Shaanxi Province Travel

Shaanxi, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, boasts rich historical and cultural heritage and magnificent natural scenery. From the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang to the summit of Huashan Mountain, from the ancient capital Xi'an to the northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau, every place tells stories spanning thousands of years.

13
Prefecture-level Divisions
107
County-level Divisions
9
5A Scenic Spots
5000+
Historical Relics

Explore Cities in Shaanxi Province

Xi'an
Baoji
Xianyang
Weinan
Hanzhong
Ankang
Shangluo
Yan'an
Yulin
Tongchuan

Shaanxi 5-Day In-Depth Tour

Explore the ancient capital Xi'an, feel the majesty of Qin and Tang dynasties, marvel at the perilous beauty of Huashan, savor authentic Shaanxi cuisine, and experience a perfect blend of profound history and natural wonders.

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Xi'an, Lintong, Huashan
Suitable For
History buffs, nature lovers
Budget per person
¥2500-¥3500
01
First Glimpse of Chang'an
Arrival in Xi'an · Bell & Drum Towers · Muslim Quarter
Highlights

Arrive in the ancient capital Xi'an, check into hotel and head to the city center. Visit Bell and Drum Tower Square, feel the pulse of the ancient city. Stroll through the Muslim Quarter in the evening, taste authentic Shaanxi snacks, and experience the rich Muslim cultural atmosphere.

Attractions
Bell & Drum Tower Square
Landmark in central Xi'an, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower face each other, offering an excellent spot to appreciate the ancient city's charm, beautifully lit at night.
Muslim Quarter
Famous food street in Xi'an, gathering local delicacies like lamb paomo, soup dumplings, spiced beef and more.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel
  • The Westin Xi'an
  • Muslim Quarter Boutique Inn
Food Recommendations
  • Lao Sun Jia Lamb Paomo
  • Jia San Soup Dumplings
  • Red Willow Kebabs
Travel Tips
  • Muslim Quarter is crowded; keep an eye on belongings
  • Try small portions of various snacks to avoid waste
  • Xi'an Metro directly reaches Bell Tower Station, convenient
02
Legacy of Qin and Tang
Terracotta Warriors · Huaqing Palace · Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show
Highlights

Head to Lintong to visit the Eighth Wonder of the World — the Terracotta Warriors Museum, feeling the majesty of the Qin Empire. In the afternoon, explore Huaqing Palace, the romantic resort of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan. In the evening, enjoy the large-scale historical dance drama "Song of Everlasting Sorrow".

Attractions
Terracotta Warriors
UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", showcasing the magnificent burial pits of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum.
Huaqing Palace
Imperial hot spring palace of the Tang Dynasty, where the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan unfolded, rich in historical relics.
Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show
Based on Bai Juyi's poem, performed on Jiulong Lake at Huaqing Palace, telling the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Bus 5 (Route 306) from Xi'an Railway Station
  • Depart before 8am to avoid crowds
  • Free shuttle buses between scenic spots
Tickets
  • Terracotta Warriors: ¥120
  • Huaqing Palace: ¥120
  • Song of Everlasting Sorrow: ¥268-888
Travel Tips
  • Book tickets for Song of Everlasting Sorrow in advance
  • Hire a guide for the Terracotta Warriors visit
  • Hot spring experience at Huaqing Palace is worth trying
03
Huashan Sword Discussion
Huashan Mountain · Changkong Plank Road · Huashan Sunrise
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Huashan Mountain, known as "the most perilous mountain under heaven". Experience the thrilling Changkong Plank Road and challenge the steep Canglong Ridge. Stay overnight on Huashan Mountain and watch the magnificent Huashan sunrise early the next morning to appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.

