Xi'an in A Day: Terracotta Army & Top City Attractions with Lunch
Active
8h - 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
Discover the best of Xi’an in just one day! Join our group tour to explore the city’s top three iconic landmarks: the world-famous Terracotta Army, the ancient City Wall, and the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You’ll also get to visit a local family in a village near the Terracotta Army, where you’ll savor an authentic home-cooked lunch – a true highlight of this experience.
This carefully designed tour blends culture, history, and convenience seamlessly. With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and a comfortable, no-rush itinerary, you’ll forge a deeper connection to Xi’an’s rich heritage.
Why choose us?
• Comfortable group size for a more personal experience
• Expert local guide with deep cultural insights
• home-cooked authentic lunch with a local family
• Unbeatable value for your money
Perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike, this is the ultimate way to experience Xi’an in a single day.
Available options
Terracotta Army+City Highlight
Pickup included
Terracotta Army Tickets Only
No Guide/No Hotel Pick-up: This option does NOT include guided tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off, or lunch.
What's included
City Wall & Goose Pagoda Temple Tickets (not included in Terracotta Army ticket booking option)
Licensed English-Speaking Guide (not included in ticket booking option)
Air-Conditioned Vehicle (not included in ticket booking option)
Local Lunch (not included in ticket booking option)
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off (not included in ticket booking option)
Terracotta Army Tickets
Detailed itinerary
1
Pick you up:
1. Our guide and driver will go to your hotel lobby to pick you up on time.
2. Please acknowledge us your hotel name and address when you purchase the tour
2
Stop 2
Activities & Attractions: After approximately one hour of driving, we will visit the Terracotta Army. Prepare to be amazed by 7,000 life-sized terracotta warriors arranged in an authentic battle formation, which have been buried underground for over 2,200 years. (The recommended visiting time is 2.5 hours, and the area is mostly flat.) The museum tour includes three original pits:
Pit 1: Represents the main combat force.
Pit 2: Known as the "Flexible Troupe" (mobile unit).
Pit 3: Serves as the command center.
Undoubtedly, this is an invaluable resource for exploring the history of China’s first imperial dynasty, the Qin Dynasty.
3
Lunch:
After visiting the Terracotta Army, we will have lunch at a local family's home in a village near the Terracotta Army. Here, you can taste authentic home-cooked dishes that are different from those in restaurants and interact with the locals through conversations.
4
Stop 4
Activities & Attractions: In the afternoon, vist the City Wall, which is an iconic building in Xi'an City and also a defensive structure of the ancient city. Our tour guide will take you to walk on top of the wall, enjoy the scenery of the city, and understand the historical and cultural significance of the wall(Bicycle rental fee on the City Wall is not included).
5
Stop 5
Activities & Attractions: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located in the Great Ci'en Temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is one of the city's iconic landmarks. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, it was constructed to house the Buddhist scriptures, relics, and statues brought back by the famous monk Xuanzang from India. Standing at 64.517 meters tall, the pagoda has a square base and seven stories. Its simple and elegant architecture, with gray bricks forming the structure, showcases the unique style of Tang - Dynasty architecture. Inside the pagoda, there are many cultural relics and inscriptions, which are of great value for studying ancient Buddhist culture and history. As a symbol of the ancient Silk Road and a witness to the cultural exchange between China and India, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda attracts numerous visitors from home and abroad every year.
6
Drop off: After a great day of activities, we'll take you back to your hotel or drop you off at the Bell Tower Hotel. It's perfect for those who want to visit the Muslim Quarter on their own—just cross the street to get there.
What's not included
Gratuities
Terracotta Army ticket booking service does NOT include guided tours, hotel pick-up, or lunch.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
4 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
36 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
If your hotel is outside our pickup area – we’ll do our best to help you locate our meeting point. It’s actually a downtown hotel, and very easy to find. Our team will stay in contact with you until you meet our tour guide, and you can take Didi or a taxi to reach there.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
![[Small Group Tour for 15 People] Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace + Eternal Love/Camel Bell Legend/Empress of the Tang Dynasty 1-Day Tour](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/w2vpnmqemrxutekfvn9f.jpg)
