The 5-Day Xi'an Itinerary: Teracotta Warriors, Ancient Silk Road Vibes & Foodie Treasures

 

As the ancient eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an is a living museum of China’s glorious past. While many travelers only sprint through the city to see the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an deserves a deep, slow exploration. From cycling on medieval city walls under the glowing sunset to diving into bustling night markets filled with the scent of cumin and fresh flatbread, 5 days gives you the perfect window to experience it all.

Day 1: Start your adventure at the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in the world. 

There are four main gates in the Xi’an City Wall: Changle Gate (East Gate), Yongning Gate (South Gate), Anding Gate (West Gate), and Anyuan Gate (North Gate). Walking all the way around the city wall allows you to take in a complete view of the entire city of Xi’an.

I recommend starting your tour at the South Gate and ascending the city wall from there. The South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the best-preserved of all the city gates; it is also the most popular entry point for visitors and has the longest operating hours. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city wall. 


In the summer, it's best to go in the morning or an hour before sunset, since it gets very hot around noon.

An underground passageway from Yongning Gate Station on Metro Line 2 leads directly to Yongning Gate, and the Stele Forest Museum is located nearby.

When planning a visit,a casual visit just to sightsee requires only about one hour, but those who wish to complete the full loop can choose between walking or cycling. 

Bicycle rental service points are conveniently situated at all four main gates, though their specific operating hours vary. 

Visitors can rent a single bicycle for RMB 45 or a tandem bicycle for RMB 90, both for a duration of three hours. This provides ample time for exploration, as cycling the entire loop typically takes around 1.5 hours.

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, located in the heart of Xi'an, are sister towers built during the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu era (1380). Having withstood over 600 years of wind and rain, they remain iconic landmarks of the ancient city.

The Bell Tower is the largest and best-preserved Ming Dynasty bell tower in China, featuring a magnificent, four-cornered, double-eaved, hipped roof. The Drum Tower is renowned for its hipped-gable roof with double eaves and a triple-eaved structure; a giant drum once hung inside, used to tell the time daily.

The Bell Tower stands 36 meters tall, with a square base and arched openings on all four sides leading to the main streets in all directions. Climbing the tower offers panoramic views of the ancient city. The Drum Tower's painted brackets and the plaque inscribed "A Land of Prosperity for Literature and Martial Arts" are original Ming Dynasty artifacts, showcasing the craftsmanship of its artisans.

Standing in the Bell and Drum Tower Square, a wide-angle lens can capture both towers simultaneously, especially at night when the lights illuminate the scene, creating a classic blend of ancient and modern beauty.

Morning Bell and Evening Drum Performances: Every day at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, an ancient-style timekeeping ceremony is performed at the Bell Tower, while a drum performance takes place at the Drum Tower, creating an illusion of stepping back in time to the Ming Dynasty.

Light Show: At night, the Bell and Drum Towers are enveloped in golden lights, creating a floating "golden palace" effect with the interplay of light and shadow from passing cars.

Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 or 6 to Bell Tower Station, exit from Exit C, and walk through the underground circular passage to the Bell Tower, which is approximately a 5-minute walk away.

Hui Muslim Street is not a single street but a historic Hui Muslim enclave comprising multiple streets—including Beiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, and Dapi Yuan—and serves as the hub for Xi’an’s street food. Here, you can experience the rich atmosphere of Muslim culture and sample nearly every type of Xi’an street food.

Yangrou Paomo: The soul of Xi’an cuisine. Break the hard steamed bun into soybean-sized pieces with your own hands, then hand them to the chef to simmer in rich mutton broth—a dish that combines ritualistic charm with delicious flavor.

Rou Jia Mo: Hailed as the “Chinese hamburger.” A crispy Bai Ji bun filled with braised pork that’s tender yet rich without being greasy—one bite fills your mouth with aroma.

Liangpi: Tangy, spicy, and refreshing—the perfect summer treat to beat the heat. Both the sesame sauce and spicy-sour versions offer their own unique flavors.

Soup-filled Baozi: Jia San is the most famous for these. With paper-thin wrappers and delicious broth, remember to “make a small hole first, then sip the soup” when eating them.

Other Recommendations: Crispy Pork Strips, Sour Plum Tea, Persimmon Pancakes, cured beef and lamb, and more.

I recommended to bring a small amount of cash in case the older establishments only accept it.

