Detailed 3-Day Xi’an Itinerary with Local Transport: Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, Terracotta Army & Flight Transfers

Day 1: Xi’an Arrival & City Tour

Xi’an, China on August 24, 2025

10:00am

Check-in Green Inn Hotel

Check into Green Inn Hotel near Ganesha Indian Restaurant, located near Beidajie Metro Station in Xi’an city center.
Variable, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Walk 5 minutes from hotel to Ganesha Indian Restaurant at 278 South Xinshi Road, open 11am-10pm, enjoy authentic Indian food for about CNY60-80.
CNY70, 1h

1:45pm

Travel to Xi’an City Wall South Gate

Walk 10 minutes from Ganesha Restaurant to Beidajie Metro Station, take Metro Line 1 (CNY2, 5 min ride) southbound to Yongningmen Station. Walk 5 minutes to South Gate of City Wall.
CNY2, 20m

2:10pm

Visit Xi’an City Wall

Explore one of China’s best-preserved city walls by walking or renting a bike. Open 8am-9pm, entry fee CNY54.
CNY54, 2h

4:15pm

Travel to Bell and Drum Towers

Walk 15 minutes back to Yongningmen Metro Station, take Metro Line 2 (CNY2, 5 min) northbound to Bell Tower Station. Walk 3 minutes to Bell and Drum Towers.
CNY2, 25m

4:45pm

Visit Bell and Drum Towers

Visit these iconic landmarks in the city center; combined entry ticket is CNY40, open 8:30am-10pm.
CNY40, 1h 30m

6:15pm

Walk to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square

Take Metro Line 2 from Bell Tower Station to Xiaozhai Station (CNY3, 10 min), transfer to Metro Line 3 to Dayanta Station (CNY2, 3 min). Walk 5 minutes to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square for evening fountain show.
CNY5, 20m

7:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show

Enjoy free nightly fountain and light shows at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, a top-rated relaxing evening activity.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Return to Green Inn Hotel

Walk to Dayanta Metro Station, take Metro Line 3 to Xiaozhai (CNY2), transfer to Line 2 to Beidajie Station (CNY3), then walk 5 minutes to hotel.
CNY5, 30m

8:45pm

Optional late dinner near hotel

Dine at nearby Ganesha Indian Restaurant if still open or try local street food around Beidajie area, approx. CNY40-60.
CNY50, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple Trip

Xi’an, Luoyang, Dengfeng - China on August 25, 2025

06:30am

Hotel Breakfast

Breakfast at Green Inn Hotel to prepare for early start.
Included, 30m

07:15am

Taxi to Xi’an North Railway Station

Take taxi from hotel to Xi’an North Railway Station, approx. 25 minutes, cost around CNY30.
CNY30, 25m

08:00am

Train G6377 from Xi’an North to Luoyang Longmen

High-speed train to Luoyang, tickets CNY85, duration approximately 55 minutes.
CNY85, 55m

09:00am

Bus 75 from Luoyang Longmen Station to Longmen Grottoes

Take Bus 75 (CNY10, about 30 minutes) from Luoyang Longmen Train Station to Longmen Grottoes entrance.
CNY10, 30m

09:35am

Visit Longmen Grottoes

Tour UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. Open 8am-6:30pm, ticket CNY90.
CNY90, 2h

11:45am

Taxi to Shaolin Temple

Taxi approx. 1.5 hours to Shaolin Temple, cost around CNY50 for the trip; direct and fastest option.
CNY50, 1h 30m

1:15pm

Lunch near Shaolin Temple

Enjoy Henan local cuisine at Shaolin Vegetarian Restaurant nearby Shaolin Temple, open 11am-2pm, average cost CNY40.
CNY40, 1h

2:15pm

Visit Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu Show

Explore historic temple grounds and watch authentic Kung Fu performances. Open 8am-5pm, combined entry and show ticket CNY100.
CNY100, 2h

4:15pm

Taxi back to Luoyang Longmen Train Station

Return taxi to Luoyang Longmen Station, 1.5 hours, cost approx. CNY50.
CNY50, 1h 30m

6:00pm

Train G6388 Luoyang Longmen to Xi’an North

High-speed train back to Xi’an North Station, 1 hour ride, ticket CNY85.
CNY85, 1h

7:15pm

Taxi to Green Inn Hotel

Taxi from Xi’an North Railway Station back to hotel, 25-minute ride, approx. CNY30.
CNY30, 25m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Dinner at Ganesha Restaurant nearby hotel; open till 10pm, moderate pricing around CNY70.
CNY70, 1h 30m
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Day 3: Terracotta Army & Depart

Xi’an, China on August 26, 2025

07:30am

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at Green Inn Hotel to start your last full day.
Included, 30m

08:15am

Walk and Bus 306 to Terracotta Army Site

Walk 7 minutes to Beidajie Bus Station, take Bus 306 (CNY7) directly to Terracotta Army Museum; approx. 1 hour ride.
CNY7, 1h

9:20am

Visit Terracotta Army Museum

Explore the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, open 8:30am-5:30pm; ticket cost CNY150.
CNY150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Museum Restaurant

Have lunch at Terracotta Army Restaurant, open 11am-2pm, moderate prices around CNY40.
CNY40, 1h

1:30pm

Bus 306 back to Beidajie Station

Take Bus 306 (CNY7) back to Beidajie Bus Station, 1-hour journey.
CNY7, 1h

2:45pm

Walk to Shaanxi History Museum

From Beidajie Bus Station, walk 15 minutes to Shaanxi History Museum, free entry but requires advance booking online (open 9am-5:30pm).
Free, 15m

3:00pm

Visit Shaanxi History Museum

Explore extensive cultural displays revealing Shaanxi’s history, a must-see for history lovers.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return walk to Green Inn Hotel

Walk 1.2 km (about 15 minutes) back to the hotel to relax and prepare for departure.
Free, 15m

6:15pm

Early Dinner near Hotel

Dine locally at Ganesha Indian Restaurant or nearby eateries for approx. CNY50-70.
CNY60, 1h

7:15pm

Taxi to Xi’an Xianyang Airport

Take taxi from Green Inn Hotel to Xi’an Xianyang Airport, approx. 50-minute ride, costs roughly CNY100. Arrive early for your 7:50pm flight to Zhangjiajie.
CNY100, 50m
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