Two days is enough to see the highlights of Xi’an, but only if you plan the route properly. The Terracotta Warriors sit well outside the city, while the City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque cluster around the historic centre, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Datang Everbright City sit farther south.
After visiting Xi’an ourselves, we would organise a first trip by keeping those areas together rather than racing backwards and forwards across the city. This two-day Xi’an itinerary gives you one full day for the historic city and Xi’an after dark, then a separate day for the Terracotta Warriors. We’ll show you exactly when we’d visit each attraction, how we’d travel between them, what needs booking in advance and what we’d change from our own trip.
Visited: August 2026 | Practical information checked: October 2026
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Xi’an 2-Day Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Xi’an City Wall | Bell + Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque | Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Datang Everbright City |
| Day 2 | Terracotta Warriors | Continue site / return Xi’an | Dinner / final old-city walk |
Table of Contents
Quick answer
Two full days is enough for a first Xi’an visit if your priorities are the Terracotta Warriors and the main city sights. If you also want the Shaanxi History Museum, Mount Hua or a slower pace, add a third day.
What You Need to Book Before This Xi’an Itinerary
| Book ahead | Priority | Where we’d book |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Warriors | Essential | Klook |
| City Wall | Useful but less critical | Klook/official if exact product available |
| Bell Tower | Optional | Klook if going inside |
| Tang show | Only if adding one | Klook |
| Xi’an hotel | Yes | Trip.com |
| Shaanxi History Museum | Essential if adding it | Official reservation |
If you book only one attraction in advance, make it the Terracotta Warriors.
Where to Stay for This 2-Day Xi’an Itinerary
I recommend inside or close to the historic city walls and Bell Tower area for this particular route. It really helps with walking access on Day 1. We walked from our hotel to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter which was really convenient. There are easy metro connections but also easy DiDi
We stayed at UrCove by Hyatt Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street Hotel
We highly recommend this hotel and absolutely loved our stay here. The location was perfect but the hotel itself really won us over, so much so that we actually booked the same brand in other cities we were visiting because it was so good. The staff were great and our room was really comfortable, the whole space was well designed and really aesthetically pleasing. We felt like we could really rest here. The bedding, furniture, bathroom and basin all had high-end features and finishes. The whole space felt more elevated than other hotels we have stayed at. Breakfast was delicious and varied, it started early as well so we could eat before heading off for the day.
While we loved the Bell Tower area in old Xi’an; some people prefer the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area which is good for Tang attractions but less ideal for an old-city-heavy schedule. Another option is the South Gate but for us that was too far from the centre of the city.
Prefer Booking.com? Find UrCove by Hyatt Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street Hotel on Booking.com here →
Xi’an 2-Day Itinerary Map
What to Do in Xi’an in 48 Hours: Our Exact 2-Day Schedule
This is our schedule, we have changed the parts that we would do differently next time so you don’t make our mistakes!
Day 1 — Xi’an City Wall, Muslim Quarter & Tang Xi’an at Night
Day 1 stays mostly within central Xi’an before heading south for the city’s spectacular Tang-style night area. Most of the historic-centre stops sit close together, so this is the day to walk.
8:00 am — Start at Xi’an City Wall (Recommended start time, our actual start time was 10am)
Have an early breakfast and then head straight out to start exploring. The attractions are usually quieter first thing. We also knew there was a lot to fit in, so using the extra time was important. Our first stop was the Xi’an city wall and we entered at the South Gate (Yongning Gate). We actually took a DiDi here from our hotel as the weather looked a bit gloomy and we wanted to get started as soon as possible. We made sure to have our passports so our pre-booked tickets could just scan us in.
Entry was simple, there were already quite a few people here as it is a popular entry. There were stairs to climb up to get to the wall itself and then we were at the top.
Walk or Cycle the Wall?
We walked the city wall. It was a rainy day and we didn’t want to get stuck with bikes in the rain. If it had not been rainy we would have loved to cycle the city wall. Riding a bike around the city walls is a great experience for seeing more of the area because you can move faster so doing the full circuit is possible. It also looked like a lot of fun. Walking was great to really take in what we were seeing, stopping off at all the little rooms which were full of historic information, taking it slower and people-watching.
Time
I would allow roughly 2–3 hours, depending on whether you walk or cycle and how much of the wall you cover. We spent a little longer wandering around taking photos, reading the history and enjoying the atmosphere. We decided to leave as the rain started getting heavier, we headed for the most convenient exit.
Where To Exit
We exited at Guangren Temple which was great. The temple is free to explore and really interesting. It is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple, less-visited than other big sights in Xi’an. Its bright, colourful details, architecture and local atmosphere make it feel completely different from the other big Tang Dynasty attractions. This temple isn’t on most Xi’an itineraries which is why we loved it. We spent about 20 minutes here taking it all in.
12:00 pm — Lunch in the Muslim Quarter
Get a DiDi to the Muslim Quarter which will take 10 minutes to drive or alternatively a 30-minute walk. You can use the Xi’an Daxuexi Alley Mosque as a pin to reach the area and walk the Muslim Quarter streets. There are quiet streets and busier food and snack streets buzzing with energy. We really enjoyed walking this area and checking out the different foods, Mike wasn’t hungry and I couldn’t find anything gluten-free so we didn’t eat but there is a lot to choose from if you come hungry. The atmosphere alone is worth a walk in the area.
🍜 Prefer to explore with a local? Compare Xi’an food tours on Klook →
1:00 pm — Great Mosque of Xi’an
Walking through the Muslim Quarter you will come to the Great Mosque, it almost feels like you are discovering it as the lanes leading to it are a little like a labyrinth. The Chinese architectural style and peaceful atmosphere contrast with the busyness of the market. I would spend about 30-40 minutes here, it is also respectful to have your shoulders and knees covered.
1:30 pm — Walk Toward the Drum Tower
Head toward the Drum Tower, it is about a 17 minute walk or a 4 minute DiDi. The Drum Tower is interesting and while you can enter it you can also just view it from the outside, which is what we did.
We spent about 5-10 minutes looking at the outside and then wandered over to the Bell Tower. They are very close to each other so you can easily walk between them.
The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is really big and one of China’s largest and best-preserved, you can walk up the different levels to see the view out over the city as it moves around you. We spent about 20 minutes looking at the inside, there is history and artefacts on the walls around the bell tower as well which was interesting to see.
Should You Go Inside the Bell Tower?
We chose to go in the Bell Tower due to the history but if you are short on time then you could definitely skip going inside and just view from the outside.
If you only have time to enter one, we’d choose Bell Tower because of the added history.
🔔 Check current Bell Tower tickets on Trip.com →
2:30 pm — Optional Break or Small Wild Goose Pagoda
If you want a break now is a great time to head back to the hotel and take a short rest, charge your phone and relax before heading back out for the afternoon. However, if you prefer to keep moving, this is where we’d get a DiDi to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. You do need a real-name reservation for the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, so make sure you reserve ahead of time. Check the current Xi’an Museum booking options when you plan your visit.
Is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, yes. We really enjoyed the more relaxed, local atmosphere. It was much less busy and we met some lovely locals who wanted to practise their English and toured us around while we talked. It was a really sweet interaction and we really appreciated learning about the history here. If you are interested in the details, check out our Best Things To Do in Xi’an article for the details. If you want to visit the Xi’an Museum as well, allow considerably longer here and you may need to move the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to the following day after the Terracotta Warriors.
3:30 pm — Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Make sure to head for the Big Wild Goose Pagoda around 3:30 pm as last entry was around 4:30 pm when we visited and it is about a 15-minute DiDi ride depending on traffic. Make sure you have your ticket or reservation ready and bring the passport you booked with. The pagoda climb requires a separate ticket. Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Wander the courtyards, take in the pagoda and climb it if you want to. The pagoda is huge and the area is really popular so it can be busy.
Do You Need to Go Inside?
Personally I don’t think climbing is necessary but it is an option. The staircase is small and there are small windows to look out. There are some Buddhist relics to check out as well.
5:30 pm onwards — Fountain Show & Datang Everbright City
When we visited, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda closed at 5:30 pm. There is an area outside with a small pedestrian street to walk with shops and food. Stroll this and the area outside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda if you want to wait for the fountain show which takes place in the North Square outside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. We caught the 7 pm show which was ok, but it was still a little bright and you couldn’t see the lighting very well. There is another one at 9 pm which would have shown the lighting better as the sky would be darker. Fountain times can change with the season and maintenance, so check the schedule at the North Square on the day.
After this head to Datang Everbright City which comes alive after dark and you can walk there from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. We got here after the 7pm fountain show as the sun was setting. This pedestrian street is full of buzzing energy, the lights are really dazzling here in the evening and it feels like everything is lit up. There were lanterns swinging in the trees, neon lights of restaurants and everything in between.
We walked up the street and took it all in for about 30-45 minutes, stopping to check out the statues that dot the area. You could stop in to get some dinner, have a coffee or just enjoy people-watching. There are people dressed up in Hanfu getting pictures taken and activity everywhere. The public area is free but there are also Tang performances that you can go to here.
Add a Tang Dynasty Show
We didn’t do this on our visit, but it’s one option if you prefer a seated cultural performance to spending the whole evening walking Datang. You can also combine it with dinner. 🎭 Check current Xi’an Tang Dynasty show tickets on Klook
Day 2 — Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors deserve their own day, rather than being squeezed between city attractions. They really are an incredible sight that should be experienced. Because the site is outside central Xi’an, it takes some time to reach. There are also optional sites nearby that you can combine into your day.
Before You Go — Ticket, Passport & Transport
We think it is essential to book your Terracotta Warrior tickets as early as possible. The dates and times can sell out so you run the risk of having to take a day or time that doesn’t suit you as well. You will definitely need your passport as it will be scanned at entry and have your booking confirmation handy so you can show it if needed. The current ticketing requires real-name timed entry and the cost is ¥120 / US$18.
To get to the site we took a DiDi from our hotel. It took about 50 minutes to get there and we were really glad we had a comfortable and easy ride to start the day. The ride cost us 91.3 CNY / US$13.64. Alternatively, you could take the Metro Line 9 and get off at Huaqing Pool Station, take Exit C, then a short taxi to the site. We wanted to get there as efficiently as possible so preferred a DiDi to keep it easy.
🏺 Book your Terracotta Warriors ticket before you go — check current availability on Klook →
What Time Should You Visit?
This depends on what times are available when you book. The earlier you book, the more options you would have to choose from. It will also depend on your actual itinerary, when you arrive and leave and how many days you have.
What We Actually Did
We booked later than we would have liked and there weren’t as many options available. We got a time at 8:30 am and made sure to arrive a little early at 8:05 am, to get our bearings so that we weren’t stressed when we got there.
What We Would Do Next Time
If we were doing it again, we’d aim for 8:30 am because this site is usually busy all day and the best chance of a quieter moment is early in the morning. The other option is to try to arrive later in the afternoon and visit before closing time. This could be a great idea; however, I wouldn’t leave it all to the last moment There is so much to see in the area, so it takes time. Make sure you arrive with enough time to do it all. I would also plan to spend nearly the whole day there, we were trying to get back to see some attractions in the afternoon but it did put pressure on us to see everything a little faster than I would like.
DIY vs Guided Tour
You can visit the Terracotta Warriors as a DIY trip like we did or take a guided tour. While we don’t usually prefer tours we think this is one place where a tour could be a great option.
DIY Terracotta Warriors:
This is the option we did and it is best if:
- you’re happy using
DiDior public transport; - you prefer your own pace;
- your trip is budget-sensitive;
- you already understand the history.
A Guided Terracotta Warriors Tour:
This would be best for:
- travellers who want context and to understand the history behind the site;
- travellers who want hotel pickup;
- travellers who don’t want logistics to worry about;
- travellers on their first China trip;
- travellers who want to fit more in;
- travellers with limited time.
Premium Private Tour
Another option is a private tour. This would include an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and some tours also include lunch. It is a great option if you want a guide to yourself so you can ask questions and move at your own pace in the exhibits.
Prefer a private guide? Compare highly reviewed private Terracotta tours on Viator →
How We’d See the Terracotta Warriors
We arrived and went straight to Pit 1. We had thought about doing them in reverse order but changed our minds and just headed into the first pit.
Pit 1 is the spectacular one and where we’d spend the most time. When we visited in August 2026, Pit 2 was closed for renovation, so we didn’t see the updated exhibition. It reopened on 1 October 2026 with a new exhibition and two visitor routes. We saw a small part that was left open. Pit 3 is the smallest and quickest to see.