If you want to eat like a local, Dapi Yuan is a great choice. Since Hui Muslim Street attracts many tourists, many of the shops there cater primarily to tour groups. In contrast, the shops in Dapi Yuan mainly serve local residents, so you can enjoy meals and snacks prepared fresh to order.

Day 2: The Terracotta Warriors (Bingmayong): Travel outside the city to witness the spectacular Terracotta Warriors, built to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Stand in awe before Pit 1, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in perfect battle formation. Each face has completely unique features.

Be sure to arrive early! In Xi'an, tour groups start arriving after 9 AM. It's recommended to stay overnight in Lintong District.If you don't want to get up early, most tour buses leave after 3:00 p.m. You can still have a great experience.

After entering, head straight to Pit 3 (the furthest one, with the fewest people), then explore in reverse order to Pit 2 and Pit 1. This perfectly avoids 90% of the tour group routes!

Rest/Light Meal: There are KFC and other chain fast food options within the scenic area; prices are reasonable, so you don't need to bring your own food.

With your ticket, you can take a free shuttle bus from the service center to Lishan Garden (approximately a 5-10 minute drive).

This area includes the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum mound.

After visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, you can take bus 306 to Huaqing Palace. The most worthwhile attraction at Huaqing Palace is the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" a live-action performance costing 700 million yuan and touted as the best in China. It's an immersive portrayal of the epic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei during the Tang Dynasty.

The performance times for "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" are: First show: 20:10, Second show: 21:35

A separate ticket is required for "Song of Everlasting Sorrow"

Transportation: Transfer to Line 9 at the station to "Huaqing Pool," then take bus "Lintong Tourist Bus 613" to "Qin Terracotta Warriors Village" or transfer to bus "Lintong Bus 602" to "Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses." (Assuming you live in downtown Xi'an)

Warning: The Terracotta Warriors require strict real-name reservations, especially during summer and winter vacations, May Day, and National Day holidays, when tickets sell out in minutes!


Remember to bring your passport, as many tourist attractions in China require real-name reservations and passport verification for entry.


Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum(US):
https://www.trip.com/t/33540g8aiV2


Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum(Global):
https://www.trip.com/t/Xi0qWoDaiV2
Huaqing Palace(US):https://www.trip.com/t/oEAVFyLaiV2

Huaqing Palace(Global):https://www.trip.com/t/MsKG2vPaiV2

Tickets for the “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” performance can also be booked via the Huaqing Palace link.

Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum: Often regarded as one of the best museums in China, it houses over 370,000 relics, including exquisite Tang Dynasty gold and silver items, terracotta figures, and ancient murals. 

Once inside the museum, start your tour at the Permanent Exhibition Hall. Arranged in chronological order, the galleries cover the Prehistoric Period, the Zhou Dynasty, the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Following this route feels like traveling through five thousand years of history, allowing you to see precious artifacts from every dynasty. For example, the exquisite bronze ware features unique shapes and incredibly intricate patterns that seem to speak to the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans; there’s also the magnificent Tang Sancai pottery, with its vibrant colors and lifelike depictions of people and animals that make you want to stop and admire them.

The museum gets crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so try to arrive early to avoid the peak crowds. If you’d like to enjoy the artifacts in peace, visiting on a weekday is a better option.

You can rent an audio guide or join one of the museum’s guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the artifacts. Otherwise, simply looking at the artifacts might not fully convey their value and significance.

Book in Advance: This step is absolutely crucial. The Shaanxi History Museum is incredibly popular, and tickets are almost impossible to buy on-site, so be sure to book in advance through official channels(I recommend booking through the official WeChat account "Shaanxi History Museum"). Tickets typically go on sale one week ahead—set an alarm and be ready to snag them the moment they’re available, or your preferred time slot will be gone.

Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 3 and get off at Xiaozhai Station. Exit through Exit C or D, and it’s just a short walk from there.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta): Visit this iconic Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD to house sacred scriptures brought back from India via the Silk Road. Stroll through the serene surrounding gardens and watch the spectacular synchronized musical fountain show in the northern square.

Enter through the main gate of the Great Ci'en Temple and follow the signs.

You can start by visiting the Great Buddha Hall, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and other structures, then proceed to the small courtyard where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located to climb the pagoda and explore.

Visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda requires climbing stairs. Although the stairs are steep, there are handrails, so it shouldn’t be too strenuous for the average visitor.

If you’ve ever played the game “Black Wukong,” you’re surely familiar with the character Wukong. Wukong’s master was Monk Xuanzang, who personally designed and oversaw the construction of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City: Step straight into a real-life period drama.

