2021 Xi'an Ultimate Couple's 5-Day, 4-Night May Day Travel Guide
You just have to visit Xi'an – stroll on the Ming City Wall, feel the breeze, go to the Bell Tower, wander through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, and experience the prosperity of the ancient capital. Take advantage of the May Day holiday to soak in its charm.
Meilihao Hotel (Xi'an Xiaozhai, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City Branch) – A convenient and cost-effective hotel
[Highlights] Airport pick-up service, free parking, warm service, and many complimentary extras
Day 1: City Wall – Yongxingfang – Bell and Drum Towers – Muslim Street
As a landmark of Xi'an, you must visit the city wall. The Xi'an City Wall, also known as the Ming City Wall, is the largest and best-preserved ancient city fortification in China. Stretching 13.7 kilometers with 18 gates and a moat, it's an awe-inspiring sight.
Tickets: 54 yuan for adults, half-price for students (remember to bring your student ID)
Address: Central Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, spanning Beilin, Xincheng, and Lianhu districts
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station and exit to reach the South Gate for wall access; or take bus 11 or others to South Gate Station.
The viral "Wine Bowl Smashing" experience is at Yongxingfang, a food street where you can sample the most famous snacks from all over Shaanxi without leaving Xi'an. It's a must for foodies!
Address: Inside Xiaodong Gate, Dongxin Street, Xincheng District, Xi'an
Metro: Metro Line 1 to Chaoyangmen Station, then about a 700-meter walk; or Metro Line 4 to Wulukou or Dachaishi Station and walk.
The Drum Tower and Bell Tower face each other, iconic to the ancient city. The Drum Tower houses a 1.8-meter-tall drum; from its top, you can gaze at the bustling Muslim Street and its fragrant aromas. The towers are especially gorgeous at night – great for photos!
Tickets: Bell Tower 30 yuan/person, Drum Tower 30 yuan/person; combined ticket 50 yuan/person.
Address: East and West Streets, Beilin District, Xi'an
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Bell Tower Station, walk to your destination.
Muslim Street lies just west of the Bell and Drum Towers Square, perfect for a dinner stop after sightseeing. A visit to Xi'an isn't complete without exploring this famed snack street, ranked alongside Wuhan's Hubu Alley, Chengdu's Jinli, and Nanjing's Fuzimiao. Signature dishes include beef or lamb paomo (crumbled flatbread in soup), sesame paste cold noodles, roujiamo (meat-filled bread), jinggao (sticky rice cake), and various noodles.
An old-school baozi (steamed bun) shop on Muslim Street that's been around for over two decades. Their buns are big and filling – the scallion pork and red bean fillings are popular, but the cumin meat one tastes like barbecue, bursting with flavor.
You'll often see this spot packed with people. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth crispy pork, drenched in a tasty sauce and served over rice, is simply amazing. Grab a bowl, add chili oil, pair with rice and a refreshing sour plum drink – pure satisfaction.
Lao He Jia Luzhi Liangfen
Arguably the best luzhi liangfen (bean jelly in gravy) on Muslim Street. Originally from Qiaozikou, they relocated to a home-based operation after renovations. It's hard to find, yet diners flock there daily – the quintessential "hidden gem."
Sheng Zhi Wang Ma Jiang Niang Pi Pu
A top contender for sesame paste cold noodles in the Muslim Quarter and all of Xi'an. They specialize in this dish: thick, creamy sesame paste and red chili harmonize perfectly with chewy, springy noodles. It's delicious year-round.
Day 2: Tang Paradise – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City – Joy City
01 Tang Paradise
Built on the site of a Tang Dynasty imperial garden, Tang Paradise is a 5A national scenic spot and a unique cultural theme park that showcases the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Don't miss the spectacular water show, laser display, and the breathtaking "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty" performance!
Tickets: 120 yuan peak season, 90 yuan off-peak (includes water screen movie and general shows, but not "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty")
Address: 99 Furong West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Metro: Metro Line 4 to Tang Paradise Station, walk from there.
Bus: Take buses 21, 22, 23, 24, 44, 212, 224, 237, 526, 609, 715, 720, Night Bus 4, Tour 4, Tour 9 to Tang Paradise West Gate (Yuyuan Gate) stop.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is another landmark, steeped in Tang dynasty culture and Buddhist heritage. The evening musical fountain show at the North Square is a must-see, along with the pagoda's relics and ancient bell.
