Things to do in Xi'an, Shaanxi: The Best Cultural Tours

April 18, 2022 Milan Banda

Today the walls of the Ming dynasty and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xi’an’s glorious past. Stare in awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of Qin Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Dating from 210 BCE, they were discovered in 1974 and are still being excavated. Don't miss the Shaanxi History Museum or a chance to heat up at former imperial bathing spot, Huaqing Hot Springs.
Restaurants in Xi'an

1. Half-Day Private Tour of Xi'an Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Terra-cotta-Warriors Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Among numerous attractions in Xi’an, the terracotta army is always on top of every traveler's itinerary. The spectacular archeological excavation of 7,000 life-size Qin Dynasty terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots, and weaponry in battle formations is believed to be partial of a massive troops guarding the first emperor of unified China, Qin Shi Huang.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Licensed professional driver, Local English-speaking guide, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off , Entrance ticket fee

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Dreamer09339837738

Fantastic tour with our excellent guide Eddie who was also very patient and flexible with our 1 year old daughter; we skipped queues and had excellent lunch in a local restaurant. Fully recommended!

2. Private Full-Day Xi'an Highlights Tour with Pickup and Lunch

Jeff Ning China Tours
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture private tour. Save time without compromising on experience on this door-to-door private guided tour that covers Terracotta Army and key Xi'an highlights. First, explore the ancient Terracotta Army, and savor a local lunch. Then, spend the afternoon discovering Xi'an: Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the city wall, and the Muslim Quarter.

Inclusions: Private Guide., Transport by private vehicle., Hotel pickup and drop-off., Local Style Lunch, Entry/Admission - The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Entry/Admission - Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang), Two attraction entrance tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Dinner., More than two attraction entrance tickets

Reviewed By joernb2016

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The size of the exhibition is mind blowing. But with our very knowledgeable and wonderful guide Lin, it was a perfect way for us to experience this wonderful historical site. She made it very easy for us to get around, understand all the detail and background and really enjoy it to the fullest. Also the after the tour following lunch was very entertaining and delicious. Thank you, Lin!

3. 16-Day Small-Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai

Travel China Guide
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This small group trip is a perfect combination of popular tourist destinations in China. You can explore rich historical and cultural heritages in Beijing and Xi'an, by visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and many other attractions. Continue to appreciate charming natural scenery in Guilin, observe the lovely pandas in Chengdu, relax during the 5-star Yangtze River Cruise and experience dynamic metropolitan life of Shanghai.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 15 nights hotel/ cruise ship accommodation based on twin-sharing room, One way Economy-class airfare from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin and Guilin to Chengdu. , One way First-class seat of High-speed Train Fare from Yichang to Shanghai, One way soft seat train from Chengdu to Chongqing, Two bottled water per person per day, Professional guide & experienced driver, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, China visa fees, International airfare, Airport drop-off service in Shanghai on Day 16, Single room supplement for solo guest is compulsive and is available on request.

Reviewed By 283brianneb

Really great experience! Our guide Rocky was really knowledgeable and took some amazing photos for our group. This tour made our trip stress free, leaving us to enjoy the beautiful views.

4. Xian Buddhistical Private Day Tour of Terracotta Warriors and Famen Temple

Bell Tower Hotel Xian, 110 Nan Da Jie, Zhong Lou Shang Quan, Beilin Qu, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China China Xian Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

As is known to all, Xian is famous for the world wonder of Terracotta Warriors. This city itself earns lots of fame with its history and culture. Actually, there are many more places also full of cultural and historical appeal around Xian, such as Famen Temple. Famen Temple, located about 118 km west of Xian, is of highly historical significance to be visited. You will get to know how Buddhism culture come to China and develop in China here. .

Inclusions: All private transfer mentioned in itinerary by air-conditioned car, Excellent English-speaking guide, Entrance tickets, One bottle of water per person, Tolls, fuel and parking charges, Chinese style

Exclusions: Battery cart in Famen Temple, Gratuities (highly recommended), Other personal expense

Reviewed By 779teos

The trip was well planned and customized to our liking! The Tour Guide & Driver were both very polite and professional. Memorable trip in Guilin and would highly recommend!

5. Private Half Day Tour of Shaanxi History Museum and Xi'an Museum

Jeff Ning China Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Private deep tour,Combine a private guided visit to the incredible Shaanxi History Museum, into ancient history at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, experience a traditional shadow puppet show,Know the legendary stories behind the relics and discover the rich heritage of the Tang Dynasty.

Inclusions: Shadow puppet show., English tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and Drink., Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By joernb2016

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The size of the exhibition is mind blowing. But with our very knowledgeable and wonderful guide Lin, it was a perfect way for us to experience this wonderful historical site. She made it very easy for us to get around, understand all the detail and background and really enjoy it to the fullest. Also the after the tour following lunch was very entertaining and delicious. Thank you, Lin!

6. Terracotta Warriors Day Tour

Bell Tower Hotel Xian, 110 Nan Da Jie, Zhong Lou Shang Quan, Beilin Qu, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China China Dream Tour
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Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, discover the underground palace of the First Emperor of Qin kingdom, explore the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang adjacent to the Terracotta Army. Follow your professional guide to gain more knowledge about the profound Chinese history and culture of Qin Dynasty.

