Private Trip to Terracotta Army and Banpo Neolithic Museum

Xian , China

Private Trip to Terracotta Army and Banpo Neolithic Museum

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About this experience

This private tour will take you to visit two of the most significant museums in Xian. People who like Chinese culture would find a lot of fun here. In the first site - Terracotta Army and Horses Museum, you will be able to learn about the very first union of the whole China, meanwhile, you will see its contributions and disadvantages. From the great formation that Qin Shi Huang has requested the army to be built, you can see he wanted to rule even in his afterlife. In the afternoon, you will navigate your way to Banpo Museum. It's a neolithic culture site, not that grand as Terracotta Army, but still worth visiting. You will see how primitives lived and their development condition.

Available options

Private tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Professional English-speaking tour guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your personal guide will pick you up at 7:30a.m from hotel lobby.

After about an hour's drive, you will find yourself stand in the grand Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. As the name indicates, this site dates back to Qin Dynasty about late 300 B.C. Serving as a burial companion army for Qin Shi Huang, it has over 8000 soldiers excavated and hundreds of horses and chariots, together with other figures like musicians, officials, strongmen, acrobats, etc.. There are arranged according to their role in different pits. You will see that each figure has their unique expressions and it is amazing to see that many of them are vividly displaying their emotions. Your guide will walk through all the soldiers and brief you the important ones in detail. You will also enjoy some Qin Dynasty weapons and daily necessities that you may see from the TV series shot today. From this short tour, you will learn so much about mausoleum, Qin Dynasty culture and the master of this tomb - Qin Shi Huang.

Stop 2

Lunch at a local restaurant at your own cost.

In the afternoon, you will head for Banpo Neolithic Museum. It’s a site that reveals the mystery of Neolithic culture of Yangshao that dates back to 6000 years. The whole site is about 50000 sq meters, with 45 hours discovered, over 200 cellar hole unearthed and other tombs, tools, supplies. This culture has been found in 1952 and after several years of excavation and study, Banpo Museum is finally built in 1958 and it became the first prehistoric ruins museum in China. In this trip, your guide will introduce their daily life, residential conditions, artificial products, grave rituals, etc.. From what presented in the museum, you can imagine how ancient people lived.

Hotel drop off at the end.

What's not included

Lunch

Admission fee for sites to visit.

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.