How to Plan your Full Day Historical Trip in Xian

If you are planning a trip to China, then you must visit Xian, an ancient city that has been around for thousands of years. Xian boasts of a rich cultural heritage and historical significance, and every street corner has an ancient temple or palace. To make your trip a memorable one, you can book the Full-Day Historical Trip in Xian through Viator.

Tour Overview

During this tour, you will visit the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Banpo Museum, and the Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. You will be picked up from your hotel and travel by an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

What’s Included?

This group tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to each attraction, a Chinese-style lunch, and gratuities.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at 8:30 am, and you can meet your guide in the lobby of Xian Bell Tower Hotel. In case your hotel is beyond the pickup area, you can request pickup by an air-conditioned vehicle. After boarding the vehicle, you will start your journey to the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum.

Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum

The Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in China. You will see thousands of life-sized statues that date back to the third century BCE. These warriors were created to protect the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. The museum also displays two bronze chariots and various weapons.

Banpo Museum

Thought to be one of the oldest villages in China, the Banpo Museum provides an excellent understanding of prehistoric civilization. It houses the ruins of the Neolithic settlement dating back 6,000 years, along with pottery, fishing, and hunting tools.

Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda

After lunch, the tour continues to the Xian Museum, which is in the city center, and then proceeds to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The museum houses many historical artifacts, and the pagoda dates back to the Tang dynasty. The pagoda’s architecture beautifully depicts Buddhist culture and provides a phenomenal view of the whole area from the top.

Meeting and Pickup Points

Hotel pickup is at around 8:00-8:30 am for hotels between the 2nd ring road and City Wall. For hotels inside the City Wall, the pickup time is around 8:30-9:00 am, while for hotels in Gaoxin District, the pickup time is 8:00 am at places such as Xian Shangri-La/Ritz-Carlton Hotel. For hotels in Qujiang District, the pickup time is around 8:00 am at places like Xian Westin/Hyatt/W H.

End Point and Ticket Redemption Details

The tour will end at the starting point, which is the Xian Bell Tower Hotel Lobby. You can also redeem your ticket for the tour at Xi’An Shaanxi China.

Book Your Tour Now

Booking the Full-Day Historical Trip in Xian through Viator is an excellent way to discover the city’s rich cultural heritage and its historical significance. From the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum to the Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda, this tour ensures you’ll see the best cultural and historical landmarks in one day. Remember to confirm timings in advance with the local provider as timings may differ; book the tour here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Xian

Xian, located in Shaanxi Province of China, is one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich cultural heritage. Here are some frequently asked questions about the city that can help you plan your trip better.

1. What are the top attractions in Xian?

Terracotta Army:

The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Xian. Its unique blend of history and art makes it one of the most enigmatic places you will ever visit. The army of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots were constructed around 210 BCE by the order of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi.

Xian City Wall:

The Xian City Wall is a great example of ancient defensive architecture that surrounds the old city. It was built circa 13th century and is one of the largest and best-preserved city walls in China. It is also one of the best places in the city to view the sunset.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda:

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a seven-story brick and stone pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD. It is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in the world and is an important symbol of the city. The pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer great views of the city.

Shaanxi History Museum:

The Shaanxi History Museum is a must-visit attraction if you’re interested in ancient Chinese history. It is a comprehensive museum with artifacts from the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Shaanxi Province.

2. How do I get to Xian?

Xian has an international airport (XIY) that serves domestic and international flights. Several domestic airlines operate flights to Xian from major cities in China. Direct international flights are available from many cities in Asia and Europe.

You can also get to Xian by train or bus. Train journeys are comfortable and are considered one of the best options to explore China. Xian has several train stations that connect to major cities in China. Long-distance buses are another option, but they are not as comfortable or convenient as trains.

3. What is the best time to visit Xian?

The best season to visit Xian is in autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit when the weather is mild and you can see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be cold and dry. However, winter is a good time to see the snow-covered Xian city wall and the Terracotta Army.

4. What is the local cuisine in Xian?

Xian is famous for its street food, which is savory, spicy, and flavorful. The most popular dishes in Xian are:

• Jiaozi (dumplings)
• Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)
• Biang Biang noodles (thick and wide noodles typically served with a sauce of spicy chili oil and garlic)
• Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with bread pieces)

Don’t miss the chance to try the local cuisine during your trip to Xian.

