Xi'an: Terracotta Army, Pagoda & City Wall Private Day Tour

Terracotta Warriors up close, city wall cycling, pagoda stories and street food in Xi’an

You’ll start your day with a local guide at your hotel before heading out to see Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors up close. Walk ancient stones atop the City Wall, listen to stories at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then taste your way through bustling food stalls in the Muslim Quarter. Expect small surprises and real moments. This isn’t just sightseeing. It’s feeling part of Xi’an for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum3h
2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda2h
3. South Gate1h 30m

Visit Terracotta Army and Xi'an landmarks

• Meet guide and driver at hotel
• Drive one hour to Terracotta Army Museum
• Explore three pits and exhibition hall
• Drive back to downtown Xi'an
• Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Tour ancient City Wall and optional bike ride
• Explore Muslim Quarter and try local snacks
• Return to hotel with guide and driver

The experience

Li met us right in our hotel lobby. I was still fumbling with my camera strap when she smiled and asked if we’d had breakfast. She had this way of making everything feel easy, even as we drove out of Xi’an toward the Terracotta Army. The city faded into fields and then, suddenly, there were those famous warriors. I’d seen them in photos a hundred times but standing there, the air a little cool and earthy-smelling, it hit different. Li pointed at one archer’s face. “Each is unique,” she said, “like people.” She laughed when I tried to say their names in Mandarin. (I definitely butchered it.)

We wandered through the pits for what felt like both ages and no time at all. There was something almost quiet about it, even with other visitors around, you could hear your own footsteps echoing off the stone floor. After that, we headed back into town for the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The sun came out just as we stepped inside. Golden light on old bricks, incense drifting somewhere nearby. Li told us about Xuanzang’s journey from India and how he brought back Buddhist texts. I’m not sure why but that story stuck with me.

The city wall surprised me most. You can actually walk or rent bikes up top (we walked because my legs were still jelly from climbing stairs). Looking down over Xi’an from above made me realize how much history is packed into this place: old rooftops next to neon signs, someone flying a red kite near the South Gate. By late afternoon we found ourselves squeezed between food stalls in the Muslim Quarter, steam rising from lamb skewers and sweet pastries stacked high. I tried something spicy that made my eyes water. Li just grinned and handed me a cup of cold fruit tea.

I keep thinking about that moment on the wall: wind in my hair, city noise below fading into something softer. This private full-day tour of Xi’an wasn’t rushed or scripted. It felt like being shown around by someone who really loves their home.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your downtown Xi’an hotel by private vehicle with a dedicated driver, unlimited bottled water along the way, guidance from an English-speaking local expert (who honestly makes history feel alive), guaranteed entry ticket availability paid on site for private tours (or included if you’re joining a mini group), plus free child seats if you need them, and plenty of chances to taste street food before heading back at sunset.

Options for this experience

4 options

Private tour with transfers to and from hotelsUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30Classic Route: a one-day tour of the Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and Muslim Quarter, fully customizable to your personal interests. Includes pickup and drop-off at your downtown hotel, a private English-speaking guide, and an exclusive vehicle with driver. Pickup is included.

Terracotta Army tour in a mini groupUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 07:30Feature: skip the big-group rush and enjoy an in-depth museum tour with an expert local guide. All-inclusive: hotel pickup, guide and driver, entry ticket, buffet lunch with 25+ dishes and local snacks, and drop-off at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Duration: 6 hours. Pickup is included.

One-day tours of Xi'an in a mini groupUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English · 07:30Feature: all the highlights in one day, with mini-group flexibility and big savings. All-inclusive: entry tickets, guide and driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a buffet lunch with 25+ dishes and local snacks. Route: Terracotta Army, buffet lunch, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall, and a drive past the Muslim Bazaar. Pickup is included.

Tour including pickup from the airport or stationUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30Private Tour: a one-day tour of the Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and Muslim Quarter, fully customizable to your personal interests. Includes flexible pickup and drop-off from the airport or train station, a private English-speaking guide, and an exclusive vehicle with driver. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Travel China Guide

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long does the private day tour in Xi'an last?

The tour lasts a full day, typically around 8 hours including all main sites and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Terracotta Army tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for downtown Xi'an hotels.

Can you bike on Xi'an City Wall during this tour?

Yes, you can rent a bicycle on top of the City Wall at your own expense if you want an active experience.

Are entry tickets included for private tours?

Entry tickets are payable on site for private tours but availability is guaranteed by your guide.

Is lunch provided during this full-day tour?

A buffet lunch is included only for mini-group tours. Otherwise you can explore local snacks in the Muslim Quarter.

Are wheelchair users able to join this private tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout all major stops.

What should I bring for this day trip to Terracotta Warriors?

Please bring your valid passport as required for entry tickets. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.