A One-Day Xi’an Travel Itinerary: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall & Grand Tang Mall

Ready to explore Xi’an in one day? This Travel Itinerary will take you from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning, cycling along the Xi’an Ancient City Wall in the afternoon, to the dazzling lights of the Grand Tang Mall at night. Follow this guide to make the most of your day while experiencing both history and modern culture. For detailed information on each landmark, see our Xi’an Attractions Guide.

Trip Highlights

• Smart Route: Landmarks are logically connected, flowing from daylight to evening lights.
• Immersive Experience: Bike on the ancient city wall, explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and enjoy Grand Tang Mall at night.
• Beat the Crowds: Follow our timing tips and walking distances for the best photo spots.

Quick Guide to Combo Tickets

Ticket Type	Includes	Price (RMB)	Where to Buy	Validity
City Wall + Giant Goose Pagoda	City Wall + Giant Goose Pagoda + Da Ci’en Temple	98	City Wall official WeChat account	2 Days
City Wall + Moat Night Cruise	City Wall bike rental + Moat boat tour (with light show)	85	On-site ticket window / Meituan	Same Day

⚠️ Pro Tip: The Grand Tang Mall is free to enter, so check combo tickets carefully to avoid paying for less popular attractions.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Feel the Spirit of the Tang Dynasty

Location: Inside Da Ci’en Temple, Yanta District
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Ticket Info:

• With the City Wall + Pagoda Combo Ticket, scan your ID to enter Da Ci’en Temple and climb the pagoda.
• Buying separately: Temple 40 RMB + Pagoda 30 RMB.

Why Go in the Morning?

• Fewer Crowds: Arrive before 8 AM for peaceful photos with the Xuanzang statue.
• Perfect Light: Morning sun casts beautiful lighting for photos.
• Hidden Gem: Attend morning prayer at 9:00 AM (reservation needed, free).

Must-See Spots:

• North Square: Statue of Xuanzang with Asia’s largest musical fountain in the background.
• Inside the Temple: Climb the pagoda for panoramic city views and see ancient Buddhist texts. Learn more in our Giant Wild Goose Pagoda guide.
• The Red Wall: Frame serene shots with the pagoda, tree, and monk.

Afternoon: Xi’an Ancient City Wall – A Ride Through Time

Location: Yongning Gate, Beilin District
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Info:

• City Wall + Pagoda Combo Ticket allows entry and includes Hanguang Gate Museum.
• Bike rental: 45 RMB for 3 hours (not included in combo ticket).
• City Wall + Moat Night Cruise Combo Ticket available for evening ride + boat tour.

Why Go in the Afternoon?

• Best Energy: 13.7 km ride is easier in the afternoon.
• Amazing Lighting: After 3 PM, sun gives the wall a golden glow.

Biking Route: Yongning Gate → Southwest Corner → Hanguang Gate (museum stop) → Anding Gate → Zhongshan Gate (return bike).

Practical Tips: Bring sunscreen in summer; short taxi/walk connections between landmarks; nearby Shuncheng Alley for local food. Learn more in our Xi’an food & snack guide.

Evening: Grand Tang Mall – Fall into a Cyber-Fantasy

Location: 46 Ci’en Road, Yanta District
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• After 7 PM: Tang-style lanterns, poetry displays, and projections light up the street.
• Peak performances: 8:00 – 9:30 PM, including “Back to Chang’an” and “Tumbler Lady”.
• Arrive early at 6:30 PM to explore before crowds.

Optional Performances:

Show Name	Time	Location	Tip
Tumbler Lady	7:30 PM / 9:00 PM	East side of Kaiyuan Square	Line up 30 minutes early for front row
Back to Chang’an	8:00 PM	Main Stage	Front row recommended for interaction
Rainbow Robe Dance	8:30 PM	Zhenguan Square	Uses holographic projection for visual effect

Best Photo Spots:

• Lantern Alley (backlit lantern shots)
• Joy City Terrace (view of mall and pagoda). More photo tips in our Xi’an Attractions Guide

Street is free to enter, shows and hanfu rental extra (~399 RMB). Dinner tip: Yuanjiacun food court for Youpo Noodles, Zenggao, Jinggao (~30 RMB/person).

A Map of Our Route

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → City Wall → Grand Tang Mall
Taxi/walk times: 3 km / 10 min between Pagoda and City Wall; 15 min walk from City Wall to Grand Tang Mall. Allow 30 min buffer between spots.

Important Info

• Getting Around: Metro Line 3 (Pagoda), Line 4 (Grand Tang Mall), taxis easy.
• Gear: Comfortable sneakers, portable charger, ~20,000 steps walking.

A Day in Xi’an, A Dream of a Thousand Years

From the quiet morning at the pagoda, golden afternoon sun on the city wall, to neon lights at Grand Tang Mall, Xi’an lets history and modernity collide beautifully. Enjoy this one-day Travel Itinerary and experience both sides of the city.