3 Days in Xi'an 2025: The Perfect Ancient Capital Itinerary
Discover Xi'an in 3 perfect days: Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, Muslim Quarter food, and Tang Dynasty treasures. Complete itinerary with timings, costs, and insider tips.
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What's the perfect 3-day itinerary for Xi'an, China?
Spend Day 1 discovering the Terracotta Warriors and ancient sites, Day 2 exploring the City Wall and Muslim Quarter, and Day 3 visiting pagodas and museums. Budget ¥150-300 per day including entrance fees and local transport.
Related questions:
- • How much does 3 days in Xi'an cost?
- • What's the best area to stay in Xi'an?
- • Is 3 days enough for Xi'an?
Your 3-Day Xi'an Adventure
TL;DR: Explore Xi'an's highlights in 3 action-packed days covering 18 attractions with a budget of €¥450-¥1800 per person.
- 1 Day 1 focuses on the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace (¥190 in tickets)
- 2 Day 2 explores the Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter food scene (¥80-100 fees)
- 3 Day 3 discovers Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum (¥50-80 total)
- 4 Book Terracotta Warriors tickets online to skip queues during peak season
- 5 Stay inside the city walls near Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter for best access
- 6 Total 3-day budget: ¥450-600 (budget), ¥900-1500 (mid-range), ¥1800+ (luxury) per person
Xi'an captivates visitors with its extraordinary blend of ancient wonders and vibrant modern culture, where the legendary Terracotta Warriors stand guard over a city that served as China's capital for 13 dynasties. This carefully crafted 3-day itinerary balances world-famous archaeological sites with authentic experiences in the Muslim Quarter's spice-scented alleys, from cycling atop ancient city walls to savoring hand-pulled noodles in family-run shops. With daily costs ranging from ¥150 to ¥600 per person, Xi'an offers incredible value while delivering one of China's most profound historical experiences. The best time to visit is April-May or September-October when temperatures are comfortable for exploring. This itinerary covers approximately 20 kilometers through the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
Your 3-Day Xi'an Itinerary
Day 1: Terracotta Warriors & Imperial History
Ancient Wonders
Day 1
Journey to one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries and explore the mountain retreat of emperors
Total Cost
CNY200-500
Walking Distance
5 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 5 km journey!
Day 1 Schedule
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Terracotta Warriors Museum
Explore the incredible army of 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China's first emperor. Three excavation pits reveal different military formations
💡 Tip: Arrive by 8:30 AM to beat tour groups. Hire official guide (¥100) or audio guide (¥40) for context. Pit 1 is most impressive, Pit 2 has best preserved warriors
Museum Shop & Facilities
Quality replicas available. Factory demonstrations show how warriors were made. Circle vision theater worth watching
💡 Tip: Authorized replicas here are certified. Cheaper 'warriors' outside are fake
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Qin Restaurant • Local Shaanxi specialties
💰 CNY40-80 per person
Must try: Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Persimmon cake
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Huaqing Palace
Explore the hot spring palace where Emperor Xuanzong romanced Yang Guifei. Beautiful gardens, historic bath houses, and mountain views
💡 Tip: On route back to city from Warriors. Evening show 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' spectacular but separate ticket (¥200-300)
Return to City
Head back to Xi'an city center. The route passes through countryside and modern development
💡 Tip: Tourist bus 5 continues from Huaqing to city (¥7). Avoid black taxis
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Bell Tower Night View
The geographic center of Xi'an illuminated beautifully at night. Great photos from the underground passage entrances
💡 Tip: Can go up tower until 8:30 PM (¥30) but exterior views are free and often better
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant • Famous dumpling banquet
💰 CNY80-200 per person
Must try: 18-variety dumpling set, Walnut dumplings, Duck-shaped dumplings
📝 Walk-ins usually fine except holidays
Budget option: Qin Yu Rou Jia Mo for ¥15-30 street food
Institution since 1936, touristy but authentic
🌙 Evening Options
- • Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show - ¥200-300
- • Defu Lane bar street - craft beers ¥30-50
- • South Gate Wall night walk - beautifully lit
🚇 Getting Around
tour Option: Many hotels offer Warriors tours ¥350-500 including lunch
public Transport: Bus 5 from train station east square (¥7 each way)
timing: Full day trip, leave city by 8 AM
avoidance: Fake Warriors sites and jade factory tours
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay near Bell Tower for central location. Budget: ¥100-250 hostels, Mid-range: ¥300-600 hotels
Day 2: City Walls & Muslim Quarter
Culture & Cuisine
Day 2
Cycle atop ancient fortifications then dive into the aromatic chaos of one of China's most fascinating cultural quarters
Total Cost
CNY150-400
Walking Distance
8 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 8 km journey!
