I just got back from Xi'an, and I don't recommend going in January.
Xi'an is a treasure trove of history and culture! As the capital of 13 dynasties, every brick here has a story to tell. I just got back from Xi'an and I'm excited to share my detailed 3-day itinerary with you. Let's go on a journey through time!
📍Xi'an, formerly known as Chang'an, is located in the middle of the Guanzhong Plain. This city is steeped in thousands of years of Chinese history. The Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda all tell the story of a glorious past. Xi'an is not only rich in history and culture, but also a bustling modern city. Tradition and modernity, food and scenery, all blend together to create a unique charm that makes you want to explore every corner.
🚌Transportation
✈️Plane: After arriving at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, you can take the airport bus to various stops in the city or take the subway. It's convenient and fast.
🚄High-speed train: Xi'an North Station has many trains and clear transfer signs. After leaving the station, you can take the subway to the city's main attractions. It's very convenient.
🚌City transportation: Buses and subways cover the whole city. You can also ride a shared bike through the streets and alleys of the ancient city to experience its unique charm.
🗺Itinerary
Day 1: Shaanxi History Museum - Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Grand Tang Mall
In the morning, visit the Shaanxi History Museum. It has a large collection of historical artifacts, like a treasure trove of time. In the afternoon, go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to experience its solemn atmosphere. The surrounding square is also great for walking and taking photos. In the evening, visit the Grand Tang Mall to see the lights and enjoy the performances and street artists.
Day 2: Xi'an City Wall - Forest of Stone Steles Museum - Bell and Drum Towers - Muslim Street
In the morning, climb the Xi'an City Wall and rent a bike to ride around the wall. Overlook the ancient city and feel the weight of history. Then visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum to admire ancient calligraphy. In the afternoon, visit the Bell and Drum Towers, two iconic buildings in Xi'an, and then go to Muslim Street to try the food and experience the lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Museum of the Terracotta Warriors - Huaqing Palace
Spend the whole day at the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors. The imposing army is awe-inspiring and you can almost see the Qin army sweeping across the six kingdoms. Then go to Huaqing Palace to visit the ancient emperor's palace and enjoy its unique gardens and history. Return to the city in the evening.
🌟Must-see attractions
1. Museum of the Terracotta Warriors: A world-famous archaeological site with a large scale and lifelike terracotta warriors. Each one seems to carry the warmth of history. It's amazing to see the craftsmanship of the ancients and the military power of the Qin Dynasty. It's a must-see historical wonder.
2. Xi'an City Wall: The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Ride a bike on the wall to experience the charm of the ancient city and the weight of history. The bricks of the wall have witnessed the passage of time and are very spectacular.
3. Shaanxi History Museum: A rich and diverse collection of artifacts from ancient stone tools to modern relics. It's a great window into the development of Chinese history and culture, like a vivid history book.
4. Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A symbol of Buddhist culture that has stood for thousands of years. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple is very popular, and the music fountain at the base of the pagoda is spectacular. The night view is even more charming.
5. Grand Tang Mall: A lively place at night with bright lights and ancient buildings. The performances make you feel like you've traveled back to the Tang Dynasty and are immersed in its prosperity.
6. Muslim Street: A street full of food with a wide variety of snacks. You can taste authentic Xi'an food and experience the rich ethnic customs and lively atmosphere.
7. Huaqing Palace: The ancient emperor's hot spring bath with beautiful scenery and exquisite architecture. You can also learn about many historical stories, especially the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, which adds a touch of romance.
💕My experience
In Xi'an, I felt like I traveled through time and had a close conversation with history. Every attraction made me feel the depth and charm of this city. Walking through the streets of the ancient city, seeing the old buildings and modern life intertwined, I felt a deep love and respect for this city. The people here are warm and hospitable, the food is unforgettable, and the history and culture are intoxicating. Xi'an is like a place with endless treasures that makes me reluctant to leave.
🍜Food recommendations
1. Roujiamo: Baiji bread is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, filled with chopped braised meat. It's fragrant, tender, and juicy. The crispy bread and rich meat are a perfect combination. One bite and you'll be satisfied!
2. Yangrou Paomo: The bread is chewy, the meat is tender, and the soup is rich and flavorful. The lamb is tender and not gamey. Paired with pickled garlic and chili sauce, it's delicious. Breaking the bread by hand is also fun and makes the dish more ceremonial.
3. Liangpi: The noodles are smooth and chewy, served with chili oil, vinegar, bean sprouts, and other seasonings. It's sour and spicy, especially refreshing on a hot day!
4. Bingfeng: A staple drink on Xi'an tables. It's an orange-flavored soda that's refreshing and sweet. Paired with Xi'an food, it's a local favorite.
🏨Hotels
1. Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an (near the Bell and Drum Towers): A great location within walking distance of the Bell and Drum Towers and Muslim Street. The rooms have a great view of the ancient city. The hotel has complete facilities and attentive service, so you can rest comfortably after a day of sightseeing.
2. Holiday Inn Xi'an Big Wild Goose Pagoda (near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda): Close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Mall, with a beautiful environment and rich culture. The rooms are clean and tidy with complete facilities. The hotel also offers a rich breakfast. It's a great value and convenient for enjoying the night view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and visiting the Grand Tang Mall.
