Xian , China

3 Hours Gourmet Walking Tour in Xian

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About this experience

Instead of scouring your guidebooks for hints and tips about where and what to eat, get a local’s perspective and follow your guide around a handful of lower-profile local restaurants and street vendors. Discover some of local hidden culinary gems on this downtown walking tour in Xian. Enjoy a delectable range of barbecue and Shaanxi cuisine as you explore the city’s Muslim Quarter and the surrounding area.

Visit the Great Mosque hidden in the Muslim Quarter

Discover the local hidden culinary gems in ancient Xian

Enjoy a delectable range of barbecue and Shaanxi cuisine

Your choice of morning and afternoon tour departures

Walking tour starts at the convenient meeting point

Available options

3 Hours Gourmet Walking Tour in Xian

What's included

English-speaking tour guide

Entrance fee of the Mosque

All specified beverages

All specified food tastings

Gourmet walking tour

Greet at the meeting point

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

To ensure time-saving and convenient meeting your guide, please arrange your own way to the meting point – Xian Bell Tower Hotel (Add: No.110 South Avenue, Beilin District, Xi'an), starting time is 10:00 am or 15:00 pm, local guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and offer you intriguing insight into Xian’s rich culture.

Before tasting delicious local foods, the guide will take you to explore an ancient mosque which is known as biggest mosque in China. The Great Mosque hides in the corner of the crowded street, named Hua Jue Xiang in Chinese, it is easily be passed by if people do not look for it carefully. The Great Mosque combines a traditional Chinese architecture form with Islamic functionality, it boasts many relics including ancient furniture, paintings, and calligraphies tablet art and the Koran in both Arabic and Chinese.

The first stop after the Great Mosque visiting is Jia San Restaurant, where you can enjoy guantang baozi. After you have had your fill, chow down on delicious barbecue at another vendor down the street. Pair it with bingfeng, Xi'an's version of a soda. Shredded pancake and sesame fillets will be waiting for you at another restaurant. Walk down Muslim Street and visit a popular vendor for a mouthwatering persimmon pancake - the long lines let you know it's good!

With this tour, your friendly guide will bring you to the best places offering the best local food, and will give you a thorough rundown of the dishes you try and places you see. This 3-hour tour will give you a complete and satisfying experience. Afterwards, bid farewell to your guide and return to your hotel or continue sightseeing on your own.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress properly

Please be aware that most of the food will be from street vendors

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Please provide your hotel name at time of booking for emergency contact

Meeting point

Xian Bell Tower Hotel (Add: No.110 South Avenue, Beilin District, Xi'an)

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.