This 3-day Xi'an historical and cultural tour extends the private classic format to three relaxed days in one of China's four ancient capitals. Based in Xi'an (西安), it suits history enthusiasts, couples, and families who want depth without a tight schedule.
Flagship stops include the Terracotta Army (discovered 1974, UNESCO 1987, about 8,000 lifesize soldiers), the Xi'an City Wall (Ming, 1370, 13.7 km), the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (652 AD, Tang), the Shaanxi History Museum (370,000-plus artifacts), the Banpo Neolithic Village (a 6,000-year-old Yangshao site), and the Muslim Quarter.
The private routing spreads the highlights across three days — the army and Huaqing springs on day one, the wall and pagoda on day two, museums and the Muslim Quarter on day three. Xi'an is the base, so transfers are short and the pace adjustable.
Terracotta Army — Unearthed in 1974, this UNESCO site guards Qin Shi Huang's tomb with an estimated 8,000 lifesize clay warriors and horses.
Xi'an City Wall — Built in 1370, its 13.7-kilometer Ming rectangle is still the most complete and best-preserved ancient city wall surviving in China.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda — Erected in 652 AD at the Da Ci'en Temple, this 64-meter ancient Tang pagoda stored Buddhist scriptures brought from India.
Shaanxi History Museum — With more than 370,000 artifacts from the Zhou to Tang dynasties, it chronicles a full millennium of capital-city history.
Banpo Village — A 6,000-year-old Yangshao Neolithic settlement unearthed in 1953, showing pit-dwellings and painted pottery from early river-civilization life.
Muslim Quarter — Behind the Drum Tower, this historic Silk Road lane serves lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and persimmon cakes from Hui vendors.
Bell & Drum Towers — The 1384 Bell Tower and 1380 Drum Tower stand at the old city's center, marking the geographic heart of Xi'an.
Huaqing Hot Springs — A Tang imperial spa 30 km east of Xi'an, renowned for the 747 AD Lotus Pool built for Consort Yang.
Great Mosque — Founded in 742 and rebuilt under the Ming, its 12,000-square-meter courtyards merge Chinese architecture with Islamic design.
Cycling the Wall — Ride a rental bike the full 13.7-kilometer Ming wall loop in about 90 minutes with views over the old city.
Morning/Afternoon — Arrival & Transfer
Upon your arrival at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) or Xi'an North Railway Station, your guide and driver will greet you at the arrival hall with a name sign. You will be comfortably transferred to the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square for check-in; guests book their own hotels for accommodation in Xi'an, and your guide will assist with the process.
Evening — Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show
Leave the hotel at 17:45 for the Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show. You will enjoy a dinner in the Tang banquet style before the performance, which runs from 18:00 to 20:40. The production recreates the music, dance, and courtly spectacle of China's Tang dynasty, one of the most cosmopolitan eras in Chinese history.
Meals
Breakfast at the hotel; lunch at your leisure; a Tang banquet dinner with the show.
Accommodation
Check in at the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square (guests arrange their own hotels in Xi'an).
Morning — Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
Depart from the hotel for a drive to Lintong District to explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Witness thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, chariots, and horses arranged in battle formation, built to guard the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Your guide will walk you through the three main pits, explaining how the army was made and why it remained hidden for over two millennia.
Lunch — near the museum
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the museum.
Afternoon — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit the famous Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. The 64-meter tower is a serene landmark surrounded by gardens and a large musical fountain square. Stroll around the scenic square and park at the base of the pagoda to soak up the atmosphere.
Dinner — at your leisure
Dinner is at your own arrangement this evening.
Evening (after dinner) — Night Tour of Datang Everbright City
Experience the spectacular night views of this grand cultural district, where magnificent Tang-style architecture, brilliant light displays, and cultural performances recreate the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. The 2.1-kilometer pedestrian boulevard is at its most magical after dark.
Morning (approx. 09:00 - 12:00):
Xi'an City Wall: Visit the magnificent and well-preserved ancient city wall. You will have the opportunity to walk along the top of the wall. For those interested, bicycle riding on the wall is a highly recommended and unique way to experience this historic fortification.
Xi'an Museum: Proceed to the Xi'an Museum, located near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that tell the 3,100-year history of the city.
Lunch (approx. 12:30):
Venue: Defachang Dumpling Restaurant. Enjoy a famous and delicious dumpling banquet, a specialty of Xi'an.
Afternoon (approx. 14:00 - 16:30):
Great Mosque in Huajue Lane: Visit this serene and historic mosque, an outstanding example of the fusion of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.
Muslim Quarter: Explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Late Afternoon (16:30):
Transfer to Airport: The tour concludes. You will be transferred from the city center to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) for your departing flight.
Evening:
Flight: Check-in for your flight departing at 19:30 to your next destination.
End of Services.
| Group Size | Adult(Age:8-80) Price/p.p | Child(Age:4-7) Price/p.p | Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p |
| 2 PAX | from $862 | from $690 | Free |
| 4 PAX | from $627 | from $420 | Free |
| 6 PAX | from $590 | from $380 | Free |
| 8 PAX | from $542 | / | / |
| 10 PAX | from $482 | / | / |
| 20 PAX | from $408 | / | / |
| 30 PAX | from $383 | / | / |
Private English-speaking local guide for the whole itinerary
Air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver (seat class sized to your group)
Hotel accommodation (2 night(s), 4-star / quality twin-share)
Meals as specified — approx. 5 lunches & dinners (breakfast hotel-included)
All listed entrance fees, including shuttle / eco-bus / cable-car where applicable
1 bottle of water per person per day, tour headsets (groups of 6+), local service
VAT (6%) and service fee, per the V8 quoting standard
International & domestic airfare to / within China
China tourist visa fee and any extension fees
Travel insurance (comprehensive cover strongly recommended)
Tips / gratuities for guide and driver
Single-room supplement and hotel upgrade
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, mini-bar, etc.)
Most visitors need a Chinese visa; several nationalities (Singapore, Malaysia, and Canada/Australia/UK until 31 Dec 2026) enjoy short-term visa-free entry, and 57 countries qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket.
Best season: March–May and September–November bring cool, dry weather best for the wall walk and open-air army pits.
Fitness level: Easy to moderate — flat city sites plus one day trip; optional wall cycling and Huaqing walking.
Dress code: Comfortable shoes for lanes and the wall; modest coverage for the Great Mosque and pagoda grounds.
Payment: Carry RMB and a UnionPay card; mobile pay dominates but foreign cards work at major hotels.
Booking lead time: Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead; the Terracotta Army and museums need timed or guided entry.
Children & elderly: Suitable for all ages with private pacing; flat terrain and food tours keep everyone engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the 3-day tour different from the 2-day one?
A: The extra day adds the Shaanxi History Museum, the Banpo Neolithic Village, and more relaxed wall and Muslim Quarter time without rushing.
Q: Do I need a visa for Xi’an?
A: Most travelers need a Chinese visa, but 57 countries qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket and some nationalities have short-term visa-free entry.
Q: Is this tour private?
A: Yes — it is a private Xi’an classic tour with your own guide and vehicle, adjustable to your group’s pace and interests.
Q: What can children enjoy?
A: Kids like the life-size Terracotta warriors, wall cycling, and Muslim Quarter snacks, with the museum and village adding hands-on history.