This massive pedestrian mall is completely transformed at night with thousands of glowing red lanterns, magnificent Tang-style palaces, live street poetry performances, and interactive floating dancers. It is a dream location for aesthetic night photography.

The performances at Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City do not require reservations.

Starting at 7:00 p.m., Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City hosts a total of 22 performances, each lasting 10 minutes, and all are free.

Day 4: Mount Hua, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains: It is globally famous for its sheer granite cliffs and the spine-chilling Plank Walk in the Sky (where you traverse a narrow wooden plank bolted into a vertical cliff face).

Admission to Mount Hua consists of three parts: the scenic area ticket, the bus ticket, and the cable car ticket. Bus tickets are divided into “inbound” and “outbound” tickets, while cable car tickets are divided into “uphill” and “downhill” tickets, offering a variety of route combinations to choose from.

Recommended Hiking Routes on Mount Hua

West Peak Up + West Peak Down Route: Take the West Peak Cable Car from the Mount Hua Visitor Center (approx. 40 minutes) -> Central Peak (1-hour hike) -> East Peak (40-minute hike) -> South Peak (1-hour hike) -> West Peak (30-minute hike) -> Descend via the West Peak Cable Car (approx. 20 minutes).

Difficulty: 1 (Easy route, approx. 4–5 hours)

Suitable for: Seniors, children, and travelers who prefer a leisurely experience.

West Peak Up + North Peak Down Route: Take the West Peak Cable Car from the Mount Hua Visitor Center (approx. 40 minutes) -> South Peak (30-minute hike) -> East Peak (1-hour hike) -> Central Peak (40-minute hike) -> North Peak (2-hour hike) -> Descend via the North Peak Cable Car (approx. 8 minutes).

Difficulty: 2 (Classic route, approx. 5–7 hours)

Features: More downhill than uphill; the preferred route for most visitors.

North Peak Up + West Peak Down Route: Take the North Peak Cable Car from the Huashan Visitor Center (approx. 20 minutes) -> North Peak (8-minute walk) -> Central Peak (2-hour hike) -> East Peak (40-minute hike) -> South Peak (1-hour hike) -> West Peak (1-hour hike) -> Descend via the West Peak Cable Car (approx. 20 minutes).

Difficulty: 3 (Challenging, approx. 6–8 hours)

Suitable for: Visitors who enjoy a physical challenge.

Hiking Route: Yuquan Temple -> North Peak (5-hour hike) -> Central Peak (2-hour hike) -> East Peak (40-minute hike) -> South Peak (1-hour hike) -> West Peak (1-hour hike) -> Descend via the West Peak Cable Car (approx. 20 minutes).

Difficulty: 10 (Entire route on foot, approx. 10–15 hours)

Suitable for: Travelers who are physically fit and confident in their ability to push their limits.

For a night hike on Mount Hua, it is recommended to depart from “Yuquan Temple” after 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. This trailhead is open 24 hours a day. Starting from here, you’ll pass through Qianshi Tang and Baishi Xia, go past North Peak, ascend Canglong Ridge, pass through Jinsuoguan and Central Peak, and reach East Peak to watch the sunrise. This section takes about six to seven hours.

After watching the sunrise, hike to South Peak, pass through West Peak (where you can take the cable car down), then turn toward Central Peak and descend via North Peak (where you can also take the cable car down). If you’re in particularly good physical condition, you can continue hiking downhill to the “Yuquanyuan” trailhead. This final leg takes about eight to nine hours, completing your hike up Mount Hua!

Yuquanyuan—(approx. 4 hrs)—North Peak—(approx. 2 hrs)—North Peak—(approx. 40 mins)—East Peak—(approx. 1 hr)—South Peak—(approx. 30 mins)—West Peak—(approx. 1 hr)—Central Peak—(approx. 2 hrs)—North Peak—(approx. 4 hrs)—Yuquanyuan

Transportation: Direct tourist buses to Mount Hua are available from Xi’an Railway Station, the Bell Tower, and major tourist hubs in the city center. I recommend taking the high-speed rail for the most convenient travel. Alight at Huashan North Station.

　　If you choose the cable car route, take the free Bus No. 1 or No. 2 from Huashan North Station to the Visitor Center. After passing through ticket inspection, take the shuttle bus into the mountain to the lower cable car station to begin your cable car tour.

　　If you plan to hike up the mountain, take the free City Bus No. 1 or No. 2 to the Visitor Center, then transfer to the scenic area’s free shuttle bus to Yuquanyuan, or take a taxi directly to Yuquanyuan.

