I thought Luoyang was beautiful, but then I went to Xi'an…

A journey through ancient and modern Chang'an! A 3-day, 2-night Xi'an itinerary You simply must visit Xi'an, to listen to the echoes of time in the morning and evening bells and drums of the Bell and Drum Towers, to touch the warmth of history on the mottled bricks and stones of the Ming City Wall, to experience the prosperity of a golden age in the bright lights of the Grand Tang Mall, and to delve into the vast collection of the Shaanxi History Museum, exploring the long history of this ancient capital… This is a comprehensive 3-day, 2-night in-depth Xi'an travel guide, taking you to appreciate the unique charm of this ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Save it and let's go! Itinerary Day 1: Encounter with ancient Xi'an - Bell and Drum Towers: The heart of Xi'an, where the morning bell and evening drum were once the city's timekeepers. Ascend the Bell Tower and look out over the bustling modern city and the simple and elegant ancient buildings complementing each other. The flying eaves and brackets of the Drum Tower are magnificent, showcasing the exquisite ancient architectural art. - Sajinqiao: A food paradise for authentic Xi'an locals, full of life and energy. Compared to Huimin Street, it is less commercialized and more authentic. Start your day with Hulutou spicy soup and Youcha fritters, and satisfy your sweet tooth with Zenggao and persimmon cakes. Every bite is an authentic taste of Xi'an. - Xi'an City Wall: One of the largest and most completely preserved ancient city walls in existence. Rent a bicycle and ride along the wall, feeling the breeze on your face. The crenellations and gate towers seem to tell stories of the past. Starting from Yongning Gate, enjoy the four seasons of the ancient city and see the blend of ancient and modern inside and outside the city walls. - Shuyuanmen: An antique cultural district, filled with a strong scholarly atmosphere. Stroll through it, browsing the various writing brushes, ink sticks, paper, inkstones, calligraphy, and paintings. You can also see street artists creating their works on the spot, experiencing the unique charm of traditional culture. Day 2: Exploring history and culture - Shaanxi History Museum: "Give me a day, and I'll give you ten thousand years." This museum, known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure House of China," houses cultural relics from the earliest stages of human history to the various artifacts of social life before 1840. It is a vivid textbook of Shaanxi history. Book tickets in advance on the official website or WeChat official account, follow a professional guide, walk into the long river of history, and appreciate the prosperity of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: The landmark building of Dacien Temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture from the Tang Dynasty. Ascend the pagoda and overlook the bustling city of Xi'an. The temple is filled with the scent of incense and devout believers. Feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture in the serene atmosphere. - Grand Tang Mall: When night falls, this place transforms into a brightly lit scene of the Tang Dynasty. NPCs in Hanfu costumes shuttle through the crowds, the "Bouncing Lady" performs, and various Tang culture-themed performances take you back to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty in an instant. Day 3: Tracing the Grandeur of the Qin Dynasty - Terracotta Army: One of the eight wonders of the world, the massive underground army is awe-inspiring. It is recommended to depart early in the morning to avoid peak tourist times. Follow the guide's explanation, carefully observe the unique faces and costumes of each Terracotta Warrior, and feel the majestic momentum of the Qin Empire. - Mount Li Scenic Area: Included in the Terracotta Army ticket, this is the location of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Although the underground palace has not yet been opened, the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum in the park is not to be missed. The exquisite bronze chariots and horses, with their superb craftsmanship, are breathtaking, as if you can see the grand scene of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tour. - Huaqing Palace: An ancient royal hot spring resort, bearing the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. Stroll along the Huaqing Pool and imagine the scene of Yang Guifei bathing. When night falls, watch the large-scale live-action historical dance drama "The Song of Everlasting Regret," and relive that eternal love story in the interweaving of lights, music, and dance. Accommodation Guide - Near the Bell and Drum Towers: Convenient transportation, multiple subway lines intersect here, and it is close to major attractions. There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly express hotels to high-end luxury star hotels, making it easy to start your culinary exploration at any time. - Near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Beautiful environment, close to several attractions, and you can enjoy the musical fountain of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda at night. This is also a gathering place for young people, with a rich and colorful nightlife, and various characteristic bars and restaurants to meet your leisure needs. Transportation Guide - Subway: Xi'an's subway network is constantly improving, covering most of the popular attractions. The subway is the preferred mode of transportation, convenient, fast, and punctual. Download the "Xi'an Subway" app to scan the code and ride. - Bus: Bus routes are extensive, and some bus routes also offer views of the city along the way. However, it may be congested during peak hours, so plan your time accordingly. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, especially suitable for those with luggage or traveling in groups. However, you may encounter traffic jams during peak tourist seasons and rush hour. Food Recommendations - Zi Wu Lu Zhang Ji Rou Jia Mo: The bun is crispy, the meat is tender and juicy, and every bite is full of happiness. It is a taste recognized by old Xi'an locals. - Ma Hong Xiao Chao Pao Mo: The stir-fried Paomo is sour and spicy, the mutton is tender, the bun pieces are chewy, and paired with sweet garlic and chili, every bite is a rich Xi'an flavor. - Liu Xiang Noodles: The noodles are evenly thick, chewy, with rich meat sauce, and a generous portion. One bowl is super satisfying. - Persimmon Huta: Made with Lintong fire crystal persimmons, the outer skin is crispy, and the filling is soft, sweet, and fragrant. The sweetness of the persimmons spreads in your mouth, a unique sweet taste of Xi'an. Tips - Travel: Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare appropriate clothing and rain gear. Try to avoid rush hour to avoid delays. - Tickets: Tickets for popular attractions such as the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum need to be booked in advance on official platforms to avoid delays. - Food: Xi'an cuisine is heavily flavored. If you can't handle spicy food, remember to inform the waiter in advance and ask for mild spice. - Photography: When taking photos at attractions such as the Grand Tang Mall, you can rent a Hanfu costume. Wearing it will create a more atmospheric photo and greatly improve your photo quality! Xi'an, an ancient and modern city, has both a profound historical heritage and boundless vitality. Follow this guide, embark on your Xi'an journey, and explore your own Chang'an memories!