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July 25, 2025
Xi'an 3 Days Travel Guide: History & Culture for Couples on a Budget
Explore ancient wonders, savor local flavors, and walk through millennia of history with this budget-friendly itinerary for two
History & CultureBudget TravelCouples TravelXi'an
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 西安
Location: Sha'anxi Province, China
Famous For: Terracotta Army,Ancient City Wall,Buddhist Heritage
Daily Cost: $80-120 per couple
Best Season: March-May, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Xi'an?
As the birthplace of Chinese civilization and starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an offers a unique blend of ancient wonders and modern energy. This 3-day plan focuses on cultural immersion and romantic experiences while maintaining budget-friendly choices, perfect for couples seeking both history and connection.
Best time to visit Xi'an
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer perfect weather for exploring ancient sites
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flowers create ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. Avoid Qingming Festival (April) crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot (28-38°C) with potential thunderstorms. Best for indoor museums and evening activities. Expect crowds during Dragon Boat Festival.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant temperatures (12-22°C) with vibrant foliage. Ideal for city wall cycling and Great Wild Goose Pagoda park walks.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-10°C) with occasional smog. Budget travelers benefit from off-season discounts, but schedule indoor activities for poor air quality days.
Arriving and leaving Xi'an
Subway (¥2-7), taxis (metered: start ¥8), and shared bikes (Hello Bike). Purchase 3-day metro pass (¥30) for unlimited rides.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport [Recommended]
35km northwest of city center. Direct flights to 30+ international destinations. Taxi: 45min/¥250 (¥300 night surcharge). Airport Express metro line 14 available.
Xi'an North Railway Station [High-Speed Trains]
China's largest high-speed rail hub. 15min metro ride to downtown. Connects to Beijing (4.5hr), Shanghai (8hr), and Chengdu (4hr).
Xi'an Railway Station [Conventional Trains]
20min from city center. Limited direct international connections. Frequent regional services to nearby attractions.
Where to stay in Xi'an: Best Neighborhood
Bell Tower District
Historic heart near Xi'an Bell Tower. Walkable to Muslim Quarter and Xi'an Ancient City Wall. Budget hotels and boutique guesthouses available.
Yanta District
Near Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang Lakescape Park. Mid-range options with easy access to cultural sites.
Top Things to do in Xi'an
Terracotta Army Museum
Marvel at Emperor Qin's 8,000-soldier terra cotta army. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Special 7:00 AM tickets available.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Cycle the 13.7km city wall for panoramic views. Rent bikes at Nanmen Gate (¥45/2h). Sunset rides recommended.
Great Wild Goose Pagoda
Buddhist relic treasure housing Xuanzang's remains. Evening music fountain show in adjacent park.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions (¥350) to save 20%. Book Terracotta Army tours in advance.
What to eat: Xi'an Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. De Fa Chang
Family-run dumpling house since 1931. Try lamb dumplings with vinegar. Budget-friendly set meals (¥30/couple).
2. Zhonglou Xinjiang Restaurant
Authentic northwest Chinese cuisine. Lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles. Romantic courtyard setting.
3. Chang'an Noodles
Contemporary take on traditional dishes. Panoramic view of Great Wild Goose Pagoda from terrace.
Signature Dishes
1. Biangbiang Noodles
Thick hand-pulled noodles with spicy pork sauce. Try at Biáng Biáng Miàn Lao Cai Guan near Xi'an Railway Station
2. Roujiamo
Xi'an's 'Chinese hamburger' - meat-stuffed flatbread. Best from street carts outside Xi'an Stele Forest Museum
3. Yangrou Paomo
Lamb soup with hand-torn bread. Must-try at Tong Sheng Xiang near Xi'an Bell Tower
Xi'an Itinerary 3 Days for Couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at De Fa Chang:Start with steamed dumplings and sweet soy milk
Visit Xi'an Bell Tower:Explore the Ming Dynasty timekeeper with panoramic views
🥗Lunch at Hui Min Jie:Street food tasting tour through Muslim Quarter
Explore Xi'an City Wall:Walk along the southern section for photo opportunities
🍽️Dinner at Zhonglou Xinjiang Restaurant:Try lamb skewers with local craft beer
Evening Stroll at Xi'an Drum Tower:Enjoy traditional drum performances under lanterns
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Enjoy complimentary breakfast before departure
Visit Terracotta Army Museum:VIP fast-track entry with audio guides
🥗Lunch at Terracotta Museum Restaurant:Emperor's feast themed set menu (¥120/set)
Explore Huaqing Palace:Hot spring palace of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei
Return to City Center:Scenic drive through Wei River Valley
🍽️Dinner at Chang'an Noodles:Tang Dynasty themed dining with live performances
Evening Walk at Tang Paradise:Free night entry with stunning light displays
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Chongqing Xiaotong Restaurant:Try sesame cake and millet porridge
Visit Shaanxi History Museum:Free entry with advance booking. World-class ancient Chinese art collection.
🥗Lunch at Xi'an Stele Forest Museum Café:Calligraphy-themed dishes in historic gardens
Explore Xi'an Ancient City Wall:Rent bikes for 2-hour ride toward South Gate
Shopping at Hui Min Jie:Purchase silk scarves and terra cotta souvenirs
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Lao Sun Jia Restaurant:Traditional Shui Pao Mo feast for two (¥98 set)
Xi'an Travel FAQs
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