Day 2 Schedule
Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Ancient City Wall
Bike or walk atop the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. The 13.7km fortification offers panoramic views and a unique perspective on old and new Xi'an
💡 Tip: South Gate (Yongning) has most facilities. Rent bikes for ¥45/2hrs. Morning light best for photos. Can walk sections if prefer
Shuyuanmen Culture Street
Browse this traditional street specializing in calligraphy supplies, paintings, and cultural souvenirs. Watch artists at work
💡 Tip: Prices negotiable. Quality varies widely. Good for unique gifts
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Muslim Quarter Street Food • Hui Muslim specialties
💰 CNY30-60 per person
Must try: Yangrou paomo (lamb soup), Roujiamo, Liangpi (cold noodles)
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Muslim Quarter Deep Dive
Explore the narrow alleys of this 1000-year-old Hui Muslim community. Food stalls, mosques, and traditional crafts create sensory overload
💡 Tip: Main street touristy, side alleys more authentic. Respect Muslim customs. Best food in late afternoon
Great Mosque
Visit China's oldest and largest mosque, blending Chinese architecture with Islamic function. Peaceful gardens provide respite from Quarter chaos
💡 Tip: Dress modestly. Non-Muslims cannot enter prayer hall. Beautiful in afternoon light
Drum Tower
Climb this Ming Dynasty tower for Muslim Quarter views and drum performances every hour
💡 Tip: Combo ticket with Bell Tower saves ¥15. Sunset timing ideal
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Tang Paradise Theme Park
Optional visit to this Tang Dynasty-themed park with gardens, performances, and light shows. Touristy but beautiful at night
💡 Tip: Skip if on budget. Night ticket cheaper and more atmospheric. Water screen show at 8:30 PM
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
First Noodle Under The Sun • Biangbiang noodles specialist
💰 CNY40-80 per person
Must try: Original biangbiang noodles, Three-in-one combination, Spinach noodles
Modern take on traditional noodles
🚇 Getting Around
walking Day: Most sites within walking distance
bicycle Option: Shared bikes great for getting around
muslim Quarter Tip: Can get crowded, visit early or late
dresscode: Modest dress for mosque visit
🏨 Where to Stay: Muslim Quarter area offers cultural immersion but can be noisy. South Gate area quieter
Day 3: Pagodas & Cultural Treasures
Religion & Museums
Day 3
Explore Buddhist heritage at ancient pagodas and dive deep into Shaanxi's rich history at world-class museums
Total Cost
CNY100-350
Walking Distance
7 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 7 km journey!
