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Terracotta Army, Xian

Xi'an Tours

Explore China's ancient capital and Terracotta Warriors
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Xi'an, the former capital of 13 dynasties, is a living history book of China. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this city will leave you profoundly impressed. We offer pocket-friendly mini-group day tours and 1 to 4 days’ customizable private tours with hassle-free transfers, avoiding crowds and tourist traps for a pure, immersive experience. Follow our knowledgeable guide to marvel at the Terracotta Army, with untold life-size warriors created 2,000 years ago to sentinel the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Climb up the ancient City Wall, snap photos at millennium-old Small and Giant Wild Goose Pagodas, and snack through the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Thrill-seekers can conquer Mt. Huashan and brave the world’s most dangerous hike. To dive deeper into Xi’an’s ancient side, don’t miss some low-key sites, such as Yangling Mausoleum of Han Dynasty, Stele Forest, Qianling Mausoleum, and Famen Temple.

With 5 days or more, you can venture a bit further. Consider Chengdu for giant pandas, Chongqing for mountain city views, Luoyang for Longmen Grottoes, Pingyao for ancient city’s scene, or Zhangjiajie for its Hallelujah Mountain. First-timers to China? The classic route to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Guilin is highly recommended, offering a fantastic mix of ancient monuments, natural scenery, and modern wonders at one time. The more you share with us, the better we can craft a unique itinerary just for you! ... Read more

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FAQs on Xi'an Tours

How many days do I need for Xi’an?

A 2-to-3-day Xi’an tour package can generally cover all the must-visit spots, including the Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque, Shaanxi History Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. 4 to 5 days are enough for an in-depth exploration with extra visits to Mt. Huashan, Stele Forest, Qianling Mausoleum, and Famen Temple. If you have a longer vacation, it is convenient to extend your Xi’an tour to other hot destinations like Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Beijing, and Shanghai.

When is the best time to visit Xi'an?

Xi’an is favorable for visiting all year round, but the best time is from March to May and from September to November in view of the climatic conditions. If you come in January, the coldest month, it’s better to wear padded coats, thick long pants, scarves, and hats, while in July, the hottest month, you should wear breathable light T-shirts, shorts or skirts, and apply sunscreen. Traveling during the May Day (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day (Oct 1st to 7th) is not recommended as the main attractions will be packed with domestic visitors. Also, be prepared for the relatively crowded summer vacation from July to August.

Can I visit Xi’an without a visa?

Xi’an is one of the cities in China that implements a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, so international visitors who meet the requirements (holding a valid passport and onward flight ticket with a confirmed seat to a third country) can apply for it at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to stay for no more than 10 days.

Can I do a day trip from Beijing to Xi’an?

There are convenient 5-to-6-hour high-speed trains that allow you to travel between the two cities in the same day, but the time left for your Xi’an tour is so limited that you can only tour the Terracotta Army Museum. It is recommended that you take the round-trip overnight sleeper train to ensure a full day to visit more sights like the City Wall and the Muslim Quarter.

Where to stay in Xi’an?

The city center, especially the Bell Tower area is best for first-time visitors and independent travelers. There are 4-star and 5-star hotels, economic and comfortable inns, and budget hostels, and it is very convenient for you to dine and reach the scenic spots. South of downtown is also highly recommended, as many of the city’s main attractions are located here. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area in the south is a popular choice due to its vibrant attractions and nightlife. The western and northern suburbs are not recommended for tourists due to poor transportation links.

What are the best foods to try in Xi’an?

The local specialties such as Chinese Hamburger, Cold Noodles, and Biang Biang Noodles, which can be easily found everywhere, are highly recommended. Whether in the well-known Muslim Quarter, Sajinqiao Food Street, or near your hotel, you can taste some of the snacks for about CNY 20-30 per person. A proper dinner at a nice restaurant would cost CNY 50 to 100 per person. Picture menus are popular at most local restaurants, making it easier for you to order dishes. Our guide will be willing to give you some appropriate recommendations whenever needed.

Is it easy to get around in Xi’an?

Xi’an has a well-developed public transportation network, with dozens of subway lines and countless buses that can take you to almost all the main spots like the Terracotta Army Museum, City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Taxis and online-hailing vehicles, which take one hour and cost about CNY 100 from the airport to the city center, are also available at any time. Note that there may be traffic jams during the rush hours.

Can I do Mt. Huashan in one day? What is the best season for Mt. Huashan?

It is possible to visit the mountain in a day via cable car. There are two cableways that can respectively take you to the North Peak and the West Peak of Mt. Huashan, and you are advised to take the one to reach the latter if you expect an easier hike to the other distinctive peaks.

The best time as well as the peak season for visiting Mt. Huashan is from April to October. Winter from December to February is not recommended as the mountain paths are very slippery and unsafe on snowy days.

Is it safe to travel to Xi’an?

Xi’an is overall safe for you. As for public security, it’s OK to wander around freely even at night in some well-lit places. Heinous crimes like robbery might not occur, but you still need to be cautious of pickpockets stealing your mobile phones, cash, and other valuables when you are in a crowded area. Additionally, be aware of potential scams, such as inviting you to a tea ceremony or giving you a free small gift by scanning unknown QR codes, and when encountered, just ignore them. If you're on one of our guided tours, you’ll definitely avoid all these hassles. Besides, traffic safety here is a particular concern because China, like most Asian countries, has a poor practice of vehicles yielding to pedestrians. Be vigilant when crossing the road, even at traffic lights, not only for upcoming vehicles on main lanes, but also for bicycles, rushing e-bikes and motorcycles on non-motorized vehicle lanes.