Optimized 3-Day Xi’an Trip with Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, and City Highlights plus night views

Day 1: Arrival & City Walls

Xi’an, China on August 24, 2025

12:45pm

Arrival by G91 Train from Beijing

The G91 fast train from Beijing to Xi’an arrives at Xi’an North Railway Station at 12:45pm. Take bus 216 from the station to city center to save costs (about CNY5, 30 minutes).
CNY5, 30m

1:30pm

Check in Green Inn Hotel

Check in at Green Inn Hotel near Ganesha Indian Restaurant, located conveniently close to city center attractions.
Variable, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine offering filling lunch options to refuel after travel. Open 8:30am-10:30pm.
CNY40, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Xi’an City Wall

Walk or rent a bike on the ancient Xi’an City Wall to get panoramic views of the city. The wall is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY54, 2h

5:30pm

Bell Tower & Drum Tower

Visit the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the city center. Both towers offer cultural exhibitions and great photo opportunities. Open 8:30am - 10:00pm.
CNY40 combined ticket, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Night View of Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square

Head to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square which offers spectacular night views with colorful light shows and fountains. Open all evening.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Enjoy dinner back at Ganesha Indian Restaurant to relax after an adventurous day.
CNY60, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Longmen & Shaolin Temples

Luoyang / Dengfeng, China on August 25, 2025

06:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to start your full-day excursion.
Included, 30m

07:30am

Train to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes

Take bullet train G353 from Xi’an North to Luoyang at 07:30am (1h 5min). Bus or taxi to Longmen Grottoes from Luoyang station (about CNY10).
CNY100 total, 1h 30m

09:00am

Visit Longmen Grottoes

Explore the remarkable Buddhist cave art at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open 8:00am-6:30pm.
CNY90, 2h

11:15am

Travel to Shaolin Temple

Take public bus 38 or shared taxi to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng (~1.5h). Shared transport costs approx CNY50 per person.
CNY50, 1h 30m

12:45pm

Lunch near Shaolin Temple

Enjoy Henan-style cuisine at a local eatery near Shaolin Temple. Most close by 2pm.
CNY40, 1h

1:45pm

Shaolin Temple Visit & Kung Fu Show

Explore the historic Shaolin Temple and watch an afternoon Kung Fu demonstration. Open 8:00am-5:00pm. Show approx. 1 hour, ticket included.
CNY100, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Xi’an

Take bus/taxi back to Luoyang and then train to Xi’an North, arriving around 9:30pm.
CNY140, 4h

9:45pm

Night Walk at Tang Paradise

Visit Tang Paradise scenic area to enjoy beautiful traditional architecture lit up at night with relaxing views. Open until 10:30pm.
CNY80, 45m
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Day 3: Xi’an & Flight

Xi'an, China on August 26, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a good breakfast at hotel to prepare for a last active day.
Included, 30m

09:00am

Terracotta Army Museum

Take bus 306 to the Terracotta Army Museum and explore more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch nearby

Eat lunch at a local casual restaurant near the museum offering regional cuisine. Open until 2:00pm.
CNY40, 1h

1:30pm

Shaanxi History Museum

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum to learn about ancient silk road culture and Xi’an’s rich history. Open 9:00am-5:30pm (closed Mondays). Entry is free but need advance online booking.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Hotel to Rest and Pack

Return to Green Inn Hotel to relax, pack and prepare for your flight.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Ganesha Indian Restaurant

Have a delicious early dinner close to the hotel for convenience and familiarity before the flight.
CNY60, 1h

6:00pm

Airport Bus to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Take airport bus line 304 from city center to the airport, cheapest option at CNY25, travel time about 1 hour to catch your 7:50pm flight to Zhangjiajie.
CNY25, 1h
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