4 Days Xi'an Itinerary, Plan a 4-Day Trip in Xi'an

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Xi’an is home to rich historical landmarks, culturally significant tourist attractions, and well-preserved heritage sites. Attracts numerous domestic and international tourists each year. It is on the must-see list for first-time or even second-time visitors to Xi'an.

Four days are enough to explore Xi’an, and you can also visit some surrounding areas. If you are unsure how to plan your trip, refer to the following four itineraries we have prepared for you: one for families with children, one for seniors, one for adventure-loving young people, and one for Culture tour. Below are some suggested 4 days Xi’an itineraries for inspiration.

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.

4 Days Xi'an Itinerary for the Family with Kids

Day 1: Arrival and explore the city

Arrive in Xi’an and check into your hotel for a short break. Head to Shaanxi History Museum, explore 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

In the morning, visit Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kids gain a profound understanding of China’s first emperor’s quest for immortality.

In the afternoon, head to a nearby village where you can experience making your own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling.

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.

Day 3: Adventurous Mount Huashan

Adventure Mount Huashan (about a 2-hour drive from Xi’an), which is one of China’s Five Great Mountains, renowned for its breathtaking cliffs and thrilling plank walks. Enjoy a fun and safe family adventure. Ride the cable car for stunning mountain views and explore the scenic, well-paved paths together.

Day 4: History Comes Alive

In the morning, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, once served as timekeeping centers during the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.

In the afternoon, 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. Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ci’en Temple.

In the evening, 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.

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

Day 1: Arrival, Ancient Wall & Cultural Stroll

Arrive in Xi’an and check in at a hotel. Take time to rest before your leisure trip. Head to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, once served as timekeeping centers during the Ming Dynasty.

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

In the morning, visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, ailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and one of Xi’an’s most iconic attractions.

In the afternoon, 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, watch the live performance “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow”, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Li. This open-air show tells the romantic and tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei through music, dance, and dazzling visual effects.

Day 3: Immersive Heritage Activities

In the morning, visit Tang Paradise and immerse yourself in the elegance of ancient China with a Hanfu dress-up experience. Stroll through the scenic park dressed in traditional attire and feel like you’ve stepped back into the Tang Dynasty.

In the afternoon, 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. Then enjoy the food you made yourself.

Day 4: 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. Visit iconic Buddhist site, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, 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.

4 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 at Han Yangling Mausoleum, where a glass walkway offers views of miniature terracotta figures from 2,000 years ago. Head to the iconic Xi’an Ancient City Wall, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy a 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, experience Xi’an’s dazzling nightlife, explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively pedestrian street filled with colorful lights, street performances, Tang-style architecture, and local snacks.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders and a Hands-On Experience

In the morning, 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.

In the afternoon, head to a nearby village where you can experience making your very own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling. Visit Huaqing Palace, a historic royal complex famed for its natural hot springs, elegant architecture, and romantic legends.

In the evening, watch the live performance “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow”, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Li. This open-air show tells the romantic and tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei through music, dance, and dazzling visual effects.

Day 3: Adventurous Hiking

Adventure to Mount Huashan, about 2 hours from Xi’an. One of China’s Five Great Mountains, it is known for its dramatic 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.

Day 4: Museums, and Living History

In the morning, begin your cultural journey at Shaanxi History Museum, 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.

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ci’en Temple, a historic Buddhist site from the Tang Dynasty. End your trip by enjoying the dazzling musical fountain show at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

4 Days Culture Tour in Xi'an

Day 1: Ancient Walls, Museums, and Living History

In the morning, begin your cultural journey at Shaanxi History Museum, 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

In the morning, visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. 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. Head to a nearby village where you can experience making your very own miniature clay warrior in a traditional cave dwelling.

In the afternoon, 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, an underground museum showcasing the tomb of a Han Dynasty emperor with lifelike figurines and daily life artifacts. 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.

Lunchtime: Enjoy local specialties such as gourd chicken and Yang rou pao mo. After lunch, stroll through the Ci’en Temple grounds and admire ancient murals, statues, and peaceful courtyards.

Day 4: Historic Iconic and Culture

Visit the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, these historic towers once served as timekeeping centers during the Ming Dynasty. Then take a short walk to the Muslim Quarter. Sample local delicacies, explore the hidden gem of Gao’s Grand Courtyard, in addition to admiring the exquisite ancient architecture, you can also enjoy a traditional shadow puppet performance, a recognized form of intangible cultural heritage in Xi’an.

End your cultural journey with a hands-on experience, learn Chinese calligraphy or try your hand at making shadow puppets.

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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