Xi'an Tours 2026/2027: History, Culture, and Authentic Local Experiences
Traveling with a real Xi’an expert can make your Xi’an tour a completely different experience. Based in Xi’an, we know this ancient capital inside and out.
Our local specialists have created countless memorable Xi’an trips for our guests, based on our insider experiences and 20 years of expertise.
In addition to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and rich historical sites, we strive to enrich your trip in Xi’an with many authentic experiences and activities that only locals know.
Our 50+ Xi’an itineraries combine iconic attractions with immersive cultural activities, including Hanfu photography, food adventures at locals’ preferred eateries, crafting your own miniature terracotta warrior, making dumplings in a local family, and taking a Tai Chi class. For those looking to explore further, we also offer extensions to surrounding areas and top destinations across China.
Top Xi'an Private Tours
Find more Xi’an travel inspiration with our flexible and exclusive Xi’an private tours. Our local experts will guide you through iconic sights and a handpicked selection of authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Think insider stories about the Terracotta Warriors, efficient exploration of city highlights, and a variety of cultural experiences like visiting a local family, taking a calligraphy class, watching exclusive local performances, etc.
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter
Terracotta Warriors, Great Mosque, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Mt. Huashan, Xi’an Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Mt. Huashan, Xi’an Museum, Yangling Mausoleum of Han
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Yongxingfang, Tang Dynasty show, Xi’an Museum, Yangling Mausoleum of Han
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, visit a local family, Mt. Huashan, Muslim Quarter, Hanyangling Mausoleum
China Tours Including Xi'an
While Xi’an remains the focus, these tours also include 1-3 other nearby or iconic destinations so you can see more of China along the way. This ancient capital can be easily paired with Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, pandas in Chengdu, futuristic Shanghai, dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, and more. Join us to see the best of Xi’an and the best of China together in one itinerary. Also, you can get more ideas on extending your journey with our China tours from Xi’an.
Xi’an, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi
Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai
Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai
Beijing, Xi’an, Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu
Xi'an Day Tours
If you have limited time or are visiting during a layover, these 1-day tours to Xi’an’s top attractions will help you make the most of your visit. Meanwhile, for those who want to enrich their Xi’an tours in the downtown area, we also have day trips to nearby attractions, such as Mt. Hua, Yuanjiacun Village, Qianling Mausoleum. They can be great add-ons for a classic Xi’an trip.
Private 1-Day Xian Highlights Tour
1-Day Xian Private Tour with Terracotta Army
Best 1-Day Xian Tour with Flexible Attractions
Xi'an Tours by Themes
As a local expert, we know just how diverse this ancient capital is. Xi’an reveals new layers as you explore it through different themed tours. The food trips, night tours, educational tours, and Terracotta Warriors tours will transform your journey into a richer, more immersive experience.
Terracotta Warriors, Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, Muslim Quarter, City Wall
Terracotta Army, City Wall, Yongxingfang, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum, Great Mosque
Yongxingfang, Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City
Music Fountain, Bell & Drum Tower Square
Dumpling dinner, Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show
Terracotta Warriors, craft your miniature warrior
City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum, Muslim Quarter
Calligraphy class at Gao Family Courtyard or Yongxingfang
Local market, visit a local family & learn to make Chinese dishes or dumplings
Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes
City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors, three mosques in city center, Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, Xi’an Museum
Mutianyu, Hutongs, Niujie Mosque, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, dumpling banquet, City Wall, Great Mosque.
Xi'an Side Trips
Traveling around Guizhou is a bit more complicated than other destinations, given its mountain-dominated terrain and relatively scattered attractions. Book one of our most popular Guizhou tour packages and let China Xian Tour handle all the difficult logistics.
These itineraries help you to explore all Guizhou’s classic experiences, including Huangguoshu Waterfall, Fanjing Mountain, UNESCO-listed natural heritages, and essential ethnic cultures, easily and at your own pace.
Xi'an Group Tours
These are the most popular Xian small group tours with classic itineraries and sought-after attractions. Guided by a local expert, you will travel with 4-12 like-minded people to discover the stories of the ancient City Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and many other historical heritage sites. Competitive prices and authentic Xian experiences are guaranteed.
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FAQs on Xian Tours
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, it is an unearthed clay army dating back over 2,000 years ago in the Qin Dynasty, housing over 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers and horses.
- Ancient City Wall: It is a well-preserved old city wall surrounding central Xi’an. Most visitors would walk or cycle atop the wall during their Xi’an tours.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: The landmark of Xi’an, it is a historic Buddhist pagoda from the Tang Dynasty.
- Muslim Quarter: The most popular place to taste authentic local food, and experience vibrant local life.
- Mount Huashan: One of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, Mt. Huashan is known for its dangerous hiking trails, and gorgeous scenery.
Minimum 2 days: In two-Day you can cover the Terracotta Warriors and the most iconic sights in downtown areas (listed above).
Preferably 3–4 days: If you have 3 or 4 full days, you can travel at a more relaxed pace. Except for the city highlights, you can have a side trip to Mount Huashan (or another nearby site).
1-day or layover visit (limited time):If you’re short on time, you can still have a rewarding tour. While the Terracotta Warriors is a must-see, you can add another central site (city wall, pagoda, or museum), but this requires you to start rather early.
City center area (near Bell & Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall): This is one of the most convenient places to stay. Famous sites or restaurants are all within walking distance.
Around Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This area is also convenient, but compared to the city center, it can be quieter and much closer to Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City and the largest Music Fountain in Asia.
The Muslim Quarter is certainly a must-visit for food lovers. You can find some of the best street snacks and local specialties here, and what’s more interesting, it has an extremely lively cultural atmosphere. Popular local foods include lamb skewers, handmade breads, local noodles, and other regional snacks.
Metro should be the most reliable way to travel around Xi’an. Currently, Xi’an has 12 metro lines connecting its main attractions, landmarks, airport, train stations and commercial areas.
Traveling around the city by public buses is also easy, thanks to its extensive bus lines. Just avoid the rush hours (typically 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:30).
For more convenience and flexibility, or if you have luggage, you can take a taxi or hail a ride through apps like Didi.
The site is about 45–50 km from downtown, with a drive time of around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Subway + Bus: Take Subway Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station (华清池站), then take bus No. 613 to Terracotta Warriors
Direct bus: Take Lintong Tourist Bus from Xi’an North Railway Station. Or take Bus 306 (also known as Tourism Bus 5) from Fangzhicheng Station on Metro Line 1.
Mount Hua (Huashan) is about 120 km east of central Xi’an. Taking a high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station is the most convenient, taking only about 40 minutes. Xian Bus Station operates hourly buses to Mount Hua, with a drive time of around 1.5 hours.
The best times to visit Xi’an are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant, and the natural landscapes are most beautiful. Just remember to avoid public holidays, such as the National Day holiday (Oct. 1 – Oct. 7), and the Labor Day holiday (May 1 – May 5).
