Efficient 3-Day Xi’an Itinerary with Flights, Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple & City Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & City Introduction

Xi’an, China on August 24, 2025

10:00am

Flight MU2104 from Beijing Daxing Airport to Xi’an Xianyang Airport

Depart Beijing Daxing (PKX) at 10:00am, arrive Xi’an Xianyang Airport (XIY) at 12:10pm. Flight duration approx. 2h 10m.
Variable, 2h 10m

12:30pm

Airport Shuttle to City Center

Take airport shuttle bus line 306 to city center, costs CNY25, approximately 1 hour travel time, most affordable option.
CNY25, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in Green Inn Hotel

Check in at Green Inn Hotel near Ganesha Indian Restaurant, convenient location for sightseeing.
Variable, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Indian lunch options open 8:30am - 10:30pm, perfect to start your culinary experience in the city.
CNY40, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Xi’an City Wall

Walk or rent a bike on the ancient Xi’an City Wall for panoramic city views. Site hours 8:00am - 9:00pm; entry is CNY54.
CNY54, 2h

5:30pm

Bell Tower & Drum Tower

Visit the iconic Bell and Drum Towers, located close by in the city center. Combined ticket price: CNY40. Open 8:30am - 10:00pm.
CNY40, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square Night Views

Experience the animated light and fountain display at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square. Open in evenings and free to access.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Relax with a familiar and hearty dinner near your hotel at the popular Indian restaurant (open until 10:30pm).
CNY60, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple

Luoyang / Dengfeng, China on August 25, 2025

06:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a hotel breakfast included with your stay to fuel the day.
Included, 30m

07:15am

Xi’an North to Luoyang Train

Take high-speed train G6377 departing Xi’an North at 7:15am and arriving in Luoyang Longmen Station by 8:10am. Cost approximates CNY85.
CNY85, 55m

8:20am

Bus/Taxi to Longmen Grottoes

From Luoyang Longmen Station, take local bus No.75 or taxi to Longmen Grottoes (~CNY10 for bus, 30 minutes).
CNY10, 30m

9:00am

Explore Longmen Grottoes

Discover the UNESCO listed Buddhist cave art. Open 8:00am - 6:30pm; entrance fee CNY90.
CNY90, 2h

11:15am

Travel to Shaolin Temple

Take a taxi or shared van to Dengfeng Shaolin Temple (~CNY50, 1.5 hours). Most time-efficient option for the trip.
CNY50, 1h 30m

12:45pm

Lunch near Shaolin Temple

Enjoy local Henan cuisine at nearby eateries, open around 11am-2pm with affordable prices.
CNY40, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu Show

Tour the historic Shaolin Temple and watch a Kung Fu performance. Open 8:00am-5:00pm, ticket CNY100.
CNY100, 2h

3:45pm

Return to Xi’an by train

Take taxi back to Luoyang Station then high-speed train G6388 leaving 4:30pm, arriving Xi’an North 5:30pm. Total cost ~CNY85 + taxi.
CNY120, 2h

6:00pm

Rest and Dinner

Return to hotel, then enjoy dinner again at Ganesha Indian Restaurant or nearby local options.
CNY60, 1h 30m
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Day 3: Terracotta Army & Flight

Xi’an, China on August 26, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at hotel to prepare for a busy day and flight.
Included, 30m

08:15am

Bus No.306 to Terracotta Army

Take bus 306 from Beidajie Bus Station to the Terracotta Army Museum. The one-way trip takes 1 hour and costs CNY7.
CNY7, 1h

9:15am

Terracotta Army Tour

Visit the amazing Terracotta Army site. Open 8:30am - 5:30pm; entrance fee is CNY150.
CNY150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch near Museum

Have a quick lunch at nearby eateries serving local cuisine, open till 2pm; budget around CNY40.
CNY40, 1h

1:30pm

Return Bus to City Center

Take bus No.306 back to Xi’an city center station; 1 hour fare CNY7.
CNY7, 1h

2:45pm

Shaanxi History Museum

Explore this rich museum about Northwest China history; open 9:00am-5:30pm, free admission with advance online reservation.
Free, 2h

4:45pm

Return to Hotel and Pack

Head back to the hotel for rest and packing before your flight.
Free, 2h

6:15pm

Early Dinner near Hotel

Eat an early dinner at Ganesha Indian Restaurant or nearby local restaurant for convenience while preparing for the trip.
CNY60, 1h

7:15pm

Airport Shuttle Bus to Xi’an Xianyang Airport

Take airport shuttle bus line 306 from city center for CNY25; travel time approx 1 hour to reach airport by 8:15pm, well before your 10:00pm flight departure (FU6764) to Fuzhou.
CNY25, 1h
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