Attractions in and around Xi'an can be broadly categorized: within the city, there are the City Wall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and various food districts; toward Lintong, you’ll find the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace; further afield lie Mount Hua and Famen Temple. Since it is difficult to squeeze all these sites into a single day, a more practical approach is to decide what you most want to see that day, and then use a private car to handle transportation between the locations.
This guide provides five itineraries for a one-day trip to Xi'an, showcasing a variety of interesting attractions you can visit.
Route 1: Depart from Xi'an and visit the Terracotta Army by private car
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Xi'an, history enthusiasts, families, and travelers who prefer not to navigate public transportation.
Route Highlights: Explore world-class archaeological sites in a single day, with private vehicle transport directly to Lintong—minimizing the need for transfers.
Brief introduction to the main attractions:
Emperor Qinshihuang's Terracotta Army Museum: One of Xi'an's most iconic attractions, often hailed as the "eighth wonder of the world." Key highlights include Pits 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Museum of Bronze Chariots and Horses. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid the peak crowds of tour groups.
Lishan Garden at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor: Often bundled with tickets for the Terracotta Army, it is accessible via a scenic shuttle bus and offers insight into the overall layout of the First Qin Emperor’s mausoleum complex.
Suggested itinerary: It takes about an hour to travel from the city center to Lintong. Spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, then return to the city in the afternoon. If time permits, you can ask your driver to arrange lunch for you in Lintong.
Recommended Itinerary: Terracotta Army Tour from Xi'an by Private Car
Route 2: Private Car Day Trip to Mount Hua
Suitable for: Hiking enthusiasts, visitors with good physical stamina, and photography lovers; not recommended for those with a tight schedule or those who prefer to avoid walking.
Route Highlights: Mount Hua (Huashan)—the "Western Mountain"—is renowned for its steep and rugged terrain. Private vehicles can travel directly to the Mount Hua Visitor Center, from where visitors can transfer to the scenic area’s shuttle buses and cable cars.
Brief introduction to the main attractions:
Mount Hua: One of China’s Five Great Mountains, renowned for its dramatic, perilous terrain and cliffside walkways. Visitors typically ascend via either the West Peak cable car or the North Peak cable car, with the choice depending on one’s physical stamina and current queue lengths.
Notice: Even if you take the cable car, there are still many steps and sections that require walking on the mountain; it is recommended to wear non-slip footwear and bring water along with some light refreshments.
Suggested itinerary: It takes about 2 hours to travel from Xi'an to Mount Huashan. It is recommended to set off early and return in the afternoon. Those traveling with the elderly or children, or those with limited physical stamina, may opt for a less strenuous route using the cable car.
Recommended Itinerary: Huashan Tour from Xian by Private Car
Route 3: Xi'an Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace Private Car Day Tour
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Xi'an, travelers looking to see the key attractions in Lintong within a single day, families, and history or culture enthusiasts.
Route Highlights: The Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace are located close to each other; hiring a private vehicle allows you to visit both in one trip, saving you the hassle of waiting for transport or making transfers.
Brief introduction to the main attractions:
Museum of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang: Explore Pits 1, 2, and 3, as well as the bronze chariots and horses, to gain insight into the military and funerary systems of the Qin Dynasty.
Huaqing Palace: A former imperial hot spring retreat from the Tang Dynasty, famously associated with Emperor Xuanzong and his consort, Yang Guifei. The site also encompasses the location of the historic "Xi'an Incident." Attractions within the complex include the ruins of the Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring baths and parts of Mount Li; you may choose whether or not to hike up Mount Li, depending on your physical stamina.
Suggested itinerary: Visit the Terracotta Army in the morning and the Huaqing Palace in the afternoon—or vice versa—to avoid the crowds. Both sites involve a significant amount of walking, so it is recommended to set aside a full day.
Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace Private Car
Route 4: Private Car Day Trip to Famen Temple, Xi'an
Ideal for: Enthusiasts of Buddhist culture and history, as well as travelers looking to escape the crowds of the city center.
Route Highlights: Famen Temple is a significant Buddhist holy site in Shaanxi; a private vehicle is a convenient way to reach it, as it is located in Fufeng County—some distance away from Xi'an.
Brief introduction to the main attractions:
Famen Temple: Renowned for housing a relic of the Buddha’s finger bone; it served as an imperial temple during the Tang Dynasty.
Famen Temple Museum: Offers insight into the Tang Dynasty underground palace site and the Buddhist artifacts unearthed there.
