5-Day Xi'an Cultural Immersion  From Terracotta Warriors to Ancient Pagodas, Markets & Authentic Cuisine
5-Day Xi'an Cultural Immersion From Terracotta Warriors to Ancient Pagodas, Markets & Authentic Cuisine

Xi'an the ancient capital of 13 dynasties offers a fascinating journey through Chinas imperial history Terracotta Warriors ancient city walls and vibrant Muslim Quarter await your exploration

Duration of 5 Days

History
Culture
Food
Archaeology
Architecture
Religion
Museums
Ancient Capital

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)

Local Cuisine

Roujiamo Biangbiang Noodles Yangrou Paomo Liangpi

Historical Significance

Capital of 13 dynasties including Zhou Qin Han Tang

Must-Try Experience

Evening performance at Tang Paradise

Transportation Tip

Use metro and taxis for convenient city travel

Highlights

This 5-day itinerary immerses you in Xians rich cultural heritage from the world-famous Terracotta Army to ancient pagodas bustling markets and authentic local cuisine Experience the perfect blend of history culture and culinary delights in one of Chinas most historically significant cities

Itinerary

1Day 1 Terracotta Warriors and Ancient History

Distance:35 km
Tourist Shuttle Bus

Direct shuttle service connecting the two sites, runs every 30 minutes

Duration: 15-20 minutes

directionTaxi

Convenient but more expensive option, readily available at the museum exit

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Private Car

Most flexible option if you have arranged transportation

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum

time12:30-14:00
addressLintong District, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China

Visit the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang located near the Terracotta Warriors site

Distance:40 km
Tour Bus

Direct return bus to city center, stops near the museum

Duration: 45-60 minutes

directionTaxi

Most convenient but expensive, especially during rush hour

Duration: 40-50 minutes

Metro + Bus

Take bus to metro station, then Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station

Duration: 60-75 minutes

Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum

time15:00-17:30
address91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Explore one of Chinas best history museums with artifacts from prehistoric times to modern era

Distance:2 km
Walking

Pleasant walk through the university district

Duration: 20-25 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick and inexpensive for short distance

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Bicycle

Shared bikes available throughout the area

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Local Shaanxi Cuisine Dinner

Local Shaanxi Cuisine Dinner

time18:30-20:00
addressCentral Xian near Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter

Enjoy a traditional Shaanxi dinner featuring local specialties like Biangbiang noodles

2Day 2 Ancient City Walls and Muslim Quarter

Distance:1.5 km
Walking

Direct walk through the city center, passing through the South Gate area

Duration: 15-20 minutes

directionMetro

Take Line 2 from Yongningmen Station to Bell Tower Station

Duration: 5-10 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick but traffic can be heavy in the city center

Duration: 5-8 minutes

Bell Tower

Bell Tower

time11:30-12:30
addressZhonglou Shangquan, Beilin District, Xian, Shaanxi Province

Visit the iconic Bell Tower at the city center originally built in 1384

Distance:200 meters
Walking

Very short walk through the square connecting the two towers

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Underground Passage

Climate-controlled passageway with shops and exhibits

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Drum Tower

Drum Tower

time13:00-14:00
addressWest Street Beiyuanmen Lianhu District Xian Shaanxi Province

Explore the Drum Tower opposite the Bell Tower with traditional drum performances

Distance:300 meters
Walking

Direct walk north from Drum Tower into the Muslim Quarter entrance

Duration: 5-7 minutes

Walking through Beiyuanmen Street

Main entrance street to the Muslim Quarter, lined with food stalls

Duration: 5-7 minutes

Muslim Quarter

Muslim Quarter

time14:30-17:00
addressBeiyuanmen Street Lianhu District Xian Shaanxi Province

Immerse in the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its food stalls markets and cultural atmosphere

Distance:500 meters
Walking

Walk through the narrow lanes of the Muslim Quarter to reach the mosque

Duration: 8-10 minutes

Walking with Guide

Recommended to follow main Huajue Lane to find the entrance

Duration: 8-10 minutes

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Great Mosque of Xi'an

time17:30-18:30
address30 Huajue Lane Xian Shaanxi China

Visit the ancient Great Mosque blending Chinese and Islamic architectural styles

3Day 3 Buddhist Heritage and Tang Culture

Distance:Adjacent
Walking

Direct exit from the pagoda complex to the main square

Duration: 2-3 minutes

Walking through Gardens

Scenic walk through the temple gardens to the square

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square

time11:00-12:00
addressYanta Road Beilin District Xian Shaanxi Province China

Explore the surrounding area with gardens fountains and cultural displays

Distance:3 km
directionTaxi

Most convenient option between the two pagodas

Duration: 10-15 minutes

directionMetro

Take Line 3 from Dayanta Station to Xiaozhai, then transfer to bus

Duration: 15-20 minutes

directionBus

Direct bus routes available, check local bus numbers

Duration: 20-25 minutes

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

time13:30-15:00
address72 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xian, Shaanxi Province

Visit the smaller but equally historic pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty

Distance:Adjacent
Walking

Located within the same complex, connected by pathways

Duration: 2-3 minutes

Walking through Park

Beautiful walk through the Jianfu Temple park area

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Xi'an Museum

Xi'an Museum

time15:00-16:30
address72 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Explore the adjacent museum dedicated to Xi'an history and archaeology

Distance:5 km
directionTaxi

Most direct route, especially in the evening

Duration: 15-20 minutes

directionMetro

Take bus to metro station, then Line 3 to Xianghu Station

Duration: 25-30 minutes

Tourist Bus

Special tourist buses operate between major attractions

Duration: 20-25 minutes

Tang Paradise Theme Park

Tang Paradise Theme Park

time17:00-20:00
addressNo. 99 Furong West Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Experience Tang Dynasty culture with gardens performances and historical recreations

4Day 4 Calligraphy and Local Markets

Distance:Adjacent
Walking

Located next to each other within the same historical complex

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Walking through Courtyard

Connected through traditional Chinese courtyard architecture

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Xi'an Confucius Temple

Xi'an Confucius Temple

time11:30-12:30
address15 Sanxue Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Visit the Confucius Temple adjacent to the Stone Steles Museum

Distance:2.5 km
Walking

Pleasant walk through the historical district, passing Shuyuanmen Street

Duration: 25-30 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick option, but traffic can be heavy near the city wall

Duration: 8-12 minutes

Bicycle

Enjoyable ride along the city wall perimeter

Duration: 12-15 minutes

South Gate Yongningmen

South Gate Yongningmen

time13:30-14:30
addressSouth Gate, Xi'an City Wall, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Explore the ancient city gate and surrounding historical area

Things to Do

  • Explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum
  • Cycle along the ancient city walls
  • Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Discover the Muslim Quarter food street
  • See the Bell and Drum Towers
  • Experience Shaanxi History Museum
  • Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an
  • Explore the Forest of Stone Steles Museum
  • Walk through the Tang Paradise theme park
  • Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda