A Detailed 5-Day Travel Guide to Xi'an

I. Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an and Exploring the Ancient City Morning: After arriving in Xi'an, head to your hotel to check in. It is recommended to choose a hotel near a subway line, such as near the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, for easy travel. Afternoon: Visit Xi'an's iconic buildings, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. These two buildings are not far from each other, and their magnificent architectural style and long history are breathtaking. Evening: Head to the lively Muslim Quarter to sample authentic Xi'an snacks, such as mutton paomo, rou jia mo, liangpi, and Biángbiáng noodles. Day 2: The Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army Museum of Qin Shi Huang, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Thousands of lifelike terracotta figures showcase the strength and majesty of the ancient army. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance and hire a professional guide to gain an in-depth understanding of the history and cultural value of the Terracotta Army. Afternoon: Visit Huaqing Palace, a royal garden of the Tang Dynasty that is closely linked to the legend of Yang Guifei. Here, you can enjoy a live-action performance (tickets need to be booked in advance). Evening: Free time. You can choose to soak in a hot spring at a nearby hot spring hotel to relax. Day 3: A Day Trip to Mount Hua All day: Drive to Mount Hua, a famous mountain known for its steepness, which will present you with magnificent natural scenery. You can choose to take the cable car or hike up the mountain to admire the strange peaks and rocks and the magnificent scenery of Mount Hua. Pay attention to arranging your time reasonably and ensuring safety. Day 4: The Ancient City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum Morning: Stroll along the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an and feel the weight and vicissitudes of the ancient city. A cycling experience on the city wall is also a good choice. Afternoon: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, China's first large-scale modern national museum. It has a rich collection of cultural relics, showcasing the development of ancient Chinese history. Remember to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing. Evening: Head to the Muslim Quarter again to experience Xi'an's nightlife and food culture in depth. Day 5: The Forest of Stone Steles Museum and Xi'an Museum Morning: Visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum to learn about the essence of Chinese calligraphy art. It houses a large collection of steles, epitaphs, and stone carvings. Afternoon: Go to the Xi'an Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Xi'an. Then, depending on your return time, enjoy free time or shopping. You can buy some Xi'an's special souvenirs, such as Terracotta Army models, paper cuttings, and shadow puppets. Evening: Pack your luggage, end your pleasant trip to Xi'an, and arrange airport transfer service according to your flight time. II. Food Recommendations Muslim Quarter: Mutton paomo, rou jia mo, liangpi, Biángbiáng noodles, etc. Yongxingfang: Various snacks of the Han people in Xi'an, which are also frequented by old Xi'an locals. Sajinqiao: Liu Xin's mutton paomo stir-fry, Ma Erjia's sour soup dumplings, etc. Other recommendations: The pasta dishes at Chang'an Grand Restaurant, Lao Wan, Xi'an Restaurant, Mawei Impression and other restaurants are also worth a try. III. Accommodation Recommendations Near the Datang Everbright City and the Bell Tower: Close to the scenic spots, convenient transportation, and lots of delicious food. Near Shunchenggang: Old Xi'an style, beautiful night view, and close to the night market. IV. Practical Tips Sun protection and hydration: Xi'an has a dry climate, so it is recommended to bring moisturizers, lipsticks, and other skin care products, and pay attention to sun protection and hydration. Book in advance: During peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to book hotels, tickets, and transportation in advance to avoid queuing or being unable to check in. Arrange your time reasonably: When there are many people at the scenic spots, the queuing time is long, so it is recommended to arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid overwork. Respect local culture: When visiting temples, historical sites, and other scenic spots, respect local religious beliefs and cultural customs. Pay attention to transportation: Traffic jams are common in Xi'an, so take the subway instead of taxis or buses if possible. To go to the Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuang, taking subway line 1 to the terminal and then transferring to bus 307 saves time compared to tourist bus 5. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xi'an!