Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Xi'an
XI'AN · ITINERARY

Xi'an (China) in 3 days – Complete itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Archaeology, city walls, culture, cuisine

The itinerary combines a day dedicated to the Terracotta Army with two urban routes through city walls, alleys, and cultural complexes. The second day focuses on the historic center, where the stops are reached on foot or with short transfers. The third links the places tied to the pagodas and museums with a return toward the Drum Tower. Times and costs are indicative: before you go, check official channels for availability, access methods, and tickets.

Stops
1 · 1 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
Not available
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

Day 1 – The Terracotta Army and Imperial History

07:30–18:30 In-depth excursion

Dedicate the day to the area’s most famous archaeological site, leaving plenty of time for the trip to and from the city.

08:30

Terracotta Army

Get there from Xi'an by tourist bus or regular bus, or by a pre-booked car: allow about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on traffic. Plan on at least 3–4 hours to visit the pavilions and view from different angles the pits with the warriors, horses, and intricate details of the figures; set aside time for lunch in the surrounding area. Budget roughly CNY 120–150 for the ticket and about CNY 30–200 for transport, depending on the option you choose.

Check the official website for booking methods, required documents, and updated rates; during peak periods, book in advance.

Day 2 – Walls, alleys, and spirituality in the historic center

08:30–17:30 Urban walks with breaks

Explore the historic center from the top of the walls down to the alleys of the Muslim Quarter and its historic mosque.

08:30

Xi'an City Walls

Start from the South Gate area, reachable by metro or taxi, and walk or, if available, cycle along part of the fortifications. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the walk and scenic stops: look out for the towers, gates, and the contrast between the old fabric and the modern city. Admission is approximately CNY 50–60; any rental services are paid separately.

If you choose to cycle, consider the length of the full route and check on site for availability, rules, and rates.

11:30

Muslim Quarter

From the South Gate area, reach the quarter by taxi or public transport, then continue on foot through the commercial streets and alleys. Allow about 1.5–2 hours to take in the signs, shops, and the making of specialties such as roujiamo and liangpi; for a snack or casual lunch, budget roughly CNY 30–80 per person. Crowds and prices can vary from one street to another.

The busiest streets are lively: keep an eye on your belongings and check the price before ordering or buying.

14:00

Great Mosque of Xi'an

From the Muslim Quarter, walk to the mosque, set among courtyards and alleys in the city center. Allow about 45–75 minutes to move through the spaces at a relaxed pace and notice the architecture, which blends Chinese garden and building forms with the Islamic religious function. Consider an indicative cost of CNY 0–30, to be checked before your visit.

This is a place of worship: respect the posted guidance and check the official website for visitor access conditions.

Day 3 – Pagodas, historical collections, and the monumental center

09:00–20:00 Cultural visits and transfers around the city

Combine Buddhist monuments and archaeological collections with an evening finale in the historic heart of Xi'an.

09:00

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Reach the southern area of the city by metro or taxi and allow about 1.5–2 hours for the complex and its outdoor spaces. Observe the pagoda as a landmark in the urban landscape and pay attention to the architectural details and its relationship with the surrounding religious complex. For admission, budget roughly CNY 0–50, depending on the areas open to visitors and the tickets available.

Check separately the access to the complex and to the pagoda, as well as any booking procedures.

12:00

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Continue northwest by taxi or public transport; the transfer usually takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic and route. Set aside about an hour to admire the historic structure and stroll through the surrounding grounds, taking a lunch break before or after the visit. Allow roughly CNY 0–40 for admission and CNY 30–80 for a simple meal.

Visiting arrangements may depend on which areas are accessible: check the official notices before organizing your transfer.

14:30

Shaanxi History Museum

From the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, reach the museum by taxi or public transport, allowing time for the journey and any entry checks. Dedicate about 2–3 hours to the collections to trace the region’s development through artifacts, ceramics, funerary objects, and evidence of the dynasties that made Xi'an their capital. Estimate a cost of CNY 0–30 for entry or any special exhibitions, in addition to transport.

Check the official website for booking procedures, required documents, and the possible availability of temporary exhibitions.

18:30

Drum Tower

From the museum, head back toward the center by taxi or metro, allowing roughly 20–40 minutes for the transfer. Spend about an hour in the square and around the tower’s exterior, noting the monument’s position in relation to the historic streets; if access is available and you’re interested, check the visit options and fees in advance, around CNY 30–50. End the day with dinner nearby, budgeting about CNY 50–120 per person.

The suggested timing is an itinerary proposal, not a guarantee of access: check the official website for opening hours, tickets, and visiting conditions.

Estimated budget

Entrance fees and site visitsCNY 200–400 per person
Urban transport and transfers for the Terracotta ArmyCNY 150–450 per person
Meals and snacksCNY 240–600 per person for 3 days
Accommodation for 2 nightsCNY 500–1.800 per person, depending on the accommodation and room sharing

The local currency is the Chinese renminbi (CNY, yuan). All amounts are approximate estimates per person, may vary depending on season, availability, exchange rates, and travel choices, and do not constitute verified prices; check fares and purchase methods on official websites.

Practical tips

  • For the Terracotta Army, arrange your transfer in advance and check official channels for bookings, required documents, and tickets.
  • Use the metro for longer urban trips, and consider a taxi or pre-booked car when you need to quickly connect distant neighborhoods.
  • Bring water, comfortable shoes, and some cash with you; for digital payments, check first which methods can be used on your phone.
  • For museums, places of worship, and monuments, always check official websites before visiting: access, procedures, and fees may change.