Xian , China

Classic Xi'an City Bus Tour

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About this experience

Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler in China, Xi'an is always a must-visit destination known for history. Classic Xi'an City Bus Tour takes you to explore the ancient city of Xi'an and visit all the popular attractions including Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area, North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall, Bell & Drum Tower Square and Muslim Quarter.

Available options

Xian Classic City Bus Tour

One full day Xian city tour. <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver

One bottle of mineral water per day

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Xi'an downtown

English-speaking guide

Local taxes

Entrance fees as list in the itinerary

Detailed itinerary

In the morning, your tour guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel at some 8:30 am and starts the tour at Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area. Small Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the two completely preserved Tang Dynasty Buddhist Pagodas in Xian.

Stop 2

Visiting Xian Museum which locates inside of Small Wild Goose Pagoda, you will find historical relics and learn about the history of the ancient capital city.

Later on, visit the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda here was built in the Tang Dynasty for keeping Buddhist Sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Master Xuanzang brought back to China from ancient India. Now surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the large public square for leisure.

Stop 3

In the afternoon, head to Xian ancient City Wall, the most completely preserved and the largest existing city wall in China. It was originally built in the Ming Dynasty for military defense, but now becomes an important attraction in Xi'an. You have an option to ride a bike on the top of City Wall and enjoy the beautiful view of the entire area inside the City Wall.

Next we will move on to North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda was originally built to hold the sutras and Buddha statues that Xuanzang brought back to China from India. Now there is a big garden around the pagoda where people can have a nice walk.

Stop 5

After that, you will visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower of Xi’an date back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The two are located in the center of the Xian city connecting the four roads from east, south, west and north within the City Wall.

The last stop is the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian City. Many special local products and snacks could be found along this street. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, etc.

At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Personal expense

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

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Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please leave a note when booking if you have any special requirement about the tour, such as diet.

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.

Pickup is available for hotels within 2nd ring road of Xian city. If your hotel beyond the range, please come to Bell Tower Hotel to meet the group or pay extra transfer fee.

You are suggested to wear comfortable shoes on tour day.

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Meeting point

If your hotel beyond the range, please come to Bell Tower Hotel to meet the group or pay extra transfer fee.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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.