Suggested itinerary: Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Xi'an; depart in the morning and return in the afternoon. If you wish to include additional stops—such as the Qianling Mausoleum—along the way, the day trip will be quite tight; please confirm the details in advance with your driver or travel consultant.
Recommended Itinerary: Xian Famen Temple Private Car Day Trip
Route 5: One-Day Tour of Xi'an City
Ideal for: Travelers who enjoy leisurely city strolls, local cuisine, and photography; also well-suited for families with elderly members or children.
Route Highlights: Experience the historic charm of Xi’an, explore bustling snack streets, and take in the modern cityscape at night—all in a single day, with a walking pace that can be adjusted to suit your energy levels.
Brief introduction to the main attractions:
Xi'an City Wall: One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You can ascend the wall at Yongning Gate and explore on foot or by renting a bicycle. The full circuit is approximately 13.7 kilometers, so you don’t need to complete the entire loop.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower: Located in the city center, these are great for exterior photography. Whether or not to go inside is up to your personal interest and available time.
Muslim Quarter: A famous district in Xi'an for local snacks—be sure to try roujiamo (Chinese "burger"), yangrou paomo (mutton and bread soup), and zenggao (steamed sticky rice cake with dates).
Yongxingfang: A cultural district dedicated to Shaanxi’s intangible cultural heritage, traditional snacks, and folk customs. You can choose between this and the Muslim Quarter, or visit both if time permits.
North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit in the evening to view the pagoda and the musical fountain show. Please check the official announcements from the site for specific fountain performance times.
If you have enough time, you can also head from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to the "Grand Tang All Day City" (Datang Buyecheng) to catch a performance; it is about a 10-minute walk from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to the Grand Tang All Day City.
Suggested itinerary: Visit the City Wall in the afternoon (if you wish to cycle along the wall, consider going in the morning for more time) → take photos of the Bell and Drum Towers from the outside → have dinner at Muslim Quarter or Yongxingfang → enjoy the night scenery at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Parking in the city center is difficult; your driver will drop you off/pick you up nearby and wait for you.
Recommended Itinerary:
2-Day Xi'an Private Car Charter with Driver
How do you choose the route that’s right for you?
For first-time visitors to Xi'an looking to see the most iconic historical sites, we recommend Route 3 (Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace) or Route 1 (Terracotta Army only).
For those who enjoy hiking and natural scenery—and have good physical stamina—we recommend Route 2 (Mount Hua).
For those interested in Buddhist culture and Tang Dynasty history, we recommend Route 4 (Famen Temple).
For a more relaxed pace, focusing on local cuisine, city strolls, and night views, we recommend Route 5 (City Wall + Bell & Drum Towers + Muslim Quarter/Yongxingfang + night views of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda).
If traveling with elderly family members or children, Route 3 and Route 5 are the most suitable options; Mount Hua and Famen Temple involve longer journeys, so please plan according to your physical capacity.
If you have ample time, you can also choose to explore Xi'an over several days, expanding a one-day itinerary into a multi-day trip.
Begin your efficient trip to Xi'an
A one-day private car tour of Xi'an can be flexibly tailored to your interests, physical stamina, and the time you have available. It is recommended to book admission tickets, cable car passes, and English-speaking guide services in advance, and to confirm details such as your passport information, hotel address, pickup/drop-off times, and the driver’s contact information. This will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience as you explore Xi'an’s history, culture, cuisine, and nighttime scenery in a single day.
Some recommended travel guide articles for Xi'an:
Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Day Tour by Private Car
The best way to travel from Xi'an to Mount Hua
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the cost of a private-car day tour include admission tickets?
Typically, these are not included. The vehicle fare generally covers the vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, and parking fees; admission tickets, cable car rides, internal transport within scenic areas, meals, and tour guide services are usually charged separately—please verify before booking.
Q2: Do the drivers speak English?
Most drivers only speak Chinese. If you require commentary in English, please arrange for an English-speaking guide in advance or use an audio guide.
Q3: What identification documents should I bring when visiting attractions?
Foreign visitors should carry their original passport with them. Attractions that require real-name registration—such as the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and Famen Temple—may request to see it.
Q4: Can the itinerary be adjusted on the fly?
Yes, but you will need to coordinate with your driver and travel consultant in advance, while also taking into account factors such as time, distance, and any existing ticket reservations.
Q5: Will I have enough time if I need to catch a high-speed train or a flight later that evening?
We recommend allowing ample time for your return journey and avoiding the evening rush hour. Please be sure to provide your flight or train details to your travel consultant when making your booking.
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