5. What are the transportation options in Xian?

Xian has various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and trains. Taxis are convenient but can be expensive during peak hours. Buses are cheap and offer a good way to explore the city. The Xian metro system is well-developed and expanding, providing affordable and fast transportation options within the city.

6. What is the currency used in Xian?

The official currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Cash is accepted everywhere, and most places also accept popular credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay.

7. Are there any customs or rules to follow in Xian?

It’s always good to follow some basic customs and rules while travelling. Here are some guidelines to follow and respect the local culture during your time in Xian:

• Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
• Chinese people value politeness and respect. Always greet them politely.
• Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases and words. It can help you interact with the locals in a better way.
• Don’t photograph or touch the Terracotta Army soldiers.
• Don’t cause any harm to the historical sites or landmarks.

Follow these guidelines to have a memorable and respectful trip to Xian.

8. What are some lesser-known places to visit in Xian?

Xian is not just limited to popular tourist attractions. It has several hidden gems that are less crowded and less known to tourists. Some of these places include:

• The Muslim Quarter
• Xian Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square
• The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi
• Huaqing Hot Springs

Don’t miss out on these lesser-known places to visit during your trip to Xian.

Book Your Tour Now

Xian is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage that every traveller should visit at least once. With this FAQ guide, you can properly plan your trip and make the most out of your visit to this unique and enigmatic city. Follow the customs and rules, try the local cuisine, and explore hidden gems to make your trip to Xian unforgettable!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Xian

Xian, the capital of the Shaanxi Province in China, is famous for its rich history, culture and traditional architecture. With many historical monuments, temples, and attractions that can take days to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, we will give you a detailed step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Xian.

1. Visit the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are the most famous attraction in Xian and are a must-visit for anyone travelling to the area. The Terra-cotta Army was created during the reign of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, and consists of over 8,000 life-sized figures of soldiers, horses and chariots. To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and be sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid standing in long lines. You can hire a guide to explain the history of the Terracotta Warriors, or use an audio guide. It’s recommended that you spend at least 3 hours exploring the site.

2. Explore the City Wall

The ancient City Wall of Xian is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city wall in China, and it is over 600 years old. A bike ride or walk along the wall provides a unique way to see the city from above, and the views are spectacular. You can rent a bike by the hour, or you can walk around the wall in about 4 hours. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can also try riding a bicycle around the wall. This is a popular activity, and it’s not hard to see why. You can take in the sights at a leisurely pace, and there’s no need to worry about traffic.

3. Discover the Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is the hub of the Muslim community in Xian and is home to the famous Great Mosque of Xian. The mosque is one of the oldest and most important Islamic places of worship in China and dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The Muslim Quarter is also famous for its street food. You can find many local delicacies, such as Roujiamo and Yangrou Paomo, which are both made from lamb meat. Other popular dishes include fried rice, noodles, and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

4. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. It is seven stories tall and has a unique architecture with a square base and a round top. The pagoda is one of the most popular spots in Xian, and many tourists come here to see the spectacular views of the city from the top of the pagoda. If you’re interested in Buddhism, the pagoda also has a Buddhist temple that you can explore. It’s a tranquil and peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

5. Check Out the Huaqing Hot Springs

The Huaqing Hot Springs are a collection of natural hot springs located at the base of Mount Li. The hot springs have a rich history, as they were once used by the emperors of China as a place to relax and unwind. Nowadays, the hot springs are open to tourists, and there are several pools of different temperatures to try. There are also several spa treatment options available, including massages and hot stone therapies. It’s a perfect way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

6. Visit the Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum is located in the southern part of Xian and houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and relics from the region. The museum has over 370,000 items, including pottery, bronze ware, jade pieces, and calligraphy. The museum is divided into several exhibitions that showcase the different periods of history in Shaanxi Province. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area, and it’s free to enter.

7. See the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain is a nightly water show that takes place outside the pagoda. The show combines water, light, and music to create an unforgettable experience. The show takes place twice a night, and it’s free to attend. It’s a popular attraction, so arrive early to get a good spot. The show lasts about 15 minutes and is a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing in Xian.

Book Your Tour Now

Xian is one of the most historically rich and culturally diverse cities in China. With so much to see and experience, it can be hard to know where to start. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Xian and experience all the city has to offer. From the Terracotta Warriors to the Huaqing Hot Springs, Xian has something for everyone.