Family-Friendly 2 Days Xian Tour: Discover Xi'an’s Ancient Wonders

Day 1

Our Xi'an local tour guide will meet you with a warm welcome at either your downtown Xi'an hotel or the train station, holding a sign that reads "Your Way Holiday." From this point on, you're in the hands of an expert guide dedicated to making your Xian experience unforgettable. With local knowledge and a passion for sharing Xi'an's rich history and vibrant culture, they’ll ensure a personalized and engaging exploration of the city. Your tour will begin with a seamless transition from your arrival point to the day's exciting itinerary, all while our guide provides insightful commentary and assistance throughout your journey.

Start your first day in Xi'an with an exciting visit to the bustling morning market, a vibrant introduction to local life and culture. As the sun rises, the market comes to life with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and traditional snacks. This is your chance to witness the true spirit of Xi'an, where locals gather to shop and socialize. Your expert guide will lead you through the market, explaining the history behind various ingredients and food items. You’ll get a chance to try local delicacies, such as steamed buns, dumplings, and freshly brewed tea, all while learning about the daily life of Xi'an’s residents.

Proceed to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist monument nestled in southern Xi'an. Constructed in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 704 under Empress Wu Zetian, this pagoda originally reached five stories high and was later renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Renowned as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve, it embodies Xi'an's profound Buddhist heritage. The pagoda, situated within the expansive Da Ci'en Temple complex, was initially built to honor a revered queen and later became a vital repository for Buddhist sutras and relics brought by the eminent translator Xuanzang.

Lunch will be arranged at a local Chinese restaurant where you can savor authentic Xi'an flavors. Our tour guide will offer you the best recommendations for local specialties such as biangbiang noodles—thick, hand-pulled noodles served with a savory mix of spices and vegetables. You might also try yangrou paomo, a hearty mutton soup with crumbled flatbread, and roujiamo, a flavorful Chinese-style hamburger filled with spiced meat. Additionally, xiao jiao, Xi'an’s unique spiced kebabs, and qishan noodles, another local favorite, are highly recommended. Feel free to let our tour guide know your preferences or dietary restrictions, and they will ensure you enjoy a memorable Xi'an culinary experience.

Then, head to the Shadow Puppet Workshop for an immersive dive into one of China’s most ancient and charming folk arts. Your expert guide will take you through the fascinating process of creating shadow puppets, from carving delicate figures to painting intricate details. You will even have the chance to try your hand at manipulating the puppets, experiencing firsthand the skill involved in this traditional art form. Following the hands-on session, you’ll be treated to a live shadow puppet performance, where the puppets come to life on a beautifully lit screen, showcasing traditional stories and local legends. Your guide will explain the history and cultural significance of shadow puppetry, providing a deeper understanding of this treasured art.

In the evening, after your fascinating cultural experiences throughout the day, head to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. Here, you will be able to enjoy a delightful dinner in a setting that recreates the magnificent atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty, with beautiful architecture and traditional performances. As the lights illuminate the area, you’ll dine in a unique environment, fully immersed in the historical charm of Xi’an. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through this vibrant area, providing insights into the cultural significance of the Tang Dynasty while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dinner experience. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on the best local dishes to try, whether it be the famous Xi'an lamb skewers, steamed buns, or other delicious specialties.

As your first day of exploration comes to an end, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and smooth return. Your guide will be available to answer any questions you may have about the sights you visited today or provide recommendations for your free time. After a day filled with history, art, and delicious food, it's time to relax and rest, gearing up for another exciting day of adventure tomorrow.

Day 2

After breakfast, our experienced local tour guide will meet you promptly at your hotel lobby. From there, you will be transferred directly to the Terracotta Warriors, a journey of approximately 50 minutes. Throughout the ride, your guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and significance of the site, offering context and answering any questions you may have. This allows you to fully appreciate the magnitude of this incredible archaeological discovery. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with ticketing and ensure a smooth and enriching visit to the Terracotta Army, enhancing your experience with detailed explanations and helping you navigate the site effectively.

The Terracotta Warriors are an unmissable highlight of Xi'an, embodying over 2,200 years of Chinese history. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, these lifelike statues were designed to guard his tomb and accompany him in the afterlife. The army, discovered by local farmers in 1974, includes over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, along with a variety of non-military figures such as officials, acrobats, and musicians. The meticulous craftsmanship and scale of this army reflect the emperor’s ambition and the sophistication of the Qin Dynasty. Each figure is unique, showcasing individual facial expressions and postures, which illustrate the advanced techniques of ancient Chinese sculpture and military organization. This monumental find, celebrated as "the eighth wonder of the world," offers a profound glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of China's early imperial era.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum on the second day of your tour, we will head to the DIY Terracotta Warrior experience. This fun and interactive activity allows you to create your very own miniature Terracotta warrior, using traditional methods and materials. Your expert guide will explain the history and significance of the warriors, then assist you as you shape, mold, and paint your warrior. This hands-on experience will give you a deeper connection to the ancient craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. Following the DIY session, your guide will ensure you are comfortable and ready for the next part of your journey.

Following your morning exploration of the Terracotta Warriors, you'll head to a nearby local restaurant for lunch. This eatery offers a range of Xi'an's traditional dishes, including mouthwatering hand-pulled noodles and succulent lamb kebabs, all made with fresh, local ingredients. After savoring your meal, you'll be driven back to Xi'an's downtown area. Your driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, giving you the opportunity to unwind and soak in the morning's fascinating discoveries. Once back in the city center, you'll have the afternoon free to either continue exploring Xi'an on your own or seek additional recommendations from your guide.

Next, you’ll visit the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical and architectural significance. Constructed in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, this impressive fortification was designed to protect the city from invaders and remains one of the most extensive and well-preserved city walls in China. Stretching over 13.7 kilometers, the wall boasts a formidable array of watchtowers, battlements, and defensive gates, reflecting the sophistication of ancient military architecture. As you walk or cycle along the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views of both the old and new parts of Xi'an, providing a unique perspective on how this ancient city has evolved over centuries. The City Wall not only stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Ming era but also offers a vivid glimpse into the historical grandeur of feudal China. The Ancient City Wall of Xi'an is a rigorous and integrated military defense system comprising city moat, drawbridge, various observation towers, battlements, turrets, parapets and crenels. Since constructed from Sui and Tang dynasties about 1400 years ago, the wall has experienced series of alteration and finalized the current layout, with the Changle Gate (East Gate), the Yongning Gate (South Gate), the Anding Gate (West Gate) and the Anyuan Gate (North Gate) being the four main city gates.

After visiting the Ancient City Wall, the next stop is the Bell Tower, an iconic landmark of Xi'an. As you approach the tower, your guide will provide an insightful introduction to its history and significance. The Bell Tower, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, stands proudly in the heart of the city, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the surrounding architecture and bustling streets. Your guide will explain its role in ancient times as a timekeeping device and its importance in Xi'an’s cultural heritage. After exploring the Bell Tower, feel free to capture stunning photographs of this historic structure before heading to your next destination. Throughout this visit, the guide will ensure that all your questions are answered and provide a deeper understanding of the city's past.

Your tour concludes at the bustling Muslim Quarter, Xi'an's renowned food haven. This vibrant district is a cultural tapestry that includes an array of Islamic food stalls, eclectic ethnic shops, the historic Great Mosque, and the residential area of the Hui people. With a history spanning over a millennium, the Muslim Quarter is celebrated not only for its rich Islamic heritage but also for its diverse and tantalizing cuisine. As you stroll along its gray flagstone streets lined with Ming-style architecture, you'll encounter a feast of northern and western flavors. Savor local specialties like the savory mutton soup with handmade pancakes, refreshing cold rice noodles, flavorful Chinese hamburgers, and the renowned Qishan noodles. This lively area offers a deep dive into Xi'an's culinary traditions and cultural fusion.

After exploring the vibrant Muslim Quarter, you will be comfortably driven back to your hotel in Xi'an or the Xi'an train station, concluding your enriching tour of this ancient city. Over the past two days, you've delved into Xi'an's rich history and culture, from the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the historic City Wall and the lively food scene of the Muslim Quarter. We hope your journey through Xi'an has been memorable and filled with delightful discoveries. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!

Price Per Person in US Dollars