One-Day Xi’an History & Food Tour: Terracotta Warriors & Crafts
Tour Overview
With an English-speaking guide, private transfers, hotel pickup, entrance tickets, a traditional Shaanxi countryside lunch and an evening food walk included, the relaxing 1-day historic and food tour in Xi’an combines the city’s ancient heritage with its local flavors.
See the Terracotta Army in the morning, walk along the City Wall in the afternoon, and eat your way through the Muslim Quarter (10+ local specialties) in the evening before winding down with a local craft beer.
Travel destination: Xi’an
Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts, foodies
Tour type: Private
Highlights of This Tour
Meet the Terracotta Warriors and Craft Your Own:
Explore the underground army with your guide, hear the stories of how it was discovered, and shape your own miniature warrior to take home.
Have a Shaanxi Countryside Lunch:
Step away from the city and enjoy a hearty countryside meal featuring home-style Shaanxi dishes and local flavors rarely found on restaurant menus in central Xi’an.
Take a Bike Ride or Stroll on the Ancient City Wall:
Walk onto one of China’s best-preserved ancient city walls, built as a Ming Dynasty military defense system. Take in views of the old city and modern Xi’an from the broad ramparts.
Enjoy an Evening Food Walk in the Muslim Quarter:
Sample 10+ local specialties as you wander the lively lanes of Muslim Quarter, then wind down with a cold local craft beer at a brewery inside the old city walls.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xi'an Highlights ExplorationDiscover Ancient Heritage, Make a Mini Terracotta Warrior & Taste Local Flavors
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Xi’an in the morning and drive you to the Terracotta Army, about 1–1.5 hours from downtown, depending on traffic.
Built for the afterlife of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, the Terracotta Army has stood underground for more than 2,200 years. Follow your guide through the three main pits to see the massive battle formation in Pit 1, different troop types in Pit 2 and Pit 3, which is generally believed to have served as a command center. Look closely at the warriors and you’ll notice differences in their facial features, hairstyles, clothing, and poses.
After the visit, enjoy a rural Shaanxi lunch in the countryside. Unlike the restaurant dishes commonly found in central Xi'an, the meal features simple local specialties such as fried pancakes, steamed pork with rice flour, and buckwheat noodles.
Take part in a hands-on experience in a nearby factory to learn about the basic techniques to shape a miniature clay warrior. Try making your own piece with guidance from an instructor. You can take it home as a special souvenir.
Learn to Make a Mini Terracotta Warrior Drive back to Xi'an and visit the Ancient City Wall in the afternoon. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it was designed as a major military defense system. Walk along the broad ramparts and see the old neighborhoods inside the wall contrasted with the modern city beyond.
If you'd like to explore more of the wall, you can rent a bicycle (optional) and ride along the ramparts at your own pace.
Bike Riding on the Xi'an City Wall Continue on foot toward Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, where you can admire two of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks from the surrounding streets and squares. The Bell Tower dates to the Ming Dynasty and historically served as a timekeeping and alarm facility, while the Drum Tower stands nearby at the southern end of Beiyuan Gate Street.
Night View of Xi'an Bell Tower Walk into the Muslim Quarter and start your local food adventure. Wander through the lively streets and try a selection of Xi'an favorites, such as grilled meat, biangbiang noodles, soup dumplings and sour soup dumplings. Your guide will recommend popular local places and help you discover more of the area's street food.
After the food tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel. Many hotels used for this tour are located near the Muslim Quarter, so you may be able to walk back after the tour.
Lamb Skewers in the Muslim Quarter Note: Dietary requirements such as dairy-free, non-spicy, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can be accommodated. Please let us know when booking so we can make the necessary arrangements in advance.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
