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Mount Huashan
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Beyond Xi'an

Discover breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and cultural wonders just a day trip away

Explore Further

Explore Beyond the City

While Xi'an itself is filled with incredible attractions, some of China's most spectacular sights lie just beyond the city limits. From sacred mountains to ancient Buddhist temples, these nearby destinations offer unforgettable experiences that complement your Xi'an adventure.

Natural Wonders

Dramatic mountain landscapes and breathtaking scenery perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

Sacred Sites

Ancient temples and religious monuments showcasing China's spiritual heritage

Historical Treasures

Archaeological sites and imperial tombs that expand on Xi'an's rich historical narrative

Planning Your Day Trips

Most attractions featured here can be visited as day trips from Xi'an, though some of the further destinations might be more enjoyable with an overnight stay. We've included transportation options, suggested visit durations, and the best seasons to help you plan your perfect excursion.

Orientation

Regional Map

Discover the geographical relationship between Xi'an and nearby attractions

Map of Xi'an region

Distance from Xi'an

0km
50km
100km
150km
200km
Hanyang
25km
Qianling
85km
Famen
110km
Huashan
120km
Yellow Emperor
160km

Hanyang Mausoleum

25km northeast

Bus Car

Qianling Mausoleum

85km northwest

Bus Tour

Famen Temple

110km west

Train Tour

Mount Huashan

120km east

Train Bus

Yellow Emperor's Tomb

160km north

Bus Tour

Transportation Legend

Bus Train Car/Taxi Tour

Best Season Legend

Best Good OK Avoid
Don't Miss

Featured Day Trips

Explore these remarkable destinations within easy reach of Xi'an

Mount Huashan
Challenging 120km east of Xi'an
Train Bus Tour

Mount Huashan

One of China's Five Great Mountains

Known for its precipitous cliffs and narrow pathways, Mount Huashan is famous for being one of the most dangerous yet breathtaking hiking experiences in China. The mountain features five main peaks, with the highest reaching 2,154 meters. Visitors can take a cable car part way up, then hike to various peaks for stunning views.

Visit Duration

Full day (12+ hours) or overnight

Best Time to Visit

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$25 (plus cable car fees)

How to Get There

By Train Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station (30-40 minutes). Then take a shuttle bus to the mountain entrance (15 minutes).
By Bus Tourist buses depart from Xi'an Railway Station East Square to Huashan. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Guided Tour Many travel agencies in Xi'an offer day tours to Mount Huashan, which include transportation and guide service.

Visitor Tips

  • Start early to avoid crowds and ensure enough time to explore
  • Wear proper hiking shoes and bring layers as temperatures can vary
  • Consider staying overnight at one of the mountain hotels to see the sunrise
  • The famous "plank walk" requires an additional fee and can have long queues
  • Bring enough water and snacks as prices on the mountain are high

Suggested Itinerary

6:00 AM - Depart Xi'an Take early morning train or bus to Huashan
8:30 AM - Arrive at Mountain Base Purchase tickets and take shuttle to cable car station
9:30 AM - Cable Car to North Peak Begin hiking from North Peak (alternatively, hike up from the base)
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Explore Peaks Visit East, South, West and Central peaks, stopping for lunch
4:00 PM - Begin Descent Take cable car down or hike down depending on energy and time
6:00 PM - Return to Xi'an Take train or bus back to the city
View Full Guide
Famen Temple
Easy 120km northwest of Xi'an
Bus Tour

Famen Temple

Sacred Buddhist site with finger bone relic of Buddha

Famen Temple is one of China's most important Buddhist temples, famous for housing the finger bone relic of the Buddha. The temple complex includes the ancient underground palace where the relic was discovered, a modern pagoda, and several exhibition halls displaying Tang Dynasty treasures found during excavations.

Visit Duration

Half day (4-5 hours)

Best Time to Visit

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

$17–$21

How to Get There

By Bus Take a tourist bus from Xi'an Railway Station to Famen Temple. Buses depart several times daily and the journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Guided Tour Many travel agencies in Xi'an offer day tours to Famen Temple, often combined with other nearby attractions.

