Xian China 2 Day Itinerary

Xi’an in 48 Hours: A Two-Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the key historical sites in Xi’an, but also includes some suggestions for exploring the local culture.

Day 1:

  • Morning:

    • Start your day early (7am - 9am): Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, a must-see for any Xi’an traveler.

      • Things to know: It’s best to book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
      • Tip: Aim for arriving before the crowds, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

    • Mid-morning (9am - 12pm): Explore the Ancient City Wall. Rent a bike and cycle along the top of the wall for stunning views of Xi’an’s historic sites.

    • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious and authentic Xi’an lunch at Defachang Restaurant, famous for its spicy noodles and dumplings.

    • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history with a visit to:

      • Xi’an Muslim Quarter (Xi’an is renowned for its diverse cuisine, and the Mosque area offers a fantastic culinary experience.

      • Muslim Quarter: Explore the bustling streets, vibrant markets, and sample the local delicacies like “Rou Jia Mo” (meat-filled flatbread) and “Liang Pi” (cold wheat noodles).

        • Activity: Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an for its unique architecture and cultural significance.

    • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty dinner at Xi’an Deju Restaurant followed by a visit to the Muslim Quarter.

      • Experience: The vibrant atmosphere of the market is amplified in the evening, offering a glimpse into local life and nightlife.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the streets around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower: Wander through the historic city center, experiencing the lively street performances and the charm of the ancient architecture.

    • Visit the Xi’an Muslim Quarter: Enjoy its rich history and diverse cultural offerings.

      • Try the local “street food”: The Muslim Quarter is a great place to sample authentic Xi’an cuisine.
      • Experience the culture: Enjoy traditional markets, street vendors selling delicious snacks, and vibrant performances at night.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Visit Xi’an Tangbao Restaurant for a taste of their famous “Xi’an Rou Jia Mo” (a flatbread sandwich with various fillings) or Xi’an Lao Liang Pi to experience the local favorite.
    • Consider: Attending a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Performance for a captivating cultural experience.

Things to consider:

  • Accommodation: Look into staying in Xi’an’s ancient city wall area, such as the Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel, for an immersive stay near the heart of the action.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxi: Convenient but negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app like Didi Chuxing.

    • Metro: Xi’an has a modern and efficient metro system that connects many of the major attractions.

    • Food:

      • Xi’an Muslim Quarter: This is a great place to try local specialties like “Rou Jia Mo” (meat-filled flatbread) and other delicious street food options.

  • Bike Rentals: A fun way to explore the Muslim Quarter, many vendors offer bike rentals for a few hours.

    • Food Recommendation:
      • Li Xiang’s Food Stall: This popular stall is known for its “Rou Jia Mo” and other traditional Xi’an dishes.

  • Things to know:

    • Location: The restaurant is located in the heart of the city, near the Bell Tower, making it easy to find a variety of options for dinner.

    • Food:

      • Try “Liang Pi” (Cold Noodles) at Xi’an Lao Liang Pi: This restaurant is famous for its delicious and authentic “Yangrou Rou Jia Mo” (meat-filled flatbread), which is a must-try when in Xi’an.
      • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city: The Muslim Quarter offers an immersive experience with its bustling streets, traditional architecture, and lively street markets.

    • Respect local customs:

    • Avoid rush hour: Traffic near the Bell Tower can be a nightmare, especially when visiting the Muslim Quarter.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Ancient City Walls: Rent a bike for the afternoon and cycle along the top of the ancient city walls, enjoying the views from the ancient gates.
  • Enjoy a traditional “Xi’an Liang Pi” experience: The Muslim Quarter is a great place to find authentic “Biang Biang Noodles”, a delicious and unique dish that you can enjoy at one of the many food stalls.

Things to know:

  • The “Yangrou Rou Jia Mo” (spicy meat-filled flatbread) experience:

Day 2:

  • Morning: Explore the ancient city center, visiting:
    • Xi’an Mosque: Experience the beauty of ancient architecture and learn about the Islamic history of Xi’an.
    • The Bell Tower: Take a guided tour to understand the fascinating history of this landmark structure.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy “Yangrou Rou Jia Mo” at a local restaurant: This is a great way to experience the deliciousness of this local dish and enjoy a taste of Xi’an cuisine.

