How to plan a 3-day trip to Xi'an? One day each for Lintong, the Ancient City, and Qujiang.

How to plan a 3-day trip to Xi'an? One day each for Lintong, the Ancient City, and Qujiang.

Travel Guide · 2026-10-25

Posted2026-10-25Last updated:2026-10-25Travel Guide
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Three days in Xi'an: Allocate one day each to Lintang, the Ancient City, and Qujiang. Each day focuses on a single main attraction. Includes transportation options, budget estimates, and tips for traveling with seniors and children.

For a three-day trip to Xi'an, a balanced itinerary is one day in Lintong, one day in the Ancient City, and one day in Qujiang—focusing on one main attraction per day.

Day 1: Lintong – Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace

Depart at 8 AM toward Lintang. Visit the Terracotta Warriors first, then arrive at Huaqing Palace in the afternoon. In the evening, you can attend the "Song of Eternal Regret" show (tickets must be purchased in advance). This day is best suited for a private car or small group tour to avoid time lost on transfers.

Day 2: Ancient City – City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, and Bell & Drum Towers

Morning: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum (free tickets require advance reservation). Afternoon: Cycle around the city wall via Yongning Gate, approximately 13.7 km. Evening: Admire the night view at Bell and Drum Tower Square. Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine in Sajinqiao and Dapiyuan area.

Day 3: Qujiang – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Grand Tang All Day Mall

Morning: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Dayan Temple. Afternoon: Tang Paradise or Stele Forest Museum. Evening: stroll through the Grand Tang Mall pedestrian street. The mall is free to enter; lights and street performances begin after 19:00.

Transportation & Budget Guide

The city's subway system covers major attractions; just scan to ride. Three-day tickets cost approximately 400 yuan. Estimate daily food expenses at 100 to 150 yuan per person, while accommodation varies significantly by tier. We recommend prioritizing your budget on guided tours and transportation for the most noticeable experience upgrade.

Night view of the Great Tang All Day Mall and tourists
The night views and street performances at Grand Tang Mall are concentrated in the evening.

FAQ

Is three days enough for Mount Hua?

Tight but doable. Mount Hua is about 2 hours one way, with long lift queues. We recommend dedicating a full day or extending your itinerary to four days.

How do I adjust for elderly people and children?

Limit daily visits to one main attraction. Ensure ample time for lunch. For the Lingtong area, we recommend hiring a private car to minimize walking and transfers.

Which periods should be avoided during peak season?

Peak crowds occur during summer and the National Day holiday. Try to schedule the Terracotta Warriors for the morning slot, and plan your city wall bike ride for after 4 PM when the light is better and the temperature is more comfortable.

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Knows the local talent

  • We recommend booking scenic area tickets on the official WeChat account 3 days in advance. During peak seasons, wait times at the entrance can range from 1 to 2 hours. Terracotta Warriors admission is 120 per person; Huaqing Palace is 120 per person. Online reservations allow skip-the-line entry.
  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive at the Terracotta Warriors at 8:30 for the first entry, and ride along the City Wall after 4 PM for the best lighting. The main street of Huimin Street is crowded; locals recommend older shops in Dapiyuan and Sajinqiao instead.
  • Travel Tip: Xi'an's subway covers major attractions; consider getting a Chang'an Tong card or using mobile payment. To visit the Terracotta Warriors in Lintong, take Tour Bus 5 (Line 306) for 7 CNY, with a travel time of about 1 hours.
  • Food recommendations: Local favorites include Lao Sun Jia Pomo (Beiyuan Branch), Jia San Soup Dumplings (Huimin Street), and Wei Family Liangpi (chain with consistent quality). A satisfying meal costs just 30-60 yuan per person.
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