Xi'an Departure: A Fun and Less-Crowded Self-Driving Itinerary for Family Trips

If it's not your first time visiting Sichuan and you're looking for a relaxing 3-4 day getaway with kids, this guide is perfect for you! The itinerary is low-intensity and kid-friendly, featuring spots that children will love. Self-driving during holidays is affordable and fun, and high-speed rail travelers can join too. 📅 Day 1: Xi'an → Sanxingdui Museum → Fuqin Night Market 🚗 For self-drivers, start early to arrive at Sanxingdui by around 3 PM (holiday night sessions are available, so a later arrival is fine). 🌟 Highlights: - Allocate 3 hours for Sanxingdui—the Bronze Sacred Tree and gold masks are awe-inspiring. - Locals' hidden gem: Fuqin Night Market (parking is tricky, but the food is delicious, though night markets are generally similar). 🏠 Stay: Near Chunxi Road (convenient for the panda base the next day and evening strolls). 🐼 Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Chunxi Road 🚗 Head to the panda base by 9 AM! 🌟 Must-know tips: - Non-holidays: Enter and exit via the South Gate for a streamlined route with concentrated attractions. - Holidays: Enter via the West Gate and exit via the South Gate! Take the shuttle outside the park to the West Gate (fewer crowds), enjoy a downhill walk to save energy, and explore the entire park without backtracking. ⚠️ Note: Holiday shuttle lines can exceed 1 hour—walking may be faster. 🍴 Lunch: Quick bites at the base entrance. 🍲 Dinner: Stroll Chunxi Road and try the super-tasty Mapo Tofu. 🌿 Day 3: Luxehills Wilderness Kingdom → Mianyang Yuewang Tower → Majia Alley Night Market 🚗 Luxehills Eco-City in Chengdu🌟 A must-visit for families! - Wilderness Kingdom: A fairytale land built from scrap metal—kids can climb castles and "drive" junk cars. - Petting Farm: Feed alpacas and cuddle bunnies. - Brunch at Luxehills Food Island. 🚗 Drive to Mianyang after lunch (2 hours). - Yuewang Tower: Ascend for panoramic views of the Fujiang River and a stunning nighttime light show. 🌙 Evening: Walk along the river to Majia Alley Night Market and feast on cold zhazhan, Jiangyou pork intestines, and Zitong sliced noodles! 🏠 Stay: Near Yuewang Tower, just 5 minutes to the river. 🏖 Day 4: Xianhai Lake → Return to Xi'an 🚗 Depart by 9 AM for a boat ride at Xianhai Lake's "Good Luck Pier" → Head to the waterfront sand playground by noon. 🌟 Activities: - Boating: Few crowds even on holidays—no queues! - Sand Playground: Bring shovels, buckets, and spare clothes! Rinsing stations are available. 🍱 Lunch: Pack a picnic mat and snacks (perfect for lounging under the lakeside trees). 🚗 Drive back to Xi'an in the afternoon. ⚠️ Tips: 1️⃣ Plenty of sand toys are sold at Xianhai Lake’s entrance—bargain if you forget yours. 2️⃣ The key to a great holiday experience here is bringing enough gear to relax without fighting for chairs. 3️⃣ Sun protection is a must for outdoor spots—hats, sunscreen, and bug spray! ✨ Unlock a holiday filled with history, nature, and sandplay fun for the whole family!