One Day in Xi’an: The Terracotta Army, Mount Li, and Local Food Streets
Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and its role as the starting point of the Silk Road. But there’s more to the city than its ancient history. Just outside the city center, you’ll find imperial hot springs and mountain scenery, while back in town, lively food streets and modern cultural districts offer a taste of everyday life in Xi’an.
This one-day itinerary takes you to the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, the historic Huaqing Palace, and the green slopes of Mount Li. After exploring the history and scenery around Lintong, you’ll return to the city to enjoy local snacks at Yongxingfang and finish with an evening stroll at Laochenggen.
It’s a day that combines ancient history, imperial legends, mountain views, and local food. The only challenge is fitting everything in: the first three attractions are outside the city center, and the Terracotta Army alone deserves several hours.
If you’re happy to start early and keep moving, you can cover all five places in one long day. If you prefer a slower pace, I’ll also include an alternative that gives you more time at the main historical sites.
1. Terracotta Army Museum (秦始皇兵马俑博物馆)
Estimated visiting time: 3–4 hours
The Terracotta Army is one of China’s most famous archaeological discoveries, and for many travelers, it’s the main reason to visit Xi’an.
Discovered by local farmers in 1974, the life-size terracotta soldiers were created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China. Each figure has individual details in its facial features, hairstyle, clothing, and military equipment. Standing inside the enormous excavation halls and looking across rows of soldiers, horses, and chariots gives you a sense of just how ambitious the emperor’s burial complex was.
The main attraction is Pit 1, the largest and most dramatic excavation hall. Rows of soldiers stand in formation, with many figures still emerging from ongoing archaeological work. It’s an impressive sight even if you’re not particularly interested in ancient history.
After Pit 1, visit Pits 2 and 3 to see different aspects of the military formation and excavation process. You can also look for the bronze chariots and horses exhibition, which showcases remarkable craftsmanship on a much smaller scale.
Don’t expect to see the entire mausoleum complex in one enormous underground chamber. The Terracotta Army is part of a much larger imperial burial site, and much of the emperor’s tomb remains unexcavated. The museum focuses on the excavated pits and associated discoveries.
Give yourself enough time to explore the different halls rather than rushing through the main pit and leaving. There’s a lot to take in, and the museum can be crowded during peak travel periods.
2. Huaqing Palace (华清宫)
Estimated visiting time: 1.5–2.5 hours
After the Terracotta Army, head to Huaqing Palace, another important historical site in Lintong District.
Huaqing Palace is best known for its hot springs, imperial gardens, and the romantic story of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite consort, Yang Guifei. During the Tang Dynasty, the area served as an imperial retreat where rulers could enjoy the hot springs and surrounding mountain scenery.
As you walk through the grounds, you’ll find pools, pavilions, gardens, historic buildings, and scenic views toward Mount Li. The atmosphere is quite different from the enormous archaeological halls at the Terracotta Army. Here, the emphasis is on imperial life, landscape, and the stories associated with the Tang court.
The historic bathing pools are among the main highlights. You can see the remains of the facilities associated with the imperial hot springs and learn about the role they played in court life. The grounds also contain sites connected with the Xi’an Incident of 1936, giving the attraction a more modern historical dimension.
Huaqing Palace is a good place to slow down after the intensity of the Terracotta Army. Take your time exploring the gardens, looking at the architecture, and enjoying the mountain backdrop.
If you’re interested in the Tang Dynasty, check whether the famous outdoor performance The Song of Everlasting Sorrowis running during your visit. The show dramatizes the story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, using the palace setting as part of the experience. It takes place in the evening on scheduled dates, so it requires a separate plan rather than a quick addition to a packed daytime itinerary.
3. Mount Li Forest Park (骊山森林公园)
Estimated visiting time: 1–2 hours
If you want a little nature after spending the morning among archaeological sites and historic buildings, Mount Li is a natural next stop.
Mount Li rises behind Huaqing Palace and is closely associated with the history and legends of the surrounding area. The mountain has long been linked with imperial retreats, temples, and stories from different periods of Chinese history. Its slopes also offer views across Lintong and the surrounding landscape.
The main appeal here is the change of scenery. Instead of moving from one exhibition hall to another, you can enjoy wooded paths, mountain views, and a more open environment. Depending on your route, you may encounter historic landmarks and viewpoints along the way.
