Explore Essence of Xi'an
3-Day Xi'an Tour with Must-sees and Unique Experiences
What's the essence of Xi'an? How can you experience the soul of the ancient city in 3 days at your own pace?
This tour includes 7 must-see attractions in Xi'an, which represent different cultures during four dynasties, and enjoy 3 exclusive experiences to get an insight into the city and its people. The tour can be adjusted according to your needs and interests.
As you admire the Terracotta Army, you may also like to know how ancient craftsmen made them, and we will unveil the secrets at a local artisan's workshop in a cave dwelling. As you seek out popular dishes in the Muslim Quarter, you may be curious about the roots of this food culture. As you glance over historical relics in museums, you may find some answers as to why China has been able to develop so quickly. Enjoy the charm of the ancient capital.
Highlights
- Meet terracotta warriors from 2,200 years ago and have fun learning about them without listening to boring, repetitive information.
- Make clay warriors with a local artisan in his/her authentic cave dwelling which is disappearing.
- Listen to stories behind China's traditional national costume, a Hanfu, and go back in time.
- Challenge yourself to take a food adventure and discover traditional and trendy food that has gone viral.
What Our Customers Said
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Fantastic Tour of Xi'an
China Highlights created an amazing trip to Xi'an for us! We learned a lot from our tour guide, Mervyn, and enjoyed her company as she showed us all of the highlights. Our favorite art of the trip was eating our way through the Muslim Quarter. We returned to that area for dinner every night. China Highlights was easy to work with and Mervyn had more knowledge than we could even absorb. We can't wait to book another trip through China Highlights! moreFeb 2023, Kate P
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Marvellous Mervyn and eXcellent Xi’an
Beyond the history, which is my personal bread and butter, was the actual bread and butter of the local restaurants and of course Xi’an’s famous snack street/Muslim Quarter! Delicious dumplings, locally sourced pomegranates and persimmons and unique persimmon cakes hot of the pan and noodles and more noodles - it is worth a visit for the food alone and I certainly hope I get to return soon! As always, China Highlights has done a stellar job and I wish whoever is considering this a memorable adventure and safe travels! moreJan 2023, Apis N
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Xian 3 day tour
A real cultural&historical impressive 3 day trip to Xi'an, despite the shortening of the actual trip by some days to Covid!However, even with all the challenges, which laid ahead before and during the trip, the flexibility of everyone involved (especially my guide Jenny & my agent Zac) was the key to a memorable journey.This wasn't my first good experience with China Highlights and won't be definitely my last one as you can really take your mind off from the daily grind during those days and just enjoy the scenic spots! moreOct 2022, Karl Kirchheimer
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Hua Shan Hike
Mervyn took me from Xi'anbei Station to the top of Hua Shan east peak, where I stayed overnight to watch the sunrise.It's a magnificent place, best appreciated on days like this without too much crowd, and Mervyn was a fantastic guide.It's not easy being a foreigner travelling around China in these days of covid, but Mervyn made all of that seem easy. And she was a helpful and encouraging presence on the way up, pointing out places of interest and pulling out cans of red bull for when the going got tough!Highly recommended! moreSep 2022, Paul R
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Xian 2022 Trip
Went on a family vacation to Xian and thanks to #chinahighlights my kids and I had a truly enjoyable time. #Christy arranged our tour and #Helen was our tour guide. #Helen did a great job of leading us around the Muslim Quarter, the Terra-cotta Warriors, walking up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, bell and drum towers, riding on the Xian city wall, visiting the Shaanxi History Museum and watching the Legend of the Silk Road show. She was especially knowledgeable of the areas history. The kids and I enjoyed the paper cutting and making terra-cotta warriors out of clay activities as well as watching the Shadow Puppet Show. Despite the COVID restrictions and excessive bureaucracy that now exists for foreigners traveling in China, #Helen did a great job meeting the unique needs of my family and I highly recommend her services. moreJul 2022, Bryan Stanfield
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Xi'an Bliss
We highly enjoyed our trip to Xi'an organised by China Highlights and with fantastic support from our guide Helen. Helen stitched together thousands of years of Chinese history throughout our visits to the terracotta warriors, the Xi'an museum and the ancient city walls. Helen gave us many superb food recommendations, in particular Xi'an's thick spinach noodles and the famous Muslim street. The trip was made very straightforward and we were supported at every step of the journey which gave us great peace of mind, even with COVID restrictions. The tour around the city walls by bike was a particular highlight. Helen also recommended the Nearwall bar which is a fantastic place for coffee and craft beer enthusiasts. China Highlights have been very flexible and responsive. We look forward to visiting again with family and friends in future. moreJul 2022, Michael H
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2.5 days in Xian
Helen helped with a quickly arranged Covid test at a local centre to smooth future travel. Next day was the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Mosque. Amazing history and not too crowded with plenty of time to explore with excellent local restaurant for dumpling lunch . Helen went through loads of background info at each site adding to the experience and assisted with bartering at the markets. The final day required a late switch of museum and to the little wild goose pagoda which Helen organized efficiently and also played museum guide, I’m not sure what she doesn’t know about Chinese history. Helen was also helpful with our individual onward travel plan changes and our obsession with coffee. moreDec 2021, David P
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The best Xi’an experience I could only recommend
Susan (绒绒), my guide for 2 days, explained everything very pleasant in very good English. She has a huge historical know-how and could introduce me into all cultural and historical events connected to the visited places. To complete this journey, always accompanied with a delicious local food. Many thanks to Susan (绒绒), her driver and Chinahighlights for this fantastic experience moreOct 2021, luismK2514FG
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
When you arrive in Xi'an, your private guide and driver will accompany you to the Hanyang Tomb, which is near the airport. It is listed as one of the top 10 things to do in Xi'an on TripAdvisor.
