Xian Travel Package: Private Xi'an 3-Day Highlights Tour with Terracotta Warriors

Summary

DAY 1 Xian: Xian Ancient City Wall
DAY 2 Xian: Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter
DAY 3 Xian: Terracotta Warriors

Day 1 Arrive in Xian

You’ll be warmly greeted by our tour guide at your hotel in downtown Xi'an or at the Xi'an train station, holding a "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign. Embracing our "Travel Like a Local" approach, your guide will ensure a smooth start to your visit by assisting with your hotel check-in and offering valuable local tips. Meanwhile, our driver will handle the journey with care, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free transfer. This seamless service is designed to help you settle in effortlessly and make the most of your time in Xi'an.

After a short break, your tour will continue with a visit to the Xi'an Ancient City Wall. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable fortification was constructed in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. Originally built as a military defense system to protect ancient cities, the wall stands as one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. Stretching approximately 14 kilometers in length and rising 12 meters high, it represents a quintessential example of feudal rampart architecture. The current structure is an enhancement of the earlier Tang Dynasty wall, reflecting the emperor’s ambitious construction efforts. Today, the Xi'an Ancient City Wall is a must-see attraction, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to cycle along its length and fully appreciate the grandeur of ancient Chinese military engineering.

After exploring the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. Your guide will be available to answer any questions you might have about the day’s experiences or to provide recommendations for dinner and other activities. Meanwhile, your driver will navigate the journey back with care, ensuring a relaxing ride. This attentive service allows you to unwind after your sightseeing and ensures a seamless end to your day's adventures.

Day 2 Xian

After breakfast, our guide will meet you in your hotel lobby to begin your day. You'll first be driven to the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, one of China's four major museums, alongside the Forbidden City Museum, Shanghai Museum, and Henan Provincial Museum. This grand architectural complex, designed in the Tang-dynasty style, covers 70,000 square meters, with over 50,000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions. The museum showcases the highlights of Shaanxi's rich cultural heritage and the evolution of Chinese civilization. Often described as “the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures,” the museum offers an in-depth look into over a thousand years of Chinese history, featuring an array of artifacts that reflect ancient culture, daily life, and the grandeur of bygone eras. The museum’s exhibition spaces include an introductory hall, permanent and special exhibitions, temporary displays, and the National Painting Hall, collectively illustrating the cultural breadth and socio-economic development of ancient Shaanxi and China.

Next, you'll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of historic Xi'an and a revered Buddhist site. Located in the southern suburbs of the city, this well-preserved ancient structure exemplifies traditional Chinese architecture. The pagoda, built in the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, is renowned for its bracket-style construction—a technique that supports the pagoda's impressive height and durability. One of its standout features is its construction with layers of bricks, meticulously laid without cement, making the seams between each layer and the "prisms" on each side of the pagoda clearly visible. This design not only contributes to its majestic and solemn appearance but also highlights the advanced architectural techniques of the time. The pagoda's grand, towering structure and its role as a significant Buddhist monument make it a captivating example of Chinese architectural heritage, reflecting both historical and spiritual significance.

Continue your tour with a visit to the Bell Tower, situated southeast of the Drum Tower. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the Bell Tower, along with its counterpart the Drum Tower, was integral to ancient city life, used to mark time with the ringing of the bell at dawn and the drum at dusk. Located centrally within Xi’an’s city walls, the Bell Tower stands at the intersection of the city's main roads—east, south, west, and north—providing a strategic vantage point. Atop the tower, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an’s bustling streets and historic landmarks. The Bell Tower houses a collection of notable cultural relics, including a massive bell, inscribed steles, and couplets hanging on the columns, each offering significant historical and cultural insight. This site not only highlights the architectural grandeur of the Ming era but also serves as a testament to Xi’an's rich historical legacy.

The final stop on your tour is the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the heart of Xi'an's Muslim community and a bustling hub for food and souvenirs. Spanning approximately 500 meters (547 yards) from south to north, the quarter is easily accessible through an archway beneath the Drum Tower. This lively street, paved with dark stone and shaded by lush green trees, showcases a mix of Ming (1368–1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) architectural styles. Along the street, you'll find a variety of establishments, from aromatic eateries to intriguing shops, all run by local Muslim proprietors. The Muslim Quarter is renowned for its rich culinary offerings and unique souvenirs, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing the diverse cultural fabric of Xi'an.

Following your visit to the bustling Muslim Quarter, your guide and driver will take care of your journey back to your hotel. Your guide will be on hand to answer any last-minute questions, offer further recommendations, or assist with any final arrangements you may need. Meanwhile, your driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing you to relax after a day of exploration. Once you reach your hotel, you can take some time to rest and reflect on the day's memorable experiences, preparing for the next exciting chapter of your Xi'an adventure.

Day 3 Xian

After breakfast, our guide will meet you in your hotel lobby to continue your Xi'an exploration. You will then be driven to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a journey of approximately 40 minutes each way. This visit is the centerpiece of your Xi'an adventure. The Terracotta Army, an extraordinary collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures, was created to accompany Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, in the afterlife. Dating back to 210–209 BCE, these figures were buried in elaborate pits to serve as protectors of the emperor's tomb. The site includes three main pits filled with thousands of soldiers, chariots, and horses, each meticulously crafted with distinct facial expressions and detailed armor. The museum not only highlights the grandeur of ancient Chinese military art but also offers insights into the scale and complexity of the emperor's funerary preparations. This monumental discovery remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in history, illustrating the impressive artistry and organization of the Qin Dynasty.

After your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, you'll savor lunch at a local Chinese restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine. Your guide will recommend local specialties, such as Xi'an’s famous Yangrou Paomo (lamb and bread stew), a hearty dish combining tender lamb with crumbled flatbread in a rich broth. Another must-try is the Liangpi (cold noodles), often served with a tangy, spicy sauce and fresh vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something unique, don’t miss the Roujiamo (Chinese-style hamburger), a flavorful meat-filled flatbread. Your guide will help you navigate the menu to ensure you experience the best of Xi'an’s culinary offerings. Meanwhile, your driver will provide a smooth and comfortable transfer to and from the restaurant, making sure you enjoy your meal without any hassle. This thoughtful service guarantees a pleasant and authentic dining experience as part of your Xi'an adventure.

After concluding your tour, your guide and driver will ensure a seamless transition back to your hotel or Xi'an train station. Your guide will be on hand to offer any last-minute advice or recommendations, ensuring you have all the information you need for the remainder of your stay or onward journey. Meanwhile, your driver will handle the route with care, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. This attentive service allows you to unwind after an enriching three days of exploration, reflecting on your experiences and preparing for your next adventure with ease and relaxation.

Price Per Person in US Dollars