There are numerous restaurants and food stalls along the way on Mount Hua that can meet basic dining needs, but it is still recommended to prepare drinks and snacks in advance at the base of the mountain. 

If you choose to hike up the mountain, please bring all necessary hiking gear. If hiking in winter, you can purchase ice cleats or crampons at the base of the mountain. If hiking Mount Hua at night, please dress warmly.

Due to weather conditions, some attractions or cable cars on Mount Hua may be temporarily closed; confirming your itinerary ahead of time can help avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

I recommended to stay overnight at the base of Mount Hua, as this allows you to catch the earliest ticket check at 7:00 a.m. the next day. There are far fewer people at that time, which reduces waiting times. Additionally, there are fewer people heading to the cable car station on the way down, saving you a significant amount of time.

Day 5: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi'an Museum are much quieter and more rustic than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. With fewer visitors and beautiful scenery, they’re perfect for a peaceful visit. You can enter for free with a reservation and experience the serene beauty of these thousand-year-old ancient structures.

Stele Forest Museum & Shuyuanmen Culture Street: Wander through Shuyuanmen, a beautifully preserved ancient street dedicated to traditional art. You’ll see local masters practicing calligraphy with water on the stones, shops selling inkstones, brush pens, and delicate watercolor paintings. Step inside the Stele Forest to see thousands of stone tablets holding China's history in calligraphy.

As China’s first street district themed around intangible cultural heritage cuisine, the Yongxingfang Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Culinary Culture District offers specialty set meals featuring famous snacks from across the region, the Wei Zheng Family Banquet, and the Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Banquet. 

Highlights include layered oil cakes, Chengcheng mutton soup, Qishan rolled noodle sheets, Qishan noodles with minced pork topping, Tongguan Roujiamo, Dali Pork Hock with Handle, Lantian Buckwheat Hele, Liquan Rice Wine Porridge, Xingping Chili Paste, Qinzhen Rice Noodles, Lamb Blood in Starch Soup, and Binxian Imperial Noodles—a total of 108 culinary delights representing Southern Shaanxi, Northern Shaanxi, and the Guanzhong region.

Where to Stay

Please be sure to change your check-in date when making your reservation.

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower Hotel is located in the heart of Xi'an's historic city center, within walking distance of Hui Muslim Street, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. It is adjacent to several subway lines, making transportation extremely convenient. There are many dining and shopping options nearby.

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower Hotel(US):https://www.trip.com/t/zgd5DxJqhV2

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower Hotel(Global):
https://www.trip.com/t/BzRpkoLqhV2 

Located next to Yongning Gate—the southern gate of Xi'an's ancient city wall—Lanfeng Hotel was converted from an old residence and retains its charming, historic character. 

The hotel's rooftop terrace offers a elevated vantage point for a close-up view of the ancient city wall and Yongning Gate. 

The hotel also offers Hanfu and Tang-style clothing rentals, allowing guests to take traditional-style photos in the courtyard and other locations.

Lanfeng Hotel(US):https://www.trip.com/t/LiiMfhGrhV2

Lanfeng Hotel(Global):https://www.trip.com/t/QGwHPiHrhV2

YOYA RESORT is located right next to Huaqing Palace and the subway station, within walking distance of the venue for the “Song of Eternal Sorrow” performance, and just a short drive from the Terracotta Army.

Staying at this hotel for one night will save you the time it takes to travel back and forth between downtown Xi’an and the Terracotta Army (about 2-3 hours round trip).

YOYA RESORT(US):https://www.trip.com/t/O7m4wGTuhV2

YOYA RESORT(Global):https://www.trip.com/t/zMIwOGUuhV2

Mehood Hotel (Huayin Huashan Tourist Center Huashan North Station Branch) is located close to both Huashan North Station and the Tourist Center, within a 10-minute drive. You can take a Didi ride or the free shuttle bus. The hotel offers a free round-trip shuttle service to Huashan attractions (advance reservation required).

There are also 3–4 hotels on Mount Huashan where you can spend the night, allowing you to easily watch the sunrise. However, the surroundings and facilities are poor, so unless you don’t mind the harsh conditions and basic amenities at all, I do not recommend staying at a hotel on the mountain.    

Mehood Hotel(US):https://www.trip.com/t/zUmOm8SwhV2

Mehood Hotel(Global):https://www.trip.com/t/Bm1HaLTwhV2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best 5-day itinerary for first-time visitors to Xi'an?

