Xi'an Full Day Sightseeing Tour - Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall

Xian , China

Xi'an Full Day Sightseeing Tour - Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall

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(25 reviews)

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

Spend a full day exploring the unique history, culture, beautiful architecture and religious monuments of the ancient walled city of Xi'an. One of the capitals of ancient China, this city is also one of the four capitals of the world’s ancient civilizations. Visit the Shaanxi History Museum and learn all about the “Silk Road” city, one of the most well-protected cities in China. Tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with your expert guide, stop at the Great Mosque and enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch.

Note: Shaanxi History Museum has the strict limitation for the entrance tickets every day. Once it is not available, you will visit its sister museum -- Shaanxi Archaeology Museum, instead.

Available options

Option 1

Pickup included

What's included

Professional English-speaking tour guide

Chinses style lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pickup and drop off

Admission tickets

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour begins with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum for a cultural and historical overview of the province, beginning with the great Emperor Qing. You'll relive the rise of the city’s greatness as guardian of the wealth that came from the Silk Road.

Stop 2

Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a symbol of the city. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the square pyramid stands at 60 meters high and seven-story tall.

Stop 3

Ancient City Wall is one of oldest existing Chinese city wall, based in Xi’an, an ancient capital of China. Construction of the first city wall measured 25.7 km in length, 12-16 m in thickness at the base. The area within the wall was 36 square km. Ming Dynasty built a new wall to protect a much smaller city of 12 square km. The wall measures 11.9 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15-18 m in thickness at the base.

Stop 4

Great Mosque is one of five Muslim sanctuaries in China. The mosque is built in traditional Chinese style. First constructed in the Tang Dynasty, its grounds were expanded in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties to include pavilions, platforms and halls.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

23 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum Departure: 2 Persons

Important notes

•Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
•Shaanxi History Museum has the strict limitation for the entrance tickets every day. Once it is not available, you will visit its sister museum -- Shaanxi Archaeology Museum, instead.
•Minimum Departure: 2 Persons

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.