May Day Xi'an Travel Tips + Stunning 3-Day Itinerary

Hey everyone! The May Day holiday is just around the corner, and Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is about to become the hottest travel destination again! But if you visit Xi'an without proper planning or ignoring advice, you might regret it big time! Today, I'm sharing a comprehensive guide to avoiding pitfalls and enjoying a perfect 3-day trip in Xi'an. Follow this plan to explore Xi'an effortlessly and maximize your experience! Avoiding Pitfalls: Don't Let Mistakes Ruin Your Trip Tickets: Popular attractions in Xi'an, such as the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang and the Shaanxi History Museum, are incredibly hard to get into! Without advance reservations, you might find yourself stuck outside while others enjoy the sights. Be sure to book tickets through official channels in advance! Hotels: During the May Day holiday, hotel prices in Xi'an skyrocket, often costing hundreds more than in the off-season. If you don't book early, you might face the dilemma of having no place to stay, dragging your luggage around in search of accommodation, and ruining your travel mood. Transportation: Whether it's flights or high-speed train tickets, prices surge as May Day approaches, and tickets often sell out. For those driving, parking near attractions can be a nightmare. Plan your transportation in advance—book tickets or rent a car as needed to avoid travel disruptions. Car Services: Xi'an's popular attractions are spread out, and during May Day, getting a taxi can be a real challenge, with long queues testing your patience. Without pre-booking car services, you might waste a lot of time waiting for rides between attractions. Stunning 3-Day Itinerary: Immerse Yourself in Xi'an's Charm DAY 1: Arrival in Xi'an, Free Exploration of the Ancient City Welcome to Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties! Upon arrival, a convenient airport transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in and rest. This day is all about free exploration! I recommend visiting the Forest of Stone Steles Museum and Shuyuanmen Street. The pedestrian street from the museum to the entrance of Guanzhong Academy is steeped in cultural atmosphere. Guanzhong Academy is one of China's four famous academies. Stroll here to feel the weight of history. When you're tired, head to Defu Alley on South Street and Fen Lane, known for its "coffee and tea houses." Whether you prefer quiet or lively, traditional or modern, you'll find a spot to relax. Order a drink and soak in the vibrant nightlife of the ancient city—it's pure bliss! DAY 2: Discover Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple, Relive History After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour drive to Qian County. Visit Hanyangling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Jing of Han, a pioneer of the "Rule of Wen and Jing" era. This high-tech preserved imperial tomb is a "museum of Chinese imperial tombs." Then, explore Maoling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Wu of Han, known as "China's Pyramid" for its grandeur and rich burial artifacts. In Qian County, visit the Tomb of Crown Prince Yide or the Tomb of Princess Yongtai, both auxiliary tombs of Qianling Mausoleum. Their exquisite murals and artifacts tell stories of past glories. Next, explore the unique joint tomb of two emperors, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, at Qianling Mausoleum. Standing before Qianling, you can almost feel the grandeur of that era. Then, head to Famen Temple in Fufeng County, Baoji City, known as the "ancestor of pagoda temples in Guanzhong." Here, you can pay homage to the Buddha's finger bone relic and admire the exquisite treasures of the Tang Dynasty. Note that the relic is only displayed on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month and during national holidays. DAY 3: Huaqing Palace, Terracotta Warriors, and Tang Paradise: A Feast of Ancient and Modern After breakfast, visit Huaqing Palace and Lishan Mountain in Lintong. This site combines ancient royal hot spring gardens with the modern historical site of the Xi'an Incident. Imagine the romantic stories of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei as you explore this scenic spot. The highlight of the trip is here! Visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Witness the massive underground military museum that has stood for over 2,000 years—one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history! Finally, head to the popular Tang Paradise. This area features lively parades and street performances. Don't miss the South and North Squares of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Dayuecheng Mall. Stroll through the brightly lit streets, feeling as if you've traveled back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Take photos and capture these unforgettable moments. Follow this guide for your May Day trip to Xi'an to avoid all the pitfalls, deeply experience the charm of the ancient capital, and create unforgettable travel memories! Save this guide, pack your bags, and get ready to go!