Here are three different two-day Xi’an itineraries for college students:
Itinerary 1: Cultural and Historical Exploration
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, an iconic attraction of Xi’an and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a few hours here to explore the different pits and learn about the history of the army.
- Afternoon: Head to the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Rent a bike and ride around the wall to enjoy the scenery and take in the history. Stop by the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two landmarks in the center of the city, for some great photo opportunities.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, a world-class museum showcasing over 370,000 historical relics. Spend a few hours here to learn about the rich history of Shaanxi province and China.
- Afternoon: Head to the Muslim Quarter, a lively and bustling area of the city with a rich cultural heritage. Try some local street food and browse the souvenir shops for some great gifts to take home.
Itinerary 2: Nature and Scenery
Day 1:
- Morning: Head to the Huashan Mountain Scenic Area, one of China’s most famous and challenging mountains. Take the cable car up the mountain and hike along the trails to enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Visit the Huaqing Hot Springs, a historic site with natural hot springs and a beautiful garden. Relax in the hot springs and learn about the history of the site.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Tang Paradise, a theme park inspired by the Tang Dynasty. Explore the gardens and pavilions, watch performances and shows, and learn about the history of the Tang Dynasty.
- Afternoon: Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. Climb to the top for a great view of the city and learn about the history of Buddhism in China.
Itinerary 3: Food and Nightlife
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit the Xi’an City God Temple, a Taoist temple with a lively market outside. Try some local snacks and browse the stalls for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Visit the Xi’an Art Museum, a modern museum showcasing contemporary Chinese art. Spend a few hours here to learn about the local art scene and culture.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Shaanxi Grand Opera House, a modern theater with traditional Chinese architecture. Watch a performance of the local Shaanxi Opera and learn about the local art form.
- Afternoon and evening: Head to the South Gate area, a trendy and lively area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Try some local craft beer and sample the street food, then dance the night away at one of the clubs or bars.