Xi’an Day Tour: Best Things to Do & See in One Day

Nowadays there is a travel trend goes viral in China —— the Special Forces Style Travel. The travel mode features budget trip, tight schedule, and many tourist attractions. It’s a very quick way for tourist to understand a city.

For tourists planning a Xi’an tour but with a tense time or limited budget, a short Xi’an day tour is usually the best. But don’t worry. Despite short, one day in Xi’an can be fully-scheduled and meaningful. Let’s see how to arrange your one day in Xi’an!

Xi’an Day Tour Starting from Xi’an North Railway Station

Facts about Xi’an North Railway Station

Located in Weiyang District, Xi’an North Railway Station is just 4 kilometers from the city center, which is about a 10-minute drive. It also has a direct subway line to the city center, making the station very convenient for transportation.

Xi’an North Station is the preferred platform for most people taking the train to Xi’an. If you plan to spend one day in Xi’an, it is recommended that you choose a train that arrives before 10 a.m., so that you will have more time to visit the attractions and experience the city.

Xi’an North Railway Station
Xian North Railway Station

Recommended Attractions Nearby Xi’an North Railway Station

Xi’an North Station is close to attractions such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Datang Lotus Garden, and Xingqing Park. The three spots can all be scheduled in one day in Xi’an. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located inside the Da Ci’en Temple, where you can get to by the subway line 3.

Datang Lotus Garden is situated to the southeast of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and can be accessed via subway line 2. Climbing to the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Xi’an. Additionally, try the traditional Chinese clothing—Hanfu—for a memorable photo.

After visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you can go to the adjacent Da Ci’en Temple, which is an ideal place for quiet prayer and learning about Buddhist culture. In the evening, you can enjoy the largest musical fountain square in Asia—the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda—to watch a spectacular show of water, dance, and light.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xian
Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Xi’an Day Tour Starting from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Facts about Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is located in the Xi Xia New District of Xianyang City, and is the main airport of Xi’an, as well as one of the busiest airports in northwest China. The Airport is about 30 kilometers away from the city center of Xi’an. The subway lines around are very well-developed, and there are plenty of taxis outside the airport, which is very perfect for tourists coming for a day trip. Departuring from the airport, you can arrange one day in Xi’an as below.

Recommended Attractions Nearby Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

If you arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, we suggest you go to the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Pool, which are relatively close to the airport. Besides, there are shuttles that can take you directly to the Terracotta Army.

After exiting the airport, you can take the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport shuttle bus to Lintong to visit the most complete symbol of Chinese Tang culture – Huaqing Pool. Then, proceed to visit the Terracotta Army, a World Cultural Heritage site. This is one of the greatest discoveries in the history of world archaeology and is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” After visiting the Terracotta Army, you can end this one day in Xi’an at the Bell Tower by subway or the Muslim Quarter, where there are many snack streets nearby.

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army

Xi’an Day Tour Starting from Xi’an Railway Station

Facts about Xi’an Railway Station

Xi’an Railway Station is located in the Xincheng District, in the bustling downtown area. It is conveniently accessible and can get to most major popular attractions winthin one day in Xi’an. You can depart from the Beijing West Railway Station after work on Friday and sleep on the sleeper train. Waking up the next morning, you will find yourself transport from the Ming and Qing ancient capital to the ancient capitals of the Han and Tang dynasties.

Recommended Attractions Nearby Xi’an Railway Station

There are two squares in Xi’an Railway Station: the north and south squares. The South Square is adjacent to the Daming Palace, while the North Square is close to the Danfeng Gate. You can visit the Daming Palace after exiting the railway station, and then head to Yongxingfang from the South Square, where you can enjoy a variety of Shaanxi cuisines in one place.

After dinner, take photos at the Guangren Temple, a newly popular spot with its red walls and golden halls as a backdrop. When night falls, head to the Grand Tang All Day Mall— the top choice for night tours in Xi’an. Here, you can take a stroll, enjoy entertainment activities, and dine.

Xi’an Day Tour Starting from Your Hotel in Xian

If you are already in Xi’an, you’d better choose a hotel that is not far away from public transportations and the city center (around the Bell Tower). Looking for a Xi’an day tour with ease? China Xi’an Tour provides various customized tour lines for you to spend one day in Xi’an.

Recommended Xi’an Day Tour