Three Days and Two Nights, Encountering the Splendor of Chang'an.

Must-See! Three Days and Two Nights, Encountering the Splendor of Chang'an

Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, is like a treasure trove of history, with every brick and tile telling stories from thousands of years ago. Today I'm sharing a super detailed three-day, two-night Xi'an travel guide that photography enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs shouldn't miss!

Day One: Travel Back to the Glorious Tang Dynasty

Morning: Step into Shaanxi History Museum, where artifacts serve as keys unlocking the doors of history, allowing us glimpses into ancient China's splendor. The Treasure Hall is not to be missed—book 3 days in advance and don't miss this "ancient capital history lesson." Consider wearing Hanfu with a flowing scarf; there are styling shops at the museum entrance for an immersive Tang Dynasty experience.
Afternoon: Visit the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda to watch Asia's largest musical fountain dance to music, playing a lively melody. Head to the 4th floor observation deck at Joy City for high-quality photos with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as your backdrop.
Evening: As lights begin to shine, the Tang Dynasty Never-Sleeping City unfolds like a dreamlike painting of the prosperous Tang era, brilliantly illuminated. Don't forget to catch the Tumbler Doll performances at North Square at 7:30/9:30. Hold hands with her and travel back to the Tang Dynasty in an instant.

Day Two: Carb-Loading Food Adventure

Morning: Purchase a combined ticket for the Bell and Drum Towers to capture perfect moments of morning bells and evening drums. The 5th floor observation deck at Kaiyuan Mall is a great spot for photos that capture the ancient charm of the Bell and Drum Towers.
Noon: Head straight to Saojin Bridge to begin your food tour. Take a bite of Old Ma's beef pastry that crumbles deliciously, enjoy Liu Xin's beef and mutton paomo where you tear the bread yourself, paired with Tea Talk's osmanthus yin and persimmon hutazi—Xi'an's culinary delights will captivate you.
Afternoon: Go cycling on the Ming City Wall. The section from Yongning Gate to Anding Gate offers the best scenery and beautiful photo opportunities. Bike rentals are half-price after 6pm, perfect for catching a gorgeous sunset.

Day Three: Exploring a World Wonder

Morning: For the Terracotta Warriors, definitely hire a guide or you'll miss the full impact. Remember not to take photos with the warriors—everyone is responsible for protecting cultural relics.
Afternoon: Watch "The Everlasting Regret" performance at Huaqing Palace, with middle A section offering the best views. Immerse yourself in the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. In the evening, enjoy the starry sky over Mount Li and soak in hot springs to wash away the day's fatigue.

Accommodation Suggestions

The Bell Tower area offers convenient transportation as a hub for Metro Line 2, with many hostels available at 150+ yuan per person. For higher quality, choose W Hotel or Westin in Qujiang area, which offer stunning night views of the Tang Dynasty Never-Sleeping City.

Transportation Guide

The airport bus costs just 25 yuan to reach the Bell Tower directly. Get an "Xi'an Electronic Metro Card" on Alipay for subway rides. Shared bikes are available everywhere, but avoid rush hours.

Local Secret Spots

The red wall with Buddha eyes at Guangren Temple has a mysterious charm, like instantly traveling to Tibet. The industrial-style rooftop at the old market creative district is extremely photogenic. At Shuyuan Gate, you can find a handwritten fan with your name written by an elderly craftsman—a meaningful souvenir.

Xi'an offers historical depth, tempting cuisine, and romantic night scenes. These three days and two nights are enough to make you fall in love with this city. Pack your bags and come to Xi'an for a date with a thousand years of history!