What you expect for a Xi'an tour? You may want to see the highlights of Xi'an, like the Terracotta Army, ride a bike along the ancient city wall, or you simply like history and culture.
We understand that basic background information is not enough, even though travelers like to visit the same Xi'an highlights, so we would like to introduce Xi'an to you from different aspects.
Compare ancient dynasties with modern China and the Western impact with Eastern thoughts. Spend several days in Xi'an to get an insight into its society and discover the brilliant human nature there.
As a local, your guide is happy to share personal opinions of his/her hometown. Previous guiding experience means our guides know that simply reciting lots of historical information makes customers feel bored.
Therefore, every one of our guides has their own unique ways of asking customers to join in and have fun in Xi'an. We call these our spotlight and exclusive Xi'an experiences.
Secrets of the Terracotta Army
Duration: 3.5 Hours+
Make a mini clay warrior with local artisans
Discover different aspects of the warriors
Visit disappearing cave dwellings
Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor who set a precedent for modern China. He did not know how much of an impact he would have on the nation and even the rest of the world in the long term.
Unveil the secrets of the world wonder that can't be Googled:
- How were the craftsmen from 2,200 years ago made over 8,000 life-size warriors in 11 years, which is more efficient than a modern factory today?
- Xi'an is cold in winter but hot in summer — what prevents the clay warriors from cracking?
- Purple color painted on warriors is the result of a chemical reaction, how did they have the technical skill at that time?
Then your guide will accompany you to a local cave dwelling where a craftsman makes terracotta warriors in a traditional way.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 2)
Han and Tang: Dynasties of Cultural Exchange
Duration: 3.5 Hours+
Stories behind the antiques in Hanyang Tomb & Shaanxi History Museum
Hanfu costume experience in an ancient academy
In history, Xi'an reached its high point during the Han Dynasty (Western Han 206 BC–9 AD, Eastern Han 25–220) and the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
Let's discover traces of the reasons why this happened during these two dynasties in the two museums.
The Hanyang Tomb is Emperor Jingdi's mausoleum. His son, Wudi, was responsible for establishing the Silk Road, which was the beginning of official cultural exchange between China and the outside world. Relics there indicate that Emperor Jingdi had paved the way for his son.
Shaanxi History Museum displays the most typical items used during the Han and Tang dynasties, your guide will highlight the impact that cultural exchange with other countries and regions had.
Then you will get an opportunity to learn about China's traditional national costumes in an ancient academy based on the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It is believed that cultural exchange was one of the main forces for China's development. This is also the reason why China has developed the Belt and Road Initiative today.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 1 and Day 3)
A Bite of Xi'an
Duration: 2.5 Hours+
Explore an authentic Muslim Quarter
Try the traditional local snacks and trendy food
Discover a peaceful Great Mosque
Food in the metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai has mixed characteristics but food in Xi'an has unique flavors. Most Xi'an food is made of flour so many Westerners consider dishes from Xi'an to be their favorite in China.
If you are only interested in very normal but popular Xi'an snacks, your guide will accompany you to try famous ones, such as roujiamo (a Chinese hamburger), biangbiang noodles, and pita bread soaked in lamb soup in the Muslim Quarter.
If you would like to try something popular but that may seem a little risky for foreigners, there are some interesting choices for you. If you are looking for a food challenge then go ahead, be brave, and have fun!
Behind the bustling Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque quiet and ceremonial. Its traditional Chinese architectural style is very special. Muslims eat halal food and lead a halal lifestyle.
Taste Xi'an food and immerse yourself in the Muslim atmosphere, just like Marco Polo did when he was there 743 years ago.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 2)
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Repeat visit to Xian - Excellent!
This time Jenny was my guide and she is a wealth of knowledge and very accommodating in regards to making sure my visit exceeded expectations. One thing I did really appreciate was her suggesting the best days and times to visit the sights to minimize the crowds as August is very busy with Chinese tourists heading to the same sights as was in my schedule. Everything went smoothly and while intense was never overwhelming. I also loved her choices for food and showing me places where the cuisine was unique to this province. more
Aug 2025, DMW1207
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X'ian an extraordinary experience with a great guide and driver
Xian is an extraordinary city, and Crystal was just as extraordinary. From the moment we arrived at the airport, both she and the driver proved to be reliable, helpful, and incredibly kind. We visited the Terracotta Museum, following her advice to leave early in the morning. This gave us the opportunity to see this extraordinary discovery up close with fewer people. The guide was always eager to explain something to us, whether it was about the language, history, or traditions. She's a person with a golden heart, very knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. Amidst so much history, there were plenty of opportunities for calligraphy and cooking classes. Not to forget the evening at the theatre organised by Crystal, who even took the time to buy our tickets and wait for us at the theatre, even though it was already evening.The driver was truly top-notch and incredibly kind. What can I say, an unforgettable experience. more
Aug 2025, Tanja T
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Xi'an trough Crystals eyes
We had the honor to explore the city together with Crystal and her driver. An amazing and heartwarming couple, always with a smile on their faces and ready to help out. Extremely knowledgeable and always with an explanation ready for us. The tour to the terracotta worriers was an unforgettable experience also thanks to our guides advice and explanations. We had the opportunity to get to know the city not only throughout museums but also trough the daily life. Been extremely happy and will certainly come back for more exploring. more
Aug 2025, Aurora P
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(10,000+ reviews)