Best Day Trips from Xi’an 2026
Xi’an was the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, but some of the most spectacular sights in northwest China lie beyond the city limits. From the vertiginous cliffs of Mount Huashan to the thundering Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, the best day trips from Xi’an take you through 2,000 years of history and some of China’s most dramatic landscapes.
Why Day Trips?
Xi’an’s central location in the Guanzhong Plain makes it an ideal base for exploring Shaanxi Province and beyond. High-speed rail, expressways, and tourist buses connect the city to sacred mountains, imperial tombs, ancient pagodas, and natural wonders. Day trips let you experience the full diversity of the regionโfrom Buddhist pilgrimage sites to one of China’s most powerful waterfallsโwithout the hassle of changing hotels.
For Western tourists, these excursions provide essential context. The Terracotta Warriors inside Xi’an tell you about Qin dynasty military might; the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum reveals how the Han dynasty refined imperial burials. Mount Huashan connects you to China’s Taoist mountain worship tradition. Famen Temple houses what is believed to be a finger bone of the Buddha himself.
Top 5 Day Trips
1. Mount Huashan (ๅๅฑฑ)
One of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, Huashan is legendary for its sheer granite peaks, narrow ridgeline trails, and the notorious “Plank Walk in the Sky”โwooden planks bolted to a vertical cliff face. Rising 2,154 meters, it’s the most precipitous of the five sacred peaks and a pilgrimage site for Taoists going back 2,000 years.
What to see: The mountain has five main peaks. North Peak (Cloud Terrace) is the lowest and the cable car arrival point. East Peak (Facing Sun) is the best spot for sunrise. South Peak (Landing Wild Goose) is the highest at 2,154 m. West Peak (Lotus Flower) has the most dramatic rock formations. The infamous Plank Walk is near South Peakโa harness-secured walk along planks clinging to a cliff. The Chess Pavilion, perched on an isolated rock pinnacle, is one of China’s most photographed spots.
How to get there: High-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station (about 30 minutes, ยฅ54). Trains run frequently from 7:00 AM. From the station, a free shuttle bus or 10-minute taxi (ยฅ15) takes you to the Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring) entrance. Alternatively, direct tourist buses depart from Xi’an Railway Station east square at 8:00 AM (about 2 hours, ยฅ22).
Cost: Entrance ยฅ160 (peak season MarโNov), ยฅ100 (off-season DecโFeb). West Peak cable car ยฅ140 up / ยฅ140 down. North Peak cable car ยฅ80 up / ยฅ80 down. Shuttle bus ยฅ40 round trip. Total cost: ยฅ400โ500 per person.
Recommended route: Take the West Peak cable car up, hike across the ridgeline to North Peak, then take the North Peak cable car down. This gives you a traverse with maximum scenery and less uphill hiking. Allow 5โ7 hours on the mountain.
Essential tips:ย Start early (first cable car at 7:00 AM) to avoid crowds and long lines. Bring water (ยฅ10/bottle on the mountain), snacks, and layersโtemperatures drop significantly at altitude. Wear grippy shoesโthe granite paths can be slippery. The Plank Walk is optional and requires a ยฅ30 harness rental. Don’t attempt it if you have a fear of heights. For a more detailed guide to the mountain itself, see ourย Xi’an Attractions Guide.
Booking tip: Book a guided day tour with transportation included through [GetYourGuide affiliate link] or [Klook affiliate link]โthis eliminates the hassle of navigating buses and cable car tickets, and guides know the best routes and timing.
2. Famen Temple (ๆณ้จๅฏบ)
Famen Temple is one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. Originally built in the 2nd century CE, it houses what is believed to be a finger bone relic (sarira) of the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni. The relic was discovered in 1987 in a sealed underground crypt that had lain undisturbed for over 1,000 years, along with hundreds of Tang dynasty treasures.
What to see: The old temple complex includes the 13-tiered Famen Pagoda, which partially collapsed in 1981 and was rebuilt. The underground palace museum displays the actual relic and the stunning Tang dynasty offerings found alongside itโgold and silver vessels, silk fabrics, glassware, and ceramics. The newer Namaste Dagoba (completed 2009) is a 148-meter modern structure shaped like hands folded in prayer, housing the relic in its grand hall. The Buddhist culture scenic area is vastโallow time to walk the ceremonial axis.
How to get there: Direct tourist bus from Xi’an Railway Station west square (Bus Tour 2, about 2 hours, ยฅ25). Buses depart at 8:00 AM and return at 3:00 PM. Alternatively, take a high-speed train from Xi’an North to Baoji South (1 hour, ยฅ50), then a taxi (40 minutes, ยฅ80). A Didi or private car from Xi’an costs ยฅ400โ500 round trip.
Cost: Entrance ยฅ100 (peak season), ยฅ60 (off-season). Audio guide ยฅ30.
Hours: 8:30 AMโ5:00 PM.
Time needed: Full day, including 4 hours of travel. The temple complex itself takes 3โ4 hours.
