How to Plan Your Terra Cotta Army Museum Tour with Noodle Making and Dinner in a Local Family in Xi’an, China

Are you traveling to Xi’an and looking for a unique and memorable experience? Why not consider taking a tour of the Terra Cotta Army Museum and enjoy making noodles and dinner with a local family? This tour allows you to explore the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Terra Cotta Army while also giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Overview

The Terra Cotta Army Museum Tour with Noodle Making and Dinner in a Local Family is a private tour operated by Xi’an Food Tour. It includes an English-speaking guide, bottled water, entry tickets to the Terra Cotta Army Museum, and the opportunity to make noodles and have dinner with a local family. Personal expenses, gratuities, and transportation to and from the pickup point are not included.

What’s Included

• English-speaking guide service
• Bottled water
• Entry tickets of the Terra Cotta Army Museum

Meeting And Pickup

The tour offers various pickup points in the city of Xi’an. When booking the tour, you can select your preferred pickup point. The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and you will be returned to your original pickup point at the end of the tour.

What To Expect

The tour begins with a visit to the Terra Cotta Army Museum, one of China’s most significant archaeological discoveries. The museum houses thousands of life-size terra cotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique facial features and expressions. The English-speaking guide will provide you with information about the history and significance of the site, making your visit even more informative and enjoyable.

After exploring the museum, it’s time to get your hands dirty and learn how to make noodles from scratch. You’ll be taken to a local family’s home, where they’ll demonstrate how to make dough and pull noodles by hand. You’ll have the opportunity to make your noodles, which will be served as part of the family dinner.

You’ll then enjoy a home-cooked meal with the family, who will teach you about Chinese customs and traditions. It’s a unique opportunity to experience local culture and food and get to know the residents of Xi’an.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• Infants must sit on laps
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start of the experience or fail to show up, you will not receive a refund. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the start of the experience will not be accepted.

Booking

To book this tour, visit https://viator.com/tours/Xian/2-Terra-Cotta-Army-Museum-Tour-with-Noodle-Making-and-Dinner-in-a-Local-Family/d326-120204P26 and select your preferred pickup point. The tour is a perfect way to explore the Terracotta Army Museum while immersing yourself in the local culture of Xi’an.

An Insider’s Guide to Xi’an, China

Xi’an is an ancient city in China that is famous for its rich history, delicious food, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you are planning a trip to Xi’an, here is an insider’s guide to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Local Attractions

The Terra Cotta Army Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Xi’an and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The museum houses a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, created over 2,000 years ago. The Shaanxi History Museum is another top attraction, showcasing the region’s cultural treasures and artifacts from China’s history. Additionally, the Ancient City Wall is a popular spot for tourists to rent bikes or take a leisurely walk to enjoy the beautiful view of the city.

Cultural Experiences

To fully immerse yourself in Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage, consider taking a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter. Here, you can explore the narrow streets and alleyways, taste traditional Muslim cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. Another cultural experience worth trying is attending a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, where you can enjoy an amazing performance showcasing Chinese traditional music, dancing, and fashion. For those who want to delve deeper into traditional Chinese culture, you may visit TangBo Art Museum where showcases the art of China’s Tang dynasty (618-907 AD).

Local Dining Spots

Xi’an boasts a wide variety of local dining options, but its most famous local dish is undoubtedly the savory and delicious Xi’an-style noodles. One of the most popular spots for enjoying the local dish is Lao Sun Jia, a family-run restaurant that has been operating for over 100 years! If you prefer street food, the Muslim Quarter is the perfect place to sample various traditional snacks such as Roujiamo, a bread-like dish stuffed with meat. There are plenty of trendy cafes and bars in Xi’an for those who prefer a more modern ambiance.

Local History

Xi’an played an essential role in China’s history, and the city was one of China’s ancient capitals, serving as such for more than ten dynasties. Evidence of its rich history can be found throughout the city, such as the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. The Bell Tower, built in the Ming Dynasty, was once used to keep the time and make announcements, while the Drum Tower houses several ancient drums that were once used to mark the time of day and alert citizens of fire danger.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to experience Xi’an like a local and get away from the crowds, consider visiting the lesser-known Huashan Mountain. Its nearby village, Huayin, is a fantastic place for hiking, sampling traditional food, and staying in a local guesthouse. You could also visit the nearby city of Luoyang, home to the famous Longmen Grottoes, carved with Buddhist images in rock cliffs. Another option is to take a day trip to see the Han Yangling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Jing of Han and his Queen Wang, located about 20 km away from the city, or the Famen Temple, where you can see the world’s only surviving finger bone of Sakyamuni Buddha.

In conclusion, a trip to Xi’an offers an incredible opportunity to experience China’s rich history and culture. Use this insider’s guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this unforgettable city.