Day 3 Schedule
Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit this 1,300-year-old Buddhist pagoda built to house scriptures brought from India. Climb for city views and explore surrounding temples
💡 Tip: Morning light best for photos. Climb is steep but views worth it. Musical fountain schedule varies
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square
Explore the massive plaza with Tang Dynasty statues, gardens, and Asia's largest musical fountain
💡 Tip: Fountain shows at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:30 PM. Evening show has lights
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's finest museums showcasing treasures from Shaanxi's role as ancient capital. From prehistoric times through Tang Dynasty
💡 Tip: Free tickets limited, book online or arrive early. Special exhibitions worth extra ¥30. No photos in some halls
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Tian Fu Xiang • Traditional Xi'an restaurant
💰 CNY50-100 per person
Must try: Gourd chicken, Persimmon pudding, Eight treasures rice
Local institution, less touristy
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit the lesser-known but equally historic pagoda. More peaceful than its big brother with lovely gardens and Xi'an Museum
💡 Tip: Free entry to grounds, museum requires booking. Less crowded and more authentic feel
Temple of the Eight Immortals
Active Taoist temple with fortune tellers, incense, and traditional atmosphere. Less touristy religious site
💡 Tip: Sunday antique market in front. Fortune telling ¥20-50 if interested
Local Neighborhood Walk
Explore authentic Xi'an neighborhoods away from tourist sites. Markets, tea houses, and daily life
💡 Tip: Area between pagodas shows real Xi'an life. Practice basic Mandarin
Evening (5:30 PM onwards)
Duration: 4+ hours
South Gate Evening
Return to city wall for sunset views and evening cultural performances on the square
💡 Tip: Traditional ceremony at 6 PM in tourist season. Wall beautifully lit after dark
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay near South Gate for easy airport shuttle access on departure day
Complete Budget Breakdown
Complete 3-day costs per person in Xi'an, excluding accommodation. All prices in CNY (¥) for 2025.
Budget Traveler
💰¥150-200 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Eat at Muslim Quarter stalls and local noodle shops
- • Use public bus to Terracotta Warriors
- • Skip pagoda climbs to save money
- • Free museum days for locals sometimes open to tourists
3-Day Total
¥450-600
Attractions
¥180-240 total
Meals
¥150-240 total
Transport
¥60-90
Extras
¥60-30 (souvenirs)
Mid-Range
💎¥300-500 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Mix street food with restaurant meals
- • Hire guides at major sites
- • Take tour bus to Warriors for convenience
- • Try one cultural show
3-Day Total
¥900-1500
Attractions
¥360-540 total
Meals
¥300-540 total
Transport
¥180-300
Extras
¥60-120 (shopping)
Luxury
👑¥600+ per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Private guides provide deep insights
- • Banquet dinners with performances
- • Helicopter tours available
- • 5-star hotel spa treatments
3-Day Total
¥1800+
Attractions
¥600-900
Meals
¥900+
Transport
¥450+
Extras
¥200+ (experiences)
💡 Smart Money-Saving Tips
Student discounts 50% at most sites with ID
Muslim Quarter cheaper than restaurants
Public bus #5 to Warriors saves ¥150 vs tours
Many temples have minimal entry fees
University cafeterias welcome public
✨ Worth the Splurge
Official guide at Terracotta Warriors - ¥100-150
Dumpling banquet experience - ¥100-200
City Wall bike rental - worth the ¥45
Tang Dynasty show with dinner - cultural highlight
Note: All prices are estimates for 2025 and exclude accommodation. Actual costs may vary by season and booking timing. Prices shown in EUR.
Essential Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-November offer perfect weather. Avoid Chinese holidays and summer heat. Winter is cold but has fewer tourists and lower prices.
Getting Around
Xi'an Metro covers major sites (¥2-8 per trip). Taxis plentiful and cheap. Download DiDi app. Shared bikes everywhere for short trips. City center walkable.
Advance Bookings
Terracotta Warriors can be booked online but not essential. Hotels best booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Restaurants rarely need reservations except shows.
Cultural Sensitivity
Respect Muslim customs in Quarter - no pork or alcohol visible. Remove hats in mosques. Ask before photographing people. Dress modestly at religious sites.
Language Barrier
Less English than Beijing/Shanghai. Download Pleco dictionary. Have hotel write key addresses in Chinese. Learn numbers for bargaining.
Food Adventures
Xi'an food very wheat-based - noodles, bread, dumplings. Lamb dominates Muslim Quarter. Vegetarians should research options. Street food generally safe.
