Best One-Day Xian Tour with Flexible Attractions

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Terracotta Army with Flexible Urban Attractions

   Your private English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your downtown hotel at 8:30 AM to start your Xian day tour.

   After you meet, drive for 1 hour to reach the destination - Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The museum as one of the major archaeological discoveries during the 20th displays an astonishing degree of sculpture work. So people consider it "the Eighth Wonder of the World". Get amazed by the life-sized clay soldiers with the horses and chariots and they guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

   Your guide will share some historical stories about the site. Spend 2 to 2.5 hours exploring 3 pits (No.1 pit is the largest one) while you observe the extraordinary size and artistic skills.

   

   For lunch, enjoy some local dishes and your guide will recommend according to your taste (at your own expense).

   After that, drive back to the city center and you can choose 1-2 attractions to explore depending on the available time & your interests:

   Ancient City Wall: Built in 1370, it is the best-preserved and largest ancient city wall in the world. In old times, the wall functioned as a military defense. You can optionally ride a bike (at an extra fee) atop the wall to have a special experience.

   Big Wild Goose Pagoda: This is absolutely a landmark of Xian city. It was originally built to keep the Buddha statues brought back from India by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

   Bell & Drum Tower Square & Muslim Quarter: Located in the very center of Xian downtown area, the towers are the symbols of this city. While Muslim Quarter, only a 5-minute walk from the square, is a famous food street where you can find authentic local snacks and lovely handicrafts.

   Great Mosque: The great Mosque keeps its original Muslim style and meanwhile absorbs some Xian local elements. It's a good place to learn Muslim culture in Xian.

   Huaqing Hot Spring: This place is a royal hot spring and garden for Xuanzong Emperor and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan in the Tang Dynasty.

   Small Wild Goose Pagoda: This pagoda is a free attraction located in the busy downtown but keeps itself in peace and quiet. (closed on each Tuesday)

   Xian Museum: Although it’s not as big as Shaanxi History Museum, it has lots of rare historical and cultural relics. It is still free and less crowded. (closed on each Tuesday)

   Yongxingfang Street: On this street, you will find delicious local food and interesting traditional Chinese stuff such as ink sticks, paper and writing brushes. You will also see how some foods are made in traditional ways.

   After the day tour in Xian (between 5 PM and 6 PM), your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. Hope you've enjoyed this enriching day tour in Xian!