5-Day In-Depth Slow Historical and Cultural Tour Itinerary for Xi'an (Friendly Version for Foreign Tourists Visiting China for the First Time)
Exploration
Hotel Check-in: Musu Zhonggupang Boutique Homestay Hotel
The hotel is located in the core area of the ancient city with convenient transportation. The front desk provides English services, and international credit cards are accepted for deposit payment.
Visit Xi'an Bell Tower
This is a landmark building of the ancient city constructed in the Ming Dynasty. Visitors can climb the tower to overlook the cross street scenery of the old town. The scenic area provides free official English audio guides, which can be claimed with a deposit of a passport or 100 yuan in cash.
Huimin Street Food Experience
It gathers a variety of specialty snacks of Xi'an. You can try roujiamo, lamb paomo, cold skin noodles and so on. Most shops are equipped with English menus.
Visit Xi'an Drum Tower
An ancient timekeeping building constructed in the same period as the Bell Tower, it houses an exhibition of 24 solar term drums and is equipped with official English tour guide services.
Exploration
Take the Scenic Area Direct Bus to the Terracotta Army
This is an official scenic area direct bus equipped with English-speaking attendants, which goes straight to the entrance of the Terracotta Army scenic spot with no transfer required
Visit the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
It includes Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3 and the Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall. The scenic area provides two options: official English manual tour guide (CNY 100 per group, group joining is allowed) and English audio guide (CNY 30 per device)
Lunch around the Scenic Area
Formal chain restaurant offering English menus, with guaranteed food hygiene
Take the scenic area direct shuttle back to the downtown hotel
Directly arrive at the Bell and Drum Tower boarding point in downtown, no transfer required
Exploration
Visit Shaanxi History Museum
It is one of the history museums with the richest collections in China. You can visit the free permanent exhibitions and the paid special exhibition of Tang Dynasty murals, and official English audio guides are available (30 RMB per device)
Lunch in Xiaozhai Business District
This is the core business district of Xi'an, with a variety of catering options available. Most stores have English menus and support international payment.
Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
This is a Buddhist building where Master Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty stored Buddhist scriptures. Visitors can climb the pagoda to overlook the panoramic view of Qujiang New District, and the scenic area provides official English audio guides.
Visit Datang Everbright City to Watch the Musical Fountain
This is a free open Tang-style pedestrian street with light shows and street performances, and there are English announcements for musical fountain sessions
Exploration
Xi'an City Wall Cycling Tour
This is the most well-preserved ancient Ming Dynasty city wall in China. You can rent a bicycle to ride along the wall, and the scenic area provides English audio guides to introduce the history of the city wall.
Lunch Near South Gate
Shaanxi cuisine chain restaurants are available, they have English menus, and you can taste authentic Shaanxi dishes there.
Visit the Stele Forest Museum
It is the largest stone carving and calligraphy museum in China, collecting more than a thousand steles from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, and is equipped with official English audio guide commentary.
Yongxingfang Folk Snack Experience
It gathers intangible cultural heritage snacks from all parts of Shaanxi, where you can experience special delicacies including bowl-smashing wine, Zichang pancakes and so on, and English menus are provided.
Exploration
Shadow Puppetry Experience: Shaanxi Opera Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
Watch the intangible cultural heritage shadow puppetry performance with English commentary, and get hands-on experience of operating shadow puppets
Souvenir Purchase: SEG International Shopping Center
You can purchase characteristic souvenirs including terracotta warrior ornaments, Lintong pomegranates, dried persimmons, Shaanxi Fu tea and so on. Alipay International Version and international credit card payments are supported.
Lunch
This is the last meal of this trip, you can choose your favorite meals.
Go to the Airport/High-speed Railway Station
Take a taxi directly to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport or Xi'an North Railway Station