Historical Xian City Tour: Discover Xi'an’s Heritage and Key Attractions

Tour itinerary

Start your day with a warm welcome from our dedicated tour guide, who will greet you at either Xi'an train station, Airport exit or your hotel lobby, holding a welcoming sign marked "Your Way Holiday." This personal touch ensures you feel immediately at ease and excited for the day's adventure. Your Xi'an city day tour is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the city's rich history and vibrant culture. From exploring ancient landmarks to experiencing local highlights, each stop is designed to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Xi'an. Get ready for an immersive journey through the city's most captivating attractions and activities.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the majestic Xi'an Ancient City Wall. This impressive structure, built during the Ming Dynasty, encircles the old city and provides a unique glimpse into Xi'an's historic past. Spanning over 13.7 kilometers, the wall offers panoramic views of both the ancient and modern cityscape. As you walk or cycle along the top, you'll feel the weight of history and see how this grand fortification once protected the city. Your experienced tour guide will enrich your visit with fascinating insights into the wall's history and strategic significance. They will share engaging stories about its construction and the role it played in defending the ancient city. Whether you're strolling along the ramparts or enjoying a bike ride, your guide will be there to ensure you make the most of your time, answering any questions you may have and pointing out key landmarks and features. Their expertise will help you fully appreciate the historical grandeur of this iconic monument.

After your enriching visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, proceed to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a monumental symbol of Xi'an's cultural and historical heritage. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty by the esteemed monk Xuan Zang, this seven-story brick pagoda was designed to house the Sanskrit scriptures, Buddhist statues, and relics he brought from India. Standing over 64 meters tall, it was once the tallest structure in Chang’an and remains a significant landmark. At the southern square of Ci En Temple, a bronze statue of Xuan Zang commemorates his pivotal role in the development of Buddhism. Despite leaning over one meter due to the passage of time, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda continues to captivate visitors with its historical grandeur and architectural elegance.

Later, you'll visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an, the largest mosque in China and an active place of worship located in the vibrant Xi'an Muslim Quarter. As you arrive, our expert guide will enrich your experience with detailed explanations about the mosque's history and architectural beauty. The mosque, primarily constructed during the early Ming Dynasty, spans over 12,000 square meters and includes more than twenty buildings spread across five serene courtyards. Our professional driver ensures a smooth journey to the mosque, allowing you to focus on exploring its stunning features and learning about its cultural significance.

Your final stop is the bustling Muslim Quarter, the largest of its kind in China, covering 31 hectares (76 acres) and housing around 22,000 residents. Located in the northwest corner of Xi'an's Old City, it is accessible through historic gates such as St. Stephen's Gate (Lion's Gate), Herod's Gate, and Damascus Gate. At the heart of the quarter lies the lively shuk, a maze of ancient streets and alleyways that have been in use for over a thousand years. Here, you can explore a vibrant marketplace brimming with spices, textiles, meats, vegetables, and a variety of local and tourist fare, offering an immersive experience into the unique flavors and culture of Xi'an.

Walking along this twisted, narrow street which is aligned with stores on both sides, you can see that Muslim men with white hats sit inside the stores and talk leisurely with each other. In front of the doors of some stores, old men with white beards sit on the cane chairs enjoying the tender touch of the sun and having fun with the little children running along the street. The main goods of these stores are authentic hand-making Muslim food which tastes very good. While still there are small stores selling the special local products of Shaanxi Province and yet others provide you with exquisite souvenirs.

As your tour comes to an end, our attentive guide and skilled driver will ensure a seamless conclusion to your day. Your guide will recap the day's highlights and offer any final insights, while our professional driver will handle all logistics, smoothly transporting you back to your hotel or the Xi'an train station. With their expertise and care, you can unwind and reflect on the memorable experiences of the day, knowing that every detail is taken care of as you arrive at your next destination.

Price Per Person in US Dollars