Xianyang for a Weekend: What to See, Eat & Skip

Wondering what to do in Xianyang for a weekend? Let me be brutally honest with you. After two decades of dragging groups through Shaanxi, I still meet travelers who skip Xianyang for the glitter of Xi'an. Big mistake. Sure, Xi'an has the Tang vibe. But Xianyang? It's where the emperors actually sleep. — And here's the catch: most English guides are useless. They tell you to visit Qianling, but never mention that the booking mini-program only works in Chinese. So this weekend plan is built from my own footwork — the traffic headaches, the ticket windows that ignore credit cards, and the noodle shop where locals line up at 11am.

The short version: If you have two days, spend one at Qianling Mausoleum and one at Maoling + Xianyang Museum. Do it in that order, leave before 8am on tomb days, and always carry cash as backup. Now let me show you exactly how to pull it off without losing your mind.

Why Xianyang Deserves Your Weekend (or When to Skip It)

Xianyang sits right next to Xi'an, but its vibe is completely different. Most travelers rush through on the way to Huashan or the Terracotta Army. That's a shame. This little-known city is where 28 emperors and their courts are buried — think of it as a giant open-air mausoleum park. The burial sites here form part of a broader heritage corridor that UNESCO has recognized within the Silk Roads network.

I always tell my clients: if you love history without the crowds, Xianyang wins. The main sites are less visited, more spread out, and feel far more authentic than the packed halls of Xi'an's museums. The downside? Distances are serious. You're looking at 30 to 60 minutes between sites by taxi. So don't try to cram everything into one day unless you enjoy being trapped in a car.

When to skip it? Honestly, if you only have two days and this is your first time in China, stay in Xi'an. But if you've seen the Terracotta Warriors and have a third day, add one of these mausoleums. For a full weekend from Xi'an, Xianyang is perfect — you'll get a break from the crowds, and the food is dramatically cheaper.

The 48-Hour Xianyang Itinerary: Two Days of History, Food & Quiet Corners

I've split this into two relaxed days. Each day has a morning and afternoon block, with enough buffer for lunch and unexpected detours. If you're short on time, follow Day 2 only — Qianling is the crown jewel.

Day 1: Xianyang Museum, Maoling & the Old City

The first day is your urban orientation. You'll stay close to the city and dive into two very different eras: the Qin dynasty's capital and Emperor Wu's mighty tomb.

Morning: Xianyang Museum (咸阳博物馆)

Start at 9am. The museum is inside the Confucius Temple, hidden behind a red gate in the old town. Most visitors miss it because it's not on the standard tour itineraries. Tickets are around 20 RMB (free with a valid student card), and you'll need your passport to purchase. No online booking is required — just walk up to the counter. Bring cash or an Alipay QR code; credit cards are rarely accepted here.

The collection focuses on Qin dynasty artifacts, including a stunning set of terracotta soldiers — smaller and more humble than Xi'an's warriors but displayed without the crowds. You'll see pottery, bronze weapons, and a fascinating horse-drawn carriage exhibit. Plan to spend 90 minutes inside. There are English labels on the main pieces, but some are outdated — keep your phone translation app handy.

Pro Tip: The museum is tiny and easy to finish before 11am. Use the free Wi-Fi in the lobby to download AMap (高德地图) in English. You'll need it for the taxi ride to Maoling.

Late Morning: Taxi to Maoling (茂陵)

Maoling is the burial site of Emperor Wu of Han, located about 15 km west of Xianyang city. From the museum, catch a taxi or Didi for roughly 60 RMB and 40 minutes. If you're brave, take bus 5 from Xianyang Central Bus Station, but the taxi is worth every yuan.

Maoling's ticket costs around 70 RMB for adults, 35 for students and seniors over 65. You'll need your passport and they only accept cash or Chinese mobile payment — no foreign cards. The site includes the main tumulus and a museum with a legendary bronze horse statue called 'Horse Stepping on a Xiongnu Man.' It's one of my favorite artifacts in Shaanxi.

