How to Spend 2 Days in Xian? – What to See & Helpful Guide

As one of the Golden Triangle cities along with Beijing and Shanghai, Xian is a popular destination on most tourists’ lists for their first-time China tours. From the Terracotta Warriors and Horses and Ancient City Wall to the iconic Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and many museums, Xian is a bustling city that is vastly rich in culture, history, and food.

It can be a challenge to see everything in just two days. That’s where this article comes in to show you how to make the most of your Xian tour in under 48 hours.

Are 2 Days Enough to Visit Xian?

With 2 days in Xi’an, you have just enough time to visit the highlights. While two days can feel quite rushed, you can still have a rewarding travel experience. Feel the weight of the ancient capital’s history, see its top attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant nightlife… as long as you can plan well.

Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian
Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian

Essential Places and Activities You Can See and Do in 2 Days in Xian

You can marvel at the Terracotta Army, enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city and a thrilling cycling experience on the Ancient City Wall, get a history lesson at the Shaanxi History Museum, stroll through the Bell and Drum Towers to the Muslim Quarter at the heart of the city, and explore ancient historical sites around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, including the pagoda itself and the nearby squares.

For the nights, you can watch a musical fountain show at the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, enjoy cultural performances at the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, or watch a Tang Dynasty show and have a dumpling banquet.

If you get away from Xian the late afternoon or in the evening, you can also consider adding the Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty to your itinerary.

Locations of Xian’s Popular Attractions

Getting a general idea of the location of Xi’an’s popular attractions is absolutely helpful to arrange your trip.

Many of its iconic landmarks are scattered in the city center area, connected by public buses, and metro, or are walkable. Those city center attractions include the Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Great Tang All Day Mall, Bell and Drum Tower, etc.

The Terracotta Army is in the suburban area, which is about 40 km from Xian city center, and about 70 km from Xian Xianyang International Airport.

Two days will be tight to extend your Xi’an trip to Huashan Mountain, which is about 120 km east of Xi’an (about 2 hours’ drive). But if you are an outdoor enthusiast, we also have 2-day Xi’an tours with Mt. Hua for your inspiration, allowing you to experience the breathtaking hiking trails and stunning views of one of China’s most famous mountains.

Itinerary A: For 2 Full Days in Xian (Get to Xian one day in advance)

This itinerary is recommended for those who have two full days in Xian, which means, you arrive at Xi’an in the afternoon or evening of previous day.

Here is an overview of the itinerary:

Day 1: Terracotta Army + Big Wild Goose Pagoda + City Wall + Muslim Quarter + Bell & Drum Towers + (evening activities)

Day 2: Shaanxi History Museum + Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty based on your departure time

Terracotta Army

For a relatively peaceful exploration of this grandiose underground army, it is recommended to enter the museum as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM, before the large tourist groups arrive. If possible, it is recommended to get in line before 8:00 AM.

The nearly 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors were intend to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the after life, and had been buried for over 2,200 years. They were originally painted in vibrant colors, not the terracotta colors we see today. You’d better follow a professional guide to discover the stories and history behind them.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

This 7 storey brick pagoda was used to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha in the Tang Dynasty. It sits in the Daci’en Temple. You can visit the temple ground, and ascending the pagoda will need an additional fee, but will reward you with great views.

Around the pagoda are many Tang Dynasty-styled architectures, providing a great opportunity for dressing in Tang Dynasty costume and taking some memorable photos.

Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda on Xian city tours
Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xuanzang

City Wall

This ancient military defense system dates back to the Ming Dynasty. At 12 meters (39.4 feet) tall and 12-14 meters (13-15.3 yards) wide, the wall offers a great chance to enjoy the old Xian and nearby Bell and Drum Towers from above.

It is popular to walk or bike atop the wall to see ancient watchtowers, drawbridges, and the surrounding view. Just prepare for the bumpy walkway. You can walk or cycle the entire loop, or choose to cover just half of it. There are several gates along the way where you can exit.

It is recommended to start or finish off at South Gate just because most of the main attractions within the wall are in that area.

Muslim Quarter

This is a paradise for foodies, comprising of several streets. As a gathering place of the Hui people, you’ll see a lot of beef and mutton food and other halal food. Ready to satisfy your stomach with diverse delicacies here.

The Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter is worth a visit. It is the oldest and biggest mosque in China, featuring a blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture.

Xian Muslim Quarter
Food stalls on Muslim Quarter

Bell & Drum Towers

Within walking distance from the Muslim Quarter, these two towers are Xian’s iconic landmarks. They are about a five-minute walk from each other.

Visitors can climb the staircases inside the towers to reach their top and enjoy stunning panoramic city views. Or just marvel at the exquisite architecture from the outside. When the tower’s lights illuminate at night, the view is especially captivating, enhanced by the surrounding vehicle headlights and streetlights.

Evening Activities

If you are still energetic, consider a Xian night tour to look into its vibrant nightlife. Our recommended evening activities include:

Shaanxi History Museum

The museum sits to the northwest of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, featuring a vast collection that spans from the early human era to 1840. It closes on Mondays, and the ticket is often a bit tricky to book. The tickets are released four times each day: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM for booking three days in advance.

Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty

This depends on your departure time. If your departure flight is in the late afternoon or evening, you can add Yangling Mausoleum to the itinerary of Day 2.

The mausoleum is the most well-preserved Han Dynasty imperial tomb complex discovered to date. Here you can see vivid terracotta figures of soldiers, attendants, and animals from over 200 sacrificial pits.

√Recommended tour: 2 Days Essencial Xian Tour Package

Itinerary B: Recommended to arrive at Xian before 10 AM

If you arrive at Xian by a morning flight or high-speed train, then, we recommend to explore iconic sites in downtown area on the first day afternoon. As the Terracotta Amry will be more crowded after 10:00 AM. You can put it on the second day, for an early morning visit.

Overview of itinerary B

Day 1: Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Ancient City Wall + Muslim Quarter + Great Mosque + Evening activities

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses + Hanyangling Mausoleum

For details, you can refer to Itinerary A.

More Xian 2-Day Itineraries for Your Inspiration:

Xian Travel Tips

  • Booking entrance tickets in advance: You will have to book some entrance tickets in advance, including Shaanxi History Museum, and Terracotta Army.
  • How to get to Xian: Either flights or high-speed trains are convenient, connecting Xi’an with most cities around the country. Only high-speed trains from Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and other nearby cities, as well as overnight trains from Shanghai, can get to Xi’an before 10 AM.
  • Getting around Xian: Subway is the top choice for getting around Xian, thanks to the city’s well-developed subway network.
  • Best time to visit: Xian features many historical sites and thus can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn are preferred for their mild weather and lower crowds.
  • When visiting historical sites like the Shaanxi History Museum and Terracotta Army, it’s recommended to hire a guide or join a local tour to ensure a better understanding of the history and culture.
  • 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Xi’an: Xi’an has adopted a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners from 54 countries under certain conditions. Take advantage of the policy if you meet the requirements.
  • Where to stay: It is recommended to choose hotels near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda or the Bell Tower. These areas are near major attractions, with convenient transportation and a variety of food options.