First time in Xi'an? This 3-day itinerary hits every must-see sight, takes you to the best street food spots, and includes practical transport tips. Follow it step by step.
Xi'an is one of those rare cities where 3,000 years of history doesn't just exist in museums β it's in the walls you walk on, the food you eat, and the streets you wander. This 3-day itinerary covers everything first-time visitors come for, plus a few local favorites most tourists miss.
Day 1: Old Town East Side
Kick off your morning at the Shaanxi History Museum, home to 370,000 artifacts spanning over a million years of human history. The free general admission tickets go fast β book them on WeChat three days ahead. The Tang Dynasty gold and silver collection (extra ticket) is absolutely worth the splurge.
From there, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Climb the pagoda for views over the city, then stick around the North Square for the musical fountain show β it's Asia's largest, and the nighttime version with lights is genuinely impressive.
Spend the afternoon on the Ancient City Wall. Rent a bike at Yongning Gate (the most dramatic entrance) and ride the full 13.7 km (8.5 mile) loop if you're up for it. Go an hour or two before sunset for golden light over the old town rooftops.
Finish your day with dinner in the Muslim Quarter. Try roujiamo (the original Chinese hamburger), mutton paomo (you tear the bread yourself β smaller pieces = better flavor), and a sweet persimmon cake for dessert.
Day 2: Terracotta Army & Huaqing Palace
Take the tourist bus (Route 5 / 306) from the train station to Lintong, about an hour outside the city. The Terracotta Army is the main event β three massive pits filled with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, each with a unique face. Do yourself a favor and hire a guide at the entrance. The stories behind the warriors make the experience ten times more interesting.
Grab lunch in Lintong β try the local big plate chicken (da pan ji) or a bowl of youpo noodles. Afternoon is for Huaqing Palace, the imperial hot spring resort where Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei spent their winters. The Tang Dynasty bathhouse ruins are surprisingly well-preserved.
If you're visiting between April and October, book tickets for "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" outdoor show in the evening. It's a massive light and dance production staged right on Mount Li β totally over the top and absolutely worth it. Spring for the center A-section seats if your budget allows.
Day 3: Calligraphy, Food, & Tang Dynasty Glow
Start at the Forest of Steles Museum, a collection of ancient stone tablets that's basically a library of Chinese calligraphy. Even if you can't read Chinese characters, the artistry of the brushwork is remarkable. It's also much quieter than the more popular sights.
For lunch, head to Yongxingfang, a food street dedicated to dishes from all over Shaanxi province. It's touristy but well done β you pay with a preloaded card and graze your way through dozens of stalls. Don't miss the bowl-smashing wine ritual for the full experience.
Spend the afternoon at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Jianfu Temple β a quieter, less crowded alternative to its bigger sibling. The grounds are peaceful and the Xi'an Museum on site has a solid collection of local artifacts.
End your Xi'an trip at the Grand Tang Mall, a pedestrian street done up in full Tang Dynasty style. It comes alive after dark with lights, performances, and costumed performers. It's kitschy, it's crowded, and it's the perfect way to say goodbye to this ancient city.