Family-Friendly Adventures in Xian, Shaanxi!

Terracotta Warriors Museum (Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum)

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary: Terracotta Warriors Museum

#### Morning

Start: Begin your adventure early to avoid crowds. The museum opens at 8:30 AM.

Getting There: From Xi’an, take the tourist bus line 5 (306) from the East Square of the Xi"an Railway Station directly to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. The journey takes about an hour.

Explore Pit 1: Start with Pit 1, the largest and most impressive, home to the main army. It’s a thrilling sight for kids and adults alike, revealing over 6,000 life-size soldiers in battle formation. Explain to your children how each warrior has unique facial features and expressions, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

Interesting Fact: Tell your kids that these warriors were buried for over 2,000 years and were meant to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

#### Midday

Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at the museum’s cafeteria, where you can try some local Shaanxi snacks that are kid-friendly.

Visit Pit 2 and Pit 3: After lunch, head to Pit 2 for a view of the cavalry and infantry units. Pit 3, though the smallest, is thought to be the command post for the army.

Interactive Exhibit: Don’t miss the museum"s interactive area where kids can create their own clay warriors to take home as a souvenir.

Interesting Fact: Share with your family that the different military formations and weapons in each pit reflect the highly organized military tactics of the Qin Dynasty.

#### Afternoon

Bronze Chariots Display: Conclude your visit at the exhibition hall showcasing the bronze chariots and horses, discovered in 1980 west of the mausoleum.

Cinema Experience: Finish your day with the 360-degree cinema at the museum, which offers a virtual tour through the history of Emperor Qin and his army.

Departure: Head back to Xi’an in the late afternoon, filled with memories and new knowledge about one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Tip: If your family enjoys biking, consider renting bicycles near the museum area to explore the surrounding Lishan Garden and other nearby attractions, offering a pleasant break and scenic views.

This engaging and educational day will leave your entire family with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Chinese history!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Guangren Temple

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Visit to Guangren Temple, Xi"an

Morning Arrival & Temple Exploration (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

Start your day early by heading to Guangren Temple, located on the northwest side of Xi"an, near the ancient city wall. Easily accessible by bus (take bus no. 6, 11, or 12) or taxi, this Tibetan Buddhist temple offers a peaceful retreat from the city"s hustle. As one of the few Tibetan Buddhist temples in Shaanxi Province, and the only one in Xi"an, it was originally built in 1703 during the Qing Dynasty, making it a site rich in cultural and historical significance.

Interactive Activities (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Engage with the temple"s serene atmosphere by participating in a family-friendly meditation session, typically open to visitors of all ages. Learn about the unique aspects of Tibetan Buddhism through a guided tour available in multiple languages. Don’t miss the intricate murals and statues that highlight the artistic heritage of the temple.

Lunch Break (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)

For lunch, enjoy some local Shaanxi dishes at nearby eateries that offer delightful culinary experiences, such as biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), which are favorites among locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon Leisure & Cultural Immersion (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

Post-lunch, stroll around the temple grounds to see the ancient pines and cypress trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, providing perfect photo opportunities and a chance to discuss the importance of nature in Buddhism. Visit the temple"s small shop for souvenirs like prayer beads or traditional scrolls.

Wrap up your visit by around 3:00 PM to avoid the late afternoon crowds and reflect on the peaceful experiences and new learnings of the day. This visit to Guangren Temple offers not only a glimpse into the spiritual life but also a chance to bond over shared cultural discoveries and serene moments.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Xian Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyanta)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure in Xi’an with a visit to the Xi’an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagada (Xiaoyanta), a serene retreat that offers a glimpse into China"s rich history wrapped in a peaceful park setting.

Starting Point: Xi"an Museum

Begin your day early by heading to the Xi"an Museum, located in the southwest of the Jianfu Temple. It"s easily accessible by public transport; catch bus numbers 18, 203, 204, 218, or 407 and alight at the Xiaoyanta Station. The museum opens at 9:00 AM, but try to get there early to beat the crowds.

