Shaanxi Sheng Travel Forum

I planning my China trip and hope to get some advise on the Xian itinerary.
Arrive in the morning from Beijing and leave around midnight, both by train.
Is this workable?

D1: Arrive morning in Xian, check-in.
Bell and Drum Tower
City Wall
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum
Great Mosque and surroundings
D2: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum

in a rush, extra day needed.

2 Days is sufficient but 3 days would be better. Shopping are cheaper in Xi'an as compared to Beijing. Main thing is to enjoy the holiday.

My photo blog: http://community.webshots.com/user/Beijingman

If I were to add another day, ie 3D2N in Xian, will I be able to:

1. Visit Huashan and able to return by 1 or 2 pm if I take the 1st bus out?

2. Visit Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qin's Tomb, Huaqing Hot Springs on the same day. Are there any direct buses from the Terracotta to the Hot Springs?

3. Visit Famen Temple and able to return by noon? Leaving the rest of the day for attractions within the city.

I understand that both Huashan and Famen are both 1.5 hrs away by bus.

If I were to add another day, ie 3D2N in Xian, will I be able to:

1. Visit Huashan and able to return by 1 or 2 pm if I take the 1st bus out?

2. Visit Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qin's Tomb, Huaqing Hot Springs on the same day. Are there any direct buses from the Terracotta to the Hot Springs?

3. Visit Famen Temple and able to return by noon? Leaving the rest of the day for attractions within the city.

I understand that both Huashan and Famen are both 1.5 hrs away by bus.

You can take the Big Green Bus 306 (next to the train station) to Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qin's Tomb, Huaqing Hot Springs. Fare is about 10RMB/pax.

The bus ends at the Emperor Qin's Tomb area and the Terrcotta Warriors. It make stops at a couple of other spots like the Huaqing Hot Springs, etc.

Before you can get to the bus terminal, you would be Inundated by brokers/touts offering you the same bus fare to those locations and more. Just ignore them unless you intend to spend a good part of the day in tourist shops.

Visit my travel page on Xi'an to find out more:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/88598/f3840/9/

Didn't go to HuaShan, perhaps some other VTers would reply on that.

extra day added only for xi'an not for huashan.

Your original itinerary is rushed if done in 2 days, but fine if done in 3 days. You would not be able to do Huashan in half a day, even 1 day would be slightly rushed. Famen Temple not doable in half a day either, unless perhaps you hire your own vehicle and driver and have a very rushed trip.

I appreciate all the replies. Many thanks. :))

Guess I'll have to "squeeze" 3 nights for Xian.

Planning to arrive Xian early morning and leaving near midnight by another overnight train....leaving me with 4 full days in Xian!