For our complete pit-by-pit route, what we’d change and how to visit Lishan Garden, see our Terracotta Warriors guide →
Lunch
Grab some lunch after seeing everything you can at the main Mausoleum area. The exit has the widest choice of food, with souvenir stalls, snacks, drinks and plenty of places to stop. Of course, we found a Mixue, but there were also souvenir stalls, snacks, drinks and lots of shows to watch. We bought some terracotta soldiers and a drink before heading off.
Lishan Garden
Visiting Lishan Garden was a total surprise, we thought it was at the Mausoleum but discovered it was about 2 km away from the main Terracotta site. After a lot of searching we found out how to get there, and it was definitely worth the effort. There were a couple of other pits, it was much quieter and we thought it was a great add-on. The ticket to the terracotta soldiers includes entry and bus transfer to Lishan Garden.
Bronze Chariots
We went to see the bronze chariots at the museum located at Lishan Garden. They had the actual pieces and some really interesting information and digital displays about their creation. The museum was really interesting and so worth the time. We spent about an hour looking through it.
For our complete pit-by-pit route, what we’d change, and how to get to Lishan Garden read our Terracotta Warriors guide →
Do You Need Huaqing Palace Too?
Honestly, I wish we had gone to Huaqing Palace while we were in the area. It is nearby in Lintong and would have been easy to combine with the Terracotta Warriors. You do need a separate entry ticket but it would have been the perfect time to see it rather than going there from Xi’an.
Add Huaqing Palace if:
- history is a major interest for you;
- taking a tour that already includes it;
- you don’t mind a long day.
Skip it if:
- Terracotta Warriors are your priority;
- you want more time back in Xi’an;
- only have two days in Xi’an and don’t want overload.
A popular option combines the Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace and a performance, making it easier to see everything in one day.
Return to Xi’an
We returned to Xi’an using DiDi from Lishan Gardens. It cost us 79.72 CNY / US$11.91 and took an hour to get back. We left around 2:15pm as we had other attractions we were trying to see. If we had followed this itinerary we would have fit more in the day before and had longer to spend at the mausoleum and add in Huaqing Palace. If you stay longer I expect that you would be heading back to Xi’an around 4 or 5pm.
Day 2 Evening — What to Do After the Terracotta Warriors
There are a couple of options for things you can do when you get back to Xi’an, either an easy evening or some more exploring if you have enthusiasm and energy left.
Option A — Easy evening
Return to the hotel and take a short rest, head out and get some dinner and see the Bell Tower illuminated at night. If you haven’t already you could see a Tang performance which can include dinner as well.
Option B — You Still Have Energy
If you got back early enough and you didn’t do the Small Wild Goose Pagoda the day before then I would do it this afternoon. It is worth it especially if you combine it with the Xi’an Museum.
Alternatively you could have reserved a ticket for the Shaanxi History Museum which would be a cool, air-conditioned place to wander around before dinner. If you are considering this I would definitely pre-book your ticket as they sell out and you have to have a reservation to enter (entry is free to the main exhibit). Reserve through the official museum booking system. Guided tours that include museum entry are another option if you don’t want to handle the reservation yourself.
Our Exact 2-Day Xi’an Schedule
Day 1
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | City Wall |
| 10:30/11:00 am | Bell Tower |
| 11:30 am | Drum Tower |
| 12:00 pm | Muslim Quarter |
| 1:00 pm | Great Mosque |
| 3:00 pm | Small Wild Goose Pagoda |
| 4:00 pm | Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| 8:00 pm | Datang Everbright City |
| 9:30 pm | Return hotel |
Day 2
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:15 am | Leave Xi’an |
| 8:30 am | Terracotta Warriors |
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Pits / exhibits |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 pm | Optional Lishan/Huaqing or return |
| 3:15pm | Back Xi’an – rest or continue exploring |
| Evening | Dinner / easy night walk to Bell Tower |
Important: The exact order can be swapped depending on your Terracotta ticket, weather and arrival/departure times.
How Much Does This 2-Day Xi’an Itinerary Cost?
These are the actual costs from our trip, excluding food and accommodation. We paid US$55.43 with breakfast per night at UrCove by Hyatt Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street Hotel
| Expense | Per person / for two |
|---|---|
| City Wall | 54 CNY (US$7.50) / 108 CNY (US$14) |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | 50 CNY (US$7) / 100 CNY (US$14) |
| Bell Tower entry | 30 CNY (US$ 4) / 60 CNY (US$8) |
| Great Mosque entry | 25 CNY (US$3.50) / 50 CNY (US$7) |
Total DiDi cost for day 1 | 55 CNY (US$8.22) |
| Terracotta Warrior ticket | 120 CNY (US$17.50) / 240 CNY (US$33) |
Return DiDi transport to Terracotta Warriors | 171.02 CNY (US$25.55) |
| Total DIY | 505.02 CNY (US$75.48) / 784.02CNY (US$117.17 ) |
Ultimately a DIY visit means lower cost and more logistics whereas a guided tour to the Terracotta Warriors would make the cost higher but include hotel pickup, historical explanation and in some cases a performance, lunch or another location with all logistics organised.
Is Two Days Enough in Xi’an?
Yes, two full days is enough for the essential Xi’an experience.
2 Days In Xi’an
For your first trip you can absolutely see a great deal of Xi’an. Use our 2-day itinerary to fit as much as possible in.
3 Days In Xi’an
If you have 3 days in Xi’an then I would add Shaanxi History Museum and slower city exploration.
4 Days In Xi’an
With 4 days in Xi’an you can add Mount Hua, see every attraction at a relaxed pace and spend a full day at the Terracotta Warriors.
See our Best Things to Do in Xi’an guide →
What We’d Skip With Only Two Days
With only two days you can’t fit everything in, these are the things I would skip if you don’t have excess time.
Shaanxi History Museum
Not because it is bad, but because you need to get a specific reservation time which can be very difficult, the museum is big and takes a lot of time to see and trying to fit it in can create pressure that you don’t need on a holiday. This is why we didn’t visit.
Mount Hua
Mount Hua looks awesome but it is a full-day excursion and wouldn’t fit in a 2-day itinerary unless you swapped out the Terracotta Warriors or the city sightseeing.
Extra temples/museums
Xi’an is full of temples and museums but you can’t fit them all into just two days, we have included the most important and our favourites.
Huaqing Palace
I wish we had more time and could have visited the palace while we were at the Mausoleum. It would have been great but we were pushed for time to see more in the city. This is one advantage of a guided tour that combines the main attractions in the area but if you are doing a DIY trip it might have to be something you miss.
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d Book the Terracotta Warriors Earlier
We would absolutely book the Terracotta Warriors as early as possible, this is important if you want to get the day and time you want. to enter.
We’d Still Start at the City Wall Early
I would still visit the City Wall as early as possible, but if sunset is important to you, consider timing your main visit for late afternoon instead.
We’d Spend Less Time in the Muslim Quarter
While we liked the Muslim Quarter, It felt different from the rest of the city and the atmosphere was energetic, but we didn’t need to spend quite so long walking around.
We Would Prioritise the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
We really loved this compared to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the atmosphere was calmer, less touristy and it had a more authentic atmosphere.
Bring a Raincoat or Umbrella
Xi’an can be a rainy destination, I would bring a raincoat, poncho or umbrella with me while sightseeing just incase.
What If It Rains in Xi’an?
We did run into rain while we were in Xi’an and this can be a common worry, sightseeing in the rain is never much fun. If heavy rain is forecast, swap the two days around. I was pretty surprised to find that the Terracotta Warriors would have been the better rainy-day option because the major pits are covered indoors, while the city wall and the outdoor night sights benefit much more from dry weather. Of course, on our last morning the sun came out beautifully over the city, but it was too late. Sometimes you just have to make the best of the weather you get, and you can swap Day 1 and Day 2 and vice versa on this itinerary as well which can help you plan for rainy weather.
Rainy day:
Terracotta Warriors.
Better-weather day:
City Wall + central Xi’an + Tang evening lights.
How to Get Around Xi’an for This Itinerary
There are a few ways to get around Xi’an. We definitely chose the easiest and most time-saving, these are all the main options.
Metro
Xi’an has a useful metro system for getting around the central city. Using the metro will be the cheapest way to get around but can be more time-consuming to work out and to get to and from the stations.
DiDi
We used DiDi pretty much exclusively. It was the best option for convenience as it picks you up and drops you exactly where you need to be. It is more expensive but nothing dramatic and so worth it.
Walking
Day 1 involves substantial walking in the historic centre. The best route is between the Bell and Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter area. The City Wall is also very large, so walking the wall involves substantial distance.
For a two-day visit, we’d use a combination of walking, metro and DiDi rather than trying to save every dollar on transport. Time is the scarce resource so convenience won out for us.
Xi’an 2-Day Itinerary FAQs
Is 2 days enough for Xi’an?
Yes, you can see a lot of Xi’an in 2 days, but you’ll need to plan your time carefully and prioritise what matters most to you.
What should you do in Xi’an in two days?
I would spend one day exploring the city sights, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Datang Everbright City and City Wall. The second day would be for the Terracotta Warriors.
Should I visit the Terracotta Warriors on Day 1 or Day 2?
I would visit the Terracotta Warriors on either day, depending on your reservations and the weather.
How long do you need at the Terracotta Warriors?
Honestly I would spend a full day there if you are interested in history. We spent about 6 hours here and could have stayed longer, I would love to have visited the Huaqing Palace too.
Should you book Terracotta Warriors tickets in advance?
Definitely! These can sell out quickly for different time slots and having them booked in advance means you can plan around it.
Do you need a tour for the Terracotta Warriors?
No, you don’t need a tour but a guide can add historical context which will bring the site to life for you and deepen your experience.
Can you visit the Terracotta Warriors and City Wall on the same day?
It is possible, but not what we would recommend unless it was your only option. The Terracotta Warriors and the city wall are big attractions. Doing them both on the same day would mean spending less time at each and giving neither your full attention.
Is Xi’an City Wall worth it?
For us it was worth it, we loved experiencing the ancient wall. It was huge, circled the old city and had lots of little rooms with historic information in them. There were view points with labels so you knew what you were looking at. It was a great experience.
Is the Muslim Quarter worth visiting?
It is but I think it doesn’t need to take up hours of time. Walk the bustling food streets and sample local flavours, visit the mosque and wander the local streets. It is interesting but doesn’t need hours of time.
Is Big Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting?
It is and I would recommend seeing it but we actually preferred the Small Wild Goose Pagoda for the local atmosphere and authentic, non-touristy experience.
Is Datang Everbright City worth visiting?
Yes, we spent about half an hour to an hour walking the streets and looking at all the lights and activity. It was really cool to see the bright lights turn on as the sky went darker, the atmosphere was great.
What should you book before arriving in Xi’an?
I would book the Terracotta Warriors first, then my accommodation, any museum reservations and any attraction tickets that require advance booking.
Where should a first-time visitor stay in Xi’an?
I would recommend staying in the historic centre, around the Bell Tower area. This is what we did and we loved it. Our hotel was UrCove by Hyatt Xi’an Bell Tower Huimin Street Hotel.
Is Xi’an walkable?
The central historic area is walkable but the whole itinerary is not. You will need to use the metro or DiDi to get around.
What should you do if it rains?
I would swap your itinerary days if possible and put the Terracotta Warriors on a rainy day, save your dry sunny day for the city exploration. Either way, take a raincoat or umbrella just incase.
Book Your Xi’an 2-Day Trip
🏺 Terracotta Warriors
Book Terracotta Warriors tickets on Klook →
🚐 Prefer an English Guide?
Check the Terracotta Warriors small-group English tour on Klook →
🏨 Stay Centrally in Xi’an
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🎭 Add a Tang Show
Final Thoughts — Is Two Days in Xi’an Enough?
Two days isn’t enough to see everything in Xi’an, but it is enough to see the places we’d prioritise on a first trip. Keeping the City Wall, Muslim Quarter and central sights together on one day and giving the Terracotta Warriors their own day prevents the itinerary from becoming a race across the city.
If we had a third day, we’d use it for Shaanxi History Museum, slower exploration or a day trip to Mount Hua rather than cramming more into these two days. For us, the biggest mistake would be treating Xi’an as somewhere you visit only for the Terracotta Warriors. The city itself deserves at least one complete day.
Still deciding what else is worth your time? See our Best Things to Do in Xi’an guide →
Continue Planning Your Xi’an Trip
Best Things to Do in Xi’an
Our honest attraction rankings →
Terracotta Warriors Guide
Tickets, pits, transport and our exact visit →
China Itinerary
Where Xi’an fits into a wider China trip →
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