Xi'an Day Tours: Discover the Architectural Wonders of Xi'an on a Personalized Xi'an Private Tour

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, your private tour guide will greet you at your hotel lobby in Xi'an or at the Xi'an Train Station, holding a personalized "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy identification. From there, your exciting Xi'an day tour will begin, featuring a blend of historical, cultural, and architectural wonders.

Your first stop is the Great Mosque, located at 30 Huajue Lane in the heart of Xi'an. As the largest mosque in China, the Great Mosque beautifully blends Islamic culture with traditional Chinese architecture. Built during the early Ming Dynasty, the mosque’s design is a unique fusion, with Islamic elements carefully integrated into classic Chinese construction styles. Your guide will share insightful details about the mosque’s history and significance. Don’t miss the Wooden Archway in the front courtyard, which dates back to the 17th century, standing at around nine meters high. With upturned eaves, intricately painted rafters, and carved beams, it’s a stunning example of ancient Chinese craftsmanship. Other key highlights include the Honored Prayer Hall, Worship Hall, Shengxin Lou, and the Phoenix Pavilion, where your guide will delve into the architectural and cultural significance of these structures.

Next, you will visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist structure located in southern Xi'an. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, this five-story pagoda was originally constructed to house Buddhist scriptures and figurines brought from India by the famed Buddhist monk and scholar Xuanzang. In the 7th century, the pagoda was reconstructed under Empress Wu Zetian, and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating stories about the pagoda’s role in the transmission of Buddhism from India to China and its ongoing cultural significance. Rated as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is renowned for its elegant, simple design and remains a symbol of ancient Xi'an.

Next, continue your tour with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the serene grounds of the Jianfu Temple in southern Xi'an. Built between 707 and 709 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this pagoda is one of the most important Buddhist structures of its time. Standing at 43.3 meters tall, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a dense-eave pagoda constructed with blue brick masonry and featuring 15 storeys. Originally reaching 46 meters, the pagoda has a square pedestal, with each side measuring 11.38 meters, and its first storey is particularly large. Beneath the pagoda lies an underground palace, adding an air of mystery to this ancient structure. Your guide will provide you with fascinating historical context, including the pagoda’s role in the preservation and transmission of Buddhist scriptures. The pagoda's exquisite windows on each storey and its two doors, facing south and north, make it an architectural marvel, and your guide will point out the intricate details that highlight its Buddhist significance.

Your final stop of the day is the Bell Tower, a monumental wooden structure that stands as the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China. At 36 meters high, this iconic tower was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and sits atop a large brick base, measuring 35.5 meters long and 8.6 meters high. It played a vital role during the Ming Dynasty, when Xi'an was an important military and cultural center in Northwest China. The Bell Tower was used to signal the time, and its impressive size reflects the strategic importance of the city during this period. Your guide will share interesting facts about its history and construction, and explain its role in Xi'an’s development as a major city along the Silk Road.

As your Xi'an day tour comes to a close, your guide will ensure you have all the time you need for a final look at these incredible landmarks. Afterward, you will be comfortably escorted back to your hotel or Xi'an Train Station, marking the end of a memorable day exploring Xi'an's rich history and culture.

Price Per Person in US Dollars