Private 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights Tour

Xian , China

Private 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights Tour

Active

(6 reviews)

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

This private day historical tour takes you to the main attractions in Xi'an, including the Bell and Drum Towers square, the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square. In addition, you can also discuss with your private tour guide and customize the itinerary according to your interests.

Available options

1 Day Xian City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Air conditioned car with chauffeur

Centrally located hotel pick-up and drop-off

Bottled water

Private English-speaking tour guide

Entrance tickets to Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Banpo Museum, Shaanxi History Museum and Dayanta

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour guide and driver will pick up you at your hotel in the morning. First you will be escorted to the Bell and Drum Towers Square, where you will have a photo stop. It is the best time to take photos of these two towers in the morning with golden sunlight.

Then your guide will lead you to visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum which has a collection of ancient stone tablets, epitaphs and stone carvings of all ages.

Stop 3

Following is a visit to the Banpo Museum, which is the site of a matriarchal clan of Yangshao culture during the Neolithic period about 6,000 years ago. The museum mainly includes the Unearthed Relics Exhibition Hall where you can see their production tools and living goods made of stone, bone and pottery clay, the Historical Site Hall which is a part of a primitive village, as well as the Supplementary Exhibition Hall where you will see some thematic exhibitions related to the prehistory.

Stop 4

Then you will continue the trip to the Shaanxi History Museum and learn more of the profound Chinese civilization, especially during Zhou (1046 - 256 BC), Qin (221 - 207 BC), Han (202 BC - 220 AD) and Tang (618 - 907) dynasties.

Stop 5

Afterwards, head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda square to appreciate the Pagoda from a distance. It is the earliest and largest square tower built of bricks during the Tang Dynasty. You will also have some free time to explore the Great Tang All Day Mall, which is just opposite to the pagoda temple. It is a long pedestrian street full of Tang Dynasty culture.

At the end of the trip, drive you back to the hotel. Any part of the itinerary can be customized to meet your interests and needs. Just contact our travel consultant for your personal travel experience.

What's not included

Gratuities

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

No tourist shops, factories, tea ceremonies and shopping site restaurants take up your valuable time, which ensures you a pure sightseeing experience.

Important notes

• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.