Xi'an Han and Tang Sites and Old City

A deeper route away from first-visit hotspots, covering Daming Palace, Han Yangling, Qianling and the old city lanes.

For return visitors who have already seen the Terracotta Army and the city walls. One day walks the old lanes around Sajinqiao and Du Chenghuang Temple. One day covers the Tang palace complex at Daming Palace and Xingqing Palace. One day heads north to the Han Chang'an City ruins, the Han Yangling Mausoleum and the Qin-Han Gallery of the Shaanxi History Museum. Then hire a car to visit Qianling, Zhaoling and Yuanjia Village. The trip ends at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Great Western Market. The pace is relaxed, and staying near the South Gate makes getting around easy.

Qianling and Han Yangling offer little shade, so avoid midday in midsummer.

Day by day

Day 1 · Northwest Lanes of the Old City

Xi'an（Sajinqiao Food Street、Xi'an City God Temple、Gao Family Courtyard、Xi'an Yisushe Qinqiang Theatre）

Take the metro to Sajinqiao Station, then explore the northwest part of the old city on foot.

Performance times at the Yisu Society for Qinqiang opera vary, so check the schedule in advance.

Stay: South Gate (Yongning Gate)

Day 2 · Daming Palace and Xingqing Palace

Xi'an（Daming Palace National Heritage Park、Xingqing Palace Park、Zhang Xueliang Mansion (Xi'an Incident Memorial)、Yongxingfang Food Street）

Take Metro Line 4 to Daming Palace. Then take a taxi to Xingqing Palace and Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence, and in the evening walk to Yongxing Lane.

The core area of Daming Palace charges admission, so plan for half a day.

Stay: South Gate (Yongning Gate)

Day 3 · Han Chang'an City and Han Yangling

Xi'an（Weiyang Palace Site (Han Chang'an City)、Hanyangling Mausoleum、Shaanxi History Museum Qin-Han Branch）

Take a taxi first to the Weiyang Palace ruins, then head north to Han Yangling and the Qin-Han Gallery of the Shaanxi History Museum. The total distance is about 60 km.

The Qin-Han Gallery requires separate booking and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: South Gate (Yongning Gate)

Day 4 · Qianling, Zhaoling and Yuanjia Village

Xi'an（Qianling Mausoleum、Zhaoling Mausoleum、Yuanjia Village）

Hire a car or join a day tour. Qianling is about 80 km, 1.5 hours away. Then continue to Zhaoling and Yuanjia Village, returning to the city in the evening.

The underground tomb at Qianling is not open to the public. Do not book any tour that claims you can enter the tomb.

Stay: South Gate (Yongning Gate)

Day 5 · Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Great Western Market

Xi'an（Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi'an Museum、Datang West Market）

Take the metro to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then continue to the Tang Great Western Market. In the afternoon, take Metro Line 14 to the airport, about 1 hour.

The Xi'an Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Free admission requires advance booking.

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