Attraction Arrangement
North Peak
One of the main peaks of Huashan Mountain, accessible by cableway, it is the starting point for most tourists to climb the mountain and offers a bird's-eye view of the entire Huashan Mountain.
Changkong Plank Road
A famous perilous path on Huashan Mountain, chiseled on a sheer cliff with a width of only 30 centimeters, known as "the most dangerous path in Huashan Mountain".
East Peak Sunrise
The best spot to watch the sunrise on Huashan Mountain. Enjoy the magnificent scene of the sun rising slowly from the sea of clouds at Chaoyang Platform in the early morning.
Practical Information
Climbing Routes
  • West Up North Down: The most classic route
  • North Up West Down: Suitable for those with good physical strength
  • Full Hiking: Takes 8-10 hours
Accommodation Suggestions
  • East Peak Hotel (Best for watching sunrise)
  • West Peak Hotel (Relatively new facilities)
  • North Peak Hotel (High cost performance)
Travel Tips
  • Essential: gloves, trekking poles and non-slip shoes
  • Food on the mountain is expensive, bring your own dry food
  • Extra ticket required for Changkong Plank Road (30 CNY)
04
Legacy of the Tang Dynasty
Shaanxi History Museum · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Datang Everbright City
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, known as "the pearl of the ancient capital and the treasure house of China" in the morning. Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Daci'en Temple in the afternoon. Stroll through the Datang Everbright City in the evening to experience the modern interpretation of the grand atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Attraction Arrangement
Shaanxi History Museum
China's first large-scale modern museum, housing more than 370,000 cultural relics with a time span of over one million years.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Built by Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty to preserve Buddhist scriptures, it is a landmark of Xi'an. You can climb the pagoda to overlook the scenery of southern Xi'an.
Datang Everbright City
A pedestrian street with the cultural background of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. It is brightly lit at night with various performances and interactive experience projects.
Practical Information
Ticket Reservation
  • Shaanxi History Museum: Free but reservation required in advance
  • Daci'en Temple: 50 CNY
  • Extra ticket required for climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (30 CNY)
Opening Hours
  • Shaanxi History Museum: 9:00-17:30 (Closed on Mondays)
  • Daci'en Temple: 8:00-17:30
  • Datang Everbright City: All day (Night view is the best)
Travel Tips
  • Reserve Shaanxi History Museum tickets on official WeChat account
  • Must-see: Music fountain at the North Square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Hanfu is perfect for taking photos in Everbright City
05
Ancient City Impressions
Xi'an City Wall · Shuyuanmen · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Cycle along the Xi'an Ming Dynasty City Wall in the morning to experience the grandeur of the ancient city. Visit Shuyuanmen Cultural Street in the afternoon to buy stationery and special souvenirs. Head to the airport/station according to the return schedule and end the unforgettable Shaanxi trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Xi'an City Wall
The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall existing in China, with a total length of 13.74 kilometers, which can be visited by cycling or walking.
Shuyuanmen
A cultural street with Ming and Qing architectural styles, gathering cultural shops selling stationery, calligraphy and painting mounting, folk crafts, etc.
Practical Information
City Wall Cycling
  • Ticket: 54 CNY
  • Bicycle rental: 45 CNY/3 hours
  • Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
Shopping Recommendations
  • Shuyuanmen: Stationery, rubbings
  • Muslim Street: Cured beef and mutton, stone bread
  • Specialties: Terracotta Army replicas, shadow puppets
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Airport is about 1 hour's drive from downtown
  • High-speed rail station is about 30 minutes from downtown
  • Allow sufficient time for check-in procedures
Shaanxi Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant climate, blooming flowers
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp autumn weather, pleasant scenery
  • Avoid Golden Week: Large crowds during May Day and National Day
Must-Try Foods
  • Beef and Lamb Paomo (Soaked Bread)
  • Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
  • Liangpi (Cold Noodle)
  • Hulu Ji (Bottle Gourd Chicken)
  • Soup Dumplings
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 500-600 CNY
  • Accommodation: 200-400 CNY/night
  • Catering: 80-150 CNY/day
  • Transportation: 200-300 CNY
  • Total: 2500-3500 CNY