Visitor Tips

  • Dress modestly as this is an active religious site
  • The finger bone relic is only displayed on special occasions
  • Visit the underground palace to see where the relic was discovered
  • The museum houses impressive Tang Dynasty treasures
  • Consider hiring a guide to understand the historical significance

Suggested Itinerary

8:00 AM - Depart Xi'an Take morning bus to Famen Temple
10:00 AM - Arrive at Famen Temple Purchase tickets and enter the complex
10:30 AM - Visit Famen Temple Museum Explore the exhibits of Tang Dynasty treasures
11:30 AM - Underground Palace Visit the site where the Buddha's finger bone relic was discovered
12:30 PM - Lunch Enjoy vegetarian cuisine at the temple restaurant
1:30 PM - Namaste Dagoba Visit the modern 148-meter tall pagoda
3:00 PM - Return to Xi'an Take bus back to the city
View Full Guide
Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
Moderate 40km east of Xi'an
Bus Taxi Tour

Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang

The first emperor's tomb complex beyond the Terracotta Warriors

While most visitors focus solely on the Terracotta Warriors, the actual tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang remains unexcavated. The mausoleum complex includes Lishan Garden, the emperor's burial mound, and several museum exhibitions. This site offers a deeper understanding of the first emperor's legacy beyond the famous warriors.

Visit Duration

2-3 hours (combine with Terracotta Warriors)

Best Time to Visit

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

$13 (separate from Terracotta Warriors)

How to Get There

By Bus Take Tourist Bus Line 5 (306) from Xi'an Railway Station East Square to the Terracotta Warriors, then take a shuttle or taxi to the Mausoleum (about 2km away).
By Taxi A taxi from Xi'an to the Mausoleum costs around $21-28 one way. Consider arranging for the driver to wait or getting their contact for the return trip.
Guided Tour Many Terracotta Warriors tours include a visit to the Mausoleum as part of the package.

Visitor Tips

  • Combine with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors for a full day trip
  • The actual tomb remains unexcavated due to preservation concerns
  • Visit the exhibition halls to see artifacts from the tomb complex
  • The site is less crowded than the Terracotta Warriors
  • Bring water and snacks as facilities are limited
View Full Guide
Go Further

Extended Adventures

Worth the extra time: spectacular destinations for overnight trips

Luoyang

Luoyang & Longmen Grottoes

2-3 Days

380km east of Xi'an

Luoyang, one of China's ancient capitals, is home to the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes with thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. The trip also includes the famous White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist temple.

Historical Buddhist UNESCO
2 hours by high-speed train Overnight stay recommended
View Trip Guide
Yan'an

Yan'an Revolutionary Sites

2 Days

300km north of Xi'an

Yan'an served as the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 to 1948. Visit the Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, Baota Mountain, and the cave dwellings where Mao Zedong and other leaders lived and worked.

Historical Political Cultural
4 hours by bus Overnight stay required
View Trip Guide
Resources

Trip Planning Tools

Resources to help you plan the perfect day trip from Xi'an

Distance Chart

Approximate travel times and distances from Xi'an city center to popular destinations.

Terracotta Warriors 40km
~1 hour
Mount Huashan 120km
~2 hours
Famen Temple 120km
~2 hours
Luoyang 380km
~2 hours (high-speed train)
Yan'an 300km
~4 hours (bus)

Transportation Guide

Options for getting to and from popular day trip destinations.

Public Transportation

  • High-speed trains - Available to Huashan, Luoyang, and other major cities
  • Tourist buses - Regular services to Terracotta Warriors, Huashan, and Famen Temple
  • Metro + bus combinations - Budget options for some closer destinations

Private Options

  • Taxis - Convenient but expensive for longer trips
  • Private car with driver - Can be arranged through hotels
  • Group tours - All-inclusive options with English guides

Day Trip Essentials

What to bring for a comfortable and enjoyable day trip.

  • Valid ID and copies of important documents
  • Cash (smaller denominations) and payment cards
  • Water bottle and snacks
  • Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Basic first aid supplies and medications
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Camera and memory cards
  • Offline maps and translation app

Plan your whole Xi'an trip on one map

Auto-generate day-by-day routes by interest, see walking times and budgets, then fine-tune your own schedule.

Open Interactive Map & Planner