Full Day Tour of Xian

Enjoy a full day tour of Xian and a visit to some of the city's most important landmarks.

Area

Xian & Around

Type

Art & Architecture

History

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Full Day

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 09:00 am to start the day.

First today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors. In 1974, while digging a well in the vast countryside outside of Xi’an, a group of farmers made a legendary discovery. They struck a chamber containing 8,000 soldiers belonging to China’s fearsome first emperor, a terracotta army buried beneath the earth to guard his tomb for eternity. Less than an hour outside the city, you’ll spend two hours coming face-to-face with row upon row of these ancient guardians, an experience no trip to China is complete without.

Ascending to an imperious height of 12 meters, the only way in or out of downtown Xi’an is to pass through cavernous openings in the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city wall in China. Without a doubt, the best way to experience the fortifications is by walking on top of them. Keep your head on a swivel while making the circuit, taking full advantage of the commanding views of the ancient city within and the modern metropolis outside.

The The Great Mosque was the sign that Islam first entered China more than a thousand years ago via the Silk Road, flourishing around the Great Mosque in the heart of the Xi’an’s thriving Muslim Quarter. Entering the elegant grounds at sunset, you might mistake the undulating roofs and colonnaded halls for a Chinese temple until the evening call to prayer confirms that this is instead a potent fusion of Chinese and Islamic culture.

As Islam flowed along the Silk Road into China 1,300 years ago, its faithful followers, both locals and foreigners alike, settled in a busy commercial area of the capital, Chang’an. After centuries of prosperity, the very same Muslim Quarter is still one of the most bustling areas of modern-day Xi’an, and a sensory feast of neon signs, exotic spices, and mouthwatering barbecued fare.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 pm).

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

A Week in Beijing & Xian

Serving as the capitals of Ancient China of different dynasties, Beijing and Xian tells of different stories across time. Lying on the eastern end of China Silkroad, Xian is a kaleidoscope of culture and history to some of the most impressive sites of China, while Beijing is known for the best preserved imperial palaces and sections of the Great Wall. Unravel the tales of the two capitals in this week long itinerary.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian

A former state guesthouse opened in 1953, the Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel in the historic Old City of Xian offers a real sense of grandeur for your stay in this ancient former capital.

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Sofitel On Renmin Square

Just a fifteen-minute stroll from the bustling Islamic quarter, The Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is Xian's only contemporary, luxury hotel. It provides a perfect base from which to explore the fascinating and world renowned Terracotta Army.

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Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square

Located within the ancient walls of Xian, Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is surrounded by serene courtyards and enchanting gardens which encapsulate the historic riches of the region.

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The Westin Xi'an

Positioned opposite the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the heart of the Qu Jiang New District, the Westin Xi’an is perfectly located to explore the wonders of this historic city.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Magnificient Terra Cotta Warriors

Be amazed by thousands of life-sized soldiers that were constructed to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, into the afterlife. Spend some time to explore the museum and gain an insight into the Terra Cotta Warriors.

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Muslim Street Food Walking Tour

Walk through the Muslim quarters rich with historic Islamic culture and embark on a street food walking tour. Try out their local delicacies such as their famous Liangpi “cold skin” noodles or mutton soup with flour cake.

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Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty

The Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty was a hugely significant discovery in the 1970s. The warriors are fascinating and well worth exploring with a private guide.

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Wild Goose Pagodas on route to Chengdu

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous well-preserved Buddhist pagoda built in the 652 during the Tang Dynasty.

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