
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"Great outside and interesting objects inside". That's the impression of the tourists who have visited Bell Tower. As the biggest and best-preserved bell tower, it is one of the symbols of Xian city.
• Opening Hours: 08:00 ~ 22:00
• Ticket: CNY 30
• Address: Zhonglou Shangquan, Beilin District, Xian 西安市碑林区钟楼商区
• Recommended visit time: 0.5hr
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Shaanxi History Museum is the “Bright Pearl in Ancient Capital and Precious Treasure of China” because it is an art palace that fully shows Shaanxi history, culture, and Chinese ancient civilization.
• Opening Hours: 8:30 - 18:00
• Ticket: Free for Most Exhibition Halls
• Address: No.91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District 雁塔区小寨东路91号
• Recommended visit time: 2hrs
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Longmen Grottoes is only 1.5hrs' train journey from Xian. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has impressive Buddhist art carved in grottoes. Definitely worth visit if you like cultural stuff.
• Opening Hours: 7:00~18:30
• Ticket: CNY 120
• Address: Longmen Town, 12km from Luoyang City 洛阳市洛龙区龙门镇
• Recommended visit time: 2hrs
Xian Sightseeing Itinerary Plans
3~4 days are the most recommended trip length for a Xian Itinerary, which allows you to sweep all the highlights
in and around Xian. At the same time, you don’t have to struggle to make every minute of your time count. If you
only have 2 days or even 1 day to stay in Xian, don’t despair! You still have chance to get the essence of Xian if
you plan your itinerary well.
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The Terracotta Warriors famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” is the best highlight in Xian. This
terracotta army was buried intending to protect the afterlife of China’s first feudal King.
-
Though Mount Huashan is not exactly in Xian city, they are only 2 hours’ drive away. It is famous for having
the most thrilling hiking trail in China - the famous Plank Road in the Skye.
-
"Great outside and interesting objects inside". That's the impression of the tourists who have visited Bell
Tower. It is located as the very center of Xian, close to Muslim Quarter and Ancient City Wall.
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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the bright pearl on the Silk Road with excellent architectural beauty, precious
Buddhist relics, rich religious culture, stories of the famous ancient monk - Xuan Zang, etc.