One well-known site on Mount Li is the Beacon Tower, associated with the ancient story of King You of Zhou and the beacon fires used to summon feudal lords. The story is often told as a warning about abusing trust, although the historical details have been shaped by later accounts and legend.
Keep in mind that Mount Li is not simply a flat park for a quick stroll. Some routes involve steep slopes, stairs, and considerable walking. If you want to explore higher sections, check the available access options and allow enough time for the return journey.
Since Huaqing Palace sits at the foot of the mountain and the two attractions are closely connected, you can decide how much of Mount Li to include based on your energy level. A short visit to a viewpoint is very different from a longer mountain walk.
4. Yongxingfang (永兴坊)
Estimated visiting time: 1–1.5 hours
After a day of imperial history and mountain scenery, return to Xi’an for something much more casual: food.
Yongxingfang is a food and cultural district known for showcasing local specialties from Xi’an and other parts of Shaanxi Province. The traditional-style architecture, busy lanes, and range of snack stalls make it a fun place to explore, particularly if you want to sample several dishes rather than sit down for one large meal.
You’ll find a variety of Shaanxi foods here, including noodles, steamed buns, pancakes, and other regional snacks. Depending on the stalls available, you may also come across dishes such as roujiamo (肉夹馍), often described as a Chinese-style meat sandwich, and liangpi (凉皮), a cold wheat- or rice-based noodle dish usually served with a tangy, spicy sauce.
If you’re curious about local flavors, this is a good place to try a few small portions and see what you like. You don’t need to order a full meal at every stall, and sharing dishes makes it easier to sample more things.
Yongxingfang is also known for its Shaanxi cultural displays and traditional-style streets. The atmosphere can be lively, especially around dinner time, when visitors move between the food stalls and gathering areas.
It’s a good place to experience Xi’an beyond its most famous historical landmarks. After spending hours learning about emperors and ancient armies, eating your way through a food street is a welcome change of pace.
5. Laochenggen (老城根)
Estimated visiting time: 1–1.5 hours
Finish your day at Laochenggen, a modern commercial and leisure destination where you can continue exploring Xi’an’s food, shopping, and evening atmosphere.
Unlike the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace, Laochenggen is not primarily a historical attraction. It offers a more contemporary side of the city, with places to eat, browse shops, meet friends, and spend time outdoors.
It works well as an evening stop because you can explore without needing to follow a strict sightseeing route. Walk around the complex, see what restaurants and cafés are open, and decide whether you want a proper dinner or simply a drink and a short break.
The atmosphere depends on the specific area and time of your visit, but it offers a contrast to the more traditional setting of Yongxingfang. One is centered on regional food and cultural presentation; the other gives you a glimpse of how modern Xi’an spends its leisure time.
If you still have energy after the day’s sightseeing, this is a relaxed place to finish. If you’re tired, there’s no need to stay for hours—choose a restaurant, have dinner, and call it a day.
Your One-Day Xi’an Itinerary
This route starts outside the city center in Lintong, where the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and Mount Li are located, then returns to Xi’an for food and an evening stop.
It’s a full day, and the schedule assumes you start early, keep lunch relatively short, and limit your mountain visit to a manageable section.
8:00–11:30 AM — Terracotta Army Museum
Leave the city early and head to the Terracotta Army. Spend the morning exploring the main excavation pits and the associated exhibitions. If you have a strong interest in archaeology, you may want to allow more time here.
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Travel to Huaqing Palace
Travel to Huaqing Palace in Lintong. The two attractions are relatively close to each other, but allow time for transport, entrances, and crowds.
12:00–2:00 PM — Huaqing Palace
Explore the historic pools, gardens, and buildings. If you want to see more of the grounds or attend a scheduled performance later, adjust the rest of the day accordingly.
2:00–3:15 PM — Mount Li Forest Park
Head toward Mount Li for a short walk and some mountain scenery. Choose a manageable route and avoid committing to a long hike if you still plan to visit the city’s food districts that evening.
3:15–4:15 PM — Return to Xi’an
Travel back toward the city center. Depending on your transport choice and traffic, this journey may take longer, so keep the schedule flexible.
