One-Day Trip Around Xi'an: A Niche Itinerary to Lantian with 100% Instagrammable Spots

Who says there's only the Terracotta Army near Xi'an? These three amazing scenic spots in Lantian County are must-sees! Journey through millions of years of time + marvel at oriental sculptural treasures + explore a Ghibli-esque wheat field. Save this detailed guide now!

📍Itinerary
🌃Morning: Depart from Xi'an (1-hour drive/bus to Lantian, then transfer)
1⃣st Stop: Shuilu'an Temple
✨Highlights: Known as the "Second Dunhuang," this Ming Dynasty temple houses a treasure trove of hanging sculptures. Prepare to be amazed by 3,700 colorful clay sculptures! The Thousand-Hand Guanyin and the Peacock King statues are must-sees. The light and shadow filtering through the carved window lattices create a breathtaking view.
📸Photo Spots: Take a panoramic shot from the left side of the main hall looking upwards/capture silhouettes against the light by the window.
⚠️Note: Photography is prohibited inside the hall, but mobile phones can be used. A telephoto lens is recommended.

Noon: 2⃣nd Stop: Lantian Man Site
✨Highlights: Travel back 1.15 million years! Stand where Asia's earliest Homo erectus once lived. Featuring giant skull sculptures and an immersive archaeological exhibition hall, this site is highly recommended for family trips!
🍜Lunch: Must-try "Shenxian" noodles and Lantian Hele noodles at the restaurants near the entrance.

Afternoon: 3⃣rd Stop: Lantian Qiaomai Ridge
✨Highlights: Step into a painting! This vast expanse of buckwheat flowers and white windmills creates the perfect Japanese-style fresh aesthetic. From September to October, you'll find pink and white flowers, and in April, there's the added bonus of rapeseed flowers.
📸Photo Spots: Overlooking shot from the viewing platform/capture action shots while running through the flower fields/panoramic view of the windmills.

Return to Xi'an🚍

💡Tips:
①Wearing Hanfu or light-colored dresses will enhance your photos.
②Admission to Shuilu'an Temple is free, but reservations are required in advance.
③The sightseeing bus at Qiaomai Ridge costs 30 yuan and allows hop-on-hop-off photo opportunities.
④Comfortable sneakers are recommended (walking is required in the flower fields).