Xi 'an free 6-day tour best guide

Xi’an, anciently known as Chang’an and Jingzhao, is a national regional central city in China and one of the world’s four great ancient capitals renowned globally. Here, you can feel the footprints and aura of history and culture that have been preserved over time. However, many friends still don’t know how to tour Xi’an properly. Don’t worry, today’s travel guide compiled by our editor will definitely help you experience Xi’an tourism the right way.

Accommodation Guide for Xi’an Travel

For photography enthusiasts and nightscape admirers, it’s advisable to seek hotels near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, along Metro Line 4. The area boasts stunning night views of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain, the Tang Paradise, and the Great Tang All Day Mall. The latter comes alive at night with numerous performances, allowing for a leisurely exploration without the worry of return travel. The transportation here is also highly convenient.

Should you prefer a serene environment, be prepared for higher prices. Alternatively, selecting hotels or guesthouses slightly farther from the scenic spots but close to subway stations can offer better value for money.

For first-time visitors to Xi’an who are also food lovers, staying within the ancient city walls is recommended. Look for hotels near the subway exits from Beidajie Station to Yongningmen Station along Metro Line 2. This location offers two main advantages: exceptional transportation convenience, with direct subway access to the airport, high-speed rail stations, and major attractions, many of which are within walking distance or a short metro ride; and proximity to the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter, where the majority of Xi’an’s local delicacies are concentrated. After enjoying the night view of the Bell and Drum Towers, you can easily stroll back to your hotel.

Itinerary Sharing:

Day 1: Drum Tower, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

I woke up at 4:00 AM and took a taxi to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport at 4:30 AM (costing 70 yuan, including a 5 yuan highway toll). Since I didn’t bring a water bottle, I bought a bottle of green tea for 5 yuan. Originally scheduled to depart at 6:50 AM, the flight was delayed and we arrived at Shaanxi Xianyang International Airport at 10:15 AM. By 10:40 AM, I boarded the airport shuttle bus (26 yuan) to the Drum Tower in Xi’an, which took about an hour. I then walked to the Hanting Haiyou Inn on Xiangzi Temple Street, where I stayed in a single room for 129 yuan using my membership card.

For lunch, I strolled to the Muslim Quarter and had beef paomo at Lao Mi’s for 25 yuan. In the afternoon, I visited the Drum Tower, with an entrance fee of 27 yuan, and watched a performance at 2:30 PM. The Bell Tower was under maintenance and therefore closed. I then walked to the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, where the ticket cost 75 yuan. Exiting through the Shuyuan Gate (facing west), I found myself directly opposite Xiangzi Gate. From there, I took bus K609 (2 yuan) to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and returned to Nanmenli via bus Y6.

For dinner, I dined at Lele Restaurant inside Xiangzi Gate, spending 73 yuan on braised pork ribs, pan-fried eggplant, a vegetarian trio, two bottles of beer, and a bowl of rice.

Day 2: Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple

I got up at 6 o’clock in the morning. After that, I changed my accommodation to Xiangzimeng International Youth Hostel. The member price for the standard room I stayed in was 170 yuan. After packing up, I took a taxi to the railway station, aiming to catch the first bus. The taxi fare was 11 yuan. Considering that the starting price of a taxi in Xi’an is only 6 yuan, it’s quite affordable. With light traffic in the morning, I arrived at the railway station in about ten minutes. On the east side of the railway station (to the right when facing the station), there are regular buses (Tourist Bus Route 2, 18 yuan per ticket). There are signs indicating the destinations in front of the buses, and the staff wear uniforms. This route leads to Qianling Mausoleum (admission ticket: 40 yuan) and Famen Temple (admission ticket: 120 yuan).
For lunch, I had it at the parking lot of Qianling Mausoleum. A roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) cost 6 yuan, and a bowl of doufunao (sweet bean curd) was 5 yuan. In the evening, I had dinner at Dingjia Small Crispy Pork near the west gate of Dapi Courtyard, spending 29 yuan. On the way back, I bought a roujiamo from Tie Zhijian’s (8 yuan) and two persimmon cakes (4 yuan).

