Xi'an Private Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors & Flexible City Sights

Summary

Explore Xi'an's Ancient Wonders with a Local Guide

You’ll get up close with Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and then shape your own adventure—pick city sights that fit your style, try local eats, and enjoy a guide who knows all the shortcuts and hidden gems.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started early—our guide met us right in the hotel lobby, coffee in hand, ready to go. The drive out to the Terracotta Warriors Museum was quiet, just the hum of traffic and the occasional street vendor setting up for the day. When we arrived, the air felt cool and a bit earthy, almost like you could smell the history in the ground. Walking into Pit 1, I remember just stopping for a second—those rows of clay soldiers really are something else. Our guide, Ms. Li, pointed out a kneeling archer that still had traces of original paint if you looked close enough. She shared stories about how farmers stumbled on this site back in the '70s—honestly, it made the place feel even more alive.

Lunch was up to us, which I liked. Ms. Li suggested a noodle shop near the museum—hand-pulled biangbiang noodles with chili oil and fresh cilantro. We sat by the window and watched local families come and go. No rush at all.

The afternoon was totally our call. Some folks in our group wanted to see the City Wall, but I picked the Shaanxi History Museum and the Muslim Quarter instead. The museum’s jade collection is tucked away on the second floor—easy to miss if you don’t ask. Later, wandering through the Muslim Quarter, you catch whiffs of cumin lamb skewers and hear vendors calling out their daily specials. We ducked into a tiny tea shop for a quick rest before heading back to the hotel as dusk settled over Xi’an’s rooftops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Terracotta Warriors & City Tour Options

• Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Optional visit to Hanyanglin Museum
• Optional visit to City Wall (South Gate)
• Optional visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Optional visit to Shaanxi History Museum
• Optional visit to Bell Tower
• Optional visit to Muslim Quarter
• Optional visit to Great Mosque
• Optional visit to Gao's Grand Courtyard
• Optional visit to Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Optional visit to Forest of Stone Tablets Museum

Top questions

Can I choose which city sights to visit after the Terracotta Warriors?

Absolutely! Your afternoon is flexible—just let your guide know your preferences from the list of available attractions.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included so you can try local food at your own pace. Your guide can recommend great spots nearby.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entrance tickets aren’t included; you’ll pay on-site based on which places you choose to visit.

What if it rains or gets cold?

The tour runs in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for the season. Your guide will help adjust plans if needed.

What’s included

Your private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking local guide who knows Xi’an inside out, bottled water for the day, private transportation with a licensed driver, and full flexibility to customize your afternoon sightseeing route.