Xian Tours 2026: Private & Small Group Tours in Xiāan
Xiāan (or Xian) is to China as Rome is to Italy, Kyoto is to Japan, and Athens is to Greece, due to its cultural and historical significance. With a history spanning 3,000+Ā years, Xian, the former national capital of 13 dynasties, has gone through many rulers and witnessed many historic events.Ā Whatās more, Xiāan is the origin of the famousĀ ancient Silk RouteĀ heading west and home to theĀ Terracotta WarriorsĀ of ChinaāsĀ first emperor.
With Xian tours, explore Chinaās legendary ancient capitalĀ which kept memories from the days of the great Emperor Qinshihuang.
Not a big fan of history? Take it easy, as the most populous city in Northwest China, modern Xiāan is absolutely aĀ paradise for foodies and pop cultureĀ buffs.Ā For nature lovers with a dash of adventure in mind, XianāsĀ Huashan mountainĀ is one of the most beautiful mountains in China, with thrilling plank roads.
Initially established as āChina Xian Tourā in Xian, we are real Xiāan expertsĀ and the best-rated Xian travel agency, chosen by thousands of travelers every year.Ā Our Xian local guides know how to create your unique and memorableĀ experience and authentic interaction with local life and culture. Discover the best of Xian withĀ realĀ insiders, meeting the unflinching Terracotta Army, stroll through theĀ Muslim quarter, cycle atop theĀ Ancient City Wall, discover profound history inĀ Shaanxi History Museumā¦
How to Plan a Tour toĀ Xian?
For your first China Xian tour,Ā we usually suggest you stay at least 2 days in Xiāan to cover its essential attractions: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Quarter.
If you will make a transit at Xian airport and are looking for 240-hour visa-free travel, the Xian layover day tourĀ is availableĀ for Terracotta WarriorsĀ visitĀ plus one more site like City WallĀ or Big Wild Goose PagodaĀ in the afternoon.
YouĀ are encouraged to takeĀ 3-4 daysĀ Xian tour package if you plan an in-depth exploration. Huaqing Hot Spring, Banpo Museum, Hanyangling Mausoleum, Great Mosque, Famen Temple, and Qianling MausoleumĀ are ideal sites to visit for history & culture lovers while Huashan MountainĀ is perfect for adventurers to appreciate the natural scenery.
If you have one more day and want to extend your China Xian tour, you might as well take aĀ Xian to LuoyangĀ day tourĀ by high-speed trainĀ for Shaolin TempleĀ & Kung Fu and Longmen Grottoes.
How Can I Get to Xian?
Xian is one of the core cities in ChinaāsĀ vastĀ transportation network with flights, trains, and high-speed trains daily shuttling among other cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin⦠More often than not, Xian is taken as a later station behind gateway cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Therefore, most people tend to take a Beijing Xian TourĀ orĀ Shanghai Xian TourĀ by flight, high-speed train, or overnight train.
Nowadays, more and more direct international flights to Xian are launched, enabling your Xian tours less hassle. And the direct flights from some Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia at very good prices provide Xian tours by Air AsiaĀ especially.
Top Xian Private Tours
Our private tours in Xian with flexibilityĀ and exclusivity are best for families and couples. With 1-7 daysĀ Xian tours available,Ā you canĀ either explore classic attractions on a short trip or delve deep into local life, cultureĀ and artĀ on a long and slow-paced trip. All these itineraries listed can be tailor-made according to your costs, interests,Ā travel stylesĀ and specific requirements.
Xi’an landmarks with Tang Costume Experience at Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit Terracotta Army, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell & Drum Tower
Shaanxi History Museum, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Mt.Hua, Hanyangling
Xian Day Tours
These Xian day tours are highly recommendedĀ for travelers whoĀ have limited time or a layover in Xian or want to enrich theirĀ classic Xian trip with more insider experiences. Our Xian expert team has designed plenty of Xian day tours covering not only the iconic landmarks but also some unique activities and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
One of the most popular Xian tours with highlight attractions: Terracotta warriors, Muslim Quarter, City Wall
Thrilling challenge on Mt. Hua; Land transfer & cable car included
Bell & Drum Tower Square night view + food adventure at Muslim Quarter
Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Cave house, Hanyangling Museum
Xian Food Tours
Our Xian food tours are ideal choices for people who love tasty food and Xian local culture. FocusingĀ on introducing visitors to the most popular and authentic delicacies in Xian, these food tours will take you to discover restaurants and eateries around the byways of the Muslim QuarterĀ and other hidden corners of the city.
Follow an expert guide to hunt local delicious food and beautiful night scene
Take a tuk-tuk to discover off-the-beaten-path eateries & bars hidden around Xi’an City Wall
Muslim Quarter & Yongxingfang food discovery + Culture & history exploration at iconic sites
Folk culture & local food discovery; Try milling flour, waving cloth, making vinegar
Xian Night Tours
Wish to explore Xian at night?Ā Donāt miss the carefully crafted Xian tours with night shows, local speical dinner, and various activities.Ā You will enjoy a night food adventure at the lively Muslim Quarter, enjoy the stunning Musical Fountain and Light Show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, see the historical City WallĀ at night, Bell & Drum TowerĀ lit up by colorful neon lights, or leisurely sit back to enjoy a wonderful Tang Dynasty Show and dumpling dinner.