The Xi"an Museum, free of charge, presents a well-curated collection of over 130,000 pieces that depict Shaanxi culture and art. Engage the young ones with stories from ancient China as you explore artifacts from the Zhou to the Tang dynasties. Don’t miss the impressive Tang dynasty mural paintings - a true spectacle!

Next Stop: Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Just a short walk from the museum, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands within the serene Jianfu Temple grounds. This site, dating back to 707 AD during the Tang Dynasty, is smaller but no less significant than its counterpart, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It"s known for its survival of the massive 1556 Shaanxi earthquake, leaving it slightly tilted but majestically intact.

The pagoda and temple complex opens its doors at 9:00 AM. There’s a minimal fee to climb the pagoda, which is well worth it for the panoramic views of the city. The complex also features a tranquil garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Both sites are stroller-friendly and have restrooms and snack vendors nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for families with young children. Conclude your tour by enjoying a serene moment at the park adjacent to the temple, a perfect end to a day filled with heritage and learning.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

South Gate (Yongningmen)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to South Gate (Yongningmen), Xi"an

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your family adventure at the historic South Gate (Yongningmen), one of the most beautifully preserved parts of Xi’an’s City Wall. The best way to get there is by taking the subway Line 2 to Yongningmen Station, which brings you directly to the South Gate. Begin by exploring the gate itself, which boasts impressive architecture and a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Educational Fact: Yongning, meaning "eternal peace", underscores the gate"s original purpose as a fortress to protect the city.

Late Morning: Bicycle Ride on the City Wall

Rent bicycles at the South Gate (available in adult and children sizes) and take a leisurely ride along the ancient City Wall. This is a perfect way to see the city from a unique vantage point. The entire loop is about 14 kilometers, but you can turn back at any point.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants outside the South Gate. Try the famous Xi’an burger (Roujiamo) and some handmade Biangbiang noodles, a delight for both kids and adults.

Afternoon: Calligraphy Lesson

Post lunch, participate in a calligraphy class often held in small studios near the South Gate area. It’s a fun way to learn about Chinese culture and art. Each family member can practice writing their names in Chinese characters!

Late Afternoon: Relax at the Park

Finally, unwind at the nearby Shuncheng Alley, a charming area with cafes and small shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, visit the Xi"an Botanical Garden, a short taxi ride away, where kids can enjoy the playgrounds and you can admire the lush scenery.

This itinerary combines history, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family at South Gate (Yongningmen)!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Xi"an City Wall (Chengqiang)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Xi"an City Wall (Chengqiang)

Morning: Arrival and Bike Ride on the Wall

Start your adventure at the South Gate (Yongning), the most grandio and well-preserved part of the Wall. You can easily reach it by taking the subway Line 2 to Yongningmen Station. Upon arrival, explore the ancient gate and capture some family photos with the impressive archway as your backdrop. Rent bicycles at the South Gate—available in both adult and children sizes—and cycle on top of the wall. This provides a unique vantage point over Xi’an, mixing thrill and history as you peddle along the 14-kilometer loop, which is completely paved and safe for kids.

Lunch: Local Cuisine Near the Wall

After your ride, enjoy a lunch of local Shaanxi dishes such as Biang Biang noodles or Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) at a nearby restaurant. The Muslim Quarter is also a short walk from the wall, where the food is a delightful exploration of Xi’an’s cultural diversity.

Afternoon: Explore the Watchtowers and Internal Park

Post-lunch, delve into exploring the watchtowers spaced out along the wall, which once served as military lookout posts. Each tower tells a story and offers unique views and photo opportunities. Additionally, visit the internal park within the City Wall where kids can run around and interact with traditional Chinese musical instruments or participate in kite flying.

Evening: Sunset and LED Show

Conclude your visit by watching a stunning sunset from the West Gate. As dusk falls, the wall is illuminated with LED lights—an enchanting sight that captivates both adults and children alike.

Interesting Fact: Xi’an City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, originally built for military defense over 600 years ago during the Ming dynasty.

This itinerary offers a blend of physical activity, cultural immersion, and relaxation, perfect for a memorable family day out in Xi’an.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.