Xi’an is the ancient capital of China, and is rich in culture and history. It’s home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, as well as a variety of other attractions.
This tour lets you see the best of Xi’an on an all-day tour with a local guide. Enjoy visits to popular sites like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum and more. Plus, see a shadow puppet performance and sample delicious dumplings!
City Wall
The City Wall in Xi’an is a magnificent sight to see, and a must-visit on any tour of this beautiful city. The wall stretches 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) and is surrounded by a deep moat.
The walls were built to protect the city from intruders. Weapons at the time were not powerful enough to break through a wall, and it was only possible for an intruder to gain access by attacking one of the gates within the city.
The Xi’an City Wall is divided into four gates, each with its own gate towers. The most beautifully decorated of these is the South Gate, or Yongning gate, near the Bell Tower in the center of the city.
Terracotta Warriors & Horses
Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is famous for its Terracotta Warriors & Horses. They’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are regarded as one of the top attractions in all of China.
The life-size terracotta warriors, horses and chariots were constructed more than 2,200 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. It was a massive project that took around 39 years to complete.
The terracotta warriors were made of yellow soil and white quartzite gravel, churned and pounded into a mold-clay that was neither soft nor hard. The terracotta was then painted with various colors.
Dayan Pagoda
The Dayan Pagoda is a renowned Buddhist structure in Xi’an, China. First built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, it was reconstructed in 704 and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
It was originally built of rammed earth with a stone exterior facade. The original pagoda was 60 meters (197 feet) high. It collapsed five decades later and the ruling Empress Wu Zetian had the pagoda rebuilt.
A climb to the top of the pagoda provides visitors with a fantastic view of Xi’an City. The structure is simple and appealing, and is a well-preserved example of Buddhist construction.
Shaanxi Opera
Xi’an is home to one of China’s top local operas. The Shaanxi Local Opera, also called Bangzi Opera, is a popular style of opera in northwest China. It combines folk dance with music played on slit drums made of date trees.
Located in the city center, the Xi’an Grand Opera House is the oldest theater in the region to provide local Shaanxi Opera (Qin Opera). The performance is well-liked with the locals and tourists alike.
Founded in 2012 under the leadership of Xi’an Municipal Government, the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, under chief conductor Dane Lam and composer & conductor Tan Dun, has become the resident orchestra of the Shaanxi Opera House & Xi’an Concert Hall. The ensemble is committed to bringing classical subscription performances to the people of this ancient capital.
Shaanxi Cuisine
Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has one of China’s longest culinary histories. Shaanxi cuisine is rich and complex, making heavy use of strong flavours like salt and vinegar.
Xi’an food is heavily influenced by the region’s large Muslim population throughout history. This means that some dishes have a somewhat more unique flavour than you might find in other parts of China.
The best way to experience Xi’an’s local flavor is through its noodles, breads and dumplings. Biangbiang noodles are a must-try: these thick flat egg-free noodles are described as “as thick as a belt.” They’re steaming hot and served in a sour-spicy pool of chili oil, vinegar, beef broth and vegetables.