It is Emperor Jingdi's mausoleum. His son, Wudi, established the Silk Road in 138 BC. After the war-torn years of the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty had its own cultural characteristics. Discover the reasons for it reaching its peak at that time.
This attraction has fewer tourists and you'll see lots of small clay warriors displayed under a glass walkway.
Very different to the serious faces of the warriors in the Terracotta Army, these warriors have mysterious smiles on their faces. The walkway provides a wonderful insight into how they were built.
Afterward, you'll be driven back to your hotel and you can enjoy some free time for the evening.
Tip to tailor-make your tour:
If you arrive at night, we can arrange for you to visit the Hanyang Tomb on the last day as it's in the same direction as the airport.
Hotel options:
Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an
Wyndham Grand Xian South
Small clay warriors that are different from the Terracotta warriorsbreakfast, lunch
After driving for 1½ hours from Xi'an, you'll meet the terracotta warriors that you have seen in photos, books, and on television hundreds of times. Discover the army's secrets with the help of your guide. How were the warriors made? How are they preserved? What were their original colors?
Then your guide will bring you even closer to the warriors as you learn how to make miniature versions from a local shokunin family at their cave dwelling.
Learn traditional techniques used 2,000 years ago and try your hand at molding and carving. Have a nice interaction with the family and listen to their stories for a taste of the locals' real lifestyles.
There are only a few craftsmen left who continue to work in a traditional way. Visiting their workshops is a good way to support the local community, which should be sustainably developed.
In the afternoon, you will be driven back to the downtown area where you will visit the Great Mosque and have fun in the Muslim Quarter. Challenge yourself to take a food adventure, finding both traditional dishes and special snacks that have gone viral.
Unique Experience: Make Your Own Warriors at a Cave Dwelling Unique Experience: Food Challenge at Muslim Quarterbreakfast and lunch
Start the morning at the Wild Big Goose Pagoda. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India.
Then move to Shaanxi History Museum that is one of the top 10 museums in China. With collections ranging from the times of ape men to the Qing Dynasty before the Opium War in 1839, and from large bronze wares to exquisite golden carvings, it is a feast for your eyes.
The Tang Dynasty (618–907) section is a highlight because its glory days with open-minded attitudes and cultural exchange were the main reasons for development in China.
Traditional costumes are also a part of China's culture. After visiting the museum, you will get an opportunity to learn about a traditional Chinese national costume in an ancient academy based on the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Lasting for about an hour, your guide will teach you about the Hanfu and you will also have time to try on the costume to get a unique taste of the ancient culture.
Later in the afternoon, ride a bike on the ancient city wall. From the top, you can enjoy views of the different areas of the city, including areas with time-honored brand-name shops to busy bar streets.
Experience the essence of Xi'an and its people, and get a taste of Chinese civilization. Leave Xi'an with sweet memories.
Tip to tailor-make your tour:
The tour is flexible according to your arrival and departure times. If you like history and culture, staying for 3 nights in Xi'an is recommended. If you're not in a hurry, this lets you immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
The Ancient City Wall over 600 Years OldTrip Notes
1. Convenient Travel Connections
Xi'an is in the middle of China, so it is convenient to reach other cities within 2-3 hours by flight.
2. Flexible Timing
You can decide to start the tour later or earlier during your stay in Xi'an according to your arrival or departure flight.
It is your choice to spend more time at the attractions you like and less time at other attractions, and do the trip without rushing.
3. About Your Meals
You can order the dishes you like in our selected local restaurants as all the included meals are à la carte, while the group tours only offer a set menu without any choice.
Send us an inquiry using the form on the right. Your personal travel advisor will give you the best options according to your needs.
Tour Price
Price includes:
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
