Private Tour: Essential Xian Day Tour including Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses

Xian , China

Private Tour: Essential Xian Day Tour including Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Xi’An is the capital of Shaanxi Province and was the fabled starting point for the famous Silk Road. It served as the provincial capital for 13 dynasties, spanning a period of 1,100 years. Xi’An is unlike any major city in China, with an intact city wall, quaint local customs and a long history, even by Chinese standards. Xi’An is home of the world renowned Terra Cotta Army, an archeological site of unimaginable size and importance.

Available options

Excursion Tour - English

1. Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses

2. Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum

3. Banpo Ruin

4. Lunch<br/>Pickup included

Excursion Tour - Chinese

1. Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses 2. Emperor Qins Mausoleum 3. Banpo Ruin 4. Lunch<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Chinese style lunch

Private English-speaking tour guide

Hotel drop-off & drop-off

Private tour vehicle with the professional driver

Admission tickets

All transportation tax, tolls, parking fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Terra-Cotta Warriorrs & Horses was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb and to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 life-size terra cotta figures and horses buried here. The museum complex features extensive exhibits, artifacts and a movie of the rich history of the site, plus breathtaking examples of the countless treasures unearthed here.

Stop 2

Dating back about 6,000 years, Banpo was a typical Neolithic matriarchal community. At that time, the Banpo people used tools made primarily of wood and stone. Women, the crucial labor force, were responsible for making pottery, spinning, and raising the family, while men fished. This excavated site of a village was discovered in 1953, 45 houses, 6 pottery kilns, 200 storage pits, 250 adult’s tombs and children’s burial jars, 10,000 tools and utensils were unearthed.

Stop 3

Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum is a great wonder in Xi’An. The site was chosen which fulfilled the geomagnetic requirements with mountains as the backdrop and a river in front. Emperor Qin Shihuang began to build the mausoleum for himself since he came to throne at the age of 13. After the unification of the country in 221B.C., the project grew large in scale.

What's not included

Gratuities

Personal Expense

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence prior to this 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.