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With the family

3 Days in Xi'an — Family with Kids

family history culture food animals
Length
3 days
Stops
15
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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What this plan covers

This 3-day itinerary in Xi'an is crafted for families with children, blending awe-inspiring historical sites with engaging activities and delicious local food. From ancient warriors to playful pandas, it promises an educational yet exciting adventure for all ages. Discover the rich heritage of China in a way that keeps everyone entertained and inspired.

Sightseeing 2 Food 6 Activity 3 Culture 3 Shopping 1

Opening hours, prices and routes can change, so check the details before you set off.

Day 1 5 stops · about 10 hrs
1

Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Sightseeing Half day

Witnessing thousands of ancient clay soldiers is an awe-inspiring experience that sparks imagination in children and adults alike, bringing history to life.

Good to know

Arrive early to avoid crowds; consider hiring a guide or audio tour for richer context and engaging storytelling.

2

Local Restaurant near Terracotta Army

Food 1 hour

Enjoy authentic Shaanxi noodles and dumplings, offering a taste of local cuisine after an immersive historical visit.

Good to know

Many restaurants are available outside the museum complex; look for establishments popular with locals for the best flavors.

3

Xi'an City Wall

Activity 2-3 hours

Rent bikes (tandem or with child seats available) to cycle atop the ancient wall, providing panoramic city views and a fun, active adventure for the whole family.

Good to know

Access points are available at various gates; rent bikes at the South Gate for the most convenient return and best starting point.

4

Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)

Food 2 hours

Immerse yourselves in the bustling atmosphere, sampling unique street foods like lamb skewers, persimmon cakes, and various noodles, perfect for adventurous young eaters.

Good to know

Best visited in the late afternoon or evening when it's most vibrant; be prepared for crowds and a sensory overload of sights and smells.

5

Dinner at Muslim Quarter

Food 1 hour

Conclude your day with a delicious and diverse array of halal street food and local delicacies, offering something to please every family member.

Good to know

Try the Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and Liangpi (cold noodles) for authentic local flavors that even picky eaters might enjoy.

Day 2 5 stops · about 7.5 hrs
6

Shaanxi History Museum

Culture 2-3 hours

Explore an impressive collection of artifacts from China's ancient dynasties, with engaging exhibits that can captivate older children interested in history and archaeology.

Good to know

Free entry but requires advance booking online or early arrival for tickets; consider focusing on key exhibits to avoid fatigue with younger kids.

7

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Sightseeing 1.5 hours

Marvel at this iconic Buddhist pagoda and enjoy the surrounding gardens, with the impressive musical fountain show in the evening being a delight for all ages.

Good to know

The pagoda itself has an entrance fee; the musical fountain show in the North Square is free and usually starts after sunset.

8

Local Restaurant near Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Food 1 hour

Recharge with a meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the vicinity, offering a range of local and international options.

Good to know

Explore the shopping malls and restaurant streets around the pagoda for diverse dining choices that cater to different tastes.

9

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Culture 1 hour

Discover a unique architectural blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic styles within a peaceful, sprawling complex, offering a serene cultural experience for the family.

Good to know

Remember to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) as it is an active place of worship, and maintain quiet inside.

10

Tang Paradise

Activity 2-3 hours

Step into a vibrant recreation of a Tang Dynasty imperial garden, featuring elaborate architecture, cultural performances, and dazzling light shows, especially magical in the evening.

Good to know

Best visited in the late afternoon to enjoy both daylight views and the illuminated night scenery; check performance schedules in advance for show times.

Day 3 5 stops · about 9.5 hrs
11

Xi'an Qinling Wildlife Park

Activity Half day

Get up close with adorable giant pandas and a variety of other animals in a spacious, natural setting, a guaranteed highlight for children and animal lovers.

Good to know

Located outside the city center, plan for transportation; consider taking the safari bus for a comprehensive tour of the park's larger enclosures.

12

Lunch

Food 1 hour

Enjoy a convenient meal either within the park's facilities or upon returning to the city center, depending on your schedule and hunger levels.

Good to know

Pack some snacks and drinks for the park, as food options inside can be limited or more expensive.

13

Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum

Culture 2 hours

Explore a quieter, more intimate pagoda setting within a lovely park, and visit the museum for more historical insights without overwhelming young visitors.

Good to know

The museum is free but requires a ticket; the surrounding Jianfu Temple and pagoda grounds are pleasant for a relaxing stroll.

14

Yongxingfang Food Street

Food 1.5 hours

Discover another lively food street specializing in Shaanxi regional cuisine, offering a different culinary adventure compared to the Muslim Quarter.

Good to know

Sample a variety of local snacks and dishes from different regions of Shaanxi province; it's a great spot for an early dinner.

15

Souvenir Shopping

Shopping 1 hour

Pick up unique souvenirs like miniature Terracotta Warriors, local handicrafts, or traditional paper-cuts to remember your Xi'an adventure.

Good to know

Areas around the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and major attractions offer numerous souvenir shops with varying prices.

Where to stay

Hotels in Xi'an

Book direct on our own Xi'an hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

Keep planning

More Xi'an itineraries

Other ways to spend a few days in Xi'an, from our own travel research.

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