Things to do in Xi'an

The unexpected unearthing of the Terracotta Warriors, a hoard of legendary life-sized clay soldiers intended to fill an emperor’s elaborate mausoleum, is renowned as one of the world’s greatest archaeological events. On this 2.5-hour tour, experience the wonder of these ancient artifacts and gain a deep understanding from your expert tour guide about the First Emperor’s vision for his afterlife and his unification of China, which shaped the nation as it is known today.  If the transfer option was selected, you will be collected from your accommodation and driven to the Terracotta Warriors Museum in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, or you can choose to meet the tour guide at the museum. Your unforgettable tour begins in Pit 1 of the museum, which is the largest of the excavated pits and home to around 6,000 soldiers. Then, head to Pit 2 and 3, where the cavalry and infantry units and officers are located. The famous Bronze Chariot Pit, where two painted bronze chariots are on display, will not be forgotten.  Your expert tour guide will give you a comprehensive introduction to Imperial China’s distinctive approach to funerary art as well as the celebrated sculptures of their scale, both in terms of each individual sculpture’s height and of the group as a whole. If you select the lunch option, you will be treated to a traditional local style Chinese meal before being transferred back to your accommodation. 

The Muslim Quarter’s narrow lanes are full of butcher shops, sesame oil factories, smaller mosques hidden behind enormous wooden doors, men in white skullcaps and women with their heads covered in colored scarves. Steeped in history, the neighborhood has housed a largely Muslim population since the 7th century. Many of the dishes served have changed little since that time. With a group of 7 people or fewer, this tour will offer incredible smells and tastes. Chefs stir-fry lamb and spices in hot woks set over blazing hot coal ovens. Nearby, hawkers roast walnuts or sell prunes of varying prices and degrees of quality. Stacks of bamboo baskets filled with mutton and beef dumplings steam away next to fresh fruit vendors and old ladies stir-frying potatoes. In addition to tasting the exquisite local cuisine, you can also choose the option to explore the largest and best-preserved of the early mosques of China like the Great Mosque, which was built primarily in the Ming Dynasty when Chinese architectural elements were synthesized into mosque architecture. After walking through the main street, your tour guide will lead you to the small lane in the quarter to the Sajinqiao area, where the real delicacies are.

Discover the artifacts from one of the world’s most significant archaeological excavations on this trip from Xi’an. Depart from Xi’an and enjoy a ride to the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, which is home to over 7,000 terracotta warriors, which are over 2000 years old. See the over 7,000 terracotta warriors, terracotta horses, and numerous bronze chariots and weapons, and learn about China's first emperor, for whom the warriors were built. See artifacts from the first unified empire in Chinese history while learning about the rise of the empire. Visit the largest tomb in known Chinese history, and learn about Emperor Qinshihuang’s unique approach to funerary art and his vision of the afterlife and modern China while accompanied by an expert guide.

Situated in Da Ci'en Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. This tour will give you a comprehensive visit to this architectural masterpiece of Buddhism in China with 1300 years of history. After meeting up, follow your tour guide with a group of 7 people or less to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda by taking the subway like a real local. If the transportation option is selected, you will be transferred by a premium car and meet your tour guide at North Square. Walking through the Morning Clock and Fountain in North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you will enter the Da Ci'en Temple where the Pagoda stands. Listening to the interpretation of your expert guide, you can immerse yourself in this bright pearl on the Silk Road with excellent architectural beauty, precious Buddhist relics, rich religious culture, and stories of the famous ancient monk - Xuan Zang. You may also choose to climb up the pagoda to discover the secret of precious Sarira and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

The City Wall, as the landmark of the ancient capital Xian, is a must-see spot for travelers. With a group of 7 people or less, your professional tour guide will bring the glorious history of Xi’an to life on this 2-hour walking tour. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point. They will introduce you to the fascinating history and culture of this old city during the 10-minute walk to the South Gate of City Wall. If the transportation option is selected, you will be transferred by car and meet the tour guide at South Gate. Xi’an City Wall is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. It served as the military defensive system in ancient times, which can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. After arriving at the City Wall, you can choose to explore the wall by foot or ride a bike to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and take in 600 years of history whistling past your face. Your tour guide will tell you the story hidden in corners of the wall along the way.

