For the backpackers, you can cover as many scenic spots as you can as long as you stay at Xian for three nights. You can have a stroll on the ancient city walls and have some visits in and out of the city, such as the Drum Tower, Wild Goose Pagoda, etc.
Many of the sites to visit are outside Xi’an and the surrounding countryside offers a treasure trove of historical and religious relics of China. The most famous site is the Terracotta Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose Mausoleum lies close the warriors. Both these sights are to the east of Xian. There are other less famous but equally fascinating places worth visiting too. The Famen Temple claims to house the Buddha's fingers and still draws crowds of practicing monks (and tourists) to marvel at the fingers and the Tang dynasty treasures which are kept here. The countryside around Xian is also attractive and there are numerous mountains, including Mount Huashan which is a great break from the city.

The easiest way to see the sights around Xi’an is either to join an organized tour or to take the excellent Green Bus tours. These buses leave from the Bell Tower in Xi’an at regular intervals throughout the day. Riders purchase one ticket which allows them to hop on and off as many of the buses as they choose. Buses pass through the major sites approximately every ten minutes and this is a great way to see the sites at your own pace. The Eastern trip can be done in one day and includes: the Ban Po Remains, the Huaqing Springs , Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum and the Terracotta Army. The Western trip is further so to allow a long day for this one! To the west the Green bus passes through: Xianyang Ancient City, the Imperial Tombs, Yang Gueifei's tomb and the Famen Temple.
When you return to the downtown at night, there are many programs you can have a try, such traditional shows at different parks or restaurants, which all reflect a very authentic and typical of Chinese traditional culture.

For detailed information, please drop in an email and you will get a tailor-made itinerary exclusively for your tour calendar and interest.
john@chinahuangshan.com congzhang35@hotmail.com