3. Angsana Xi'an Lintong (near the Terracotta Warriors): If you want to relax after visiting the Terracotta Warriors, this hotel is a good choice. It has hot spring facilities, spacious and comfortable rooms, and attentive service. It's far from the hustle and bustle of the city, so you can enjoy the comfort of the hot springs and relieve travel fatigue.
💡Tips
1. Tickets for the Shaanxi History Museum and the Terracotta Warriors are very popular. It's recommended to book in advance on the official WeChat account or website to avoid delays.
2. Xi'an food is heavy. If you can't eat spicy food, let the waiter know in advance.
3. Be safe when riding on the city wall. Follow traffic rules and choose a suitable bike rental point.
4. Hire a guide when visiting the Terracotta Warriors to better understand its history and culture.
Xi'an is a city you won't want to leave. Follow this guide and start your journey to Xi'an! I'm sure you'll fall in love with this ancient and vibrant city!
This scenic area is steeped in history and stories. It includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but climbing the pagoda requires an additional fee. It offers great value for money and is a top choice for tourists visiting Xi'an. However, the scenic area only has one entrance and exit, which is not very convenient, and the traffic around the scenic area is somewhat chaotic.
I went to the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is located at the end of the Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps. It is not large in scale, but has a long-standing reputation. It was drizzling and there were not many people. I wandered around alone and felt the Buddhist culture of the Tang Dynasty.
The place worth visit in Xi'an, do not miss it. There is a lot of people but it has a lot of history. One of the to do list in Xi'an, it is not expensive
Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most iconic historical sites in Xi'an. Every time you come here, you will feel like you are "traveling through time and space". Especially when night falls, the lights on the tower are on, as if a huge phoenix is spreading its wings in the night sky. The whole scene is so beautiful that people dare not look away. To be honest, what attracts me most about the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is its heavy sense of history. Whenever I walk to the front of the tower, I imagine how many changes and times it has witnessed from the Tang Dynasty to the present. Especially when you stand under the tower, your eyes follow the tower body all the way up, as if you are talking to the history of this tower. That kind of touch cannot be expressed in words. It makes you realize that although you are only a small part of this city, you can feel the deep connection with the thousand-year-old culture. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda at night gives people a feeling of tranquility and mystery. You might as well come and feel it.
Explore history, the story under the ancient tower! 🔆Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located in Da Ci'en Temple, also known as "Ci'en Temple Pagoda". In the third year of Tang Yonghui (652), Xuanzang built the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to preserve the Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back to Chang'an from Tianzhu via the Silk Road. After several changes, it is currently a seven-story tower with a total height of 64.5 meters and a bottom side length of 25.5 meters. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xiang is the earliest and largest existing square pavilion-style brick tower in the Tang Dynasty. 🌸The Big Wild Goose Pagoda showcases the artistic style and Buddhist stories of the Tang Dynasty. After climbing to the top of the tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Xi'an city, especially at night, the lights on the top of the tower are bright, giving people a sense of tranquility and peace. ❗️Location: Da Ci'en Temple, Yanta District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province⏰Time: 8:00-17:30🎫Tickets: 40 in peak season, 30 in off-season, 20 for studentsTransportation strategy: 1️⃣Drive to "Big Wild Goose Pagoda"; 2️⃣Take National Subway Line 3 and get off at "Big Wild Goose Pagoda" C Southeast Exit; Take Bus No. 609 to Yanta West Road East Exit Station and walk 730 meters. Tips for best photo-taking: 1️⃣Tang Da Ci'en Temple Ruins Park: Tathagata Buddha and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the same frame, cover photo, the best photo-taking spot on the entire network, few people, beautiful scenery, and a strong atmosphere. The park is free and you can enter directly without reservation! 2️⃣Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square: Master Xuanzang and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the same frame 3️⃣Joy City Rooftop Platform: There are 3-4 more camera positions here, the terrace is very large, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a great camera position. 4️⃣The red courtyard wall in front of Gate 3 of Joy City: The red wall, green trees and Big Wild Goose Pagoda complement each other and are layered. It is recommended to wear Hanfu when taking photos here! Suggestion: It is recommended to travel during off-peak hours during the summer vacation!
If you have the energy, you can climb the tower to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You need to buy a separate ticket. The temple ticket is 30 yuan per adult. Behind the tower are the Peony Garden and Xuanzang Memorial Hall, which are both worth seeing. The whole place is not big. You can burn incense first, then climb the tower and see the Peony Garden and Xuanzang Memorial Hall. After entering the door, there is a cultural and creative store on the right hand side. The refrigerator magnets are very beautiful.
[Value for money] Overall it's OK, but you have to buy a ticket to enter each gate. . This is quite annoying. [Scenery] There are many people in the square outside, so you need to go there in advance to take pictures and find a good angle. Climb to the top floor of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and you can see the scenery in the four photos in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5.
"Yanta towers high into the sky, and its bells have rung for a thousand years." "As time goes by, romance remains unchanged, and the ancient charm blends with the modern style." The cups and cups are constantly filled, and the music and singing never cease. The memory of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty will be forever brilliant! Go to the stunning banquet on earth and see the heyday of the Tang Dynasty!