Inclusions: Group tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, Local lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entrance ticket fee

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Yun Kee C

Our guide, Michael was very knowledgeable and spoke good English. Our driver (sorry didn’t get his name) drive us safely around. Started off by visiting City Wall. Requires steep climbing! From the top you get nice views of the city. Interesting history to understand the thinking of how the walls and the “Ramparts” were build as such (brilliant thinking to defend the city). This was then followed by Terra Cotta warriors. Be prepared for long, long walks. Upon arrival at the site, if you are lucky, you could meet the farmer who first touched the Terra Cotta warrior back in 1975. Buy a souvenir book and have his autograph and take pics with him. *Hint* - rest of the souvenirs in the shop can be purchased cheaper outside. Be prepared that by this time ~11am onwards it gets very, very hot. Stay hydrated. Toilets are easily available and relatively clean. Went for lunch and we requested for local noodles as this was Xi’an’s specialty. Although we requested Michael to order, please do add any other food in case you feel the local food may not be to your taste (but please don’t waste food). Post lunch, we visited the Big Pagoda, very interesting to learn about how Buddhism started in China. But by this time we were quite tired from the earlier walks and the heat was unbearable so we skipped some of the sightseeing in the temple grounds. Overall, we highly recommend this tour. Do also wear good walking shoes! It would have been better if the tour could have started earlier in the morning so that we could partially avoid the afternoon heat.

7. 3 hours Xi'an Mahjong Class with Local Tea

Zhonglou Shangquan, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Chilli Cool China
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During this 3 hours mahjong course, you’ll be taken into an authentic Xi'an Mahjong house. You’ll go to a cozy room to learn how to play the famous traditional Chinese game-mahjong, with an English speaking guide. You’ll learn rules in an easy way and then test your master's degree with a local tea. If you want to test your game intelligence and deep into the local life. You can not miss mahjong experience when you visit Xi'an

Inclusions: Afternoon tea, Food tasting, Professional guide, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jaychaudhri

We met our guide Micheal at the metro, near a local food market in the morning. He was so friendly and informative, we learned a lot about food in the Shaanxi region, picked up some crazy cheap walnuts and various other bits to cook with. The class itself was great, we were cooking in a local restaurant, both my mother and I kneaded the noodle dough and hand pulled out noodles, eventually leading to a giant bowl of noodles for each person. My mum is veggie and the cooking class accommodated for that. Really enjoyed my time and would highly recommend as a way to explore real chinese culture.

8. Morning Tour to Terracotta Warriors Museum

China Tour Search
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Arrive at Terracotta Warriors Museum. Your guide will explain every details of this museum and its history as well facts. You will be fed with tons of knowledge. As the world’s eighth wonder, Terracotta Warriors Museum represented the highest clay craftsmanship. It also provided a great source for historians to study the Qin Dynasty and its prior histories. Through the visit to the Terracotta Army, you can have a general idea of how prosperous Qin Empire used to be and what ancient people hold dear in their afterlife. *View the ancient UNESCO-listed clay army in the flesh Gaze at the rows of infantry and cavalry soldiers in excavated pits *See the bronze chariots and artefacts in the Multi-Exhibition Hall *Visit a terracotta figure factory and try carving your own soldier * Learn how and why the 3rd-century BC warriors were made

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional English-speaking tour guide, Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies, Terracotta Warriors Admission Ticket

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities

Reviewed By LGBEJ

The guide was on time knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to skip all lines despite pandemic prevention measures and other complications. Meeting early like 8 am is re on needed to beat the crowds.

9. Small Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda & Muslim Bazaar

China Tour Search
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Discover the UNESCO world-heritage listed Terracotta Warriors and horses on this day trip of Xi’an’s historical highlights. Drive direct to the Terracotta Warriors Museum at the start of the day and cut past the tourist crowds; spend over two hours exploring this world-famous archeological site. In the afternoon, visit several of Xi’an’s ancient landmarks, including the City Wall, the Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Bazaar – a great way to visit these spots without the hassle of hiring a car or navigating public transport. Finish your tour at the Muslim Bazaar, known for its food and souvenir stalls Don’t get held up by your massive tour group: this tour takes small groups only Keep your change: all entrance fees are already covered by your tour operator Your guide will pick you up direct from your Xi’an hotel and drop you back.

Inclusions: Pick up and drop off to your centrally located hotel in Xi'an, Professional English-speaking tour guide, Air conditioned minivan with chauffeur, Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies, Umbrellas are provided for free use

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Bicycle rental fee on the City Wall

Reviewed By LGBEJ

The guide was on time knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to skip all lines despite pandemic prevention measures and other complications. Meeting early like 8 am is re on needed to beat the crowds.

10. Customized Private Day Tour of Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an

Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi Wendy’s Xi’an Tours
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4.9 based on 191 reviews

Save time without compromising on experience on this door-to-door private guided tour that covers Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and two other Xi'an highlights. First, explore the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors. Then drive back to downtown Xi'an to explore two other highlights in the city. • We guarantee the availability of all the admission tickets at agent price and skip-line service once you book this tour. No need to book entrance/show tickets online. • Explore Terracotta Warriors and enjoy the flexibility of choosing two more places in Xi'an with a private guide and private transfer included.

Inclusions: English/Chinese Speaking guide for the whole day, Private transfer in between all the places in the itinerary

Exclusions: Entrance fee(Admissions add up to USD24 to USD43 per person based on sites you choose), Lunch, Tips (Suggested amount: USD10 p.p or USD30 per group for the guide and half for driver), Admission fee to attractions or shows. But we guarantee the availability and no need to book online

Reviewed By 28favrec

Wendy has been a great listener and knows how to give all the information we need. She helped us a lot with our travel arrangements and advised us on many aspects of our trip. I particularly recommend her, she will be able to give you quick answers!

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