Must-Save! The Ultimate Xi'an Travel Guide: From Historical Sites to Local Delicacies All in One

Attractions Itinerary

- Day 1: Visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning (recommended to enter at 8:30 AM with the first batch to avoid crowds). In the afternoon, head to Huaqing Palace to see the Tang Imperial Hot Spring Ruins, and watch the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" live performance in the evening.
- Day 2: Visit Shaanxi History Museum in the morning (focus on the "Ancient Shaanxi" exhibition hall). Go to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the afternoon, climb to the top for a city view, and watch the 7:00 PM musical fountain show at the North Square. Enjoy the night view of the Bell and Drum Towers in the evening and savor local delicacies at Muslim Quarter.
- Day 3: Option 1: Hike Mount Zhongnan's South Wutai, visit Ancient Guanyin Temple after descending. Option 2: Visit Cuihua Mountain for boating on Tianchi Lake and exploring Ice Wind Cave.
- Day 4: Visit Famen Temple in the morning to see the Buddha's Finger Relic (don't miss the gilded bronze pagoda in the Treasure Hall). Head to Qianling Mausoleum in the afternoon to see Empress Wu Zetian's Wordless Stele and 61 Foreign Envoy Statues.
- Day 5: Rent bicycles at Xi'an City Wall's South Gate in the morning. Experience the Smashing Bowl Wine tradition at Yongxingfang in the afternoon, try Zichang pancakes and other snacks. Before departure, shop for souvenirs at SKP or Saige Shopping Center.

Food Recommendations

- Local snacks: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Yangrou Paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup), Liangpi (cold noodles), Qishan Saozi Noodles, Jingao (steamed glutinous rice cake).
- Featured restaurants: Drunk on Chang'an (Bell Tower flagship), Sour & Spicy Valley·Shaanxi Halal Hot Pot (Bell Tower branch), Xi'an Restaurant·Intangible Cultural Heritage Shaanxi Cuisine (Bell Tower branch).

Accommodation Suggestions

- Luxury: W Xi'an, The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an, Huaqing Palace Hot Spring Hotel.
- Family-friendly: Angsana Xi'an Lintong Hot Spring Resort, Gran Meliá Xi'an (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda/Tang Paradise branch), Shangri-La Xi'an.
- Scenic views: W Xi'an, The Westin Xi'an, Yaman East Courtyard Hotel (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda/Tang Paradise branch).

Transportation Guide

- Metro: Get "Xi'an Electronic Metro Card" on Alipay to cover major attractions.
- Taxi: Avoid Bell Tower and Xiaozhai business districts during evening rush hours (5:00-7:00 PM).

Practical Information

- Ticket reservations: Book 3-7 days in advance for Terracotta Warriors, Shaanxi History Museum, and "Song of Everlasting Sorrow". Free but reservation required for Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda) and City Wall.
- Food tips: Main street of Muslim Quarter is pricey - try side alleys like Dapiyuan and Sajinqiao. Be cautious with "free photo" services at attractions as they may charge for prints.