3 Days Xi'an Itinerary, Plan a 3-Day Trip in Xi'an

We offer carefully curated Xi’an itineraries for a 3-day exploration of the historic city center and its surrounding areas. Beyond iconic city attractions, our experiences include a leisurely bike ride along the ancient city wall, a visit to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, and a tour of the elegant Huaqing Palace. Stroll through the vibrant Muslim Street, enjoy a traditional shadow puppet performance, and join a guided Tai Chi session atop the ancient city wall. For a hands-on experience, learn how to make traditional dumplings and savor the flavors of Xi’an.

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.

3 Days Xi'an Itinerary for the Family with Kids

Day 1: Arrival and explore the city

Arrival in Xi'an, settle into your hotel and get ready for a cultural adventure. Head to Shaanxi History Museum, explore thousands of years of Chinese history through fascinating artifacts. The museum is educational and visually engaging, great for curious young minds. and visit Ancient City Wall, rent a bicycle to cycle around and overlook the cityscape.

In the evening, visit Muslim Street and watch a shadow puppet show in Gao Family Courtyard.

Day 2: Highlights site and Local Life

Visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Discover Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s underground army, Kids gain a profound understanding of China’s first emperor’s quest for immortality. For a fun and interactive experience, join a dumpling-making class or noodle workshop and learn how to make Xi’an’s famous dumplings or hand-pulled noodles. It’s a hands-on activity that kids will love.

Evening, take a quiet stroll through the serene Great Mosque and with more tasty treats and souvenirs in the Muslim Quarter.

Day 3: History Comes Alive

Visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which once served as timekeeping centers during the Ming Dynasty. You can explore both towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ci’en Temple, and enjoy the spectacular musical fountain show in the nearby square. It’s a perfect way to end your Xi’an journey with music, lights, and a view of the iconic pagoda illuminated at night.

3 Days Xi'an Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Arrival, Ancient Wall & Cultural Stroll

Check in at your hotel and take time to rest before your exploration. Head to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two iconic landmarks that stand facing each other in the heart of Xi’an’s ancient city. These historic towers once served as timekeeping centers during the Ming Dynasty. You can explore both towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.

In the evening, stroll through the Muslim Street, is historic area offers fascinating architecture, small shops, and a wide array of local snacks.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders and a Hands-On Experience

Visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, ailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions. Discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers stand in silent formation guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Return to the city for a calm, air-conditioned spot with local cuisine.

Join a slow-paced, hands-on cooking experience in a local home or cultural studio. Learn how to make traditional dumplings and enjoy the meal you create together.

Evening, enjoy Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a cultural performance showcasing Tang-style costumes, music, and dance. Choose a theater that includes a seated dinner for added comfort.

Day 3: Tombs, Pagodas, and Buddhist legacy

Visit Han Yangling Mausoleum, it’s an underground museum where you walk on a glass walkway and look right down at miniature terracotta figures and scenes of daily life from over 2,000 years ago. It’s both impressive and unique. Visit this iconic Buddhist site, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built to house scriptures brought back by monk Xuanzang from India. Stroll through the Ci’en temple grounds and admire ancient murals, statues, and peaceful courtyards.

End your cultural journey with a hands-on experience, try your hand at making shadow puppets, or enjoy a short Shadow Puppet performance that bring traditional culture to life.

3 Days Xi'an itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Exploration

Arrive in Xi’an, settle in and prepare to explore one of China’s most historic cities. Start your day with a visit Han Yangling Mausoleum, it’s an underground museum where you walk on a glass walkway and look right down at miniature terracotta figures and scenes of daily life from over 2,000 years ago. It’s both impressive and unique. Head to the iconic Xi’an City Wall, 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.

In the evening, explore Muslim Street, is historic area offers fascinating architecture, small shops, and a wide array of local snacks.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders and a Hands-On Experience

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. After visiting the Terracotta Army at the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, head to a nearby village where you can experience making your very own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling.

Visit Huaqing Palace, not far from the Terracotta Warriors, it is a historic royal complex famed for its natural hot springs, elegant architecture, and romantic legends.

In the evening, explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively pedestrian street filled with colorful lights, street performances, Tang-style architecture, and local snacks. It’s the perfect place to experience the charm of ancient Chang’an in a modern setting.

Day 3: Adventurous Hiking

Round trip to Mountain Huashan (about 2hours drive from Xi’an), is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and famed for its breathtaking cliffs and thrilling plank walks. It is rewards you with dramatic scenery, Taoist temples, and unforgettable sunrises. You will find both challenge and spiritual serenity at the summit.

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ci’en Temple, a historic Buddhist site from the Tang Dynasty. It was built to house the scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. Wrap up your trip by watching the spectacular musical fountain show in the nearby square.

3 Days Culture Tour in Xi'an

Day 1: Ancient Walls, Museums, and Living History

Morning, begin your cultural journey at Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s finest museums. Explore exquisite relics from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. Visit Forest of Stone Steles Museum, dive into China’s scholarly heritage through ancient Confucian texts and stunning calligraphy carved into stone.

Walk or cycle along the top of Xi’an ‘s centuries-old city wall, a massive structure that once defended the city. Wander the lively alleys of the Muslim Quarter, rich with street food and traditional shops.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders and Historic

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. After visiting the Terracotta Army at the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, head to a nearby village where you can experience making your very own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling.

Visit Tang Paradise, features many Tang-style reconstructed buildings, forming one of the largest royal architectural complexes modeled after the Tang Dynasty in China. Don’t miss the world’s largest outdoor fragrance project and the world’s largest water screen movie show.

Day 3: Tombs, Pagodas, and Buddhist legacy

Visit Han Yangling Mausoleum, it’s an underground museum where you walk on a glass walkway and look right down at miniature terracotta figures and scenes of daily life from over 2,000 years ago. It’s both impressive and unique. Visit this iconic Buddhist site, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built to house scriptures brought back by monk Xuanzang from India. Stroll through the Ci’en temple grounds and admire ancient murals, statues, and peaceful courtyards.

End your cultural journey with a hands-on experience: learn Chinese calligraphy, try your hand at making shadow puppets, or enjoy a short Shadow Puppet performance that bring traditional culture to life.

Customize Your Unique 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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