Walk the loop around the burial mound — it takes about 45 minutes. The grounds are dusty, so wear closed shoes. There are very few trees, so bring a hat if you visit in summer.

Pro Tip: Ask your taxi driver to wait for 30–45 minutes and take you back to the highway entrance. Otherwise, you'll be stuck waiting for an infrequent bus.

Afternoon: Old Town & Fengtai (凤凰台)

Return to the city center for lunch (I'll recommend spots later). Then stroll through the old town area around Zhongshan Street. The Ming-era Fengtai tower is free to view from the outside. The tower is closed to the public, but locals use the square for elaborate afternoon dance sessions. Sit on the steps and watch for 15 minutes — it's the cheapest form of cultural immersion.

End at the Weiyang Lake (咸阳湖) at sunset. It's a wide river-lake with a pleasant promenade. The west side has a small amusement park, but the best views are from the central bridge. Locals fish, jog, and fly kites here. If you're lucky, you'll catch the evening light on the mountains to the west.

Day 2: Qianling Mausoleum (乾陵) — The Grand Finale

Qianling is the reason many of us make the trip. This is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian — the only female emperor in Chinese history. The mausoleum sits on Liangshan Mountain, about 50 km north of Xianyang city.

Getting there: This is the trickiest transfer. You have two options: rent a car with a driver (about 800 RMB round trip) or take the tourist bus from Xi'an. From Xianyang, your best bet is to take the high-speed rail to Qianxian station (乾县) — the trip takes 15 minutes from Xi'an North Station, but from Xianyang you'll need to transfer. Honestly, the simplest is a private charter or joining a day tour from Xi'an that includes Qianling and a nearby tomb. For independent travelers, I'd budget 500 RMB for a direct taxi from Xianyang.

I recommend leaving by 7:30am. The gate opens at 8:30, and by 10am the tour groups flood in. Arrive early, and you'll have the Spirit Road almost to yourself.

Tickets & booking: Adult admission is around 100 RMB in peak season, 80 RMB in low season. Students and seniors get half price. You'll need your passport to book online — the official WeChat mini-program is in Chinese, but you can also book via Trip.com (English interface works fine). The ticket counter accepts cash and Alipay. Skip the tourist cart (30 RMB) and walk the 500 meters to the entrance — it's a pleasant uphill stroll.

What to see: The Spirit Road lined with stone statues of foreign emissaries, the famous 'unbroken tablet' (the 7-meter tall tower dedicated to Wu Zetian with no inscription), and the climb up Liangshan for panoramic views. The tomb itself has not been opened, so there's no dark underground chamber — just a mound. But the setting on the mountain is spectacular, and the fewest crowds are before noon.

Lunch: There's a small cluster of restaurants near the ticket office. Basic local food like biangbiang noodles and oily chili noodles. Prices average 25 RMB per bowl. Don't expect fancy dining — it's fuel for the hike.

Afternoon: If you're using a private car, add the nearby Yongtai Princess Tomb (永泰公主墓) — it's a 10-minute drive from Qianling. This excavated tomb lets you walk down into the actual burial chamber, with original frescoes on the walls. It's an extra 40 RMB and absolutely worth it if you want to experience an opened tomb.

Return to Xianyang or Xi'an by 5pm to avoid traffic.

Xianyang Transportation: How Do You Get Around on a Weekend?

Getting around Xianyang is easier than you think — if you avoid Google Maps.

Use AMap (高德地图) instead of Google Maps. Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China. Download AMap Global (English interface) before you arrive, or use Apple Maps which works with local data. When asking your hotel to write addresses in Chinese, show them the taxi driver.

For longer trips, Didi (Chinese Uber) is your friend. The app has an English mode, and you can pay with Alipay. Always confirm your location with the driver via the map on the app.

