Xian tours

Things to do in Xian

Xi'an is a place where the whispers of ancient dynasties drift through city walls and terracotta warriors stand in silent vigilance. Once the Silk Road's heart, Xi'an invites you to explore its enigmas. Your local guide will lead you beyond the typical sights to the essence of Xi'an's living history. Imagine walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where spices scent the air, or enjoying a food and wine tour celebrating Shaanxi cuisine's bold tastes. With your guide, skip past the Terracotta Army's lines, discovering stories in every stone and street, making your Xi'an tour a journey through both history and the present. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Xian. Explore Xian your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Xian tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Xian for every interest, including: History tours: Visit the Terracotta Army in Lintong with timed entry as your guide decodes the ranks in Pit 1, then walk or cycle the City Wall for close-up views of the Drum and Bell towers and the watchtowers along the ramparts. Layover tours: Get picked up at XIY, store your luggage in the vehicle, and choose a focused plan like a quick City Wall and Muslim Quarter circuit with a stop for biangbiang noodles, or a fast-track visit to the Terracotta Warriors with drop-off back at your gate. Art and Culture tours: Try a short calligraphy lesson on Shuyuanmen Culture Street, watch a shadow-puppet performance at the Gao Grand Courtyard, and taste hand-pulled liangpi and fresh pomegranate juice on a guided food stroll in the Muslim Quarter. Central areas are easy to cover on foot, and the metro connects major hubs as well as the airport line; for out-of-centre sites like the Terracotta Warriors or Huaqing Palace, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Xian inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider taking a private walking tour to truly explore Xi'an, China, and dive into some of its captivating neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to understand a neighborhood than by experiencing it with someone who knows its hidden gems. - Muslim Quarter: This bustling area is perfect for families and those interested in culinary delights. Stroll through the lively streets filled with food stalls offering a mix of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors. It's a sensory feast that brings the community's rich cultural history to life. - Beilin District: Ideal for cultural tourists and those seeking meaningful connections with Xi'an's history, this district is home to the famous Beilin Museum and its collection of ancient steles. Wander through the historic streets and immerse yourself in the city's scholarly heritage. - Yanta District: This neighborhood appeals to multi-generational groups with its blend of modern attractions and historical sites. Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the nearby green spaces, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. - Qujiang New District: A hub for arts and entertainment, this area is great for those interested in contemporary culture. Explore the museums, art galleries, and cultural parks that offer a fresh perspective on Xi'an's evolving landscape. Exploring Xi'an through these neighborhoods, with your guide by your side, offers a personal connection to the city's vibrant history and culture. Day trip ideas from Xian Base yourself in Xi’an and step out to ancient sites and mountain scenery on day trips that are easy to pair with tours focused on history, hiking, and local food. - Terracotta Army in Lintong: See thousands of life-size warriors in active excavation pits, learn the backstory of the First Emperor, and add a simple noodle lunch nearby, which suits you if big archaeology and clear storytelling help bring the past into focus and your tour times the visit to keep it smooth. - Mount Huashan, Huayin: Ride the cable car up to ridge walks with cliffside steps and wide views, choose gentle lookouts or tougher sections, and count the peaks as you go, which caters to you if a full day outdoors with flexible effort levels beats time in a museum. - Hanyangling Mausoleum, near Yangling: Walk glass corridors over burial pits filled with small clay figures, see the museum’s quiet displays, and combine it with countryside stops, which works if you prefer fewer crowds and close-up details of Han-era life and craft. - Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple, west of Xi’an: Explore Tang tombs set among low hills with stone figures along the approach, then view Buddhist relics and Tang art at a major temple complex, which fits you if imperial history and religion interest you and your tour links both places in one efficient loop. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Xian most travellers miss.