3. Hukou Waterfall (ๅฃถๅฃ็ๅธ)
Hukou is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River and the second-largest waterfall in China. Where the river suddenly narrows from 400 meters to 50 meters, the water crashes through a narrow gorge with thunderous force, sending spray 50 meters into the air. The name “Hukou” means “teapot spout”โthe waterfall looks like water being poured from a giant kettle.
What to see: The waterfall straddles the Shaanxi-Shanxi provincial border. The Shaanxi side (near Yichuan) offers the best views and is accessible from Xi’an. In winter, the spray freezes into spectacular ice formations. In summer, the water volume increases dramatically. The golden-yellow color of the water comes from the loess soil that gives the Yellow River its name. Nearby, you can see the Yellow River culture museum and traditional cave dwellings (yaodong) carved into hillsides.
How to get there: This is the most distant day trip on the list. Take a long-distance bus from Xi’an Chengdong Bus Station to Yichuan County (about 4โ5 hours, ยฅ100). From Yichuan, take a taxi or local bus to the waterfall (50 minutes, ยฅ40). Alternatively, book a tour (recommendedโsee below). A private car costs ยฅ1,000โ1,500 for the day.
Cost: Entrance ยฅ100. Shuttle bus ยฅ20. Parking ยฅ10.
Hours: 8:00 AMโ6:00 PM.
Time needed: This is a very long dayโ12โ14 hours including travel. Consider staying overnight in Yichuan if you want a more relaxed pace. Find accommodation through [Booking.com affiliate link].
Booking tip: Because of the distance and logistics, a guided tour is strongly recommended. [GetYourGuide affiliate link] and [Klook affiliate link] offer Hukou Waterfall day tours from Xi’an that include transportation, lunch, and a guide.
4. Han Yang Ling Mausoleum (ๆฑ้ณ้ต)
The tomb of Emperor Jing of Han (reigned 157โ141 BCE) and his Empress Wang, this underground museum offers a fascinating complement to the Terracotta Warriors. While Qin Shi Huang’s army is full-sized and imposing, the Han dynasty figures here are miniatureโabout 60 cm tallโand nude, originally dressed in silk robes that decomposed. The wooden arms also rotted away, giving the figures an eerie, armless appearance.
What to see: The museum is built directly over the burial pits, with glass floors allowing you to walk above the excavations. You’ll see thousands of miniature pottery figuresโwarriors, court ladies, musicians, eunuchs, and animals (pigs, dogs, sheep, cattle)โalong with miniature weapons, tools, and chariots. The underground glass corridors give an immersive, almost cinematic experience. The exhibition hall above displays the best-preserved artifacts with detailed English explanations.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 or a high-speed train from Xi’an North to the airport direction, then it’s about 20 km north of central Xi’an. The easiest way is the dedicated tourist bus from Xi’an Railway Station (departs 8:00 AM, ยฅ10) or a Didi ride (about 40 minutes, ยฅ80โ100). Many visitors combine Han Yang Ling with the Terracotta Warriors, as they’re in the same general direction northeast of the city.
Cost: Entrance ยฅ70 (peak season), ยฅ55 (off-season). Audio guide ยฅ30.
Hours: 8:30 AMโ6:00 PM (summer), 8:30 AMโ5:30 PM (winter). Closed Tuesdays.
Time needed: Half day, including travel. 2โ3 hours at the site.
5. Qianling Mausoleum (ไนพ้ต)
The joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and China’s only female emperor, Wu Zetian, Qianling is the best-preserved Tang dynasty imperial mausoleum. Built into a mountain, it features a spirit path lined with massive stone sculpturesโwinged horses, ostriches (a diplomatic gift from Afghanistan), foreign envoys, and the famous Wu Stele, a blank tablet erected by Empress Wu Zetian that has never been inscribed.
What to see: The 4-kilometer spirit path (shendao) is the highlight, with dozens of stone sculptures still in their original positions. The 61 headless stone foreign envoys are a mysteryโthe heads were knocked off centuries ago, but the bodies remain, each inscribed with the envoy’s name and country. The tomb itself has never been excavated. Nearby satellite tombs (Yongtai Princess Tomb and Zhanghuai Prince Tomb) have been opened and contain beautiful Tang dynasty murals.
How to get there: Take a bus from Xi’an West Bus Station to Qianxian County (about 2 hours, ยฅ30), then a local taxi to the mausoleum (15 minutes, ยฅ15). Alternatively, hire a car for the day (ยฅ400โ500) and combine Qianling with Famen Temple, as they’re in the same direction.
Cost: Entrance ยฅ122 (includes Qianling and two satellite tombs). Audio guide ยฅ30.
Hours: 8:00 AMโ6:00 PM (summer), 8:30 AMโ5:30 PM (winter).
Time needed: Full day including travel, or half day if combined with Famen Temple.
How to Get There
By High-Speed Rail
Xi’an North Railway Station connects to Huashan North (30 min) and Baoji South (for Famen Temple, 1 hour). Book through the 12306 app or Trip.com. High-speed trains are fast, clean, and reliable.
