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.
Our family of three ventured to Xi'an not knowing much about the area. However, once we finished the scenic, interesting, and memorable tour, we were incredibly grateful to have visited. The guide, Rocky, from China Highlights, certainly made the trip smooth and enjoyable. His extensive knowledge and articulation of history gave us an amazingly insightful glimpse into Xi'an and China in general.
Robert H, from the US
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 Old
Trip 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.
The Transportation Map of Xi'an2. 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.
based on 2 persons and 4-star hotel
Service Includes
- 1-1 consultancy from an experienced travel expert
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
