Planning a trip to China and wondering how to split your time between Beijing and Xi’an? These two ancient capitals offer completely different windows into Chinese civilization – from the grandeur of imperial Beijing to the underground army of Xi’an’s first emperor. A well-paced itinerary of seven days gives you enough time to hit the highlights without rushing, while leaving room for authentic local experiences.
How many days for Beijing and Xi’an
Most travelers find that four days in Beijing and three in Xi’an strike the perfect balance. Beijing demands more time because its attractions are spread out – the Forbidden City alone needs half a day, and the Great Wall is a full-day trip from the city center. Xi’an’s core sights like the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient City Wall can be covered efficiently in two packed days, leaving one day for the Muslim Quarter and a bike ride on the wall. If you only have five or six days total, cut one day from Beijing rather than rushing Xi’an.
What is the best route from Beijing to Xi’an
High-speed trains are the clear winner here. The journey takes just under five hours on the G-series trains, with departures from Beijing West Station every 20 to 30 minutes. Book your tickets online through the official platform or a trusted agent at least two weeks in advance – second-class seats are perfectly comfortable and cost around 550 RMB (about 75 USD). Morning trains allow you to arrive in Xi’an by early afternoon, check into your hotel, and still have time to explore the Bell Tower or stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter as the food stalls open for dinner.
Where to stay and what to eat in each city
In Beijing, choose a hotel near a subway station along Line 2 or Line 4 – the area around Qianmen or Dongsi offers reasonable rates and easy access to major sights. Don’t miss Peking duck at a proper restaurant like Siji Minfu (book ahead), and try zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean paste) for a quick lunch. In Xi’an, stay inside the City Wall for convenience – the area near the South Gate is ideal. Food is the highlight here: biangbiang noodles, yangrou paomo (lamb soup with crumbled flatbread), and the endless skewers at the Muslim Quarter night market. Be adventurous but watch for hygiene – go to busy stalls with high turnover.
Can I see the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors in one trip
Absolutely, and they are the two must-see highlights that no itinerary should miss. For the Great Wall,skip the crowded Badaling section and head to Mutianyu instead – it’s restored, less crowded, and has a cable car and a fun toboggan ride down. Join a small group tour or hire a private driver for about 600 RMB round trip from Beijing. The Terracotta Warriors require a full morning from Xi’an – take bus line 5 from the train station or a 45-minute Didi ride. Hire an audio guide or a local guide at the entrance to understand the incredible story of how farmers accidentally discovered this underground army in 1974.
What part of planning a Beijing-Xi’an trip do you find most challenging – transportation between cities, choosing the right Great Wall section, or figuring out the food? Drop your questions in the comments, and if this guide helped you, share it with a fellow traveler planning a China adventure