Xi'an Terra-cotta Warriors Private Tour with Lunch

Three thousand terra-cotta soldiers, a Buddhist landmark, and China's only intact city wall in one day

This private one-day tour visits Xi'an's three greatest archaeological and historical sites: the Terracotta Warriors Museum (around 2.5 hours), the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Ancient City Wall stretching 14 kilometers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a private vehicle and Chinese lunch are included. You can arrange airport or train station transfer for an additional cost. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the wall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum2h 30m · entry included
2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda1h · entry included
3. South Gate2h · entry included

Visit Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an landmarks

• Explore Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda area
• Tour Xi'an Ancient City Wall

The experience

The day starts at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where your guide explains why the first emperor of Qin built this vast underground army (a 40-year project that began while he still ruled), and answers the questions most visitors have: how so many figures were preserved for thousands of years, what colors they originally carried, and why they matter. You'll have around 2.5 hours to walk through the excavation, photograph freely, and absorb the scale of what you're standing in front of.

From there, the tour moves to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Xi'an itself and a site of Buddhist history: Master Xuanzang stored the classics he brought from India here centuries ago. You'll see the Chinese-style architecture, the historic statues and murals inside the complex. Climbing the pagoda tower is optional and costs extra. The tour covers the grounds and exterior. Lunch (Chinese style, with a vegetarian option if you request it at booking) happens between the major stops.

The final stop is the Ancient City Wall at the South Gate, the only intact city wall of its kind still standing in China. At roughly 14 kilometers long, it's massive and tall, and walking sections of it gives you a physical sense of Xi'an's layered history. The wall is open for photos and exploration at your own pace before your guide returns you to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private vehicle for the full day.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• Chinese lunch with vegetarian option available.
• entry to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and access to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by China Seeing Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to see three major sites in one day with private transport and a guide included. Choose the airport/station variant if you're arriving that day rather than staying overnight.

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Top questions

How much time do I actually spend at the Terracotta Warriors Museum?

The Terracotta Warriors Museum takes around 2.5 hours to walk through and photograph. Your guide will explain the history and answer questions about how the figures were made and preserved, but the time is yours to explore the excavation at your own pace.

Can I climb inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

The tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda grounds and the exterior architecture with its Buddhist statues and murals. Climbing the tower inside costs extra and is not part of the standard tour. You can arrange it separately if you want to go up.

What does the Ancient City Wall actually look like, and how much of it do I walk?

The Ancient City Wall at the South Gate is massive and tall, stretching about 14 kilometers total. The tour brings you to the wall and gives you time to walk sections of it and take photos. How much you cover depends on your pace and interest, and your guide will be with you throughout.

Is lunch included, and what if I'm vegetarian?

Lunch is included and served Chinese style during the tour. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need one.

What if I'm arriving by plane or train? Can I start the tour from the airport or station?

The standard tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Airport or train station transfer is available for an additional cost. You can arrange this at checkout if you need it.

Do I need to be in good physical shape for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking on the Ancient City Wall and exploring the museum grounds. That's the main physical consideration.