Tickets: 50 yuan for the scenic area, 30 yuan to climb the pagoda (fountain show is free)
Address: South end of Yanta Road, outside Heping Gate, Xi'an
Getting there: From Tang Paradise, take Metro Line 4 to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Station and walk.
03 Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City
With the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as its anchor, this pedestrian paradise stretches from Xuanzang Square to Tang City Wall Ruins Park, east to Ci'en East Road and west to Ci'en West Road. It features three themed squares, six Tang-style blocks, and cultural venues like Xi'an Concert Hall and Xi'an Grand Theatre. The night scenery is stunning. Just walk over from the North Square after the fountain show – it's free!
Special Recommendation: Babai Li Qinchuan Shaanxi Cuisine
Nestled beside the dazzling Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, this restaurant blends ancient and modern vibes. From decor to dishes, it captures Xi'an's distinct flavor. Make sure to try their hulu chicken and Qinfeng broadsword beef – in our opinion, some of the best in the city. Other dishes won't disappoint either. With a per-person cost of around 150 yuan, it's perfect for unwinding after a stroll through the ever-bright city, savoring Shaanxi culture and flavors.
Xi'an Joy City is in Qujiang New District, bordered by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise to the east and a university zone to the west. A trendy shopping center, it features the Wukong-themed street inspired by the Journey to the West – a paradise for photo ops!
Day 3: Qujiang Ocean Polar Park – Daming Palace National Heritage Park – Dahua 1935
01 Qujiang Ocean Polar Park
Comprising an ocean hall, polar hall, and a golden beach commercial street, this is one of China's largest marine and polar theme parks, showcasing aquatic life and polar wonders.
Tickets: 180 yuan
Address: 1 Qujiang Road, Yanta District, Xi'an
Bus: Take 610, 601, 501, or 21 to Qujiang Ocean Polar Park stop.
02 Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Highlights include Danfeng Gate, Hanyuan Hall ruins, Longwei Road, Xuanzheng Hall ruins, the Daming Palace Heritage Museum, miniature landscape, and sculptures. The park has free and paid areas, with multiple entrances for easy access.
Tickets: 60 yuan; combo ticket 90 yuan (including scenic area entry, movie ticket, and shuttle bus)
Address: 585 Ziqiang East Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Metro: Metro Line 4 to Daming Palace Station.
Bus: 2, 17, 22, 38, 46, 104, 209, 216, 263, 309, 409, 517, 703, 801 to Daming Palace National Heritage Park stop.
03 Dahua 1935
Right across from Daming Palace, Dahua 1935 was once a textile factory, now transformed into an artsy hub with shops, cafés, and restaurants. It's a favorite for photos – from casual snaps to wedding shoots – and perfect for couples or friends. The Dahua Theatre hosts performances almost every few days!
Address: 251 Taihua South Road, Xincheng District
Metro: Metro Line 4 to Hanyuan Hall Station, then walk.
Day 4: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum – Huaqing Palace
01 Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
A 5A scenic spot, its core is the Terracotta Army – the world's largest underground military museum and burial pit of Emperor Qinshihuang, hailed as one of the Eight Wonders of the World. A treasure for all humanity.
Tickets: 120 yuan
Address: Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Getting there: Take tourist bus 5 (306), 914, or 915 to Museum Station and walk.
Huaqing Palace boasts a long history, with imperial retreats built by many dynasties. As a 5A park, you can stroll through the royal gardens and enjoy the "No. 1 Hot Spring Under Heaven" – Huaqing Pool. Visit the Imperial Baths Museum to feel the romance between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. The Five-Room Hall, site of the Xi'an Incident, brings modern history alive. And don't miss the dazzling "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance.
"Song of Everlasting Sorrow" show
Tickets: Huaqing Palace 120 yuan; show tickets from 268 yuan
Address: North of Lishan Mountain, Lintong District, Xi'an
Getting there: Tourist bus 5 (306) or bus 307 to Huaqing Pool Station.
Day 5: Mount Hua
Mount Hua, known as the "Western Mountain" among the Five Great Mountains of China, borders the Qinling range and overlooks the Yellow and Wei rivers. It's famed as the "most precipitous mountain under heaven." From Xi'an North Railway Station, take a 40-minute high-speed train to Huashan North Station, where buses connect directly to the scenic area.
After exploring, you can return to Xi'an by high-speed train or bus the same day.
Alright, save this guide now and head to Xi'an for a leisurely, delicious adventure!
