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The very name Xi’an whispers of empires and echoes with the marching of terracotta armies. It is a city where the ancient Silk Road began and where modern China’s vibrant pulse is felt just as strongly. To visit Xi’an is to take a chronological journey, hopping from thousand-year-old dynasties to a bustling, contemporary metropolis in the span of a single city block. This five-day itinerary is designed to immerse you in that perfect, captivating blend of the old and the new, ensuring you don't just see history, but you experience the living, breathing city it has become.
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. A taxi or pre-booked car will whisk you towards the city center, where the iconic outline of the City Wall will soon greet you on the horizon.
Check into your accommodation. For a truly immersive experience, consider a boutique hotel within the city walls, perhaps near the South Gate. Alternatively, the eastern part of the city offers modern high-rises with stunning views. Once you've dropped your bags, it's time for a preliminary exploration. Take a casual stroll towards the Bell Tower, the geographical and symbolic heart of the city. Standing at the intersection of the city's four main thoroughfares, its majestic presence is a constant reminder of Xi’an’s historical importance. Directly opposite, the Drum Tower stands as its companion. In ancient times, the bell would ring at dawn and the drum beat at dusk, marking the city's rhythm.
As dusk settles, make your way to the world-famous Muslim Quarter. This is where Xi’an’s ancient role as a cosmopolitan Silk Road hub comes alive in a riot of sounds, smells, and sights. The narrow, cobbled street of Beiyuanmen is a bustling, chaotic, and utterly delightful sensory overload.
Today is dedicated to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Dedicate your entire morning to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, commonly known as the Terracotta Army. It's located about an hour's drive east of the city center. Hiring a private driver or joining a small tour group is highly recommended for convenience. Upon arrival, the scale of the site is staggering. The army was built to protect China's first emperor, Qinshihuang, in the afterlife.
Focus your visit on the three main pits. * Pit 1: This is the most breathtaking. The sheer scale hits you first—thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor, stand in battle formation. The precision and artistry are humbling. * Pits 2 and 3: These are smaller but offer a closer look at the different military units—cavalry, archers, and command posts. You can see the painstaking restoration work still being carried out by archaeologists.
Head back to the city in the afternoon. The experience can be overwhelming, so take some time to relax. In the evening, consider a quieter dinner, perhaps trying a different local delicacy like biangbiang noodles (wide, belt-like noodles in a savory sauce) at a restaurant outside the main tourist zones.
This day is about experiencing the grandeur of ancient Xi’an from above and through its most elegant cultural relics.
Start your day by ascending the Xi’an City Wall. This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China and is a magnificent testament to the city's fortified past. The best way to experience its 8.5-mile (13.7 km) circumference is by renting a bicycle. A two-hour bike ride atop the wide, ancient wall offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the city—the old low-rise buildings inside the walls contrasting with the modern skyscrapers outside.
In the afternoon, travel south to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This towering brick pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple grounds are spacious and serene, a welcome respite from the city bustle. For a fantastic photo opportunity, head to the square north of the pagoda to see the magnificent music fountain show (check times for daily performances).
Cap off your Tang Dynasty-themed day with a cultural performance. The Tang Dynasty Palace or the Shaanxi Grand Opera House offers lavish dinner shows featuring traditional music and dance. The performances, with dancers in exquisite period costumes, recreate the opulence and artistic brilliance of the Tang Dynasty, a golden age for Xi’an.
Dive deeper into China's artistic heritage and discover the sophisticated side of modern Xi’an.
A visit to the Shaanxi History Museum is like walking through a beautifully illustrated history book of China. The collection here is world-class, with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times through the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The exquisite Tang Dynasty gold and silverware and the murals from Tang tombs are particular highlights. Pro Tip: Book your free entry ticket online well in advance, as daily entry is limited.
Adjacent to the South Gate is the Forest of Stelae Museum. This might sound niche, but it's a fascinating spot for any art or history lover. It houses a vast collection of ancient stone stelae (tablets) inscribed with classical Chinese texts, calligraphy, and historical records. It’s a serene place to appreciate the art of Chinese calligraphy and the weight of recorded history.
Experience the modern face of Xi’an's food scene. Instead of the Muslim Quarter, explore the upscale restaurants in the Nanmen (South Gate) area or the trendy De Fu Xiang bar street. Here, you can find innovative Chinese fusion cuisine, sophisticated wine bars, and craft beer pubs, showcasing how the city's youth relax and socialize.
On your final day, step slightly off the beaten path and visit a tomb that rivals the Terracotta Army in historical significance.
Consider a trip to the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty. Less crowded than the Terracotta Army, it offers a completely different and in some ways more intimate, experience. Here, you walk on glass over the excavation pits, looking down at thousands of smaller, exquisitely detailed terracotta figures—servants, animals, and soldiers—all frozen in time. The site's museum is also exceptionally well-designed.
Before heading to the airport, take one last walk through a local market or visit the Shuyuanmen (Ancient Culture Street). This street, lined with仿古 (fǎnggǔ, antique-style) architecture, is a great place to pick up souvenirs like replicas of terracotta warriors, Chinese calligraphy brushes, ink stones, and paper-cuttings.
As you make your way back to the airport, you'll carry with you the indelible contrasts of Xi’an—the silent, stoic gaze of a terracotta soldier and the lively shout of a street vendor, the feel of ancient stone under your bicycle tires and the taste of a modern craft brew. Xi’an is not a city stuck in the past; it is a city that carries its profound history with immense pride, seamlessly weaving it into the dynamic fabric of its present.
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Author: Xian Travel
Link: https://xiantravel.github.io/travel-blog/xian-travel-itinerary-5-days-of-ancient-amp-modern.htm
Source: Xian Travel
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