3-Day Travel Guide to Xi'an

A must see guide for independent travelers

For independent travelers, if you want to break free from conventions and explore the unknown, Xi'an is the ideal place. Here, ancient and modern passions collide. You can be like a fearless explorer, strolling through the streets and exploring historical treasures, and encountering modern vitality. This guide will help you embark on a unique journey in Xi'an.

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Day 1: Shaanxi History Museum - Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Tang Dynasty Sleepless City


Shaanxi History Museum: Go to Shaanxi Museum in the morning and reserve free tickets on the official official account in advance. It is known as "the ancient capital pearl, the treasure house of China". The collection of 

cultural relics starts from the simple stone tools used in the initial stage of ancient human beings, down to various objects in social life before 1840. The time span is more than one million years, allowing you to deeply understand the History and Culture of ancient China.

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Shaanxi History Museum.jpg


the big wild goose pagoda: After coming out of Shaanxi, take a bus or taxi to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The admission fee for Dacien Temple is 40 yuan, and the tower climbing fee is 30 yuan. In spring, the temple is shaded by green trees and flowers are in full bloom. The ancient temple and spring flowers complement each other, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

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Big Wild Goose Pagoda 2.jpg


Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City: As night falls, head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which is open for free. The colorful lights decorate the Tang style architecture like a dream, and the flowers and trees on the street are particularly charming under the light. There are also various wonderful performances such as the "Tumbler Little Sister". Traditional costumes are perfectly integrated with modern scenes, forming a unique scenic line.

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Tang Dynasty Night City.jpg


Day 2: Xi'an City Wall - Muslim Street - Bell and Drum Tower Square


Xi'an City Wall: Go to Xi'an City Wall in the morning, admission fee is 54 yuan. You can take subway line 2 or bus routes 600, 603 to reach Yongningmen. Climbing up the city wall, you can not only appreciate the mottled traces left by time and feel the weight of history, but also rent a bicycle to ride along the 13.7-kilometer city wall and appreciate the comparison of old and new buildings inside and outside the city wall.

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Xi'an City Wall 2.jpg


Huimin Street: After coming down from the city wall, go to Huimin Street, which is free here. Huimin Street is the embodiment of the folk culture in the old culture of Xi'an, full of strong Muslim flavor. The shops on both sides of the street sell various traditional foods, such as roujiamo, Liangpi, steamer cake, etc., and you can also see the production of traditional Handicrafts.

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Bell and Drum Tower Square: Come to Bell and Drum Tower Square in the evening and visit for free. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in Xi'an complement each other, displaying a quaint and elegant style under the lighting. There are also many unique small shops to visit in the surrounding area.

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Bell and Drum Tower Square.jpg


Day 3: Huaqing Palace - Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum (Terra Cotta Warriors)

Huaqing Palace: In the morning, take bus No. 5 (306), 914, 915 from the East Square of Xi'an Railway Station to Huaqing Palace, with a ticket price of 120 yuan. In spring, the Huaqing Palace is surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, making the palace architecture even more magnificent. The flowers, plants, and trees in the garden are revitalized, and you can also enjoy the live performance of the Xi'an Incident on December 12th.

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Huaqing Palace.jpg


Museum of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum (Terra Cotta Warriors): After leaving Huaqing Palace, take bus to Terra Cotta Warriors. The ticket is 120 yuan. This is a world-famous archaeological site, known as the "eighth wonder of the world". The large-scale Terra Cotta Warriors pit is shocking. Please ask your guide to explain it to understand its historical background and cultural value.

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Terra Cotta Warriors.jpg


Urban transportation


Subway: Xi'an subway network has been constantly improved. Download the "Xi'an subway" APP on your mobile phone in advance, or use Alipay and WeChat ride codes. Taking the subway can quickly reach various scenic spots, and some subway stations have cultural decorations with Xi'an characteristics, such as Tang Dynasty cultural element murals at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station.


Bus: Bus routes cover a wide range, and before traveling, use map software to check routes and stops. Along the bus route, you can enjoy the city's streetscape, and some routes may also pass through areas with concentrated cultural attractions, but there may be congestion during rush hour in the morning and evening.


Shared bicycles/electric bikes: If the journey is close, choosing a shared bicycle or electric bike allows you to freely enjoy the scenery along the way, flexibly cope with congestion, and feel the joy of cycling under the warm spring sun. You can stop at any time and walk into a small shop on the street.

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What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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