Itinerary help!

Question

Hi all, this is my draft itinerary and I know its pretty long duration at Xi'an but we would like to explore the area leisurely. How should I split Day 1 and 3 to Day 5 and 6?

Is it easy to find halal food on area away from Muslim street like Small Goose area? Thanks.

Day 1: Bell/drum tower, Gao's family mansion puppet show, Muslim quarter, Kaiyuan shopping mall

Day 2: Terracotta museum, Huaqing Palace, Sorrow show

Day 3: City wall, Small wild goose pagoda, Shaanxi museum, Big wild goose pagoda, Giant wild goose pagoda, Datang Everbright City, Tang Paradise

Day 4: Mount Hua

Day 5:

Day 6:

Answer

Your draft itinerary for Xi’an is quite packed, especially on Day 3, and it’s wise to spread the sightseeing out to enjoy a more leisurely pace. Here’s a suggested way to reorganize your days and address your questions about halal food outside the Muslim Quarter.

Revised Itinerary Suggestion:

Day 1: Arrival and light exploration

Bell Tower & Drum Tower – central and easy to reach.
Gao’s Family Mansion & Puppet Show – combine this with lunch in the area.
Evening: Muslim Quarter for dinner and street exploration.
Optional: Kaiyuan shopping mall if you still have energy.

Day 2: Terracotta Army & Huaqing Palace

Terracotta Museum in the morning (requires 2–3 hours minimum).
Huaqing Palace nearby for scenic and historical visit.
Evening: Sorrow Show performance (Tang Dynasty music/dance show).

Day 3: City Wall & Big Wild Goose Pagoda area

City Wall in the morning – cycle or walk a section.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda – explore the temple and gardens.
Datang Everbright City – enjoy dinner and evening ambiance.

Day 4: Small & Giant Wild Goose Pagodas / Shaanxi History Museum

Small Wild Goose Pagoda – quieter and less touristy.
Shaanxi History Museum – allow 2–3 hours.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in late afternoon.
Tang Paradise for evening light show or leisure walk.

Day 5: Mount Hua

Full day excursion to Mount Hua – start early, as it takes time to hike or take cable cars.

Day 6: Leisure / last-minute shopping / departure

Optional revisit to favorite spots in the city or explore lesser-known neighborhoods.
Relaxed morning with breakfast at a local café or hotel.

Notes on Halal Food:

Muslim Quarter is the most famous area for halal food, but Xi’an has many halal restaurants outside it, including near Small Wild Goose Pagoda and around city neighborhoods.
Look for restaurants marked with 清真 (qingzhen) – the Chinese term for halal.
Hotel staff or local guides can recommend nearby halal options; many mid-range restaurants in tourist areas offer halal dishes even if not in Muslim Quarter.

By splitting the original Day 3 into two separate days, you reduce rush and allow time to truly enjoy the cultural sites without fatigue. This plan balances major attractions with sightseeing comfort and still leaves room for culinary exploration.

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