Xian Discovery
One Day Xi'an Highlights Private Tour
This one-day private tour presents the highlights of Xi'an in a nutshell. You will visit the Terracotta Warriors, icon of the city, and become familiar with the best-preserved Ancient City Wall in China. Enjoy the rich flavor of life in the Muslim Quarter with a stroll there. Private tour, all at your own pace, do not be herded.
Highlights
- Admire the world wonder of the Terracotta Army
- Cycle on the Ancient City Wall and listen to the echo of history
- Taste local snacks and the flavor of life in the Muslim Quarter
What Our Customers Said
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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Our tour guides were Ann (Zhangjiajie), Ivy (Beijing), Lily (Xi'an) and Cecile (Chengdu). Each one of them was fantastic - attentive to our needs, organized, and made sure all of the details were taken care of. Each one of them adapted to our family's needs as things came up and also adapted to changing conditions -(weather, illness, unexpected closures, delays, etc) so we maximized our time and got the most out of every day. Every guide was knowledgeable and personable. moreJul 2021, christinajeanne
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
Your guide will contact you the day before departure and tell you the exact meeting time and place. You'll be picked up by private car or van, and then head to the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Lintong District. It's about a one-hour drive. Lintong is famous for fruit, such as juicy pomegranates and golden persimmons, and you'll have the chance to buy some fruit from local vendors.
It is worth having a knowledgeable guide with you to explain everything in the museum. Usually China Highlights guides visit it over 150 times per year.
The highlights of the museum are the three pits (Pit One, Pit Two, and Pit Three) where the warriors are on display, and the Exhibition of Bronze Chariots. Pit One is the largest and most impressive, with about 2,000 terracotta warriors on display. Pit Two uncovers the mystery of the ancient army formation. Pit Three represents the command post.
Our tour also includes Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum Site Park with the Museum of Terracotta Acrobats, Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials, Museum of Stone Armor, and Museum of Bronze Chariots and Horses. This park near the Terracotta Army is also a pleasant place to visit.
Drive to a local restaurant, carefully selected. Your guide will be pleased to introduce you to whatever dishes meet your needs. Have a cup of tea and take a rest. Prepare for the afternoon activities.
It is said that a Xi'an tour is not complete without visiting the Ancient City Wall that has been guarding the inner city since the 13th century. The walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses in China. If the weather is good, cycling will be incorporated into the visit, and you will enjoy some good views of the city.

Your tour is not only full of history but also has the vivid flavor of local life. Move to the Muslim Quarter where you can have a pleasant stroll to taste local snacks and buy souvenirs.
Then your guide and driver will send you back to your hotel. Please feel free to ask your guide for dinner suggestions.
Trip Notes
Optional Activities
Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with or without Dumpling Banquet is the most popular show in Xi'an.
It must be clearly understood that enjoying these extra is your own decision. They are not included in the itinerary or tour price, so you will need to pay separately. The ticket price depends on seating. Ask your guide to book tickets if you want to see the show.
Price includes:
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.