4:15–5:45 PM — Yongxingfang
Explore the food stalls and cultural lanes. Sample Shaanxi specialties and enjoy an early dinner or a collection of smaller snacks.
5:45–6:30 PM — Travel to Laochenggen
Head to Laochenggen and allow enough time for the journey. A taxi may be convenient after a long day, although traffic can affect the travel time.
6:30–8:00 PM — Laochenggen
Spend the evening browsing the shops, finding a café, or having dinner if you have not eaten enough at Yongxingfang.
This itinerary is intentionally ambitious. The Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace are the main historical priorities, while Mount Li is the easiest stop to shorten if you are running behind. If you want to attend The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at Huaqing Palace, plan around the performance instead of trying to fit all five attractions into the same day.
Want a More Relaxed Day?
Trying to visit all five places in one day can be tiring, especially because three of them are outside the city center. If you prefer to explore without watching the clock, these alternatives may work better.
Option 1: Ancient History and Imperial Scenery
- Terracotta Army Museum
- Huaqing Palace
- Mount Li Forest Park
This is the best choice if history is your main reason for visiting Xi’an. You’ll have more time to explore the excavation pits, understand the story of the Qin emperor, and enjoy the palace grounds and mountain scenery without rushing back to the city.
If you’re interested in the evening performance at Huaqing Palace, this option is also easier to organize around the show.
Option 2: Local Food and Modern City Life
- Yongxingfang
- Laochenggen
Choose this route if you have already visited Xi’an’s major historical attractions or want a lighter day focused on food and leisure. You can spend more time sampling regional snacks, browsing shops, and enjoying the city without the long trip to Lintong.
You could also combine this with a separate visit to the city wall or Muslim Quarter if you have additional time in Xi’an.
A Few Things That Will Make Your Xi’an Day Easier
1. Book the Terracotta Army in advance.
The museum uses real-name reservations, including for international visitors. Check the official booking channel for your visit date, and bring the same valid identification used for the reservation. The official museum website lists seasonal opening and last-entry times.
2. Visit Lintong before returning to the city.
The Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and Mount Li are all in the Lintong area. Visiting them together avoids unnecessary trips back and forth between the city center and the eastern suburbs.
3. Don’t underestimate the Terracotta Army.
It may look like one museum on your itinerary, but the site is extensive. Allow several hours for the main pits and exhibitions, and add extra time if you want to visit the wider mausoleum complex.
4. Choose your transport based on your schedule.
The metro is useful for reaching Lintong, with Line 9 serving the Huaqingchi area. You’ll need to plan the onward journey to the Terracotta Army separately. Taxis or a pre-arranged car can be more convenient if you want to visit all three Lintong attractions in one day.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
The Terracotta Army involves walking between exhibition halls, Huaqing Palace has extensive grounds, and Mount Li may involve stairs and slopes. Even if you use taxis between stops, this is still a walking-heavy day.
6. Keep an eye on the weather.
Mount Li is an outdoor attraction, so heat, rain, or poor visibility can affect your experience. If conditions are uncomfortable, spend longer at Huaqing Palace and shorten the mountain visit.
7. Leave room for local food.
Yongxingfang is a good place to try several Shaanxi specialties. Rather than planning a long sit-down meal, consider sampling smaller dishes and saving room for something you have not tried before.
8. Check the location of Laochenggen before going.
Save the exact destination in your map app and confirm which entrance or commercial area you want. This is especially helpful if you are taking a taxi after dinner or during busy evening hours.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary brings together two very different sides of Xi’an. Around Lintong, you’ll explore the extraordinary legacy of the Qin emperor, the imperial hot springs of Huaqing Palace, and the mountain scenery of Mount Li. Back in the city, Yongxingfang and Laochenggen offer a more casual way to finish the day with food, shopping, and local atmosphere.
The Terracotta Army is the highlight for most visitors, but the other stops add variety to the experience. Huaqing Palace introduces the stories and culture of the Tang Dynasty, Mount Li offers a break from indoor sightseeing, and the two evening destinations show that Xi’an is much more than an ancient capital frozen in time.
Start early, book the museum ahead of time, and be realistic about how much you can cover. If the day gets too busy, skip the longer mountain walk rather than rushing through the Terracotta Army. You’ll enjoy the experience much more if you give the most important places the time they deserve.
