Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall

Land, explore Xi'an's top sites, and return to the airport on your schedule

A private layover tour in Xi'an with a professional guide, airport or hotel pickup, and a customized itinerary built around your flight times. Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, walk the 14th-century City Wall, and see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its North Square fountain, with stops at local markets and optional museum visits based on your interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum3h
2. South Gate1h
3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda1h
4. Shaanxi History Museum1h

Explore Xi'an city highlights

• Meet guide at Xi'an Airport arrival hall
• Transfer to city center by private vehicle
• Visit Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
• Visit Xi'an City Wall and learn its history
• Stroll around Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square
• Explore Daci'en Temple and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Visit old Ming and Qing dynasty architecture market
• Optional visit to Shaanxi History Museum or other sites

The experience

You arrive at Xi'an airport and your guide meets you in the Arrival Hall with a name sign. The drive to the city center takes 40 to 60 minutes in an air-conditioned vehicle, and on the way you and your guide discuss which sites fit your layover window. The tour is entirely flexible based on what you want to see. Most travelers start at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where thousands of life-sized clay sculptures stand in formation, each one carved with distinct details to represent different soldier ranks, uniforms and hairstyles. Your guide walks you through how these statues were created to honor China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and explains the discovery of this world wonder.

From there, the route typically moves to the City Wall, an 8.7-mile fortification built in the 14th century and dotted with towers, gates and parapets. The wide top is now a popular spot for cyclists and couples on afternoon walks. Your guide shares the wall's history as you move through it. Next comes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where you stroll the North Square, home to Asia's largest musical fountain, and enter the Daci'en Temple to see the ancient pagoda itself, a landmark in Buddhist tradition. A stop at the old Ming and Qing dynasty market follows, where you can browse souvenirs, take photos and taste local snacks like Yangrou PaoMo or dumplings if you want to eat.

If you've seen those sites before or want something different, you can swap any stop for the Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an Mosque, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, or the Tang Bo Art Museum. Just tell your guide what interests you. The tour runs about six hours total and ends with a return to your airport or hotel. Note that entrance fees to museums and the City Wall are not included, and the tour starts one hour after your flight lands, giving you time to clear customs. Choose the two-way airport transfer if you need a return trip to the airport, or the one-way option if you're heading to a hotel instead.

What’s included

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional guide in English or Chinese.
• hotel or airport pickup and drop-off (depending on the option you choose).
• bottle of water.

Options for this experience

2 options

One-way airport transfer - 08:00Guide in English or Chinese · 08:00This option covers only a one-way airport transfer. Pickup can be arranged either at your Xi'an hotel or at the airport. Pickup is included.

Two-way airport transfer - 08:00Guide in English or Chinese · 08:00Pick this option if you have a connecting flight on the same day. You must allow at least an 8-hour layover. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (9 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Jeff Ning China Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the two-way airport transfer if your layover ends with a flight out, or the one-way option if you're staying overnight or heading to a hotel. The guide adjusts the route to fit your flight times, so you're never rushed and always make it back in time to check in for your next flight.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is inside the Terracotta Warriors Museum?

The museum holds thousands of life-sized clay sculptures of soldiers, horses and chariots created to honor China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each statue is carved with unique details (different ranks, uniforms and hairstyles), and your guide explains how the collection was discovered and what it reveals about ancient China's military.

Can I walk on top of the City Wall?

Yes. The City Wall's wide top is open to visitors, and it's a popular spot for walking and cycling. Built in the 14th century, the 8.7-mile fortification has towers, gates and parapets, and your guide discusses its history as you move along it.

What is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and where is it?

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist structure inside the Daci'en Temple, known for its simple but striking architecture. The North Square in front of it features Asia's largest musical fountain and is a gathering spot for visitors.

How much time do I need between flights to do this tour?

The tour requires at least 8 to 10 hours between connecting flights. It runs about six hours and starts one hour after you land, so you'll have time to clear customs and still make your next flight.

Can I customize which sites I visit?

Yes. The entire itinerary is flexible and built around your interests. If you've already seen the Terracotta Warriors, City Wall or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you can visit the Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an Mosque, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi or other sites instead. Just discuss your preferences with your guide.