Experience the captivating blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy with 48 hours in Xi’an, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. Nestled in the heart of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an beckons travelers with its iconic landmarks, delectable cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the ancient treasures of the Xi’an Museum, savoring the flavors of local street food at the bustling Muslim Quarter, or marveling at the grandeur of the City Wall and historic pagodas, Xi’an promises an unforgettable journey through time.
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day by visiting the Xi’an Museum, where you can admire various precious cultural relics, especially the giant Tang Dynasty model of Chang’an City on the basement level, which will take you back to the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. Then, take a walk to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1300-year-old Buddhist pagoda and one of Xi’an’s iconic landmarks. Here, you can experience folk activities such as rubbings and traditional Chinese printing, while enjoying cultural performances like ancient Chang’an music.
Noon: Enjoy Xi’an’s famous local snacks near the museum, such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and yangrou paomo (crumbled unleavened bread soaked in lamb soup).
Afternoon: Head to the Xi’an City Wall for a cycling or walking tour to feel the city’s profound history. As the evening approaches, climb up the City Wall to admire the sunset over Xi’an, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Evening: Visit the Muslim Quarter, known as Xi’an’s food paradise, where you can taste a variety of authentic Shaanxi snacks such as sour plum soup and lamb skewers. The night market here is also lively, offering a chance to browse through small shops and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s largest and most important museums of ancient art and history, housing a vast collection of precious cultural relics. Here, you can delve deep into the history and culture of Xi’an and Shaanxi.
Noon: Taste Xi’an’s specialty dishes at a restaurant near the museum, such as liangpi (cold noodles) and youpo noodles (noodles with spicy sauce).
Afternoon: Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, another iconic landmark of Xi’an and an important heritage site of ancient Chinese Buddhism. Admire the exquisite Buddhist art and murals here. Then, head to the Great Tang All Day Mall, a large-scale cultural theme park where you can experience the charm of the Tang Dynasty.
Evening: Visit the Tang Paradise, a comprehensive commercial area combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. Enjoy exciting performances, savor delicious food, and shop for unique products.
Additionally, if you’re interested in Xi’an’s airport transit service, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers free accommodation for transit times ranging from 8 to 48 hours. You can inquire about and apply for this service in advance to ensure a restful stay during your layover.