Xi'an Spotlight Experiences
What you expect for a Xi'an tour? You may want to see the highlights of Xi'an, like the Terracotta Army, ride a bike along the ancient city wall, or you simply like history and culture.
We understand that basic background information is not enough, even though travelers like to visit the same Xi'an highlights, so we would like to introduce Xi'an to you from different aspects.
Compare ancient dynasties with modern China and the Western impact with Eastern thoughts. Spend several days in Xi'an to get an insight into its society and discover the brilliant human nature there.
As a local, your guide is happy to share personal opinions of his/her hometown. Previous guiding experience means our guides know that simply reciting lots of historical information makes customers feel bored.
Therefore, every one of our guides has their own unique ways of asking customers to join in and have fun in Xi'an. We call these our spotlight and exclusive Xi'an experiences.
About China Highlights
Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"
Xian 2022 Trip
Went on a family vacation to Xian and thanks to #chinahighlights my kids and I had a truly enjoyable time. #Christy arranged our tour and #Helen was our tour guide. #Helen did a great job of leading us around the Muslim Quarter, the Terra-cotta Warriors, walking up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, bell and drum towers, riding on the Xian city wall, visiting the Shaanxi History Museum and watching the Legend of the Silk Road show. She was especially knowledgeable of the areas history. The kids and I enjoyed the paper cutting and making terra-cotta warriors out of clay activities as well as watching the Shadow Puppet Show. Despite the COVID restrictions and excessive bureaucracy that now exists for foreigners traveling in China, #Helen did a great job meeting the unique needs of my family and I highly recommend her services. more
Secrets of the Terracotta Army
Duration: 3.5 Hours+
- Discover different aspects of the warriors
- Make a clay warrior with local artisans
- Visit disappearing cave dwellings
Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor who set a precedent for modern China. He did not know how much of an impact he would have on the nation and even the rest of the world in the long term.
Unveil the secrets of the world wonder that can't be Googled:
- How were the craftsmen from 2,200 years ago made over 8,000 life-size warriors in 11 years, which is more efficient than a modern factory today?
- Xi'an is cold in winter but hot in summer — what prevents the clay warriors from cracking?
- Purple color painted on warriors is the result of a chemical reaction, how did they have the technical skill at that time?
Then your guide will accompany you to a local cave dwelling where a craftsman makes terracotta warriors in a traditional way.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 2)
The Terracotta WarriorsHan and Tang: Dynasties of Cultural Exchange
Duration: 3.5 Hours+
- Stories behind the antiques in Hanyang Tomb & Shaanxi History Museum
- Hanfu costume experience in an ancient academy
- Fastpass museum access
In history, Xi'an reached its high point during the Han Dynasty (Western Han 206 BC–9 AD, Eastern Han 25–220) and the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
Let's discover traces of the reasons why this happened during these two dynasties in the two museums.
The Hanyang Tomb is Emperor Jingdi's mausoleum. His son, Wudi, was responsible for establishing the Silk Road, which was the beginning of official cultural exchange between China and the outside world. Relics there indicate that Emperor Jingdi had paved the way for his son.
Shaanxi History Museum displays the most typical items used during the Han and Tang dynasties, your guide will highlight the impact that cultural exchange with other countries and regions had.
Then you will get an opportunity to learn about China's traditional national costumes in an ancient academy based on the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It is believed that cultural exchange was one of the main forces for China's development. This is also the reason why China has developed the Belt and Road Initiative today.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 1 and Day 3)
Unique Experience: Listen to the Stories of the Hanfu.A Bite of Xi'an
Duration: 2.5 Hours+
- Muslim Quarter food challenge
- Traditional local snacks and trendy food
- The peaceful Great Mosque
Food in the metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai has mixed characteristics but food in Xi'an has unique flavors. Most Xi'an food is made of flour so many Westerners consider dishes from Xi'an to be their favorite in China.
If you are only interested in very normal but popular Xi'an snacks, your guide will accompany you to try famous ones, such as roujiamo (a Chinese hamburger), biangbiang noodles, and pita bread soaked in lamb soup in the Muslim Quarter.
If you would like to try something popular but that may seem a little risky for foreigners, there are some interesting choices for you. If you are looking for a food challenge then go ahead, be brave, and have fun!
Behind the bustling Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque quiet and ceremonial. Its traditional Chinese architectural style is very special. Muslims eat halal food and lead a halal lifestyle.
Taste Xi'an food and immerse yourself in the Muslim atmosphere, just like Marco Polo did when he was there 743 years ago.
Xi'an Essence Tour with This Experience (See Day 2)
Unique Experience: Try Noodles of Xi'an.
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