Xian’s best full-day tours center on its incredible history. Let me cut to the chase: You’ll find three essential types of tours here. My favorite combines the unmissable Terracotta Warriors with the impressive City Wall – it’s the perfect mix of ancient discovery and local atmosphere. For archaeology buffs, I love the specialized Terracotta Warriors and Shaanxi Museum combo – you’ll get expert insights and avoid the worst crowds. Active travelers should consider the Hua Mountain adventure, though it’s a bit more strenuous. Every tour I recommend includes reliable transport and English-speaking guides who really know their stuff. Most add in a local lunch, which helps you make the most of your time. Check our top picks below for the best ways to explore this ancient capital.
Good To Know
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Comprehensive historical tours of Xian covering key attractions like the Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the City Wall.
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Private full-day tours that offer a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide and flexible itinerary, including the Terracotta Army, Small Pagoda, and City Wall.
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Specialized group tours that focus on historical and cultural highlights, such as the Banpo Museum and Terracotta Warriors, with advance ticket organization.
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Highly-rated private customizable Terracotta Warriors tours with round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and an option to add two additional attractions.
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Full-day tours that combine the Terracotta Army, Small Pagoda, and City Wall, with bilingual guides and accommodations for dietary requirements.
Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses Essential Full Day Tour From Xian
For those seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Xian, the Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses Essential Full Day Tour is a must-do experience.
Operated by Hantang International Travel Service, this full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the incredible Terracotta Warriors Army and Horses, a significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Xian hotels, a Chinese-style lunch, and admission tickets to the museum.
Highlights include a guided exploration of the site, learning about the history, and witnessing the intricate process of Terracotta Warrior production.
With mixed reviews regarding pickup/drop-off and lunch quality, but praise for the guide’s knowledge and the site’s historical significance, this tour provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors to Xian.
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Xian Full Day Sightseeing Tour – Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall
Catered for visitors seeking an immersive exploration of Xian’s storied past, the Xian Full Day Sightseeing Tour by Hantang International Travel Service offers a comprehensive itinerary spanning the city’s must-see historical landmarks.
With a full-day duration and a price tag starting at $129 per person, this tour provides ample time to explore the Shaanxi History Museum‘s impressive 2nd-century BC exhibits, marvel at the towering Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and traverse the nearly 9-mile length of the Xian City Wall.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable English-speaking guides while noting potential challenges with crowds and lunch quality.
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Private Customizable Terracotta Warriors Full Day Tour
Offering a personalized exploration of Xian’s renowned Terracotta Warriors, the Private Customizable Terracotta Warriors Full Day Tour by Hantang International Travel Service has earned a stellar 4.9 rating from 288 reviews, with 97% of travelers recommending the experience.
Guests enjoy a flexible itinerary, with the opportunity to select two additional attractions from a list of ten recommended sites after visiting the Terracotta Warriors museum.
The tour includes round-trip private transfers, a knowledgeable guide, admission fees, lunch, and bottled water.
Reviewers praise the tour’s seamless organization, comfortable transportation, and guides who provide historical context and dining recommendations, enhancing the overall experience.
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Private Full Day Tour to the Picturesque Hua Mountain
Venturing beyond the renowned Terracotta Warriors, the Private Full Day Tour to the Picturesque Hua Mountain takes visitors on an immersive exploration of one of China’s most iconic natural wonders.
This private tour includes round-trip transfers, on-site guidance, and admission fees, allowing guests to hike independently along self-guided routes of varying difficulty.
The tour features stunning vistas from the mountain’s peaks, with options to ride the shuttle bus and cable car.
While not suitable for all travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience for those seeking to conquer the challenges of Hua Mountain.
Upgrade options, such as a foot massage, enhance the overall experience.
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Full Day Historical Trip in Xian
This full-day historical tour in Xi’an provides an immersive exploration of the city’s illustrious past.
Covering the highlights, the group tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and includes local lunch, entrance fees, and gratuities.
Air-conditioned transportation is provided, with hotel pickups from centrally located Xi’an hotels at varying times.
The tour begins and ends at the iconic Bell Tower Hotel.
Travelers should have a valid passport and note that the pickup time depends on hotel location, while the duration of transfers varies based on traffic.
With a perfect 5-star rating, this comprehensive tour offers an insightful journey through Xi’an’s rich history and culture.
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Xian Ancient City Highlights Full Day Tour
Immersing guests in the captivating history of China’s ancient capital, the Xian Ancient City Highlights Full Day Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from $185 per person, this private tour offers a seamless experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.
Highlights include must-see attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter.
The tour also includes a delicious lunch and complimentary bottled water.
With a 5-star rating based on 6 reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an in-depth discovery of Xian’s rich cultural heritage.
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Terracotta Warriors, City Wall and Pagoda Full Day Tour
The Terracotta Warriors, City Wall and Pagoda Full Day Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Xian’s iconic landmarks.
With a 100% traveler recommendation rate, this tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, and all-inclusive pricing from $176 per person.
Highlights include the famous Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall, and the Pagoda.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with bottled water, lunch, and gratuities included.
Guests can conveniently reserve and pay later, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seeking an in-depth experience, this full-day tour is an excellent choice to discover Xian’s remarkable history and architecture.
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Full Day Classic Xian Group Tour
A popular choice for visitors to Xian, the Full Day Classic Xian Group Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned historical landmarks.
This full-day group tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Guests will be picked up from their downtown Xian hotels, with estimated pickup times ranging from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, depending on the hotel’s location.
