Traveling with a Photographer—Xi'an

### **3-Day Essential Xi'an Travel Guide: Traversing the Ancient Capital, Experiencing the Glory of Chang'an** As a capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi'an boasts both **profound historical culture** and **tempting cuisine**. Three days are enough to explore its core attractions. This guide covers **must-visit landmarks, food recommendations, and transportation/accommodation tips** to help you make the most of your Xi'an adventure! --- ## **📅 3-Day Itinerary** ### **Day 1: Classic Historical Route (Immerse in Ancient Grandeur)** 📍 **Morning**: - **Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors)** (The Eighth Wonder of the World, 3-hour visit recommended with a guide) - **Huaqing Palace** (Tang Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei’s hot spring retreat, watch *The Song of Everlasting Sorrow* performance—book tickets in advance) 📍 **Noon**: - **Lintong Food Street** (Try **stone-baked flatbread, gourd chicken, and oil-splashed noodles**) 📍 **Afternoon**: - **Bell Tower + Drum Tower** (Xi'an landmarks, climb for panoramic city views—evening lights are stunning) - **Muslim Quarter** (Food hub, but locals prefer **Sajinqiao and Dapiyuan** for authenticity) 📍 **Evening**: - **Tang Paradise (Datang Everbright City)** (Free entry, dazzling lights, Tang-style architecture + performances, liveliest after 19:00) --- ### **Day 2: Cultural Immersion + Scenic Beauty** 📍 **Morning**: - **Shaanxi History Museum** (Free but requires booking; don’t miss the "Tang Dynasty Treasures" exhibit) - **Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an Museum)** (Less crowded, serene ambiance) 📍 **Noon**: - **Yongxingfang** (More local than Muslim Quarter; try **Zichang pancakes, Tongguan roujiamo, and smashing bowl wine**) 📍 **Afternoon**: - **Giant Wild Goose Pagoda** (Where Xuanzang stored Buddhist scriptures; climb for views) - **Daci'en Temple Heritage Park** (Great for photos, especially with autumn ginkgo trees) 📍 **Evening**: - ***The Song of Everlasting Sorrow*** (Huaqing Palace live show—highly recommended! Book early) or **Tang Paradise Night Views** --- ### **Day 3: City Wall Cycling + Hidden Gems** 📍 **Morning**: - **Xi'an City Wall** (Rent a bike for the 13.7km loop; South Gate-Yongning Gate is the classic route) 📍 **Noon**: - **Shuyuanmen Cultural Street** (Calligraphy, antiques, and art—perfect for culture lovers) 📍 **Afternoon**: - **Gao Family Compound (Beiyuanmen)** (Ming-Qing era residence; enjoy shadow puppetry + Qinqiang opera) - **Guangren Temple** (Xi'an’s only Tibetan Buddhist temple; red walls and golden roofs = photo paradise) 📍 **Evening**: - **Qujiang Pool Heritage Park** (Night stroll) or **Saige International Mall** (Ride Asia’s longest escalator) --- ## **🍜 Must-Try Xi'an Foods** ✅ **Noodles**: - Oil-splashed noodles (**Aihua Belt Noodles**) - Biángbiáng noodles (**Old Li Family Biangbiang Noodles**) - Roujiamo (**Ziwulu Zhangji** or **Qin Yu Roujiamo**) ✅ **Snacks**: - Liangpi (**Wei Family Liangpi**’s secret recipe) - Lamb paomo (**Old Sun’s** or **Tongshengxiang**) - Jingao and persimmon cakes (found everywhere in Muslim Quarter) ✅ **Night Markets**: - **Sajinqiao** (Locals’ favorite: **Liu Xin’s Beef/Lamb Paomo, Ma Er’s Sour Soup Dumplings**) - **Dongxin Street Night Market** (**Zheng’s Steamed Buns, Old Chen’s Stewed Dishes**) --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Picks** - **Near Bell Tower/South Gate** (Convenient transport, vibrant nightlife) - **The Westin Xi'an** (close to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) / **Backpacker Ten Youth Hostel** (budget-friendly) - **Qujiang New District** (Luxury hotels, near Tang Paradise) - **Gran Meliá Xi'an** --- ## **🚗 Transport Tips** - **Airport→Downtown**: Metro Line 14/airport shuttle - **City Transport**: - Metro (use Alipay’s "Xi'an Metro Card") - Bus/bike-sharing (cycling is ideal for walled-city sights) - **To Terracotta Warriors**: - Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then Bus 613 - Or join a day tour (includes guide + transport) --- ## **⚠️ Travel Notes** 1. **Ticket Booking**: Reserve Shaanxi History Museum, Terracotta Warriors, and *The Song of Everlasting Sorrow* early! 2. **Avoid Scams**: - Beware of unofficial guides near Terracotta Warriors—opt for official ones. - Muslim Quarter’s main street is touristy; explore side alleys for authenticity. 3. **Best Seasons**: Spring/Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov); summers are hot, winters offer snowscapes. --- ## **💡 Final Tips** Three days let you dive into Xi'an’s **history, food, and nightscapes**. If time allows, add a **day trip to Mount Hua** (30-min high-speed train). Xi'an transforms from “modern city by day” to “ancient Chang'an by night”—bring your camera to capture its timeless charm! 📸🏮