Enjoy a combined full-day coach tour to see the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Xi’an, and learn about Chinese history at the Banpo Museum. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, get collected from your downtown city center hotel for the drive east. Make the first stop at the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty. Discover how when he ascended to the throne at the tender age of 13, he ordered 720,000 conscript laborers to build him a royal tomb. It took about 38 years to finish and was so magnificent that it set a precedent for future feudal rulers. Little compares to his army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Wander the gallery to marvel at some 8,000 life-size sculptures of men and horses of the Emperor’s funerary art. Amazingly, each one has unique features. One of the most significant archeological finds of the 20th century, once you’ve got your breath back, you can buy your own imitation warrior at the gift shop. Next, immerse yourself in Chinese history at the Banpo Museum and see artifacts excavated from the prehistoric Banpo village. Built at the base of the archaeological site, the museum also features several reconstructed houses designed to resemble the Neolithic settlement. Alternatively, if you would like to visit only the Terracotta Warriors, please select the correct option upon check out; for this option, you will be transferred back to the pickup place after the visit to the Terracotta Warriors and lunch.

This private customizable day tour will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and two of the following highlights of Xian according to your personal interests: The Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Banpo Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, Xian City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, The Great Mosque or the Muslim Street. Start with a pickup from your downtown Xi'an hotel lobby and a one-hour drive onboard a private vehicle. Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Marvel at the massive life-sized terracotta warriors and horses troops. Experience the wonder of these ancient artifacts and gain a deep understanding of the First Emperor’s vision for his afterlife and his unification of China. Afterward, visit two of the following recommended sites. If you cannot decide on what to see, then the Xian City Wall and the Muslim Streets will be the default. At the end of the tour, get a transfer back to your downtown Xi'an hotel.

Xi’an earned its fame as the former Chinese Capital City for 13 dynasties, including during the Tang Dynasty when China was the most powerful empire and Chang’an (the former name of Xi’an) was the biggest international metropolis in the world. The Great Tang Dynasty Show recreates the grand feel of that period with dancing and a musical show. You can also enjoy a dumpling dinner at the theatre (depending on option chosen). You will be picked up from your hotel by a premium car if the transfer option is selected. You will receive the booking information at least one day before the show starts, including your full name, date of show, starting time of the show, the address of the theatre in English and Chinese, and emergency contact number. The shows usually starts at 7:530 PM and you are suggested to get there 30 minutes in advance. After finding your seat with help from the staff, get ready to appreciate an amazing show filled with Tang history and culture. There are five scenes in total of the Tang Dynasty Show telling you the story of the Dynasty's only ever Empress, Wu Ze Tian. Through her life story, the audience will also get to learn about the culture, military history, and religion of the Tang Dynasty. You can also choose to have a dumpling dinner before the show.

Take in incredible views of the city of X’ian from its magnificent Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and learn all about its intriguing history from your local guide. Depending on the option you choose, you will either meet the guide yourself at the Bell Tower Hotel or get transferred from your hotel to the meeting point by a premium car. Head to the Bell Tower along with your guide and marvel at the ancient wonder located right at the heart of the bustling city of Xi’an. This 14th-century wooden monument from the Ming dynasty, standing at the height of 36 meters, was used to tell time during ancient times. Enter the tower and walk up the wooden stairs to the top of the building as you listen to your guide share fascinating stories about its legendary past. Behold the panoramic views of the city from the top and take time to let that sink in. Continue towards the Drum Tower, a smaller building at 7.7 meters in height that marks the entrance towards the city’s Muslim Quarter. Learn about the historical role of this tower from your guide before making your way into the Muslim Quarter. Walk past an unending line of vibrant food stalls selling cakes, dried fruits, bread, and barbequed meat before you arrive at your final stop — Jia San Soup Dumpling Restaurant — a must-try restaurant in the Muslim Quarter. After a delicious meal at the restaurant, in case you’re left wanting more, feel free to get recommendations from your guide for the best street food you could try.

Enjoy a high-speed data pack to stay connected with your friends and family on WhatsApp and seamlessly check up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout your trip to China. Access all these Apps and websites without being restricted by the Chinese firewall or using a VPN, providing you with connectivity if you are going to China, Hong Kong, or Macau. This data plan comes with an eSIM and you don’t have to switch SIM Cards between your devices anymore. Simply scan the eSIM profile then follow the simple steps of installation and you can get connected to the Internet once you arrive. The eSIM data service is only supported on eSIM enabled devices. Please check if your devices have eSIM functions before you place the orders. All iPhone model launched beyond iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you are unsure, please check with the guideline photo for eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. APN (Access Point Name): ctm-mobile Local operator info: China - China Unicom Hong Kong: csl Macau: CTM