Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Private Tour & Foodie Experience

Summary

Private Xi'an Day Tour: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter & Seal Carving

If you want more than just sightseeing in Xi’an, this tour covers it all: ancient warriors up close, real street food flavors in the Muslim Quarter, plus a creative seal carving session you won’t find elsewhere. You’ll get picked up at your hotel and guided every step of the way—no guesswork or crowds.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Xi’an always feels a bit crisp, especially when you’re up early for something special. Our guide met us right in the hotel lobby—no stress about finding the meeting point. The drive out to the Terracotta Warriors Museum took about an hour, just enough time for a quick chat about what we’d see. When we arrived, I remember the faint earthy smell near the pits and how quiet it got as we stepped inside. There are thousands of warriors here—each one different if you look close. Our guide pointed out little details I’d never have noticed on my own, like the way some soldiers’ shoes curve up at the toes.

Back in Xi’an city, hunger hit fast. We headed straight for the Muslim Quarter—honestly, you can follow your nose there. The sizzle from street grills and chatter from vendors fills the air. We tried roujiamo (the local answer to a burger), liangpi noodles that were cool and chewy, and these bright green spinach noodles called youpomian. If you’ve got any food allergies or preferences, just let your guide know—they handled everything for us.

After lunch, we strolled by the old City Wall near South Gate. It’s a good spot for photos—locals whizzing by on bikes, couples taking wedding pictures. Then came something I didn’t expect: learning seal carving with a real master calligrapher. He showed us how to hold the carving tool and helped me pick out Chinese characters for my name. My hands weren’t steady but he was patient, and now that little stone stamp is my favorite souvenir from China.

The last stop was Big Wild Goose Pagoda—a landmark that’s stood here over 1,300 years. The sun was starting to dip behind its brick tiers while families gathered in the square below. After a walk around (and too many photos), our guide dropped us back at our hotel door. No rush—just a full day of history, food, and hands-on fun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an Tour

• Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Foodie tour at Muslim Quarter
• Walk by City Wall and seal carving
• Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The pace is relaxed and there aren’t any tough climbs or long walks. Just let us know if anyone has special needs so we can help out.

I’m vegetarian/allergic to nuts—can I still join the foodie part?

Absolutely—just tell us your dietary needs when booking and we’ll make sure there are tasty options for you during the food tour.

How long does the whole tour take?

The day usually runs from morning until late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and how much time you want at each stop.

Can I keep my carved seal?

Yes! Your personalized seal is yours to take home as a unique keepsake from your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within downtown Xi’an, all entrance fees (including Terracotta Warriors), an English-speaking guide who knows their stuff, private transport with AC, plenty of local snacks to try on our foodie walk (we’ll handle dietary requests), plus a hands-on seal carving class where you make your own souvenir.