Shannxi

THE ETERNAL CAPITAL

Price

From $700pp excl. flights

Duration

Ideally 3 nights

When

All year

Is this Trip Right For you?

Who is interested in

ancient relics

Who is interested in

iconic landmarks

Who is traveling with

family members

Make this itinerary yours

Every Chinaloveforyou journey is bespoke—hand-crafted to reflect your unique interests and travel style. Use the itinerary below as a starting point for inspiration, then let us tailor a signature experience that is entirely yours.

itinerary Ideas

Day 1 Xi'an

XI'AN CITY WALL

Experience the “border” between the old and new city on the most complete and best-preserved ancient city wall in the world, stretching 14 kilometers in a perfect rectangle around the city center.

What to expect:

  • Cycling Above the City: The best way to see it is by renting a bicycle (single or tandem) and riding the full loop on top of the wide, brick-paved wall.
  • Panoramic Views: You get a unique bird’s-eye view of traditional old rooftops on one side and modern skyscrapers on the other.
  • Sunset Glow: Try to go in the late afternoon; the ancient gray bricks look magical when bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

THE GRAND TANG EVERBRIGHT CITY

Travel back in time to the “Golden Age” of the Tang Dynasty at this dazzling pedestrian district, where history meets modern neon lights and high-tech street performances.

What to expect:

  • Hanfu Makeover: Join thousands of visitors who get professionally dressed in traditional silk robes with Tang-style hair and makeup for the ultimate photo shoot.
  • Immersive Performances: Watch the famous “Tumbler Girl” dance or live orchestras playing traditional instruments on floating stages.
  • A City That Never Sleeps: This area is best visited after 7:00 PM when the entire street turns into a glowing, golden wonderland.

TERRACOTTA ARMY

Stand face-to-face with one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time—an underground army of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots built to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife.

What to expect:

  • Individual Characters: Look closely; every single soldier has a unique facial expression, hairstyle, and armor detail, representing the diverse tribes of ancient China.
  • Ongoing Excavation: You can see the “restoration area” where archaeologists are still painstakingly piecing together broken warriors like 3D puzzles.
  • The Massive Pit 1: The main hangar is the size of an airplane terminal and houses over 6,000 soldiers in battle formation—a truly humbling sight.

HUAQING PALACE

Walk through a luxurious imperial hot spring resort at the foot of Mount Li, famous for its 3,000-year history and the legendary (and tragic) love story between a Tang Dynasty Emperor and his beautiful consort, Yang Guifei.

What to expect:

  • Ancient Imperial Baths: See the actual stone bathing pools used by emperors and concubines over 1,000 years ago.
  • Stunning Gardens: The complex is a masterpiece of Tang-style architecture, featuring elegant pavilions, lotus ponds, and mountain backdrops.
  •  

MUSLIM QUARTER

Dive into the heart of Xi’an’s Silk Road heritage in this vibrant labyrinth of narrow streets, home to the city’s Muslim community and its most famous street foods.

What to expect:

  • Street Food Heaven: Sample iconic dishes like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Biang Biang Noodles, and lamb skewers. Watch vendors pound peanut candy with massive wooden mallets.
  • Sensory Overload: It is loud, crowded, and smells incredible—expect a bustling night-market energy that lasts until late.

BELL TOWER SQUARE

What to expect:

  • The Landmark Towers: Right next door are the majestic Bell and Drum Towers, which have marked the hours of the day since the Ming Dynasty.

HUKOU WATERFALL

Witness the raw, thundering power of the Yellow River at Hukou, the only yellow waterfall in the world, where the massive river is forced into a narrow stone “spout.”

What to expect:

  • The Roar of the Dragon: The sound is deafening and the ground literally vibrates as the golden water crashes down into the misty depths.
  • Golden Mist: The “yellow” color comes from the high sediment of the Loess Plateau, giving the waterfall a unique, powerful aesthetic.

 

Best Time to Visit

Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
9
Rainfall (mm)
22
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
11
Rainfall (mm)
9
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
19
Rainfall (mm)
52
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
26
Rainfall (mm)
99
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
30
Rainfall (mm)
90
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
34
Rainfall (mm)
124
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
35
Rainfall (mm)
180
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
34
Rainfall (mm)
244
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
29
Rainfall (mm)
324
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
21
Rainfall (mm)
189
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
15
Rainfall (mm)
65
Place
Daily max temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Xi'an
Max Temp (°C)
9
Rainfall (mm)
24

where to rest

Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel

W Xi’an

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