How to Plan Your Essential Xian Tour of Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Xian is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Its rich cultural history, beautiful sights, and delicious cuisine make it an ideal place to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Xian, be sure to include the Essential Tour of Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your tour, what’s included, and how to make the most of your time in Xian.
Overview of the Tour
The Essential Tour of Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a half-day tour that will take you to two of Xian’s most popular attractions. The tour is offered by a third-party company and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll also have an English-speaking tour guide who will provide you with interesting facts and stories about Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
What’s Included
The tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking tour guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You have two options for meeting your tour guide. You can head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. The meeting point is at Bell Tower Hotel Xian. If your hotel is not within the pickup area, the meeting point is at 8:30 am at the Xian Bell Tower Hotel Lobby.
Pickup service is available from Xi’an downtown hotels. The estimated pickup time is as follows:
| Hotel Location | Pickup Time |
|---|---|
| Hotels between the 2nd ring road and City Wall | 8:00-8:30 |
| Hotels inside the City Wall | 8:30-9:00 |
| Hotels in Gaoxin District: Xian Shangri-La / Ritz-Carlton Hotel | 8:00 |
| Hotels in Qujiang District: Xian | 9:00 |
Be sure to confirm your pickup time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Ticket Redemption Point
The ticket redemption point is located in Xi’An Shaanxi China. Your tour guide will provide you with further instructions.
End Point
The Essential Tour of Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda ends back at the meeting point, which is Bell Tower Hotel Xian.
About the Terracotta Army Museum
The Terracotta Army Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. The museum houses thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses that were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210–209 BCE with the belief that he would rule in the afterlife. In 1974, local farmers discovered the army and since then, the museum has become a must-visit destination for tourists.
Once you arrive at the museum, your tour guide will take you through the three main pits, where you’ll see the different terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots. The pits are organized by rank, with the highest ranking figures located in Pit 1.
About Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in the southern suburbs of Xian. The pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pagoda is named after the geese that supposedly protected the Buddhist scriptures that were brought from India by the monk, Xuanzang.
The pagoda consists of seven floors and has a height of 64 meters. You can climb to the top of the pagoda for a stunning view of the surrounding area. Inside the pagoda, you’ll find various prayer halls and Buddhist artifacts.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to explore the rich history and culture of Xian, the Essential Tour of Terracotta Army Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a must-visit attraction. With a knowledgeable tour guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Xian. Click the link below to book the tour now.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Xian
Xian or Xi’an is a city located in the central-northwestern region of China. As one of the oldest cities in China, it has a rich cultural heritage that has made it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Xian.
1. What is the best time to visit Xian?
The best time to visit Xian is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild, and it’s the perfect time to visit the famous tourist spots such as the Terra Cotta Warriors, the City Wall, and the Bell Tower. During these seasons, the air quality is also good, so visitors can enjoy sightseeing without worrying about air pollution.
2. What are the main tourist attractions in Xian?
Xian is famous for its historical sites, and the most popular tourist attraction in the city is the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Other famous attractions include the City Wall, the Bell Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Shaanxi History Museum. Tourists can also visit the Muslim Quarter, where they can explore the local food and see the Great Mosque of Xian.
3. How can I get to Xian?
Xian is easily accessible by plane, train, and bus. Xian Xianyang International Airport is the main airport serving the city and offers many domestic and international flights. High-speed trains also connect Xian to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. The city also has a well-developed bus system, and visitors can take buses from neighboring cities like Luoyang or Zhengzhou.
4. What is the food like in Xian?
Xian is known for its delicious food, and some of the must-try dishes include the famous Xian dumplings, lamb paomo, rou jia mo (a type of Chinese burger), and biang biang noodles. Visitors can also explore the Muslim Quarter, where they can find many street vendors selling traditional snacks like kebabs, fried rice, and desserts.
5. What is the nightlife like in Xian?
Xian has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and night markets to explore. The most popular areas for nightlife are the Bell and Drum Tower Square and the South Gate area. Visitors can enjoy live music, karaoke, and dance performances at various venues. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, they can visit the night markets and try out local street food while enjoying the ambiance.
6. What are the customs and traditions of Xian?
Xian has a unique blend of cultures, including Han Chinese, Hui Muslim, and local Shaanxi ethnic groups. The city has many traditional festivals and customs that visitors can experience. Some of the most famous festivals include the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Visitors should be respectful of the traditions and customs, especially when visiting religious sites like the Great Mosque of Xian.
7. What are the accommodations like in Xian?
Xian offers a wide range of accommodations, from hostels and budget hotels to luxury five-star hotels. Visitors can find affordable options in the city center and surrounding areas. For those who want to experience traditional architecture, they can stay at a hotel located within the City Wall. Some of the famous luxury hotels include the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square and the Hilton Xian.
8. What are the shopping options in Xian?
Xian is a great place to shop for local souvenirs and handicrafts. Visitors can check out the Muslim Quarter, where they can find many vendors selling traditional handicrafts like calligraphy, paper cutting, and pottery. The city also has many shopping malls and department stores, including the Century Ginwa Shopping Mall and the Golden Eagle Shopping Mall.
9. How safe is Xian for tourists?
Xian is generally a safe city for tourists, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas like tourist sites and markets. It’s also essential to take care of personal belongings and watch out for pickpockets or scams.
10. What are the nearby destinations to visit from Xian?
Xian is a great starting point to explore nearby destinations, including Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Pingyao. Visitors can take a high-speed train or bus to these cities, where they can explore famous historical sites such as the Longmen Grottoes, the Shaolin Temple, and the Ancient City of Pingyao.
Conclusion
Xian is an excellent destination to explore Chinese culture, history and enjoy its unique cuisine. Whether you come for a few days or a few weeks, there’s always plenty to see and do in the city. We hope this guide has answered some of your questions about Xian and helped you plan your trip.
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