  • Explore the ancient markets in the city center: Visit the Xi’an City Walls for a glimpse of the traditional crafts and architecture

  • Travel Tip:

    • Take a bike tour: This will allow you to see more of the city and experience it from a local perspective.

Day 2:

  • Explore “Xi’an’s Ancient Streets”:
    • Immerse yourself in history:**

Visit the Ancient City Walls, explore the bustling markets, and try the delicious local cuisine like “Yangrou Bianbian” (spicy noodles) and “Liang Pi” (cold wheat noodles) in the ancient city of Xi’an.

Things to know:

  • History:

    • The “Xi’an Mosque” is a popular tourist destination, known for its delicious street food.

  • Evening:

  • Take a cooking class:

Learn how to make your own “Rou Jia Mo” (meat-filled flatbread) at the “Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles” stall in the city center.

  • Things to do:
    • Explore the “Muslim Quarter” and its history, learn about the culture and history of the “Big Wild Goose Pagoda”.
    • Enjoy a traditional “Xi’an Snack Street” experience: This is a great place to find snacks unique to the “Muslim Quarter”, such as rou jia mo and cold noodles.

Things to consider:

  • History: Xi’an was once known as Chang’an, the capital of ancient China.

Other things to do in the city:

  • Xi’an Bell Tower and Mosque: This is a popular tourist destination, and you can find many local vendors selling delicious food.

  • Enjoy “street food” culture.

  • Visit the Xi’an City Walls:

    • Location: The Bell Tower is located in the heart of the ancient city center.
    • History: Explore the bustling markets and try to spot the unique “Xi’an Liang Jia Biang Biang” (a variety of traditional “Rou Jia Mo” cooked with a special method).

  • Try “Xian” style food:

    • Cooking Recommendation: The best way to experience the local culture is to try some of the traditional foods.
      • Xi’an Bell Tower and Xi’an City Walls: This is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds.
    • Enjoy a variety of local snacks:

Try “Liang Pi” (cold wheat noodles) at various stalls, which offer different flavors and toppings.

  • Visit the “Xi’an City Wall”:

  • Explore the history of the “Ancient City Walls”: Enjoy the delicious “Xian” street food, such as “Yangrou Paomo” and “Rou Jia Mo”.

    • Enjoy a variety of local dishes: Xi’an is known for its delicious “Xi’an cuisine” like “Rou Jia Mo” (a flatbread sandwich)

Things to consider:

  • Bring a map: The narrow alleys in the city can be confusing.

  • Consider a guide: A knowledgeable guide can help you understand the significance of the historical sites and share insights about Xi’an’s culture.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking if you want to explore the “Ancient City” and its history.

Enjoy “Xian” style street food:

  • Enjoy a variety of delicious local dishes, such as the famous “Yangrou Paomo” (a lamb soup with flatbread)

  • Try “Rou Jia Mo” at a local stall:

    • The Xi’an City Walls are a great place to enjoy the city’s history and sample local delicacies.

    • Learn to make “Xian” food: This is a fun activity for a hands-on experience of the local culinary culture.

    • Explore the ancient historical sites: Visit the “Xi’an Museum”, visit the “Terracotta Army” museum, explore the history behind the street vendors and the “Liang Pi” (flatbread)

Things to know:

  • Consider a guide: They can point out interesting details and local favorites.
  • Experience “Xi’an Liang Pi”: These are a type of flatbread sandwich with a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and spices.

Other things to consider:

  • Learn about the history of the “Muslim Quarter”: This is a great place to experience the local culture.

  • **Try “Xi’an Style” food: "

  • Enjoying the “Ancient City” walls and its rich history, as well as the diverse cultural offerings available in Xi’an.

Enjoy a variety of “Xian” stories:

  • You can use this information to personalize your itinerary.**
    • Enjoy a variety of “Xian” delicacies:

Think about what types of food you’d like to try and what areas of the city are known for them.