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July 25, 2025
1 viewsUltimate 5-Day Family Travel Guide to Xi'an: History, Culture & Budget Tips
Explore ancient wonders, savor local flavors, and save money with our expert itinerary for families.
Family TravelHistory & CultureBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 西安
Location: Northwest China
Famous For: Ancient City Walls,Terracotta Warriors,Muslim Quarter Street Food
Daily Cost: $100-150 USD
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Introduction: Why Visit Xi'an with Family?
Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities, offers a unique blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture. From exploring Terracotta Army to strolling along City Wall of Xi'an, families can immerse themselves in 3,000 years of heritage. The city’s well-preserved architecture, budget-friendly transportation, and kid-friendly museums make it perfect for multigenerational travelers seeking both education and adventure.
Best Time to Visit Xi'an
Ideal Seasons: March-May & September-October
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) and blooming Da Ci'en Temple cherry blossoms make spring ideal for outdoor exploration.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C). Visit early morning/late evening to avoid crowds at Huaqing Palace hot springs.
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (18-25°C) and autumn foliage at Xiangtan Park create perfect photo backdrops.
❄️Winter: Cold (0-8°C) but festive atmosphere during Chinese New Year with Xi'an Bell Tower lantern displays.
Arriving and Leaving Xi'an
Metro (3.5-8 RMB per ride), buses (1-2 RMB), and Didi taxis (start at 8 RMB). Family-friendly option: Metro Line 4 connects Qujiang Heritage Park and railway station.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport [Recommended]
47km northwest of city center. Taxi: 120-150 RMB (~$17-21 USD), 60 minutes. Airport shuttle buses from 26 RMB.
Xi'an Railway Station
Central hub connecting Beijing/Shanghai. Taxi to downtown: 50 RMB (~$7 USD), 30 minutes via 2nd Ring Road.
Where to Stay in Xi'an: Best Family-Friendly Areas
Xi'an City Wall Area
Historic zone near South Gate (Yongning Gate) with budget hotels like Tianlai Hotel (300 RMB/night) and easy access to Bell Tower of Xi'an.
Qujiang New District
Near Tang Paradise and Xi'an Ocean World. Mid-range options: Grand Mercure Xi'an Qujiang (600 RMB/night) with family suites.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Army Museum
Marvel at 8,000+ life-sized Terracotta Army warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Book tickets at 120 RMB (children 60 RMB).
Xi'an City Wall
Cycle the 13.7km City Wall of Xi'an (45 RMB bike rental) with stunning views of Drum Tower of Xi'an. Family passes available.
Shaanxi History Museum
Free tickets required for entry to this treasure trove of Han Dynasty artifacts and Silk Road relics. Join family tours in Mandarin/English.
Tips
Buy combination tickets for Terracotta Army Museum and Huaqing Palace to save 30 RMB.
What to Eat: Xi'an Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Hui Xiang Lou Restaurant
Budget-friendly halal options like lamb kebabs (3 RMB each) and Yangrou Paomo in the Muslim Quarter (meals from 50 RMB).
2. Chang'an Dadishu
Eco-themed dining in a treehouse setting. Try their Pao Mo (45 RMB) and Suancai Fish (128 RMB). Reservations recommended.
3. Jing Weilai Restaurant
Modern take on Shaanxi cuisine with kid-friendly menu. Braised Pork Rice at 32 RMB. Located near Xi'an Qujiang Ocean Park.
Signature Dishes
1. Roujiamo
The 'Chinese hamburger' with braised pork served in crispy bread at Lao Xu Jia (12-18 RMB).
2. Yangrou Paomo
Lamb soup with hand-torn bread served at Tongshengxiang (38 RMB). Great for cold days.
3. Biangbiang Noodles
Thick, chewy noodles with chili oil at Zhang Yaxi Biangbiang Noodles (15-25 RMB).
Xi'an Itineraries 5 Days: Family Edition
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Xi'an Station:Try Baozi steamed buns and Liangpi cold noodles at local eateries (20 RMB/person).
Visit Terracotta Army Museum:Explore Pit 1, the bronze chariots, and the newly opened Pit 3. Budget 2 hours.
Huaqing Palace Tour:Watch the Eternal Vow Show (120 RMB seating), reenacting Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's love story.
Return to City Hotel:Relax at hotel before evening exploration of Bell Tower of Xi'an.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Western-Chinese buffet with congee and soy milk (included in hotel package).
Xi'an City Wall Cycling:Rent 2 adult + 1 child bikes (100 RMB total) and cycle the Xi'an City Wall at a leisurely pace.
🥗Lunch at De Yulou:Try their kid-approved Spicy Chicken Noodles (45 RMB) and Glutinous Rice Cakes (15 RMB).
Shaanxi History Museum:Free tickets (pre-book online), interactive exhibits on Han Dynasty tombs and Silk Road relics.
Evening Stroll at Dayanta:Watch the musical fountain show (19:30 daily) and grab Xiangguo Temple Baozi for dessert.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Muslim Quarter:Visit early for crowd-free exploration of lamb dumplings and Suan Mei Tang plum drinks.
Xi'an Film Studio Tour:Backlot tour showing how Shaanxi operas and ancient dramas are filmed (80 RMB admission).
🥗Lunch at Laomian Renjia:Breakfast spot with kid-friendly Mini Paomo Bowl (28 RMB) and dumplings.
Xi'an Botanical Garden:Explore lotus ponds and rent pedal boats (20 RMB/hour) after purchasing entry (5 RMB).
🍽️Dinner at Da Tang West Market:International food court with Korean BBQ and Italian pizza options (80-120 RMB/family).
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Hotel buffet with Western and Chinese options (included).
Xi'an Ocean World:Watch dolphin shows and feed stingrays (admission 160 RMB for family of 4).
🥗Lunch at Qujiang Manbo Park:Casual dining options like Sushi Garden (80 RMB/person) and burger joints.
Tang Dynasty Show at Tang Paradise:Book evening tickets (120 RMB) in advance. Bring kids early to explore the gardens.
🍽️Dinner at Tang Dynasty Themed Restaurant:Imperial banquet show with historical costumes and Bian Shi Meatballs (288 RMB/family set).
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Local Chain:Western-style fast food (Honey Chicken Burger at 18 RMB) for picky eaters.
Xi'an Stele Forest Museum:Free for children under 12. See ancient calligraphy and rubbings (60 RMB adult admission).
🥗Lunch at Yongxingfang:Taste regional snacks like Guokui bread and Yaozhi Noodles (40-80 RMB/person).
Souvenir Shopping at Century Golden List:Purchase Terracotta Army figurines (50-150 RMB) and local Qin Embroidery textiles.
Departure:Return transfer via Didi (120 RMB) or airport shuttle. Allow 2 hours for security.
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