Terracotta Army & Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Private Xian Tour

Two of Xian's greatest sites in a single day, with a guide and driver handling the route.

This one-day private tour in Xian takes you to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and air-conditioned transport. You'll spend 2–3 hours among the life-size terracotta army, stop at a Terracotta Figures factory to see how reproductions are made, then visit the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to learn the history of Monk Xuan Zang and the landmark itself. The tour runs eight hours from hotel pickup around 9 a.m. to return. Lunch near the Terracotta Warriors is at your own expense, and entrance to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum3h · entry included
2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda1h

Visit Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda

• Meet guide and driver at hotel
• Visit Terracotta Figures factory
• Explore Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Have lunch near Terracotta Warriors
• Visit South Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Return to hotel

The experience

Eight hours gives you time to move unhurried through both sites without racing between them. Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel around 9 a.m. (confirmed the night before by phone), then drive you to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where you spend 2–3 hours walking among the thousands of life-size clay soldiers and horses. On the way there, you'll stop at a Terracotta Figures factory for about 40 minutes to watch how artisans reproduce the ancient sculptures. The museum itself is the major draw: known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, it holds the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century, and the detail in the carving is what stays with you.

After lunch (which you arrange and pay for near the museum), the van takes you back into Xian city to the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You have an hour there, and your guide walks you through the history of the pagoda itself (a world heritage site and the landmark building of Xian), and tells you the story of Monk Xuan Zang, whose travels inspired the tales behind it. The square is also a gathering place for locals in the evening, so you'll see how the city uses the space. Then you're driven back to your hotel.

The van is air-conditioned and seats your group comfortably. Water is provided. Comfortable shoes matter because you're on your feet for most of the day, especially at the museum. If your hotel is beyond the 2nd ring road of Xian city, you'll need to make your own way to Xian Bell Tower Hotel to meet the guide instead.

What’s included

• English-speaking tour guide and air-conditioned van with driver.
• hotel pickup and drop-off within the 2nd ring road.
• entrance ticket to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
• stop at a Terracotta Figures factory.
• one bottle of water per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 6 years): free · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by China Travel Service

Is this one for you?The private van and guide mean you move at a steady pace without waiting for a group to assemble, and the eight-hour span lets you spend real time at the Terracotta Warriors without feeling rushed between sites. If you prefer to explore at your own speed or want to skip the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a self-guided visit to the museum alone would suit you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years): free; Infant (under 3).

What exactly is the Terracotta Warriors Museum?

The Terracotta Warriors Museum houses thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots buried with China's first emperor over 2,000 years ago. It was discovered in the 20th century and is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world. The museum displays them in their original pits so you see the scale and arrangement as they were arranged underground.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

You'll walk for most of the eight hours, with the longest stretch at the Terracotta Warriors Museum where you spend 2–3 hours on your feet moving through the exhibition pits. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda South Square visit is about an hour of walking and standing. Comfortable shoes are essential, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the price and what do I pay for separately?

The tour includes the English-speaking guide, driver, air-conditioned van, entrance ticket to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one bottle of water per person, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Lunch near the Terracotta Warriors is at your own expense. Entrance to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda itself is optional and not included, though your guide will explain its history in the square.

When does the tour start and how do I arrange pickup?

The guide and driver meet you at your hotel around 9 a.m., and you'll be contacted at least one day before your tour via email with pickup details. The guide will also call your hotel room or leave a message the night before to confirm the exact time. Pickup is included for hotels within the 2nd ring road of Xian city. If your hotel is farther out, you'll meet the group at Xian Bell Tower Hotel instead.

Can I visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda itself, or just the square?

The tour includes time in the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where your guide explains the pagoda's history and the story of Monk Xuan Zang. Entrance to the pagoda building itself is optional and not included in the tour price. You can choose to add it when you book if you'd like to go inside.