How to Plan Your 3-Day Tour of Xian: Including Mt. Huashan and Airport Transfer

Planning a trip to the ancient city of Xian? Look no further than this 3-day private tour that includes a visit to the majestic Mt. Huashan and airport transfer. With a private guide and transportation service, you can experience the city’s history, culture, and breathtaking scenery at your own pace. This tour is an excellent value for money, and all entrance fees are included.

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Your tour begins with an airport pickup or meeting at the designated meeting point. After meeting your English-speaking guide and experienced driver, you’ll head straight to your hotel to check-in and freshen up. Then, it’s time to start your city tour. First on the itinerary is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BCE. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details carved into each sculpture. After lunch (included with the tour), you’ll visit the ancient city walls. The wall is over 600 years old and offers a unique perspective of Xian city. You can walk or cycle on the wall and enjoy the scenery from a high vantage point. The last stop of the day is the Muslim Quarter, where you can experience the vibrant culture and taste the local food.

Day 2: Mt. Huashan Adventure

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting day at Mt. Huashan. A private transfer will take you to the mountain, famous for its steep peaks, narrow paths, and stunning views. It’s said that the mountain is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism and has been a place of pilgrimage for over 2,000 years. Upon arrival, you can take the cable car to the North Peak or start the challenging hike. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. A vegetarian lunch is included with the tour, and after the descent, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to rest.

Day 3: City Highlights Tour and Departure

On the final day, you’ll visit the Shaanxi History Museum, one of the best museums in China. It showcases the history of the country with over 370,000 artefacts that span over 1 million years. Your guide will provide you with the context and history of each object. The next stop is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built over 1,100 years ago to house Buddhist materials brought from India. You can climb up to the top floor for a bird’s eye view of the city. The tour ends with a visit to the Great Mosque, a blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture. The mosque is one of the oldest and best-preserved mosques in China. The tour officially ends back at the meeting point or your hotel if it’s within the 2nd ring road of Xian. If your hotel is outside the range, there might be an additional transfer fee.

What’s Included

• Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
• English-speaking guide service
• Private transportation service in air-conditioned car with experienced driver
• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Hotel

Meeting and Pickup

You can either meet at the designated meeting point or request pickup at Xianyang International Airport. If your hotel is within the 2nd ring road of Xian, offered pickup/drop-off service is available. If your hotel is beyond the range, there might be an additional transfer fee.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Xian, this 3-day private tour is perfect for you. The tour offers excellent value for money, and all entrance fees are included. With a private guide and transportation service, you can experience the city’s history, culture, and breathtaking scenery at your own pace. To book the tour, click here.

FAQs About Xian

1. What is Xian?

Xian is an ancient capital city in central China, located in Shaanxi Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Terracotta Warriors, which is one of the eight wonders of the world.

2. What is the best time to visit Xian?

The best time to visit Xian is in the spring and autumn months from March to May and September to November, respectively. The weather is mild, and the crowds are less. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.

3. How can I get to Xian?

Xian has an international airport, Xian Xianyang International Airport, served by major airlines. Alternatively, there are high-speed trains from major cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai. Buses and taxis are also available.

4. What are the must-visit attractions in Xian?

The must-visit attractions in Xian include the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the City Wall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Great Mosque, and the Shaanxi History Museum.

5. Is Xian safe for tourists?

Xian is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take precautions against pickpocketing and travel scams, especially in crowded areas.

6. What is the currency used in Xian?

The currency used in Xian, and China as a whole, is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and foreign exchange offices.

7. What is the local language spoken in Xian?

The local language spoken in Xian is Mandarin Chinese. However, English is also spoken and understood by many people in the tourist areas.

8. What are the local delicacies in Xian?

The local delicacies in Xian include the famous Qinling Zhong Sauces, Roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers), Biang Biang Noodles, and Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with bread).

9. What are the popular shopping areas in Xian?

The popular shopping areas in Xian include the Muslim Street, South Street, and the Tang West Market. These places offer a wide variety of traditional souvenirs, including silk, ceramics, and calligraphy.

10. What is the dress code for visiting religious sites in Xian?

Visitors are advised to dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Xian, such as the Great Mosque. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not permitted, and shoes must be removed before entering the mosque.

11. Are there any festivals or events in Xian?

Xian hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular ones include the Tang Paradise Lantern Festival, the International Calligraphy and Painting Biennale, and the Xian International Horticultural Exhibition.

12. What is the nightlife like in Xian?

The nightlife in Xian is vibrant and diverse, with options ranging from traditional teahouses to modern clubs and bars. The most popular nightlife spots include the Defu Lane Bar Street, the Muslim Quarter, and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

13. What is the local transportation like in Xian?

The local transportation in Xian includes buses, taxis, and metro. The metro system is efficient, with lines connecting the major tourist attractions. Taxis and buses are also widely available and affordable.

14. What are the nearby attractions to visit from Xian?

There are several nearby attractions to visit from Xian, including the Hua Shan mountain range, the Huaqing Palace, the Mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi, and the Famen Temple.

15. Can I use my credit card in Xian?

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and high-end restaurants in Xian. However, cash is still the preferred method of payment in most places, especially street vendors and small shops. It is advisable to carry some cash at all times.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Xian

Introduction

Xian is one of the oldest cities in China and is known for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. For tourists who want to immerse themselves in Chinese history and experience the local culture, Xian is an ideal destination. There are plenty of things to see and do in Xian, whether you’re interested in visiting ancient sites, exploring temples, or trying out the local cuisine. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the must-see attractions and things to do in Xian.

1. Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum

The Terracotta Warriors Museum is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction in Xian, and for good reason. The site features thousands of incredibly detailed terracotta statues, each with unique facial expressions, dress, and weapons. The statues were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, and today the museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is easily accessible, with regular bus and taxi services from the city.

2. Explore the Ancient City Wall

The ancient city wall in Xian is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. Visitors can walk along the top of the wall, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. There are also bike rentals available, making it easy to cycle around the wall’s 14km perimeter. The wall is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering and is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Xian.

3. Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist temple that was built in the Tang Dynasty. The temple features a large pagoda that stands at over 60 meters tall, as well as several smaller pagodas and vibrant gardens. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda for stunning views of the city, and there are also regular cultural performances held on the temple grounds.

4. Try the Local Cuisine

Xian is known for its unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Muslim and Middle Eastern flavors. One of the most popular local dishes is roujiamo, a kind of sandwich made from flatbread and filled with succulent braised meat. Other dishes to try include yangrou paomo, a mutton stewed in a clay pot and served with crumbled flatbread, and jiaozi, delicious handmade dumplings.

5. Visit the Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from across the region’s long and varied history. The museum features exhibits on everything from the Qin Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, as well as art, calligraphy, and more recent history. Visitors can take guided tours through the museum or explore at their own pace.

6. Take a Stroll Through the Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter in Xian is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood filled with colorful shops, food stalls, and mosques. The quarter is home to a large Muslim population and is known for its lively street food scene. Visitors can sample delicious local snacks like pita bread stuffed with lamb, sweet sticky rice cakes, and crispy fried beef or lamb rolls. The quarter is also home to the Great Mosque of Xian, which is open to visitors.

Book Your Tour Now

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Xian, from ancient sites to delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in Chinese history, culture, or just want to sample some incredible food, Xian is an amazing place to visit. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the best that the city has to offer.