Xi’an: Top Highlights Custom-Made 2-Day Private Tour

Xi’an: Top Highlights Custom-Made 2-Day Private Tour
Location: Northern China, China
Price: $238 per person
Duration: 2 days (Check availability for start times)
Supplier: Ping’s Tours

A quick look at what this tour offers

If you’re heading to Xi’an and want to see the city through your own eyes, this flexible two-day private tour could be just what you need. The key selling point? You pick up to 7 attractions from a list of 11 options, tailoring your experience based on your interests. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient relics, historical sites, or local food, this tour promises a personalized journey with a knowledgeable guide, private transport, and included local lunches.

What we really like is how customizable it is — it’s designed for travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter sightseeing and instead focus on what genuinely interests them. Plus, the inclusion of authentic local meals adds flavor to the experience, making it more memorable than just ticking boxes on a sightseeing list. The second thing? The expert guide who is well-versed in Xi’an’s history and culture, ensuring you get insights beyond the standard guidebook.

A potential consideration? The cost of tickets isn’t included in the $238 price, so you’ll need to budget around 320 RMB (~$45) for entrance fees depending on your chosen attractions. Also, it’s not suitable for travelers in wheelchairs or those over 95 years old. But for most active travelers eager to explore at their own pace, it’s a fantastic way to absorb Xi’an’s essence.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value customization, authentic experiences, and expert guidance, especially if you’re keen on understanding Xi’an’s history beyond just photos. If you love local food, historical sites, and private comfort, this will suit you well.

Key Points

• Customized Itinerary: Choose your top attractions from 11 options, up to 7 in total.
• Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable guide explains history, culture, and stories.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy local, Chinese-style halal cuisine during your visit.
• Private Service: Private transfer, hotel pickup, and drop-off for convenience.
• Flexible Schedule: Build your own 2-day experience based on your interests.
• Excludes Tickets: Entrance fees are paid separately; plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour

Why Choose a Custom Tour in Xi’an?

Traveling in a foreign city often means juggling language barriers, navigating unfamiliar streets, and trying to fit everything into limited time. This private, customizable tour alleviates those stresses by providing transportation, a guide, and the flexibility to pick your preferred sights. It’s perfect if you want to avoid crowded group tours and prefer a tailored adventure.

Day 1: Picking Your Top Three

Your first day begins with a pickup from your hotel foyer, where a private guide and driver meet you. The journey kicks off with a visit to the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an absolute highlight if you’re into archaeology or ancient Chinese history. You’ll spend about three hours exploring the famous Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3, and the Bronze Chariots exhibit. This site is the most iconic, showcasing thousands of life-sized soldiers that have protected China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. The drive is about an hour, and the guide will skip the tourist trap stops, making this a focused experience.

If history isn’t your main interest, you might opt for the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an impressive Tang-dynasty structure. The guide will share stories about its lean, its significance along the Silk Road, and Buddhist philosophy. It’s a place where you can soak in centuries of spiritual tradition and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Alternatively, a stroll through the Muslim Quarter offers a different flavor — vibrant, bustling, and full of local halal street food. Here, you can sample lamb skewers, sticky rice, or other snacks and learn about Xi’an’s important role as a Silk Road trading hub. As one reviewer noted, the guide took them to local spots for authentic Chinese food, making the experience more genuine.

Other options include the Xi’an Banpo Museum, showcasing 6,000-year-old remains of a matriarchal society, and the Xi’an Mosque, blending Chinese architecture with Islamic art in a serene setting.

Day 2: Exploring More Sights

On your second day, you’ll again choose three attractions from a list that includes the City Wall, Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Temple of the Eight Immortals, and Xi’an Museum.

Climbing the City Wall gives you a panoramic view of the city and the chance to walk or cycle along a 600-year-old structure that encircles Xi’an. It’s a great way to see how the city was historically defended and get some fresh air.

The Jingdi Tomb reveals more about ancient burial practices, with a museum visit that features miniature figurines meant for the emperor’s afterlife. It’s a quieter, less crowded alternative to the Terracotta Warriors but equally fascinating.

The Bell and Drum Towers are iconic symbols of Xi’an, with short performances and exhibits of Ming and Qing furniture, giving you a glimpse into city life from centuries past.

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Value and Practicality

The tour’s price covers a private guide, local lunches, driver, and hotel transfers — a package that offers a lot of value considering the personalized experience. Entrance tickets aren’t included, but your guide will pre-book them, saving you from long lines. Expect to pay roughly 320 RMB (~$45) for entrance fees, depending on your choices.

Authentic Experiences on Your Terms

One of the most loved aspects, as echoed in reviews, is the knowledgeable guides. Donna praised Rosa for her depth of knowledge and local food recommendations, which added an authentic flavor to their trip. Having a guide who can explain the significance of each site enriches your understanding and makes the sights come alive.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation is private, making your day relaxed. The vehicle is comfortable, and pickup/drop-off is included, especially if your hotel is within the 3rd Ring Road. This means you won’t have to hunt down taxis or deal with public transit, which can be confusing in a city like Xi’an.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who value customization and comfort, prefer exploring with an expert guide, and want to dive deeper into Xi’an’s culture. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate authentic local cuisine and want to avoid overly touristy spots. However, it may not be ideal for travelers who require wheelchair accessibility or who are over 95 years old.

Final thoughts: Is this the right tour for you?

If you enjoy choosing your own adventure, want a private guide to bring history and culture to life, and love sampling local food, this tour is a smart pick. It’s designed for curious, active travelers eager to understand Xi’an beyond the standard highlights.

The flexibility to customize each day means you can skip what doesn’t interest you and spend more time where it matters. The inclusion of authentic meals and expert guidance enhances the experience, making it more than just sightseeing — it’s an immersive journey into one of China’s most storied cities.

This tour offers a balance of historical depth, cultural insights, and local flavor, all delivered in a private setting that respects your pace and interests. If that sounds appealing, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile way to make the most of your time in Xi’an.

FAQ

Can I choose which attractions I visit?
Yes, you select up to 7 attractions from a list of 11 options for your two days. Your guide will help tailor your itinerary to your interests.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, tickets aren’t included in the price, but your guide will pre-book them. Expect to pay around 320 RMB (~$45) for entry depending on what you choose.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s flexible and private nature makes it suitable for families with active children, but note that it’s not suitable for those over 95 years or in wheelchairs.

How many people are in the group?
This is a private tour, so it’s just you and your travel companions with your guide and driver.

What’s the typical length of each visit?
It varies depending on your choices, but generally, each site visit lasts between 1 to 3 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID card for ticketing purposes. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable.

Is dinner included?
No, dinner isn’t included. The tour includes two local lunches, and dinner would be at your own leisure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this customized private tour offers a thoughtful way to experience Xi’an’s highlights, tailored to your interests and pace. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want expert insights, authentic local food, and the freedom to design their own itinerary. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this experience helps you connect more deeply with the city’s history, culture, and flavors — all with the comfort of private transport and a knowledgeable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: