Xian Day Tour: Must See Xian with a Local: Private & Personalized

Tour Itinerary

As you step into Xi'an, our local tour guide will be there to meet you at your hotel, the Xi'an train station, or the airport—wherever your journey brings you. Look for the '‘Your Way Holiday'‘sign for a personalized welcome. We’re here to ensure a seamless start to your tour and to introduce you to the wonders of Xi'an with a friendly and informative touch.

First on the itinerary is a visit to a local wet market, a vibrant reflection of Xi'an's cultural heritage. Here, you'll immerse yourself in a slice of traditional Chinese life. The market buzzes with the sights and smells of typical Chinese cooking ingredients, including fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, offering a glimpse into the everyday business practices of locals. Among the market's highlights are the live shellfish stalls, where you'll find everything from luxurious crabs and lobsters to more modest clams and prawns, all displayed in crates brimming with freshness. Additionally, the market features exotic meats such as live frogs, eels, and turtles, ingredients for some of the region’s unique dishes. For those eager to try something new, local specialties like frog porridge offer a taste of these unusual but delectable offerings without needing to master any exotic recipes.

Next, you'll visit the iconic Bell Tower, a landmark steeped in Xi'an’s rich history. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this structure served as an essential timekeeping device for the city, with the bell marking dawn and the drum signaling dusk each day. Positioned at the heart of Xi'an, the Bell Tower stands at the crossroads where the city’s main roads converge, creating a central hub of activity. From its elevated platform, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the ancient cityscape, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the blend of historic and modern Xi'an. The Bell Tower, together with its counterpart, the Drum Tower, symbolizes the city's historical significance and provides a captivating glimpse into its past.

Enjoy your lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, where our knowledgeable tour guide will be on hand to offer personalized recommendations on the best local dishes. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of Xi'an’s culinary scene, your guide will suggest regional specialties such as the famous Biang Biang noodles, known for their wide, hand-pulled strands and rich, savory flavors, or the succulent Yangrou Paomo, a traditional lamb soup that embodies the heartiness of Shaanxi cuisine. Whether you're craving something spicy or prefer a milder option, your guide will ensure you experience the true taste of Xi'an, making your meal both delicious and memorable.

In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to 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 formidable structure served as a crucial military defense system, safeguarding the city from potential invaders. The Ancient City Wall is not only one of the oldest and most extensive city walls in China but also one of the best preserved, showcasing the full spectrum of feudal defensive architecture. As you walk or cycle along its sturdy ramparts, you'll be immersed in a fascinating blend of history and engineering. The wall provides breathtaking views of the city, juxtaposing ancient fortifications with the modern skyline, and offers a tangible connection to Xi'an's storied past.

Your final destination is the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the most renowned food street in Xi'an. This bustling area is a melting pot of Islamic culinary delights and cultural heritage, showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. As you stroll through the streets, paved with gray flagstones and lined with Ming-style architecture, you'll encounter a lively fusion of Islamic food vendors, ethnic shops, and the historic Great Mosque. The quarter has been a hub of Islamic culture and cuisine for over a millennium, dating back to the Han Dynasty when the Silk Road brought the first Muslim traders and scholars to Changan. Here, you'll savor a variety of delectable northern and western Chinese dishes, such as savory mutton soup with hand-made pancakes, refreshing cold rice noodles, and flavorful Chinese hamburgers. Don't miss local specialties like Xi'an’s small cakes, Shaanxi pasta, and rice cakes, with the roast beef standing out as a must-try delicacy. This area perfectly captures the essence of Xi'an's diverse culinary landscape and historical depth.

After exploring the vibrant Muslim Quarter and indulging in its diverse culinary delights, our tour guide will ensure a smooth conclusion to your Xi'an adventure. You will be comfortably driven back to your hotel or Xian train station, depending on your next destination. Along the way, your guide will be available to offer any last-minute tips or answer any final questions you may have about your travels. As you conclude your memorable day tour, we wish you safe travels and a pleasant journey ahead. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you carry fond memories of Xi'an’s rich history and vibrant culture with you.

Price Per Person in US Dollars