By Tourist Bus
Xi’an operates several official tourist bus routes from the Railway Station:
- Bus 5 (306):ย To Huaqing Palace and Terracotta Warriors. ยฅ5, departs every 10 minutes.
- Tour Bus 1:ย To Huashan. ยฅ22, departs 8:00 AM.
- Tour Bus 2:ย To Famen Temple. ยฅ25, departs 8:00 AM.
These buses are reliable and cheap but can be crowded. Arrive early to get a seat.
By Private Car or Didi
For maximum flexibility, hire a private driver through Didi’s chauffeur service or a local tour company. A full-day car with driver costs ยฅ400โ800 depending on distance. This is ideal for combining multiple sites (e.g., Famen Temple + Qianling) or for families.
Where to Eat
Near Huashan
The town at the base of Huashan has many restaurants serving Huashan-style cuisine. Try:
- Huashan big knife noodlesย (ๅคงๅ้ข): Hand-cut noodles served with a savory broth. ยฅ15โ25.
- Mount Huashan persimmon cake:ย Sweet fried cakes made from local persimmons. ยฅ5โ10.
Near Famen Temple
Vegetarian restaurants near the temple serve Buddhist-style meatless dishes. A simple lunch costs ยฅ30โ60. Try the vegetarian “mock meat” dishes, a Buddhist culinary tradition.
Near Hukou Waterfall
Restaurants near the waterfall serve Yellow River fish and Shaanxi country-style cooking. Try the Yellow River carp, braised with soy sauce and garlic. ยฅ60โ120 per dish.
On the Road
For all day trips, pack snacks and water from Xi’an. Convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson) in Xi’an sell sandwiches, instant noodles, and drinks. The Muslim Quarter is a great place to buy snacks for the roadโroujiamo (meat sandwiches) travel well.
Booking Tips
Guided Tours
For Huashan and Hukou Waterfall especially, guided tours are worth the cost. They handle transportation, tickets, timing, and safety. [GetYourGuide affiliate link] offers Xi’an day tours starting at 50โ120 per person. [Klook affiliate link] has competitive options, often with small-group formats.
Independent Travel
Han Yang Ling and Famen Temple are manageable independently using public transport. Huashan is also doable solo if you’re an experienced hikerโjust be sure to start early. Qianling requires more planning; a taxi or tour is recommended.
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy a combined Xi’an tourist pass if visiting multiple sites (available through Trip.com).
- Student discounts (50% off) are available at most sites with a valid student ID.
- Bring your own water and snacksโprices double at tourist sites and on mountains.
- Share a private car with other travelersโask at your hostel or hotel.
- Off-season (DecemberโFebruary) entrance fees are 30โ50% lower at most sites.
Payment
WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at all major attractions and most restaurants. Tourist buses typically accept cash or transit cards. Carry ยฅ200 cash for small vendors in rural areas near Hukou and Qianling.
Self-Guided vs Tour
| Factor | Self-Guided | Guided Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ยฅ150โ500 per person | $50โ120 per person |
| Flexibility | Full control | Fixed schedule |
| Safety (Huashan) | Manage your own pace | Guide ensures safe route |
| Learning | Research beforehand | Guide provides context |
| Best for | Han Yang Ling, Famen | Hukou, Huashan |
| Logistics | Handle your own transport | Everything included |
FAQ
Is Mount Huashan dangerous?
The main trails and cable car routes are safe for anyone with basic fitness. The Plank Walk is optional and requires a harness. The real risks are crowds (pushing on narrow trails) and bad weather. Check the forecast and avoid hiking during rain or storms.
Can I do Hukou Waterfall as a day trip?
Yes, but it’s a 12โ14 hour day. The drive alone is 4โ5 hours each way. A guided tour is strongly recommended. Alternatively, stay overnight in Yichuan.
Which is better: Han Yang Ling or the Terracotta Warriors?
They complement each other. The Terracotta Warriors are larger and more famous; Han Yang Ling is more intimate and atmospheric. If you have time, see bothโthe contrast between Qin and Han dynasty burial practices is fascinating.
Can I combine Famen Temple and Qianling in one day?
Yes, they’re in the same direction (west of Xi’an) and about 45 minutes apart. Hire a car for the day (ยฅ400โ500) to make the most of it.
Do I need to book train tickets to Huashan in advance?
For weekends and holidays, yesโbook 2โ3 days ahead through the 12306 app. For weekdays, same-day tickets are usually available.
What should I wear for these day trips?
Comfortable walking shoes for all trips. For Huashan, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring layers. For Famen Temple, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) as it’s an active religious site. Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
Are these destinations accessible by Didi?
Han Yang Ling and Huashan are within Didi range. Famen Temple, Qianling, and Hukou are farther outโDidi can get you there but finding a return ride may be difficult. Book a round-trip driver or take the tourist bus.
Last updated: July 2026