Xi’an is a city that practically screams for cycling. Its ancient city walls, bustling markets, and historic landmarks are best experienced at a relaxed pace on two wheels. Unlike many cities, Xi’an’s well-preserved city wall makes a bike ride both accessible and memorable, offering panoramic views and a sense of stepping back in time. One favorite in this list is the Xi’an City Center Private Cycling and Walking Tour, which combines cultural sights with local flavors. It’s a great way to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed, especially with its convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
Another tour we like is the Biking Tour with Calligraphy Class. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of Xi’an’s vibrant street life and an introduction to Chinese art — all in one go. And if a shorter, guided experience appeals more, the Xi’an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option offers a compact, expert-led look at the city’s ancient defensive structure, with a flexible cycling upgrade.
Below, we explore each of these options in detail to help you find your perfect biking adventure in Xi’an.
1. Xi’an City Center Private Cycling and Walking Tour
For around $96 per person, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Xi’an’s core sights, blending biking and walking with insightful narration. It begins with a hotel pickup within the 3rd ring road — making logistics hassle-free. Your guide then takes you to the Xi’an City Wall, built in the Ming Dynasty. This 9-mile ancient fortification is the best-preserved city wall in China, and cycling around it gives you a real sense of the city’s old boundaries. If you opt for an early morning ride by 9:00 am, you’ll also see the lively morning food market (07:00-09:30), an authentic glimpse into local life. Afterward, the tour visits the Yongxingfang food market, open until late evening, offering a vibrant scene of vendors and local delicacies.
Next, you’ll see the Bell Tower, a 600-year-old symbol of Xi’an, and finish at the Muslim Quarter, famous for colorful lights and mouthwatering street food. The combination of cultural landmarks and local flavors makes this tour both enriching and fun. It’s a flexible option suitable for all fitness levels, as you can choose between biking and walking.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for travelers seeking history, culture, and a taste of local life, all with minimal planning.
2. Biking Tour with Calligraphy Class
At just over $79, this tour offers a lively mix of sightseeing and culture. It begins with a visit to a busy open-air market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to daily essentials — a perfect spot to observe everyday life in Xi’an. After soaking in the market’s energy, your guide will escort you on a bus to the Xi’an City Wall. Once there, you’ll bike along the 640-year-old structure, enjoying views and fresh air as you learn about its strategic importance. This is a popular activity because it pairs active exploration with historical insights.
The tour concludes with an engaging calligraphy lesson, giving you a hands-on experience of traditional Chinese art. This part is especially appealing to travelers interested in arts and crafts or those looking for a more interactive experience. The tour involves a mix of walking, biking, and public transport, making it manageable even for shorter stays. Pickup from select hotels makes logistics straightforward, and the activities are paced for a fun, relaxed morning or afternoon.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers who want a taste of Xi’an’s street life, history, and artistic traditions in a single compact package.
3. Xi’an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option
Pricing just shy of $71 per person, this tour is perfect for those who want a guided overview of one of China’s most impressive city walls. It’s a short, approximately two-hour experience, which makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule. The tour takes you along the entire 14-kilometer wall, one of the few remaining in China, with a guide providing engaging stories about its role through history. The maximum group size of eight enhances the personalized feel, making the storytelling more intimate.
A key feature of this tour is the optional bicycle rental, allowing you to explore more of the wall independently after the guided portion. If you choose the transportation upgrade, stress-free round-trip transfers from your hotel are included, removing common logistical worries. The combination of guided insight and flexible cycling makes this tour an excellent way to get a detailed yet relaxed look at Xi’an’s ancient defenses.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a concise, guided experience with the option to explore further on their own.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest in culture or history. The Xi’an City Center Private Cycling and Walking Tour offers a comprehensive experience suitable for those wanting to see multiple landmarks comfortably. If you’re short on time but want a blend of local life and art, the Biking Tour with Calligraphy Class hits the mark. For a more straightforward, guided exploration of the city wall with flexibility, go for the Guided Tour with Cycling Option.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to ensure availability. Each tour provides a different flavor of Xi’an — pick the one that best matches your interests and schedule.
In summary, whether you prefer a full-day sightseeing and tasting adventure, a cultural arts experience, or a quick and guided walk along the city’s defenses, Xi’an offers a cycling tour for you. If you’re looking for an immersive, well-organized, and authentic experience, these options won’t disappoint. Happy cycling and exploring!