Impressive Xian Downtown Tour with Driver and Guide

Xian , China

Impressive Xian Downtown Tour with Driver and Guide

Active

(2 reviews)

7h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Exploring the beautiful city with the guidance of local experienced driver and guide is indeed a popular way for international tourists. No matter which site you want to visit, you will directly be transferred there in tune with your taste. No need to concern about traffic, guide, or entrance tickets. Follow us to uncover the mask of this ancient and historical city, go back to the past and get to know the history on the one day downtown tour.

Available options

Morning Tour

If you would like to start this tour in the morning of 9am, please choose this option.

Afternoon Tour Option

If you would like to start this tour at 12:00 in noon, please choose this option.

What's included

Tolls, fuel and parking charges

Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver

English-speaking tour guide service

Entrance fees for three spots in the range of suggested sites in itinerary

One bottle of mineral water per day.

Detailed itinerary

At 09:00,our driver and guide will wait for you at your hotel by holding a sign with your name. After the pickup, let’s have fun visiting the attractions based on your choices. Or you can also ask the guide for suggestions to pick some ideal sites that suit you well. Usually the tour ends around 5 pm. If you prefer an afternoon & evening tour starts at 1 pm and ends around 9pm, there is no problem as long as you leave special request when book the service.

Following is the top downtown attractions visited and rated highly by most travelers, you can choose 3-4 sites freely from them according to your interest:

Stop 2

Xi’an ancient City Wall: the most complete and well-preserved as well as the largest city wall in China. Since it encloses the city, you have an option to ride a bike on top of the city wall.

Muslim Street: This is the place where Xian snacks are most concentrated, and the place where must not be missed. Muslim Street is already a thousand years old. You can feel strong enthusiasm for life.

Stop 4

It is a worship place for Buddhists. The pagoda was originally built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back to China from India. Now surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda there is a big Garden, where people can have a retreat.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda is the twin of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Both the two pagodas are important witnesses for the history of Great Tang Dynasty. It was also built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought from Ancient India by the master monk Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty. Different from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda attracts visitors with its special charms that it keeps quiet and peaceful in the bustling downtown area, has precious value on architecture and Chinese garden aesthetics.

Stop 6

It integrates museums, historical sites and urban gardens, which is famous for the precious cultural relics, the Tang millennium ancient pagoda, the graceful Yanta morning bell, and the beautiful landscape of the garden.

Stop 7

The Great Mosque: A main Islam place for religious activities in Xi’an. Different from the Mosque in Arabic, the Mosque here in Xi’an possesses a lot of Chinese traditional style in both its design and artistic outlook.

YongXing Fang Food Culture Quarter: An interesting place close to the Zhongshan Gate of City Wall. Visitors can taste the most authentic Shaanxi folk snacks with regional characteristics, purchase local products, food and tourist souvenirs made by old process of craft.

Stop 9

Bell and Drum Tower Square: Located in the center of Xian city. On the east side of the square stands the six-hundred-year-old clock tower, and the largest drum tower in the west.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel

What's not included

Gratuities (highly recommended)

Any meal

Personal expense

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

You will be contacted at least one day ahead of the travel day via email to advise the pickup info. The tour guide will also call you or leave you a message through your hotel room the night before tour about pickup time.

Offered pickup/drop-off service is available for hotels within 2nd ring road of Xian city. If your hotel beyond the range, please expect it might occur additional transfer fee accordingly.

You are suggested to wear comfortable shoes on tour day.

Meeting point

Offered pick-up/drop-off service is available for hotels within Xi'an downtown city. if your hotel is beyond the range, an additional transfer fee will be charged accordingly.

Important notes

• Dress code is smart - no casual clothes (i.e. jeans, sportswear, joggers or sneakers)
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Xian

Xian is one of the oldest cities in China, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the famous Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and as the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Top Attractions

Terracotta Army

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Historical 2-3 hours 150 RMB (including museum)

Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the old city and offers a unique perspective of Xian's history and urban landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours 54 RMB (including bike rental)

Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is a bustling area known for its vibrant street food scene, historic mosques, and unique Islamic architecture. It offers a glimpse into the multicultural history of Xian.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (food and shopping costs extra)

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xian. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Historical 1-2 hours 50 RMB (including museum)

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most important museums in China, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi region. It houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (but requires a reservation)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Roujiamo

Also known as the Chinese burger, it consists of braised pork belly stuffed in a crispy flatbread.

Snack Contains pork

Liangpi

Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy sauce and various toppings.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Yangrou Paomo

Lamb soup with bread pieces, a staple dish in Xian.

Dish Contains lamb

Biangbiang Noodles

Wide, hand-pulled noodles with a thick, chewy texture, often served with a spicy sauce.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lishan Mountain Biking along the Ancient City Wall Visiting Huaqing Palace hot springs Tea tasting in local teahouses Exploring the Terracotta Army Visiting the Shaanxi History Museum Walking the Ancient City Wall at sunset Trying local street food in the Muslim Quarter

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Xian as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Xian is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Xian Xianyang International Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

Xian Railway Station, Xian North Railway Station

By bus

Xian Long-distance Bus Station, Xian North Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Xian Metro is efficient and covers most major attractions. It's the fastest way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Yanta District Beilin District Muslim Quarter Qujiang New District

Day trips

Huaqing Palace

15 km from city center • Half day

Huaqing Palace is a complex of hot springs and palaces known for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. It was a favorite retreat for emperors and is associated with the Tang Dynasty.

Lishan Mountain

20 km from city center • Full day

Lishan Mountain is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and historical sites. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Famen Temple

120 km from city center • Full day

Famen Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, known for housing the relics of the Buddha. It is a significant pilgrimage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

Festivals

Chinese New Year • January or February (varies) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month Qinling Mountain Marathon • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Try local street food, but choose busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and food safety.
Use the metro or bike-sharing services to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Book tickets for popular attractions like the Terracotta Army in advance to avoid long queues.