Itinerary

Chengdu and Xi'an are two of the most fascinating cities in China, each with its own unique charm and history. Here’s a fun and engaging 6-day itinerary that will let you soak in the culture, history, and delicious food of both cities!

## Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Morning:

• Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel. Take a moment to freshen up and get ready for an exciting day!

Afternoon:

• Head to Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. The shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. After exploring the shrine, stroll through Jinli Street, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local snacks like spicy skewers and sweet rice cakes.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner. Don’t forget to try the spicy broth! After dinner, you might want to catch a Sichuan opera performance, famous for its face-changing act.

## Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base & Culture

Morning:

• Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Arrive early to see the pandas at their most active! It’s a delightful experience to watch these adorable creatures munching on bamboo.

Afternoon:

• Head to People’s Park. Here, you can sip on some traditional tea at a teahouse and watch locals play mahjong or practice tai chi. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Evening:

• Explore the Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) for dinner. This area is filled with restaurants and shops, and you can try local delicacies like mapo tofu and dan dan noodles.

## Day 3: Chengdu to Xi'an

Morning:

• After breakfast, visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an engineering marvel and offers beautiful scenery.

Afternoon:

• Head back to Chengdu and take a high-speed train to Xi'an (about 3-4 hours). Once you arrive, check into your hotel and relax for a bit.

Evening:

• Explore the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an. This vibrant area is filled with street food stalls and shops. Try the famous Xi'an lamb skewers and biang biang noodles!

## Day 4: Terracotta Army

Morning:

• Visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. Spend a few hours exploring the site and learning about the history of the Qin Dynasty.

Afternoon:

• Return to Xi'an and visit the Xi'an City Wall. You can rent a bike and ride along the top of the wall for stunning views of the city.

Evening:

• Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show. This cultural performance features traditional music and dance, giving you a taste of ancient Chinese culture.

## Day 5: Xi'an Culture & History

Morning:

• Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Xi'an. The surrounding area is lovely for a stroll, and you can learn about the history of Buddhism in China.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Shaanxi History Museum. It’s a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the region’s rich history.

Evening:

• Head back to the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try some more local specialties and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

## Day 6: Departure

Morning:

• If time allows, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda or do some last-minute shopping in the city center.

Afternoon:

• Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a leisurely lunch before heading to the airport or train station for your departure.

Tips:

• Make sure to download a translation app or have a phrasebook handy, as English may not be widely spoken.
• Try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; locals appreciate the effort!
• Don’t forget to take lots of photos and enjoy every moment of your adventure!

This itinerary balances cultural experiences, historical sites, and delicious food, giving you a well-rounded taste of both Chengdu and Xi'an. Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️