Xi'an Travel Forum

I'll be arriving in Xi'an on the 7th (early morning around 6.45) and leaving on the 10th in the afternoon. Now my friend has everything organised on the 8th, 9th and 10th, which includes going to see the main sights in Xi'an. As she will only be arriving in the evening on the 7th, I'm looking for something to do on my own that day (don't mind arriving very late that evening). I'm especially interested in natural sceneries, wildlife and hiking. I hope someone can gove me some nice suggestions, including how to go there and to get back. Thanks a lot!!

Do those days already include Huashan? If not, you might want to try it for your free day. However bear in mind it'll be quite tiring.

It doesn't include it. I don't mind getting tired :-) Just had a look at a few tips. Only thing I would like to know is the best way for me to get there and to get back (what's the latest I can return to Xi'an) and finally, how long will it take an average person to reach the summmit?

I think a lot of hotels have 1-day tours. Or you could also take buses from Xi'an train station. I haven't done it personally so I don't know how long it takes to get to the top.
I would probably advise you to leave your luggage at Xi'an train station left luggage and just go straight to Huashan when you arrive. Retrieve them when you come back from Huashan.

One day to Huashan Mountain is not easy if you want to see all of beautiful views. But you can do it. First you should be strong enough; second you should get there as early as possible. It will take you 2 hours on bus or train from Xi'an, then 7 hours hiking, 2 hours back to Xi'an. Acturally think about the timetable of train, I guess if you depart at 7:00~8:00, you will go back Xi'an at 21:00~22:00. Of course you can just see a part of it.

Besides, there are a lot of mountains around Xi'an. Though they are not as famous as Huashan Mountain (less beautiful), many of them are worthy visiting. Maybe you will like to see my off-beaten tips.