A: Day 1 covers the Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Hui Muslim Street. Day 2 visits the Terracotta Warriors, Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, and Huaqing Palace. Day 3 explores Shaanxi History Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Day 4 is dedicated to Mount Hua. Day 5 finishes at Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Stele Forest, and Yongxingfang food district.

Q2: How long does it take to cycle the Xi'an City Wall?

A: Cycling the entire 13.7 km loop takes about 1.5 hours. Rent a single bike for RMB 45 or tandem for RMB 90 (3-hour rental). Start at the South Gate (Yongning Gate)—the best-preserved gate with longest operating hours and direct metro access via Line 2.

Q3: What's the best strategy to avoid crowds at the Terracotta Warriors?

A: Arrive before 9 AM when tour groups start arriving. Enter and head straight to Pit 3 (furthest, fewest people), then explore in reverse order to Pit 2 and Pit 1—this avoids 90% of tour group routes. Book tickets weeks in advance, especially during holidays, as they sell out in minutes.

Q4: Should I stay overnight near the Terracotta Warriors?

A: Yes, staying in Lintong District saves 2–3 hours of round-trip travel from downtown Xi'an. YOYA RESORT is next to Huaqing Palace and the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance venue, within walking distance and a short drive from the Warriors.

Q5: How do I book tickets for Shaanxi History Museum?

A: Book through the official WeChat account "Shaanxi History Museum" one week in advance. Tickets go on sale exactly 7 days ahead—set an alarm and book immediately as slots fill instantly. On-site tickets are almost impossible to get.

Q6: What are the must-try street foods at Hui Muslim Street?

A: Don't miss Yangrou Paomo (hand-torn bun in mutton broth), Rou Jia Mo (Chinese hamburger), Liangpi (cold spicy noodles), and soup-filled baozi (Jia San is most famous). Bring some cash as older establishments may not accept digital payments.

Q7: Which Mount Hua hiking route is best for beginners?

A: The West Peak Up + West Peak Down route is easiest (Difficulty 1, 4–5 hours). Take the West Peak Cable Car up, hike Central→East→South→West Peaks, then cable car down. Suitable for seniors, children, and those preferring a leisurely experience with stunning views.

Q8: What's the classic Mount Hua route for most visitors?

A: West Peak Up + North Peak Down (Difficulty 2, 5–7 hours) is the classic route. It features more downhill than uphill sections. Take West Peak Cable Car up, hike South→East→Central→North Peaks, then descend via North Peak Cable Car.

Q9: Can I hike Mount Hua at night to see the sunrise?

A: Yes, start from Yuquan Temple after 8–9 PM (open 24 hours). Hike 6–7 hours to reach East Peak for sunrise, then continue to South and West Peaks. Descend via North Peak cable car or continue hiking down (total 10–15 hours). Dress warmly and bring hiking gear.

Q10: What performances should I see at Huaqing Palace?

A: Don't miss "Song of Everlasting Sorrow"—a 700 million yuan live-action performance about Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. Shows run at 20:10 and 21:35. Book separately via the Huaqing Palace ticket link. Stay at YOYA RESORT for walking-distance access.

Q11: When is the best time to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda?

A: Visit during the day to climb the pagoda and explore Great Ci'en Temple, then return at night for the spectacular synchronized musical fountain show in the northern square. The pagoda was built in 652 AD by Monk Xuanzang (Wukong's master in "Black Wukong" game).

Q12: What's the difference between Giant and Small Wild Goose Pagodas?

A: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is more famous and crowded, built to house scriptures from India. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum are quieter, more rustic, and free with reservation—perfect for a peaceful visit with fewer tourists and beautiful scenery.

Q13: Where should I stay in Xi'an for the best location?

A: For city center convenience, choose Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower Hotel (walking distance to Hui Muslim Street, Bell/Drum Towers, multiple metro lines). For historic charm with city wall views, Lanfeng Hotel (next to Yongning Gate) offers Hanfu rentals and rooftop terrace views.

Q14: What's the best area for food in Xi'an?

A: Hui Muslim Street (Beiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, Dapi Yuan) is the main hub for street food. For a structured culinary experience, visit Yongxingfang Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Culinary Culture District, offering 108 specialty dishes from across Shaanxi province in set meal formats.

Q15: Do I need to bring my passport to Xi'an attractions?

A: Yes, many attractions require real-name reservations with passport verification, especially the Terracotta Warriors during peak seasons. Always carry your passport when sightseeing in Xi'an and other Chinese cities.