Xi'an itinerary 1 day

1 Day Xi'an Travel Itinerary, Plan a 1 Day Trip in Xi'an

Helen Tang
1422 Words/6 Minutes, By Helen Tang, Updated June 09, 2025

An ideal Xi’an itinerary might include discovering the legendary Terracotta Warriors, experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the Muslim Quarter, sampling local cuisine, cycling on the ancient city wall, and taking part in cultural activities that bring the city's rich history to life.

Actually, all the itineraries are flexible. If none of these suits your needs, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

1-day Xi'an Itinerary for Family with Kids

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
  • Start your day by visiting Terra-cotta Army, ailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions. Kids gain a profound understanding of China’s first emperor’s quest for immortality.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch nearby the Museum
  • Find a local restaurant and enjoy a lunch with local delicacies like Yangrou Pao Mo (Lamb and Flatbread Soup) and handmade dumplings.
  • 2:00 PM: Fun by the Huaqing palace
  • The site boasts exquisite palace architecture and is renowned for the beauty-enhancing properties of its hot spring waters. It was also the setting of the historic Xi’an Incident, which shook the nation and the world. If you like also can take a cable car to the top of Li mount, offering a stunning view.
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the Xi’an Ancient City Wall
  • In the late afternoon, visit the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, is a colossal fortification that encircles the heart of old Xi’an and is the best-preserved city wall of its kind in China. You can rent a bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride along the 14-kilometer loop, where panoramic views reveal a captivating contrast between the city’s ancient heritage and its modern skyline.
  • 7:00 PM: Savor Culture and Cuisine in the Muslim Quarter
  • In the evening, stroll along the Muslim Quarter, this lively neighborhood is made up of a maze of bustling alleys filled with street vendors and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy famous local delicacies and discover a rich Islamic heritage.

1-day Xi'an Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
  • Start your day by visiting Terra-cotta Army, ailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions. Discover one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds—thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
  • 12:00 PM: Have a Lunch
  • After exploring the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, head to a local restaurant for lunch. Try dishes like Yangrou Pao Mo (Lamb Pita Soup) and handmade dumplings.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum
  • After lunch, head back to the city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, graceful Tang dynasty pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an and a testament to ancient Buddhist architecture. Visit Shaanxi History Museum, immerse yourself in over a thousand years of Chinese civilization at this world-class museum.
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
  • In the late afternoon, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, those stand facing each other as iconic landmarks in Xi'an's ancient city. You can explore both towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
  • 7:00 PM: Savor Culture and Cuisine in the Muslim Quarter
  • In the evening, stroll along the Muslim Quarter, this lively neighborhood is made up of a maze of bustling alleys filled with street vendors and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy famous local delicacies, watch shadow and puppet shows and discover a rich Islamic heritage.

1-day Xi'an itinerary for Young Travelers

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
  • Start your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum in Lintong District. Discover one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds—thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
  • 12:00 PM: Have a Traditional Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Huaqing Palace and Han Yang Ling Mausoleum
  • The site boasts exquisite palace architecture and is renowned for the beauty-enhancing properties of its hot spring waters. It was also the setting of the historic Xi’an Incident, which shook the nation and the world. If you like also can take a cable car to the top of Li mount, offering a stunning view. Visit Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, a hidden gem just outside Xi’an. This underground site features glass walkways over vast burial pits containing miniature terracotta figurines of soldiers, servants, and animals.
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
  • In the late afternoon, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, those stand facing each other as iconic landmarks in Xi'an's ancient city. You can explore both towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
  • 7:00 PM: Savor Culture and Cuisine in the Muslim Quarter
  • In the evening, stroll along the Muslim Quarter, this lively neighborhood is made up of a maze of bustling alleys filled with street vendors and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy famous local delicacies and discover a rich Islamic heritage.
  • 8:30 PM: Explore Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
  • In the evening, end your day by exploring the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. Wander through Xuanzang Square, admire ancient Buddhist imagery, take part in interactive activities, taste authentic Xi’an snacks, and soak in the lively street atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more.

1-day Culture tour in Xi'an

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
  • Start your day by visiting Terra-cotta Army, ailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions. Discover one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds—thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
  • 12:00 PM: Sit down for a delicious lunch and savor traditional Xi’an specialties such as Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo, and Yangrou Paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup).
  • 2:00 PM: Clay terra cotta warrior making Experience
  • After visiting the terra cotta army in Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you can visit a village near the museum. Get more knowledge on how to make a clay warrior before you make your very own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling in the village. Mini terra cotta warrior can be easily made from yellow clay and mold provided in the workshop.
  • 6:00-7:30 PM: Admire Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Music Fountain Show
  • Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area for sunset views and the musical fountain show. Watch the Asia’s largest musical fountain show (starts at 7:00 PM). Arrive early for front-row views.
  • 8:30 PM: Experience Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
  • In the evening, end your day by exploring the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. Wander through Xuanzang Square, admire ancient Buddhist imagery, take part in interactive activities, taste authentic Xi’an snacks, and soak in the lively street atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more.

Customize Your Unique Xi'an Tour

Customize a Xi'an Tour

If you are interested in one of the Xi'an itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Xi'an Tour, please visit our Xi'an Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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Helen Tang

Hi, I’m Helen Tang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me. Thanks!

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JULY 2024 We wanted to thank Grace at China Culture tour for organizing a great tour of China. We enjoyed our Beijing - Xian-Chengdu -Guilin -Yangshuo - Shanghai trip. Our local guides Bruce in Beijing, Susan in Xian, Jane in Chengdu, Mike in Guilin and Mary in Shanghai took care of us…read more details »

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