7 Days Xi'an Itinerary, Plan a 7-Day Trip in Xi'an

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Xi'an is home to rich historical landmarks, culturally significant 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.

If you have 7 days to travel in Xi'an, how would you plan your trip?

If you're traveling with children, you can refer to our family travel itinerary. If you're a young and energetic adventurer, you can check out our adventure itinerary. If you're a senior, we also have specially designed Xi’an itineraries for seniors!

Below are some recommended 7-day perfect Xi'an itineraries for exploring Xi'an and surround area.

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.

7 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. Start with Shaanxi History Museum, explore Chinese history through fascinating artifacts. Visit Ancient City Wall, rent a bicycle to cycle around and overlook the cityscape.

Day 2: Sweep the top highlights and a Hands-On Culture

In the morning, start your day by immersing yourself in the rich history of this city. After breakfast, take a one-hour drive to visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, figures you’ve likely seen in books, on TV, or in the news. With your guide’s introduction, uncover the story behind their creation and preservation. Kids will gain a deeper understanding of the First Emperor’s ambition for immortality through this fascinating encounter.

After visiting the Terracotta Army, head to a nearby village to craft your own miniature clay warrior inside a traditional cave dwelling. This hands-on experience helps kids gain a deeper understanding of the Terracotta Warriors and their historical significance.

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: History Comes Alive and Interactive Experience

In the morning, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, 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 Muslim Street and watch a shadow puppet show in Gao Family Courtyard.

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, and enjoy the spectacular musical fountain show in the nearby square.

Day 4: 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 5: Xi’an to Hukou Waterfall

Drive to Hukou Waterfall, enjoy scenic countryside views along the way through the Loess Plateau. Hukou Waterfall, is the largest yellow waterfall in the world. Walk along the viewing platforms to admire the roaring cascade of the Yellow River plunging into a narrow gorge like a teapot’s spout. Stay overnight in Yichuan County.

Day 6: Back to Xi’an

Begin your return journey to Xi’an. On the way, stop at Yaoxian or Hancheng, depending on the route, to explore traditional cave dwellings or visit historical sites like the Sima Qian Temple, dedicated to the great historian of the Han dynasty.

Day 7: A Tang-Inspired Day

In the morning, head to Tang Paradise, a cultural theme park that brings the Tang Dynasty to life with beautiful architecture, gardens, and performances. In the afternoon, dress up in Hanfu as a family, complete with traditional makeup, and snap unforgettable photos together while learning about ancient Chinese culture in a fun and engaging way.

End your 7-day Xi'an journey with wonderful memories.

7 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 city.

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. visit Huaqing Palace, a historic royal complex famed for its natural hot springs, elegant architecture, and romantic legends.

In the afternoon, head to a nearby village to craft your own miniature clay warrior inside a traditional cave dwelling.

In the evening, watch the live performance “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow”. 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, you will move to a local family, who will teach you how to make Chinese dumplings and tell you some interesting stories about their life. Enjoy a lunch in the local family with the host and get to know something about Chinese eating culture.

Day 4: Scenic Nature and Mountain Views

Mountain Huashan (about 2hours drive from Xi’an), one of China’s most scenic sacred mountains, known for its stunning cliffs and ancient Taoist temples. Take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views. Peaceful walking paths near the peaks offer a relaxing way to experience the mountain’s beauty and cultural heritage.

Day 5: Tombs, Pagodas, and Buddhist legacy

In the morning, 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. After lunch, visit iconic Buddhist site, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, stroll through the Ci’en temple and enjoying the dazzling musical fountain show.

Day 6: Museum and Muslim Street

In the morning, visit Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s finest museums. Visit Forest of Stone Steles Museum, dive into China’s scholarly heritage through ancient Confucian texts and stunning calligraphy carved into stone.

In the evening, Search for some street food in the bustling Muslim Street before entering the Gao’s Family Courtyard for the shadow play.

Day 7: Timeless Art

In the morning, start your day with a leisurely walk along Xi’an’s ancient city wall, enjoying the historic charm at a relaxed pace. Afterwards, take part in a gentle Chinese calligraphy session in Small Wild Goose Pagoda Temple and appreciate the grace of this timeless art.

End your 6-day Xi’an journey with wonderful memories.

7 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 journey at the Bell and Drum Tower Square, the very heart of Xi’an. Climb the towers for a panoramic view and feel the rhythm of the city.

Head to Lao Mijia to try the iconic Yangrou Paomo. It is an authentic taste of Shaanxi. Ascend the Yongning Gate to explore the ancient city wall. Ride along the grey-brick path and experience the unique blend of old and new from this elevated viewpoint.

Evening, sip a bold cup of “bowl-breaking wine” at Yongxingfang, then wander through the quaint cafés of Shuncheng Alley as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the battlements.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders and a Hands-On Experience

In the morning, visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museu. After visiting the Terracotta Army, 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 Huaqing Palace, a historic royal complex famed for its natural hot springs, elegant architecture, and romantic legends.

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 3: Xi’an to Hukou Waterfall

Drive to Hukou Waterfall, enjoy scenic countryside views along the way through the Loess Plateau. Hukou Waterfall, is the largest yellow waterfall in the world. Walk along the viewing platforms to admire the roaring cascade of the Yellow River plunging into a narrow gorge like a teapot’s spout. Stay overnight in Yichuan County.

Day 4: Back to Xi’an

Begin your return journey to Xi’an. On the way, stop at Yaoxian or Hancheng, depending on the route, to explore traditional cave dwellings or visit historical sites like the Sima Qian Temple, dedicated to the great historian of the Han dynasty.

Day 5: Adventurous Hiking

A Day trip to the 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.

Day 6: Museums, and Living History

In the morning, visit Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s finest museums. Visit Forest of Stone Steles Museum, dive into China’s scholarly heritage through ancient Confucian texts and stunning calligraphy carved into stone.

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

Day 7: Hand-on experience

In the morning, head 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.

Join a hands-on cooking experience in a local home. Learn how to make traditional dumplings and enjoy the meal you create together. Then enjoy the food you made yourself.

End your 7-day Xi'an journey with an unforgettable experience.

7 Days Xi'an Itinerary for Cultural Immersion

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.

In the afternoon, 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. After visiting the Terracotta Army, 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 Huaqing Palace, a historic royal complex famed for its natural hot springs, elegant architecture, and romantic legends.

Day 3: Tombs, Pagodas, and Buddhist legacy

In the morning, 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. In the afternoon, 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.

Day 4: A Tang-Inspired Day

In the morning, 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.

In the afternoon, 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.

Discover the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Learn to Make Dumplings

In the morning, visit small Wild Goose Pagoda, is an important heritage of Buddhist architectural art in the Tang Dynasty and its integration into Han culture.

In the afternoon, roll up your sleeves and learn how to make Chinese dumplings from scratch. After the hands-on session, you'll enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family, featuring the dumplings you made yourself. With your guide interpreting, you’ll also have the chance to chat with the locals and gain insight into their daily life.

Day 6: Famous Buddhist Mountain

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.

Day 7: Historic Iconic and Culture

In the morning, 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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