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July 25, 2025
1 viewsXi'an Family Travel Guide: 5 Days of History, Culture & Local Food
Explore ancient wonders, immersive cultural activities, and savor Shaanxi cuisine with kids in 5 unforgettable days
Xi'anFamily TravelFood Travel5 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 西安
Location: Shaanxi Province, China
Famous For: Terracotta Army,Ancient City Wall,Tang Dynasty Culture
Daily Cost: $200-300
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Introduction: Why Visit Xi'an
As the capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an Terra Cotta Museum is a living museum where ancient history meets modern innovation. Families will find a perfect blend of interactive historical experiences like Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, hands-on cultural workshops, and kid-friendly culinary adventures in Hui Muslim Street. The city's well-preserved Xi'an Ancient City Wall offers bike rides for all ages, while Tang Paradise brings dynastic grandeur to life through spectacular night shows.
Best Time to Visit Xi'an
Ideal Seasons: March-May (Spring) | September-October (Autumn)
🌱Spring: Spring (March-May) offers comfortable temperatures (10-25°C) with blooming gardens perfect for outdoor exploration. Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park for cherry blossom viewing and enjoy spring festivals like the Giant Puppet Show.
☀️Summer: Summer (June-August) can be hot (up to 38°C) but offers extended daylight for exploring Bell Tower of Xi'an. Take evening strolls along City Wall Moat Park and enjoy seasonal treats like mung bean jelly at Tang Dynasty Food Street.
🍁Autumn: Autumn (September-October) provides ideal weather (15-25°C) with golden autumn foliage at Huaqing Palace. The Mid-Autumn Festival brings special mooncake tasting experiences in Yongxingfang food market.
❄️Winter: Winter (November-February) is cold (0-10°C) but offers winter-only attractions like the Xi'an Ice & Snow Festival at Qujiangchi Relics Park. Warm up with traditional Tang Dynasty Hotpot experiences.
Arriving and Leaving Xi'an
Metro system covers 9 lines (¥2-12). Family-friendly options: Taxi (¥10-30/ride), Bus (¥2), Bike-sharing (¥0.5/30min). Use Xi'an Metro APP for navigation.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport [Recommended]
47km northwest of city center with 40+ international routes. Airport shuttle buses cost ¥25-80 (1-1.5 hours). Taxis cost ¥280-350 (40 minutes). Metro Line 14 connects to city center (¥9, 45 minutes).
Xi'an North Railway Station
China's largest high-speed rail hub with bullet trains to Beijing (4.5hr/¥522), Shanghai (10hr/¥1,328). Taxis cost ¥100-150 (30 minutes). Metro Line 2 connects major attractions.
Where to Stay in Xi'an
Bell Tower Area
Central location near Xi'an Ancient City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum. Mid-range options include Grand Park Dynasty Hotel with family suites and play areas.
Yanta District
Near Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise. Modern hotels like Mercure Xi'an Lianhu offer connecting rooms and kid-friendly amenities.
Top Things to Do in Xi'an
Terracotta Army Museum
Witness the 8,000-strong life-size terracotta warriors in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Families can book the Terracotta Workshop for kids' clay modeling sessions.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Rent family bikes (4-6 seats) for a 13.7km ride along the world's best-preserved ancient walls. Enjoy sunset views from Nanmen Gate observation deck.
Tang Paradise
This 1,000-acre cultural park features daily Tang Dynasty performances, interactive calligraphy workshops, and the magical Night of Tang water show.
Tips
Book family packages at historical sites for interactive experiences. Use the Xi'an Metro APP for real-time navigation.
What to Eat: Xi'an Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Taste of Tang Dynasty
Family-friendly restaurant with traditional costumes and kid's menu. Must-try: Children's version of 'Qianlong Hotpot Ribs'.
2. Yongxingfang Food Market
200+ food stalls with child-safe street food. Try mini lamb skewers and honey-glazed persimmons. Has baby-changing facilities and play areas.
Signature Dishes
1. Biang Biang Noodles
Thick hand-pulled noodles served in spicy soup with pork or mushrooms. Try them at Chang'an Biangbiang Noodle where chefs perform noodle-pulling shows.
2. Roujiamo
Chinese hamburger with slow-cooked meat in crispy bread. Best at Old Sun Restaurant where kids can watch meat carving demonstrations.
Xi'an Itineraries: 5 Days Family Plan
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Yongxingfang Food Market:Try local specialties like sweet rice porridge and steamed buns
Visit Terra Cotta Museum:Explore the world-famous terracotta warriors with audio guides for kids
Check-in at Grand Park Dynasty Hotel:Enjoy family amenities including kids' play area
🍽️Dinner at Taste of Tang Dynasty:Traditional costumes and child-friendly menu options
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hui Muslim Street:Try halal milk tea and sesame cakes
Explore Xi'an Ancient City Wall:Family bike rental for 2-hour guided ride
Visit Xi'an City Wall Museum:Interactive exhibits about ancient engineering
🍽️Dinner at Old Sun Restaurant:Customize your own lamb stew with traditional bread
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Buffet with both Chinese and Western options
Explore Big Wild Goose Pagoda:Watch the 3D Tang Dynasty history show in park
Visit Tang Paradise:Interactive performances and costume rentals
🍽️Dinner at Tang Dynasty Theme Restaurant:Dine among traditional gardens with cultural shows
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Continental breakfast with Chinese desserts
Join Shaanxi History Museum Workshop:Kids can make their own terracotta figurines
Visit Xi'an Film Studio:Film set tours and traditional makeup experiences
🍽️Dinner at Xi'an Night Market:Try skewers and traditional snacks with kid-friendly options
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Family breakfast buffet with varied options
Visit Xi'an Science and Technology Museum:Interactive exhibits about ancient inventions
Shopping at Daming Palace Heritage Mall:Buy traditional toys and cultural souvenirs
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Chang'an Noodles Restaurant:Try local specialties in a lively atmosphere
Xi'an Travel FAQs
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