4 Days in Xi’an: Ultimate Travel Itinerary & Tips

This 4 days in Xi’an itinerary is designed for international travelers who want a seamless journey through Xi’an’s world-class historical sites, urban culture, Tang-style theme parks, and the scenic Zhongnan Mountains. With optimized routes, practical tips, and transport guidance, this guide ensures you enjoy the 13-dynasty capital efficiently without backtracking.

Night view of Bell and Drum Towers, must-see landmark on your 4 days in Xi’an itinerary

I. Where to Stay: Bell Tower & Drum Tower – Central Hub with Night Views

The Bell Tower/Drum Tower area is ideal for international tourists seeking convenience and stunning night photography opportunities.

Advantages

Transportation: Metro Lines 2 & 6 connect to Xi’an North Station, Weiqu Nan (Nanwutai), and key attractions. Most landmarks are within a 10–20 min taxi/bus ride.
Night Views: The Bell and Drum Towers light up 19:00–23:00. Some hotel rooms provide direct panoramic views.
Accommodation Options: Boutique guesthouses or chain hotels like Hanting and Ji Hotel. English services are available. Book 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season.

II. Day 1: Lintong History Immersion – Terracotta Army, Huaqing Pool & Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Focus: Military power of Qin, Tang Dynasty romance, and immersive history.

Terracotta Army pits 1, 2, 3 and Bronze Chariots, iconic highlight of 4 days in Xi’an

Morning: Terracotta Army Museum (8:30–12:00)

Transportation: Metro Line 9 → Huaqing Pool Station → Bus 307 (~1.5 hours). Optional English tour.
Highlights: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Bronze Chariots. Pit 1 is the main photo spot.
Tips: Tickets 120 RMB (peak), book online 1–3 days in advance. Rent audio guide (40 RMB). Wear comfortable sneakers.

Lunch: Lintong Specialty Dishes (12:30–13:30)

Try Lintong Saozi Noodles or Pomegranate Chicken with fresh Lintong Pomegranate Juice (10–15 RMB).

Huaqing Palace scenic area, recommended stop in your 4 days in Xi’an itinerary

Afternoon: Huaqing Palace (14:00–18:00)

Transport: Bus 307 from Terracotta Army (~20 mins).
Highlights: Tang Imperial Pools, Wujian Hall (Xi’an Incident), optional Lishan cable car (30–60 RMB).
Tips: Book tickets online. Finish sightseeing by 16:00 for evening show.

Evening: Song of Everlasting Sorrow (19:30–20:40)

Experience: Outdoor historical drama with water and lighting effects.
Tips: Tickets 248–588 RMB. Book 3–7 days in advance. Area Middle A (~398 RMB) offers best value. Return via tourist shuttle or carpool.

Song of Everlasting Sorrow live performance at Lishan Mountain, cultural highlight of 4 days in Xi’an

III. Day 2: Old City Soul – City Wall, Forest of Steles, Bell/Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter

Focus: Ming/Qing architecture, calligraphy, and Shaanxi cuisine.

Morning: Xi’an City Wall + Forest of Steles (9:00–12:00)

City Wall: Entry at South Gate, bike rental 40 RMB/hr, 2km to Wenchang Gate. Ticket 54 RMB.
Forest of Steles: Tickets 85 RMB, audio guide 30 RMB. Don’t miss Classic of Filial Piety on a Stone Base.

Entrance to the Forest of Steles Museum, key cultural site for 4 days in Xi’an

Lunch: Muslim Quarter (12:30–13:30)

Alleys of Dapiyuan or Xiyangshi. Try Roujiamo, Liangpi, Lao Mijia Beef & Mutton Paomo, and Ice Peak soda.

Afternoon: Bell & Drum Tower Square (14:00–15:30)

Landmark Ming/Qing structures. Photo ops on the square. Optional tower climb (50 RMB), bell/drum performances at 10:00 & 15:00.

Evening: Yongxing Fang (18:00–20:00)

Shaanxi “Intangible Heritage” food hub. Try Bowl-Smashing Wine, Zichang Pancakes, and Jingyang Fu Tea.

Yongxing Fang food street entrance, enjoy local Shaanxi cuisine during 4 days in Xi’an

IV. Day 3: Tang Culture Immersion – Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise & Everbright City

Focus: Tang Dynasty culture, royal gardens, and immersive theme streets.

Morning: Shaanxi History Museum (9:00–12:00)

Metro Line 2 → Xiaozhai Station → 10-min walk. Book 3 days in advance. Highlights: Hejia Village Treasures, Tang gold/silverware.

Entrance of Shaanxi History Museum, must-visit on your 4 days in Xi’an itinerary

Lunch: Shaanxi Cuisine (12:30–13:30)

Try Hulu Chicken and Golden Thread Oil Tower near the museum (60–80 RMB/person).

Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Paradise (14:00–17:30)

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 50 RMB temple, 30 RMB climb. Learn Xuanzang’s journey.
Tang Paradise: Ticket 120 RMB. Visit North Gate → Ziyun Building → Ladies’ Pavilion → South Gate.

Panoramic view of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, highlight of 4 days in Xi’an

Evening: Grand Tang Everbright City (18:00–21:00)

Free pedestrian street, best after 17:00. Watch performances (19:00–21:00) like Tumbler Girl, and Music Fountain at 19:00/20:00.

V. Day 4: Zhongnan Mountain – Nanwutai Deep Exploration

Focus: Nature, Zen, and sacred mountain experience.

Morning: Transit to Nanwutai (8:00–9:30)

Metro Line 2 → Weiqu Nan (Exit B) → Bus 730, or taxi/Didi (~1–1.5h, 100–150 RMB).
Shuttle ticket 40 RMB recommended to save energy.

Morning–Afternoon: Hike (9:30–16:00)

Shuttle → Guanyin Terrace (1688m) → Lingying Terrace → Wenshu Terrace → Zizhu Forest → shuttle back.
Bring own water, snacks. Basic stalls available (Liangpi 20–30 RMB). Wear non-slip shoes, windbreaker.

Evening: Return (16:00–18:00)

Take Bus 730 to Metro, return to Bell Tower for dinner.

Taoist sacred site at Nanwutai, scenic peak visit on your 4 days in Xi’an itinerary

VI. Conclusion: Complete 4 Days in Xi’an Experience

This 4 days in Xi’an itinerary links Qin-Tang heritage, urban culture, and Zhongnan natural scenery. It offers a balanced, immersive, and efficient route for international travelers to explore Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Muslim Quarter, and Nanwutai Mountains. Book tickets in advance, prepare translation apps, and wear comfortable shoes to enjoy every moment of Xi’an’s 3,000-year-old charm.

For more flexible routes and extended stays, you can explore additional ideas in our Xi’an Travel Itineraries collection.

The Ultimate 4 Days in Xi’an Itinerary: From Imperial Legends to Sacred Peaks