Itinerary · China

Xi'an in 3 days: Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall

Real-name booking for the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum, plus a 3-day Xi'an route: City Wall, Lintong day trip, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Rows of terracotta warriors standing in Pit 1.
Terracotta Army, Pit 1 · Photo: 源義信 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Three days in Xi'an: old city, Lintong, then the pagoda

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province in northwest China, known in ancient times as Chang'an. With more than 3,100 years of history as a city and 13 dynasties ruling from here, it is packed with sites and museums. The guide suggests 3 to 4 days.

The sights sit in three areas: the old walled city with the City Wall and Beiyuanmen, Lintong District with the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace, and the south with the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Mall. Cover one area per day.

The Terracotta Army museum's peak season runs March 16 to November 15, with longer hours. During holidays such as National Day and Spring Festival, the Grand Tang Mall can see over 300,000 visitors a day and sights post special holiday hours, so check official information before you go.

Before you go: three real-name bookings

Every Terracotta Army visitor, foreigners included, must book under their real name with their passport on the official website or WeChat. Staff check the original passport you booked with at the entrance, so bring it, and arrive 30 minutes before your time slot.

The Shaanxi History Museum's main building is free but needs a real-name booking through the official WeChat account '陕西历史博物馆' (passports accepted). Tickets are released 5 days ahead at 17:00. No-shows are barred from booking for 180 days, so cancel before the entry-check deadline if your plans change. The museum says it has authorized no third-party sellers.

Huaqing Palace tickets are sold via the official WeChat account '华清宫景区'. Check official information for fees.

Airport to the city, and getting around

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) has Terminals 2 and 3 plus Terminal 5 (T5), so check which terminal is on your ticket. Check the airport's and Xi'an Metro's official information for the metro line, transfers, airport bus routes, timetables and fares.

In summer 2026 the airport moved the taxi and ride-hailing pick-up points at T2 and T3; at T3 the taxi stand is now about 30 m away and the ride-hailing point about 140 m. A taxi is handy with heavy luggage or a late arrival; have your hotel address in Chinese.

In the city, the metro is convenient; pay with the Yikatong transit card, Alipay or WeChat Pay. Taxis are metered and ride-hailing apps are available.

Day 1: Xi'an City Wall and Beiyuanmen food street

Spend day one in the old walled city. The Xi'an City Wall is China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall, with over 1,400 years of history and a 13.74 km circuit. Walk along the top for views over the old city, and see Yongning Gate, long used to welcome distinguished guests. Check official information for fees and hours.

In the evening, head to the Beiyuanmen historical and cultural district, a historic street where people queue for snacks and a night market runs. It is great for grazing on Xi'an street food as you stroll.

Day 2: Terracotta Army and Lishan Garden, then Huaqing Palace

Day two is in Lintong District; check official information for transport from the city. Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of the warrior pits, found by villagers digging a well, and the mausoleum archaeological park (Lishan Garden).

Entry is CNY 120 year-round, and one ticket covers both the Terracotta Warriors museum and Lishan Garden, linked by a free shuttle bus. Electric carts inside cost CNY 5 per person on the Terracotta side and CNY 15 at Lishan Garden. Ticket checks run 8:30-17:00 in peak season (Mar 16-Nov 15) and 8:30-16:30 otherwise.

Lighters, drones and similar items are banned at the site. Bags can be stored for free after the security check.

In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace next door, an imperial hot-spring retreat about 30 km east of the city. It is famous for the story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei and as the site of the Xi'an Incident, with more sights on Mount Li (1,302 m) behind it.

Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Tang Mall

The last day is in the south. The Shaanxi History Museum is about 778 m from Xiaozhai station (Lines 2 and 3) and 834 m from Dayanta station (Lines 3 and 4), and buses such as routes 5, 19, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 34 pass it. From May 6 to November 14, 2026 it opens 8:30-19:00 (last entry check 18:00). The Tang Dynasty Mural gallery needs a separate ticket.

Next is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-tiered brick pagoda in the courtyard of Ci'en Temple. It was built in the Tang era under the monk Xuanzang to house the Buddhist statues and scriptures he brought back from India. Check official information for fees and hours.

The Grand Tang Mall, a 2,100 m Tang-themed pedestrian street, runs from the foot of the pagoda. It is famous for Tang-style performances and night-time buzz, so if your flight is late, stop by after dark. It is very crowded on holidays.

The seven-tiered brick Giant Wild Goose Pagoda rising over Da Ci'en Temple.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Photo: 源義信 / CC BY-SA 4.0

What to eat, the budget, and a checklist

Xi'an runs on wheat. Try biangbiang noodles, a Shaanxi signature; yangrou paomo, where you tear flatbread into small pieces by hand before it is cooked with the broth; and roujiamo, known as the Chinese hamburger. There is also jiangshui mian, noodles in a sour fermented broth, and guotie, pan-fried dumplings with crisp bottoms.

Over 95% of Xi'an's 163 museums are free, including the Shaanxi History Museum's main building with a booking, so entry costs stay low. The main costs are the Terracotta Army at CNY 120 and the carts inside at CNY 5-15.

Some foreign apps and services may be restricted in China, so sort out your connection (roaming, eSIM, etc.) and a Chinese map app before you go. Sign up and verify Alipay and WeChat Pay before you travel, and carry a little cash. Visa rules change often, so check the Chinese embassy's official information.

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FAQ

Do foreigners need to book the Terracotta Army in advance?

Yes. Every visitor, foreigners included, must book under their real name on the official website or WeChat, and staff check the original passport you booked with at the entrance. Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot.

Is the Shaanxi History Museum free?

The main building is free but needs a real-name booking through the official WeChat account '陕西历史博物馆' (passports accepted). Tickets are released 5 days ahead at 17:00, and no-shows are barred from booking for 180 days. The Tang Dynasty Mural gallery needs a separate ticket.

Can I see the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace in one day?

Yes. Both are in Lintong District, and Huaqing Palace is next to the Terracotta Army, about 30 km east of the city, so they fit in one day.

Does the Terracotta Army ticket include Lishan Garden?

Yes. One CNY 120 ticket covers both the Terracotta Warriors museum and Lishan Garden, linked by a free shuttle bus. Electric carts inside cost CNY 5 and CNY 15.

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