Xi'an Departure: A Fun and Less-Crowded Self-Driving Itinerary for Family Trips

If it's not your first time visiting Sichuan
and you're looking for a relaxing 3-4 day getaway with kids,
this guide is perfect for you! The itinerary is low-intensity and kid-friendly,
featuring spots that children will love.
Self-driving during holidays is affordable and fun, and high-speed rail travelers can join too.

📅 Day 1: Xi'an → Sanxingdui Museum → Fuqin Night Market
🚗 For self-drivers, start early to arrive at Sanxingdui by around 3 PM (holiday night sessions are available, so a later arrival is fine).
🌟 Highlights:
- Allocate 3 hours for Sanxingdui—the Bronze Sacred Tree and gold masks are awe-inspiring.
- Locals' hidden gem: Fuqin Night Market (parking is tricky, but the food is delicious, though night markets are generally similar).
🏠 Stay: Near Chunxi Road (convenient for the panda base the next day and evening strolls).

🐼 Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Chunxi Road
🚗 Head to the panda base by 9 AM!
🌟 Must-know tips:
- Non-holidays: Enter and exit via the South Gate for a streamlined route with concentrated attractions.
- Holidays: Enter via the West Gate and exit via the South Gate! Take the shuttle outside the park to the West Gate (fewer crowds), enjoy a downhill walk to save energy, and explore the entire park without backtracking.
⚠️ Note: Holiday shuttle lines can exceed 1 hour—walking may be faster.
🍴 Lunch: Quick bites at the base entrance.
🍲 Dinner: Stroll Chunxi Road and try the super-tasty Mapo Tofu.

🌿 Day 3: Luxehills Wilderness Kingdom → Mianyang Yuewang Tower → Majia Alley Night Market
🚗 Luxehills Eco-City in Chengdu🌟 A must-visit for families!
- Wilderness Kingdom: A fairytale land built from scrap metal—kids can climb castles and "drive" junk cars.
- Petting Farm: Feed alpacas and cuddle bunnies.
- Brunch at Luxehills Food Island.
🚗 Drive to Mianyang after lunch (2 hours).
- Yuewang Tower: Ascend for panoramic views of the Fujiang River and a stunning nighttime light show.
🌙 Evening: Walk along the river to Majia Alley Night Market and feast on cold zhazhan, Jiangyou pork intestines, and Zitong sliced noodles!
🏠 Stay: Near Yuewang Tower, just 5 minutes to the river.

🏖 Day 4: Xianhai Lake → Return to Xi'an
🚗 Depart by 9 AM for a boat ride at Xianhai Lake's "Good Luck Pier" → Head to the waterfront sand playground by noon.
🌟 Activities:
- Boating: Few crowds even on holidays—no queues!
- Sand Playground: Bring shovels, buckets, and spare clothes! Rinsing stations are available.
🍱 Lunch: Pack a picnic mat and snacks (perfect for lounging under the lakeside trees).
🚗 Drive back to Xi'an in the afternoon.
⚠️ Tips:
1️⃣ Plenty of sand toys are sold at Xianhai Lake’s entrance—bargain if you forget yours.
2️⃣ The key to a great holiday experience here is bringing enough gear to relax without fighting for chairs.
3️⃣ Sun protection is a must for outdoor spots—hats, sunscreen, and bug spray!

✨ Unlock a holiday filled with history, nature, and sandplay fun for the whole family!