The tour includes entrance fees, a local lunch, and the services of a knowledgeable guide who’ll contact travelers to confirm pickup times.
Operating daily from September 2018 through December 2025, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the cultural and historical treasures of Xian.
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Xian Full Day Discovery Tour of Terracotta Warriors Museum
Xian’s renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum is the centerpiece of the Xian Full Day Discovery Tour.
This private tour includes roundtrip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and admission to the iconic archaeological site. Visitors can explore the Terracotta Warriors, marveling at the life-sized army of soldiers, horses, and chariots unearthed from the tomb of China’s first emperor.
The tour also includes lunch and bottled water. With a duration that depends on traffic, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to one of Xian’s top attractions.
Confirmed at booking, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option for added flexibility.
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Full Day Essential Xian Tour With Dumplings Dinner and Evening Show
This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Xian’s essential attractions and cultural experiences.
The day begins at the iconic Terracotta Army, where visitors will marvel at the ancient warrior figures.
In the afternoon, guests can customize their itinerary, choosing two local sites to visit.
The tour culminates with a traditional Tang Dynasty performance, complete with a delicious dumpling dinner.
Convenient transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees are included, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
With free cancellation and flexible group sizes, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the best of Xian in a single day.
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Full Day Xian Historical Group Tour
Exploring the historical highlights of Xi’an, this full-day group tour takes visitors on a captivating journey.
The tour includes visits to the Banpo Museum, showcasing Neolithic village artifacts, and the iconic Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s legendary army.
Travelers won’t have to wait in line, as tickets are organized in advance. The tour also includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional Chinese lunch, and all entrance fees.
With estimated pickup times from various hotel locations, the tour caters to the convenience of participants.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour promises a comprehensive exploration of Xi’an’s rich historical treasures.
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Full Day Tour Terracotta Army Small Pagoda and City Wall
Travelers on this full-day tour will discover the historical treasures of Xi’an, China’s ancient capital.
The tour includes visits to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, the Small Pagoda, and the iconic City Wall.
With a driver/guide and a tour guide fluent in Spanish and English, visitors will learn about the rich history and cultural significance of these sites.
The tour includes admission fees, lunch, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Priced from $132.60 per person, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee.
Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated if notified at the time of booking.
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Xian Private Full Day Tour
Xian Private Full Day Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient city’s renowned historical sites. Priced from $289.75 per person, this private tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes private transportation, a Chinese lunch, and entrance fees to key attractions.
Highlights include the iconic Terracotta Army, Small Pagoda, and the impressive City Wall. With a pickup time of 8 AM from the hotel lobby, the tour is accessible to most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Flexible booking options allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making this a convenient and customizable way to experience the best of Xian in a single day.
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Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum,Banpo Museum,Muslim Quarter Full Day Tour
This comprehensive full-day tour allows visitors to uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of Xian. Priced from $143.59 per person, the tour includes private transfers, an English-speaking guide, and lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights include exploring the Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum, Banpo Museum, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This private tour ensures an intimate experience, with only your group participating.
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Full Day Small Group Tour of Terracotta Army and City Wall in Xian
For those seeking a more intimate look into Xian’s renowned Terracotta Army and city walls, this full-day small group tour offers an immersive experience.
Operated by TWT Travel, the tour takes travelers in a maximum group of 15, or 8 for bookings under 8, on a journey to explore these iconic sites.
Included in the from $120.00 per person price are an air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities.
Pickup is provided from central Xian hotels, with drop-off at the Bell Tower area.
Available 7 days a week, the tour operates from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start.
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Full Day Private Tour Of Xian City Sightseeing
Immersing travelers in the rich cultural heritage of Xian, this full-day private city sightseeing tour showcases the ancient capital’s renowned landmarks.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, guests enjoy private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour’s inclusions feature entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities, ensuring a seamless experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. With a flexible Reserve Now and Pay Later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this private tour offers convenience and value.
Guests should provide their hotel information when booking to ensure a smooth pickup on the travel date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Duration for a Full-Day Tour in Xian?
The recommended duration for a full-day tour in Xi’an is typically around 8-10 hours. This allows visitors to explore the city’s key attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Are There Any Special Requirements for Visiting the Terracotta Warriors?
To visit the Terracotta Warriors, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. Photography is allowed, but tripods are not permitted. Guided tours provide insights into the history and significance of this iconic archaeological site.
Can Visitors Customize Their Full-Day Tours in Xian?
Yes, visitors can customize their full-day tours in Xi’an. Many tour companies offer flexible itineraries, allowing travelers to choose their preferred attractions and adjust the tour schedule to suit their interests and needs.
Are Group Tours or Private Tours More Suitable for First-Time Visitors?
For first-time visitors to Xi’an, private tours are generally more suitable as they offer a more personalized experience and allow visitors to customize the itinerary to their interests. Group tours, on the other hand, may be more cost-effective but offer less flexibility.
What Are the Most Popular Attractions to Include in a Full-Day Xian Tour?
For first-time visitors, a full-day Xian tour should include the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall, and the Shaanxi History Museum. These iconic attractions provide a comprehensive introduction to Xian’s rich history and culture.
The Sum Up
Xi’an offers a wealth of full-day tour options to explore its rich history and cultural attractions. From visiting the iconic Terracotta Warriors to discovering the city’s ancient walls and museums, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you prefer a private, customizable tour or a small group experience, Xi’an has a full-day itinerary that’ll immerse you in the region’s fascinating heritage.