Xian Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Sights with Transfer

Walk among thousands of terracotta soldiers, then ride the ancient City Wall

A full-day private tour of Xian starting with airport or railway station pickup, visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum (the Eighth Wonder of the World), the City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Great Mosque, with an English-speaking guide and return transfer to your hotel or departure point. You choose which 2–3 sites to prioritize, or let the guide suggest the top attractions based on your interests and available time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum2h 30m
2. South Gate1h 30m
3. Big Wild Goose Pagoda1h 30m
4. Xi'an Great Mosque1h

Xian sightseeing and transfers

• Meet guide at airport or railway station
• Choose 2-3 scenic spots to visit
• Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Explore City Wall and optional bike ride
• Try local snacks at Muslim Street
• Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• See Xi'an Great Mosque
• Return to airport, railway station, or hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you at Xian airport or railway station with a welcome sign and helps you decide which attractions fit your schedule, or you can name your own choices in advance. The Terracotta Warriors Museum sits about 30 kilometers east of the city center and holds three excavation pits plus a chariot and horse exhibition hall. Pit 1 is the largest, and the entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the drive between stops, your guide explains the city's role as capital of 13 dynasties and points out landmarks along the way.

The City Wall is China's most complete and largest preserved wall, originally built for military defense in ancient times. You can walk or bike it (bike rental is optional and costs extra). Muslim Street sits in the city center and is known as Xian's top food street, where you can sample local snacks. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda dates to the early Tang Dynasty and was built to house Buddhist scriptures and statues brought from India. The surrounding area is now a popular gathering place for locals. The Great Mosque blends Islamic function with Chinese architectural style and remains an active place of worship.

After the tour, your driver and guide return you to the airport, railway station, or your hotel in the city. The entire outing runs 8 to 9 hours from pickup to drop-off. You receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of booking with full details, and the operator contacts you at least one day before travel to confirm your pickup information and flight or train number.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• airport or railway station pickup and return transfer.
• one bottle of mineral water per day.
• all tolls, fuel and parking charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by China Travel Service

Is this one for you?Pickup from the airport or railway station means you don't need to arrange separate transport into the city or between sites, which works well if you're arriving without a rental car or staying at a hotel without easy access to the main attractions.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly is inside the Terracotta Warriors Museum?

The Terracotta Warriors Museum includes three excavation pits (Pit 1 being the largest) plus a separate exhibition hall displaying chariots and horses. The site was discovered in 1974 when local farmers drilling a well uncovered the original terracotta army, and it is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Can I bike on the City Wall, or do I have to walk it?

You can walk the City Wall, and biking is also available as an optional activity at an additional cost of 45 yuan per person, paid on the day.

Do I have to eat at Muslim Street, or can I skip it?

Muslim Street is included as a stop on the tour, but you choose whether to sample the local snacks there. It is the city's top food street and a chance to try regional specialties, though meals are not included in the tour price.

What time do I need to arrive at the airport or station?

You should arrive at Xian airport or railway station before 10:30 a.m. and plan to depart after 8:00 p.m. so the guide and driver have a full day to take you to your chosen attractions and return you to your destination.

Can I choose which sites to visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

You have complete control over your schedule. The guide will suggest 2–3 top attractions when you meet, but if you have already chosen which sites to visit, the guide and driver will take you directly to those destinations instead.