One Day Private Trip to Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace

Xian , China

One Day Private Trip to Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace

Active

(9 reviews)

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 day trip will lead you to the east side of Xian and visit two important historical sites, which coincidentally adjacent to each other, Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace. The local guide will accompany you to admired the most significant excavation in 90s and see the great formation of the Terracotta Army, from which you will know about Qin history and the first Emperor in Chinese history - Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon, you will head for Huaqing Palace and be amazed by its Tang era pavilions, lotus pools and gardens while listening to the great love story of Lady Yang.

Available options

Private Tour only

This trip will provide you private transfer service and guide only.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Round-trip private transfer from city hotel

Professional art historian guide

Fuel surcharge

Experienced driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will start at 7:30 a.m, which is a bit early morning so as to avoid crowds.

About 1 hour later, we will arrive at Terra-cotta Army Museum. This museum is built right on the original site of Terra-cotta Army as a great protection. You will see the museum is composed of three pits, which contained different terracotta figures and weapons ranked according to their different roles in a battle. We will focus on Pit 1 and Pit 2 as these two contain the majority of discovered figures. It's said this site has in total 8000 soldiers but we can only see part of them right now. Some of them remain unexcavated. From this short tour, you will learn about the history, society and culture of Qin Dynasty.

Stop 2

In the afternoon, you will head for last site of this day trip - Huaqing Palace. It was a palace for Emperor Longji of Tang Dynasty to get away from the stressful court and enjoy hot spring which this place is very famous for. The Emperor had a world-famous concubine named Yang Yuhuan, who usually took bath here. That's why you will see a couple of ancient bathtubs here. They had a great time in this palace and left a wonderful love story to later generations. Nowadays, you will still see the trees that they planted together and under which they made wishes to live together until death apart. Many lovers come here to make wishes as well.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to city and take rest.

What's not included

1. Entrance fee for sites you will visit;

2. Tips for guide and driver;

3. Lunch.

Entrance ticket for Terra Cotta warriors 120 Entrance ticket for HuaQing Palace 120

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

1. Please let us know if you need to be picked up from other places outside hotel;

2. Please let us know if you need to be dropped off to other places outside hotel;

3. It's suggestive that you wear comfortable shoes;

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.