Xi’an: Terracotta Army, Pagoda & City Wall Tour with Guide

Summary

Terracotta Warriors day trip from Xi’an with local stories

You’ll wander through Xi’an’s ancient pagoda with a local guide, stand face-to-face with thousands of Terracotta Warriors on this day trip from Xi’an, and stroll along the city wall as locals go about their day. With hotel pickup included and all entry fees covered, you’ll have space to notice those small moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda — but there we were, early morning in Xi’an, shoes squeaking on the old stone. Our guide Li pointed out the faded murals and told us about monks who traveled all the way from India centuries ago. The incense was faint but sweet, and outside I caught a breeze that smelled like rain on warm bricks. I tried to repeat one of the temple names in Mandarin; Li laughed (gently) at my accent and then showed me how to say it right. Still can’t get it.

The drive out to the Terracotta Warriors Museum took about an hour — enough time for Li to share stories about Emperor Qin and how they found those soldiers by accident. When we finally walked into Pit 1, it was bigger than I’d pictured (and colder too). Rows and rows of clay faces staring ahead. There’s something weirdly moving about seeing their chipped paint up close. We spent over two hours wandering around; I kept drifting back to a kneeling archer statue because his expression looked almost bored. Maybe he’d seen too many tourists already?

After lunch (nothing fancy, just noodles and tea at a spot Li recommended), we headed back toward the city wall. It’s massive — you can rent bikes if you want, but honestly I just wanted to walk and watch locals flying kites or chatting in little groups. The view from up there is this mix of old rooftops and shiny new buildings; kind of sums up Xi’an in one glance. My legs were tired by then but I didn’t really mind.

By the time we got dropped off at our hotel again, my shoes were dusty and my head was full of odd details — like how every soldier’s ears are different, or how quiet it gets inside the pagoda even when there are crowds outside. I still think about that kneeling archer sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xi’an Historical Highlights Tour

• Hotel pickup
• Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Explore Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Walk or bike on City Wall

Top questions

How long does the Terracotta Warriors tour from Xi’an take?

The full day tour lasts around 8 hours including travel time between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Xi’an day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your centrally located Xi’an hotel are included.

Are entry fees for Terracotta Army & other sites included?

Yes, admission fees for all attractions are covered in this tour.

Can I rent a bike on the Xi’an City Wall during this tour?

You can rent a bicycle at your own expense while visiting the City Wall.

Is lunch provided on this Terracotta Army day trip?

No set lunch is included; you may stop for food at local spots recommended by your guide.

How big are the groups on this Xi’an tour?

This is a small group tour for a more personal experience.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English fluently throughout the tour.

Are infants or young children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your central Xi’an hotel, all admission fees for each attraction visited, transport by air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver, plus an English-speaking local guide throughout your journey.