Day 3: Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum

In the morning, from 7:10 to 7:30, I took Bus No. 46 at the South Gate to the railway station. The ticket price was only 1 yuan. On the east side of the railway station (to the right when facing the station), I took the special line to the Terracotta Army (7 yuan), which took me directly there. Along the way, it passed by Lishan Mountain and Huaqing Palace, but I didn’t visit them. After approximately an hour’s journey, I arrived at the Terracotta Army at 9 o’clock. The ticket price was 110 yuan, which included a 20 – yuan ticket for the Qinling Mausoleum. I finished the visit at 11:40 and took a bus at the entrance to the Qinling Mausoleum (free of charge). Take a look at the following picture, which shows the ticket discount information. I didn’t notice it until I came out.
I returned to Xi’an at 12:15 and arrived at the railway station at 1 o’clock. Then I took Bus K609 to the Shaanxi History Museum (2 yuan). The admission ticket was 20 yuan, just to have a look at the precious collections there.
For dinner, I went to the west entrance of Dapi Courtyard in Huimin Street. I had stir – fried rice at Yanyan’s for 10 yuan, liangpi (cold noodles) for 6 yuan, shuan niudu (stewed beef tripe, 50 cents per skewer) for 10 yuan, zhengao (a kind of sweet rice cake) for 10 yuan, and pomegranate juice for 5 yuan.

Day 4: Xi’an City Wall

I got up relatively late and set out at 9 a.m. It only took a 5 – minute walk from my accommodation to the South Gate. I entered the Xi’an City Wall at the South Gate. The ticket price was 40 yuan. The entire journey along the wall was 13.7 kilometers. I chose to walk, which took me around three hours. During the walk, I bought a bottle of water for 5 yuan.
At noon, I had braised mixed vegetables with a bowl of rice. The cost was 16 yuan, and my younger sister in Xi’an treated me.
In the evening, I went to Jia San Steamed Stuffed Buns in Huimin Street. The bill came to 97 yuan. I ordered one steamer of beef buns, one steamer of lamb buns, a whole Hulu Roast Chicken, and a portion of liangpi (cold noodles). On the way back, I bought a pie for 6 yuan and some pastries for 27 yuan.

Day 5: Huashan Mountain

I got up at 6 a.m. At 6:40 a.m., I took a taxi from Xiangzimeng (costing 35 yuan) to Xi’an North Railway Station and arrived at 7:10 a.m. I spent 6 yuan on breakfast. I bought a ticket for Train D1002 at the ticket vending machine for 35 yuan. The train departed at 8:15 a.m. and arrived at Huashan North Railway Station at 8:55 a.m. Since there was no direct bus to the scenic area, I took a shared taxi (about 20 yuan per person, and the price was negotiable) to the tourist center of the scenic area.
The ticket for Huashan Mountain was 180 yuan. The one – way minibus (entering from the East Mountain Gate) cost 20 yuan. The one – way cable car ticket was 80 yuan (the round – trip ticket was 150 yuan). I reached the North Peak at 9:15 a.m. Then I walked through all five main peaks. When going down the mountain, I took the Zhique Huashan Trail. At 5 p.m., I took a bus at the foot of the mountain back to Xi’an (36 yuan). (I missed the last public bus and took a private one.) For dinner, I had Baitang Noodles at Wanwanxiang (9 yuan) and some meat skewers (10 yuan).
Tip: Friends who choose to climb Huashan Mountain at night must enter from the West Mountain Gate at the foot of Huashan Mountain. The distance to the North Peak is about 6 kilometers.

【 Day 6: Free Travel 】

Huimin Street – Dapiyuan West – Xiyang City: Tea flower 4.5 yuan, stuffed skin 5 yuan, persimmon cake 20 yuan, Zhen cake 20 yuan, plum soup powder 34 yuan, Junjun Mung bean cake 36 yuan (3 boxes), kiwi dried 36 yuan (3 boxes). Dinner small crispy meat, preserved pork, skewers, rice, soft drink 32.5 yuan.

Travel Tips for Xi’an

Climate Adaptation: Xi’an has a dry climate. It is highly recommended to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and pay attention to skin moisturization. This way, you can stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Cultural Preparation: Xi’an is rich in historical and cultural attractions. Before your visit, it is advisable to learn some relevant historical and cultural knowledge. This background information will enable you to have a deeper understanding and better appreciation of the scenic spots, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Culinary Preferences: The local cuisine in Xi’an often features a spicy flavor. If you’re not a big fan of spicy food, remember to inform the waiter or waitress in advance. This way, you can enjoy the local dishes without any discomfort.

Traffic Planning: Traffic congestion is common in Xi’an. To ensure a smooth journey, it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance. This will help you avoid any potential time – wasting situations and make the most of your time exploring the city.