Xian Help Requested
 

On a 9 day trip to China scheduled for mid Sept, we are planning to divide the time equally between Beijing (where we land) and Shanghai (where we depart), with a one day break to visit the terra cotta army in Xian.

If possible would not like to spend 2 nights in Xian. Is it possible (preferable) to lv Beijing late in the day…spend the night in Xian…visit the army during the day and still have time to leave late that same day for Shanghai?

Comments/and or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

htr

I don't know about flights - www.zuji.com.hk may be able to help on this. We did a similar trip to Xian to see the warriors in Dec from HK. We got into Xian late Sat evening, overnighted at the new Novotel which I would highly reco, had booked a great driver the next morning, made an 8 AM start, got to the Warriors 9 (whch was great as the tour buses started arriving at 10 so we had 1 hour to ourselves), were there until 11 then came back to Xian city to see the City Wall, Mosque, Muslim Quarter, etc.

Hi

My wife and I went to Beijing, Xi'an and Hong Kong a couple of years ago. We only spent one night in Xi'an before we moved on. I have posted a trip report with some pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/china_beijing.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

I also think that one night in Xian is enough (if you arrive at noon or afternoon, and leave next day in afternoon).
I would take one day from Shanghai and add it to Beijing. There are more places to visit in Beijing than Shanghai.

It's possible to check Chinese domestic flights at www.wacts.com

DEPENDING ON THE DATE YOU TRAVEL in September, I see at least 11 PEK-XIY 2-hr flights/day for around US$137pp - the last leaving around 20:00. Again, depending on the date, there are nine flights XIY-SHA with the last 2-hr flight leaving around 20:10 for US$164.

I read one should allow at least 3 hours to see the Terra Cotta Warriors.(Don't know if this includes the 2-hr RT travel time by bus.) So, anyone know if this would allow time to visit the supposedly not-to-be-missed Shaanxi Provincial History Museum before the last flight of the day to Shanghai at 20:00PM? The museum also needs at least 2 hours but this place is relatively close to town. Since Xi'an was the end point of the Silk Road, I can't even imagine the wonderful artifacts they must have in their collection - some maybe as old as 3000 years. So, is this cutting it too close to see both? Of course, if one signs up for the 1-day tour, there's no time for the museum, but I was planning to do my own thing.

I recommend the night train (Z) from Beijing to Xi'an. My son and I slept great on the train. We arrived in time to check into our hotel and freshen up before meeting our driver at 9 am. Here's a website with more info about the trains:

http://www.seat61.com/China.htm#What...0trains%20like

On the first day, we went to the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum (and it is a must see!), Big Goose Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Towers, and the Mosque and Muslim Quarter. We swam then ate dinner at the hotel.

On the second day, we went to the city wall, Huaqing Hot Springs, Terra Cotta Warriors and the Mound. I think we spent three full hours at the Warriors, but we take a lot of pictures ... Our driver dropped us off at the train station that evening instead of back at the hotel. The airport is further from Xi'an than the train station, however.

We really enjoyed Xi'an. I'm glad we spent the time we did there. But if you only want to see the warriors and the museum, you'll be fine with only one day.