Sample local snacks & feel the cuisine culture; Blazing night view
Sumptuous dumpling dinner & imperial music and dance of the Tang Dynasty
Enjoy 3 Xian folk performances: Qin Opera, Shadow Play, Huayin Laoqiang; Learn about history of Qin Opera
The largest musical fountain in Asia; Blazing night view
Xian Terracotta Warriors Tours
The world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses is the top reason most tourists travel to Xiāan. Below are the handpicked Xian tours combing the Terracotta Army and many other Xiāan landmarks and iconic activities.
Visit two best highlights of Xian; Learn to make a terracotta figure at a local factory
Terracotta Army, see traditional Cave Houses, Muslim Quarter food tour
See over 8,000 life-size warriors; Learn the life of the New Stone Age
Mausoleums of Qinshihuang & Emperor Jingdi in the Western Han Dynasty
Xian Side Trips
Extend your Xian toursĀ to theĀ surrounding areas and cities. Far more than Terracotta Warriors, Old City Wall, Bell & Drum Tower, Small Wild Goose PagodaĀ in the urban district, Xiāan also boasts many stunning experiences in its nearby areas, like Huashan Mountain, Hukou Waterfall, and rural counties with unique cultural activities. And the convenient transportation system makes it easy to get to Luoyang, Zhangjiajie, and ChengduĀ from Xiāan. You can add any of the following trips to a classic Xian itinerary if you want to enrich your experience.
Trek the most thrilling mountain in China; Land transfer & expert guide included
Close interact with lovely giant pandas in Dujiangyan Panda Center
Massive scenery of Hukou Fall; Unique landscape of the Loess Plateau area
Xian Group Tours
These are the most popular Xian small group tours with classic itineraries and sought-after attractions. Guided by 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 heritages. Competitive prices and authentic Xian experience are guaranteed.
The most popular group tours in Xian, with Terracotta Army, Banpo Museum, City Wall, etc.
See the magnificent clay troop of Qinshihuang; Tang-Dynasty style buildings
No Suitable Tour? Need Advice?
Xian Travel Guide and Inspirations
FAQs on Xian Tours
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses:Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, it is an unearthed clay armyĀ dating over 2,000 years ago in the Qin Dynasty. There areĀ thousands of life-size terracotta soldiersĀ and horses.Ā
- Ancient City Wall of Xi’an:This site is a well-preserved old city wall surrounding central Xiāan. Basically every tourist come to Xiāan would find a chance toĀ walk or rent a bicycle to ride along its top.Ā
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: is a historic Buddhist pagodafrom the Tang Dynasty.
- Muslim Quarter: This is one of the most lively areas in Xiāan, which has all different eateries serving local street food, snacksand souvenirs.
- Mount Huashan: Mount Huashan isone of Chinaās famous sacred mountains. Its steep trails, dramatic peaks, and scenic hiking have attracted many people to embrace its beauty.
- Minimum 2 days:In two days you can hit the most iconic sightsĀ within the city (listed above).
- Preferably 3ā4 days:If you have 3 or 4 full days,Ā you can travel inĀ 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 youāre short on time, you can still have a rewardingĀ tour. WhileĀ Terracotta Warriors is one that you cannot miss, you can plusĀ another central site (city wall, pagoda, or museum), but this requires you to start rather early.
- City centerarea (near Bell & Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall):Ā This is one of the most convenient place 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 Great Tang All-day Mall and the largest Music Fountain in Asia.
- Near major transport hubs (train stations / metro lines):Ā This would be the best choice for those who need to travel frequently or only have limited time.
The Muslim Quarter isĀ certainlyĀ a must-visit for food lovers. You can find some of the best street snacksĀ andĀ local specialtiesĀ here, and whatās more interesting, it has an extremelyĀ lively cultural atmosphere. Typical local foods include lamb skewers, handmade breads, local noodles, and other regional snacks.
Metro should be the most reliable way to travel around Xian. Currently, Xian 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.
For more convenience and flexibility, or if you have luggage,Ā you can take a taxi or hail a ride through apps like Didi.
- The site is about 45ā50āÆkm from downtown, so that means you wouldroughly take a 45-minutesĀ to 1-hour drive (depending on traffic).
- Direct bus travel is possible.Ā Go take bus 914 / 915 departing from the East Square of major stations like Xi’an Railway Station, and they would also travel to the Terracotta Warriors. Travel time is about 1.5ā2 hours, fare around 7 RMB.
Mount Hua (Huashan) is about 120 km east of central Xiāan. You can reach it by high-speed train (or other transit).
Considering factors like weather and crowds, spring (MarchāMay) and autumn (SeptemberāNovember) are generallyĀ the best. And if you do plan yourĀ trip during these periods, also remember to avoid public holidays (such as the Golden Week).
Mount Huashan is a great destination for day-trip from Xiāan. The thrilling hiking trails and scenic views will offer you an experience of lifetime.
Other excursions: Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is also an ideal place,Ā however,Ā itās farther away (around 300 km), it offers a completely different landscape than what you can see in the city or mountains.