Pro Tip: If you're staying in Xi'an and just doing a day trip, forget public transit. Book a private car on Trip.com or Ctrip for around ¥450–500 — it's cheaper than the hassle and you'll get door-to-door service.

For high-speed rail tickets, use the official 12306.cn platform, which also has an English interface.

Where to Eat in Xianyang: What Are the Local Favorites?

Xianyang's food scene is underrated. You'll find all the Shaanxi classics — juicy dumplings, cold noodles, and the famous dry-fish with chilli. But here's what I actually order after leading countless tours.

1. Lao Sun Jia Rougamo (老孙家肉夹馍) — Look for the small eatery on the corner of Zhongshan Street and Beiping Street, opposite the KFC. It's the one with a red sign and a dozen stools on the sidewalk. The rougamo is packed with tender pork belly, and the stewed egg is a must-add. I always ask for extra chili — it's house-made and smoky. Price: ¥12 per sandwich. Open 7:00–20:00. They accept cash and Alipay, no English menu but they'll understand '10 kuai' easily. Queue time: less than 5 minutes at 11am, but expect 15 minutes at dinner.

2. Sulian Noodle House (苏莲面馆) — This place does the classic biangbiang noodles with a homemade wheat spice. The noodles are chewy, hand-pulled to order. I always get the 'three-fresh' version with tomato, egg, and pork. Price: ¥15–20 a bowl. It's on Renmin Middle Road, near the old post office. Open 10:00–22:00. They have a picture menu, so pointing works fine.

3. Xianyang Night Market (小广场夜市) — Near the clock tower, opens after 6pm. Skip the tourist rows at the main gate and go to the second alley where locals sit. Try the '烤油馍' (grilled oil bread) — a crispy flatbread with cumin and chili oil. And the 炒凉粉 (fried mung jelly). Costs: ¥5–20 per skewer. Bring small bills; stall owners prefer cash.

Dietary notes: Most noodle shops have vegetarian options (egg and vegetable). Halal food is rare except for some lamb dishes. Ask for 'meat free' by saying '不要肉' (bú yào ròu).

Where to Stay in Xianyang: What's the Best Base for a First-Timer?

You only need one solid night if you're doing two full days. I've slept in these, and my honest ranking is below.

For most, stay in the old city area around Zhongshan Street. You'll be close to the museum, the lake, and the night market. Taxis to farther sites are cheap anyway.

Pro Tip: Ask the front desk for a room not facing the street. Chinese cities are loud until midnight. And confirm they have a lift if you have luggage — old buildings in this area might not.

Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors: Payments, VPN, and Booking

Let's tackle the hurdles that usually trip people up.

Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are everywhere. As a foreigner, you can link your international Visa/Mastercard to both apps. But keep ¥500–600 in cash for small stalls and buses. Xianyang's smaller tourist sites may not accept foreign cards even when they have a card machine.

VPN: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube are blocked. Subscribe to a reliable VPN before landing. My clients use Let's VPN or Astrill. Without it, you'll be lost for maps and messaging.

Booking tickets: Many sites require passport and real-name registration. For Qianling, use Trip.com — it's the most foreigner-friendly and saves you from the Chinese mini-program nightmare. For the museum, you can buy at the gate.

Wi-Fi: Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but it can be spotty. Purchase a travel SIM or a Huawei pocket Wi-Fi at the airport. Or simply rely on your VPN with local SIM via eSIM from apps like Airalo.

Language: English is limited outside hotels. Download the Baidu Translate app — it does real-time camera translation for menus and signs.

Safety: Xianyang is safe. I've had clients leave phones on tables and they stay there. The biggest risk is pickpocketing in crowded night markets — but it's rare. Keep your passport in your hotel safe and carry a photocopy.

Before you go, check the latest visa and entry rules from the National Immigration Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Xianyang Weekend Trips

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All practical details were personally reviewed during multiple visits. Prices and schedules can change, so always confirm the latest with official sources or your hotel.