Day 1

Use Maps to find the best bus to get to your accommodation. You want this to be near the Bell Tower or Yongning Gate.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
Desti Youth Park Hostel

Upon arrival, go see the Muslim Quarter. I would walk, but you can also get the Metro or take a Bus. Here you can find amazing food options for lunch or dinner. Be sure to try some fresh pomegranate juice and something bbq’d on a stick.

There is a gorgeous park with a large pond nearby for a sit down. You’re also not far from the Drum Tower.

Next, take a bus to the South Gate (Yongning Gate) and find a bicycle to rent. You can cycle the entire length of wall (approx. 15 km).

54rmb City Gate entrance ticket
45rmb 2 hour bike rental + deposit

Take your time and enjoy this ride! It’s fairly easy but can get a little tricky navigating around all the people. The views are spectacular, but you are exposed to the elements so bring a hat, sunscreen, coat, water etc.

Grab some biang biang noodles somewhere local for dinner and enjoy them with a beer!

Day 2

Wake up early and prepare for a day of history. You can decide what order to do the next two destinations in based on the season and how many other tourists are around.

Take the Direct Bus from near the Bell Tower to the Terracotta Warriors.
~1 hour
30 yuan
~1 hour
30rmb ticket

There are three excavation pits and some museums that you can visit so give yourself between 2-4 hours to do so depending on how interested you are in the history.

TERRACOTTA WARRIORS OPERATING HOURS
Open every day of the year
8:30 – 18:00 (March 16 – Nov 15)
8:30 – 17:30 (Nov 16 – March 15)
120rmb entrance ticket

Take the same bus back towards the city but make a stop at the Shaanxi History Museum. This is one of China’s most important and famous museums.

NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE PRE-PURCHASED TICKETS. ENTRY IS LIMITED AND TICKETS ARE NOT SOLD ON SITE.

You won’t run out of food options for dinner in this part of China because it’s all delicious.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT
醉长安 – Zuì Chángān

Day 3

This day will involve a bit of distance so it’s another early start. Start by heading to Xi’An Railway Station. You can either take a fast-train or a bus to Huashan.

For bus – head to Fangzhicheng Coach Station
1.5 hour drive
40rmb ticket
Pro: drops you right off at the parking lot of the mountain
Con: slower journey

For train – head to Xi’an or Xi’an North Train Station
~30 min journey
55rmb ticket
Pro: faster journey
Con: requires you to get a bus or taxi to the parking lot of the mountain

At the mountain, you can choose to hike all the way up OR take the cable car up. Unless you’re staying on the mountain overnight, I recommend utilising the cable car at least up or down (or both ways).
North Peak Cable Way
80rmb one way ticket
West Peak Cable Way
140rmb one way ticket

Use the map below and follow North > East > South > West Peaks. Make sure you try the Plank Road in the Sky! It’s absolutely terrifying and only 30rmb.

Note: Don’t miss the last cable car or you’re stuck on the mountain for the night!
7:00pm March – Nov & 5:00 pm Dec – Feb