Explore Essence of Xi'an
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.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Meet Terracotta Warriors from 2,200 years ago
The Terracotta Army is an impressive testament to ancient Chinese craftsmanship and military organization. Your guide will tell you why and how they are created.
Make clay warriors with a local artisan
Make a mini clay warriors at an authentic cave dwelling which is disappearing. Here you can touch the one - to - one replica of the terracotta warriors.
Put on the Hanfu, and go back in time
Put on the traditional clothing, and walk on the historical heritage in Xian, it's like traveling back to ancient China 1000 years ago.
Challenge yourself to take a food adventure
Taste a different kind of local food at the Muslim Quarter. Try the most typical and popular Xi'an food or a little bit more risky for foreigners.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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An amazing day
A truly wonderful day in Xi’an. My guide, Susan, was superb and taught me a lot about the history of the place. We started at the Terracotta Army (of course) where I benefitted from an exhibition that only opened recently. We’ve all seen pictures of course, but actually standing next to these relics and seeing the intricate details was incredible. After a tasty lunch we headed to the Wild Goose Pagoda where again, Susan’s knowledge enabled me to fully understand the history and significance. The perfect day ended with a quiet walk on top of the ancient city wall. If you haven’t yet visited Xi’an……… do it! more
Oct 2024, Retired solo traveller
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Jenny in Xi'an is the best!
During my one week in China for the very first time, I spent one and a half days in Xi'an. My guide in Xi'an was Jenny, she was fantastic. Jenny made sure that hour short time in Xi'an was well organized and impactful. Jenny's detailed retellings and descriptions created visuals that helped emphasize my understanding of the history. Jenny was also very professional and accommodating. I fell in love with the earrings Jenny was wearing and she graciously made sure that I got a pair before I left Xi'an. My time in Xi'an was all the more unforgettable because of Jenny's kindness and sincerity. I highly recommend China Highlights tours and Jenny as a guide! more
Oct 2024, Zabrina H
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Wonderful trip and wonderful guide Jenny!
While visiting Xian with China Highlights, I had the tour guide Jenny. She was a phenomenal guide for the site. She made us feel welcomed in the city. She helped us find delicious and affordable food in bustling areas that I would not have been able to do alone. She has such a good knowledge of the history, and I was able to understand and be immersed in the space truly. She was always early to pick us up and drop us off. She was extremely transparent about the time it would take to visit different places, or if certain changes needed to be made due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, we traveled during the national holiday which was super busy. This meant supper long lines and additional traffic for certain places. She explained in the beginning how it could potentially affect our trip so we could be prepared. I had one of the best trips of my life and that was because of Jenny. more
Oct 2024, aleishas141
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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
breakfast, 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.
Later in the afternoon, walk 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.
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.
breakfast and lunch
Traditional costumes are also a part of China's culture. Before visiting the museum, go to a workshop to change into Hanfu, put on ancient makeup, and start today's journey of time travel.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and stands at 43 meters tall. The pagoda is part of the Jianfu Temple complex and is known for its intricate architecture.
Nearby, the Xi'an Museum showcases Xi'an's rich history. The museum's collections include items from various dynasties, such as pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.
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.
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.
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.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Tour Price
Price includes: