Seven days and six nights is enough to see the Chengdu pandas and the Terracotta Army if you fly into Chengdu and take the high-speed rail to Xi’an. Both cities are close by train, and each gets enough days to feel like a visit, not a transfer.
This plan is written for first-timers who love history and want one food city and one ancient capital.
Who is this route for?
It suits culture lovers, couples and parents travelling with adult children. It is easier than a Beijing and Xi’an trip because Chengdu is milder and the rail link is short. If you are unsure between the two capitals of history, read Beijing versus Xi’an.
What does the route look like?
- Day 1: arrive in Chengdu and rest
- Day 2: pandas and old Chengdu streets
- Day 3: high-speed rail to Xi’an, Muslim Quarter evening
- Day 4: Terracotta Army
- Day 5: history museum, city wall and Great Mosque
- Day 6: slow morning, rail back to Chengdu
- Day 7: fly home
Day by day
Day 1: arrive and rest
Chengdu is at about 500 m[1], so nobody feels the height. Eat something gentle and sleep early.
Day 2: pandas and old streets
Go to the panda base early. It was founded in 1987 with six rescued pandas[2]. Spend the afternoon in an old teahouse, where you can sit and rest.
Day 3: rail to Xi’an
The Xi’an to Chengdu high-speed railway opened on 6 December 2017 and runs 510 km[3]. It cut the trip from about 16 hours to under three hours[3]. Arrive at the station 30 to 40 minutes early for the bag check[4], and have your passport ready at the gate[5].
In the evening, walk the Muslim Quarter slowly. The Muslim Quarter stay guide explains the noise, the food and the access.
Day 4: Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was found on 29 March 1974 by farmers digging a well[6]. The museum has three main pits, with Pit 1 the largest[7]. Plan the full morning and take your passport, because you need it to buy tickets and enter[8]. The visit guide covers timing and routes.
The tomb of the First Qin Emperor, which includes the army, was inscribed in 1987[9]. Rest in the afternoon.
Day 5: museum, wall and mosque
Spend the morning at the Shaanxi History Museum, which needs booking in advance. In the afternoon, walk or cycle a section of the city wall, then visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an at 30 Huajue Lane inside the Muslim Quarter[10].
Day 6: rail back to Chengdu
Keep the morning slow. Take an afternoon train back to Chengdu, check in near the airport side of town and rest.
Day 7: fly home
Leave for the airport early. Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per stay without a visa, so this trip fits well within it[11]. Rules can change, so confirm on the official source.
Where should you stay?
- Chengdu: near a metro line; see the Chengdu hotel areas guide
- Xi’an: inside the city wall for walking, or near the north station for rail; compare in the inside the wall guide
Think in areas, not hotel names, and ask whether a taxi can reach the door.
How can you adapt it?
- Shorter: drop Day 6 by flying out of Xi’an if your quote offers an open-jaw ticket.
- Seniors: take the Terracotta Army in the morning and rest after lunch.
- Children: keep museum visits short and shift the city wall to a cooler hour.
- Halal meals: the Hui avoid pork[12], so ask for Hui-run restaurants.
What should you book ahead?
Book flights, the rail tickets once sales open, the history museum slot and your Terracotta Army day. Ask the quote whether it includes a guide, drivers and shopping stops.
Check the pace with the pace checker, price it in ringgit with the budget planner, and browse the itineraries topic page.