Customize Your Itinerary
Customize your 3 days based on interests and travel style
History Deep Dive
- ✓ Add Banpo Neolithic Museum (Day 1)
- ✓ Hanyangling Mausoleum instead of Huaqing (Day 1)
- ✓ Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Day 2)
- ✓ Hire archaeological expert guide
Additional cost: ¥200-400 for extra sites and guide
Foodie Focus
- ✓ Morning cooking class (Day 2)
- ✓ Food tour in Muslim Quarter (Day 2)
- ✓ Local breakfast street tour (Day 3)
- ✓ Visit spice and tea markets
Additional cost: ¥300-500 for classes and tours
Outdoor Adventure
- ✓ Hike Mt. Huashan (full Day 3)
- ✓ Cycle countryside near Warriors (Day 1)
- ✓ Mt. Lishan hike from Huaqing (Day 1)
- ✓ Extended city wall bike tour
Additional cost: ¥200-400 for Mt. Huashan trip
Family with Kids
- ✓ Qujiang Ocean World (Day 3)
- ✓ Skip museum for Datang Everbright City (Day 3)
- ✓ Shadow puppet making class (Day 2)
- ✓ Tang Paradise rides (Day 2)
Savings: ¥100-200 on child discounts
Photography
- ✓ Dawn at city wall (Day 2)
- ✓ Muslim Quarter morning light (Day 2)
- ✓ Sunset from Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Day 3)
- ✓ Night photography tour
Budget Backpacker
- ✓ Walk city wall sections only (¥10)
- ✓ Skip Huaqing Palace
- ✓ Free temples and markets focus
- ✓ Street food only dining
Savings: ¥200-300 vs standard itinerary
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
spring
March-May • 10-25°C, occasional rain
Highlights:
- • Peony blooms
- • Perfect cycling weather
- • Clear skies
Events:
- • Qingming Festival
- • May Day holiday crowds
summer
June-August • 20-35°C, hot and humid
Highlights:
- • Long daylight
- • Night markets active
- • Fountain shows
Events:
- • International Silk Road Festival
- • Beer gardens open
fall
September-November • 10-25°C, dry and comfortable
Highlights:
- • Golden autumn colors
- • Perfect weather
- • Pomegranate season
Events:
- • Mid-Autumn Festival
- • National Day Golden Week
winter
December-February • -5-10°C, cold and dry
Highlights:
- • No tourist crowds
- • Snow on pagodas rare but beautiful
- • Hot pot season
Events:
- • Chinese New Year festivities
- • Temple fairs
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Xi'an
1 Is 3 days enough to see Xi'an?
Three days allows you to see all major highlights including the Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and main pagodas. You'll cover about 90% of must-see sights. Adding a fourth day would allow for Mt. Huashan or more relaxed exploration.
2 What's the best area to stay in Xi'an?
Inside the city walls near Bell Tower offers the most convenient location with walking distance to Muslim Quarter and easy access to all sites. South Gate area is quieter but still central. Budget: ¥100-300/night, Mid-range: ¥300-600/night.
3 How much money do I need for 3 days in Xi'an?
Budget ¥450-600 for basic costs (¥150-200/day), ¥900-1500 for comfortable travel (¥300-500/day), or ¥1800+ for luxury (¥600+/day). This covers all meals, attractions, and transport but excludes accommodation. Xi'an is very affordable compared to Beijing or Shanghai.
4 How do I get to the Terracotta Warriors?
Take tourist bus 5(306) from Xi'an Railway Station East Square (¥7, 1 hour). Runs every 10 minutes. Avoid fake buses - real one only charges when you arrive. Many hotels offer tours for ¥350-500 including guide and lunch.
5 Is Xi'an Muslim Quarter safe?
Very safe for tourists. The Hui Muslim community has lived here for 1000+ years. Normal precautions apply - watch belongings in crowds. Respect local customs by not bringing pork or alcohol into the quarter.
6 What's Xi'an's must-try food?
Don't miss: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Biangbiang noodles (belt-wide noodles), Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and Muslim Quarter's lamb kebabs. Food is hearty, wheat-based, and meat-heavy. Vegetarians should plan ahead.
Is 3 days enough to see Xi'an?
What's the best area to stay in Xi'an?
How much money do I need for 3 days in Xi'an?
How do I get to the Terracotta Warriors?
Is Xi'an Muslim Quarter safe?
What's Xi'an's must-try food?
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Continue Planning Your Xi'an Trip
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