Xian is a city brimming with history, but it’s also a place where you can roll up your sleeves and learn skills that bring Chinese culture to life. Whether it’s mastering the art of hand-pulled biang biang noodles, learning to make dumplings in a local home, or trying your hand at Chinese calligraphy, these workshops offer memorable ways to connect with Xian’s traditions. We particularly love the half-day noodle-making class for its lively market visit and authentic courtyard setting, and the private home cooking experience for a more intimate taste of local life. If you’re curious about Chinese tile games or martial arts, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
These classes stand out not just for their authenticity but also for their practical insight into Chinese culinary and cultural techniques. Among the options, the Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class and the Dumpling Class deliver hands-on fun and delicious results, ideal for food lovers. Meanwhile, the Mahjong class and calligraphy lessons offer a slower, immersive experience perfect for cultural enthusiasts. Whether you’re on a short trip or looking for a deeper dive into Xian’s traditions, these workshops will make your visit truly special.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of crafts, cuisine, and cultural activities that are perfect for travelers eager to participate actively. You’ll find cooking classes focusing on iconic local dishes like biang biang noodles and baozi (steamed buns), both with options for visiting local markets or private homes. For a taste of traditional Chinese games, the Mahjong class offers a friendly introduction with local tea and snacks. If you want to explore calligraphy or martial arts, there are beginner-friendly lessons that pair well with sightseeing. Each experience is designed to be engaging, authentic, and suitable for different interests and fitness levels.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each workshop, helping you choose the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Half-day Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit
This lively half-day cooking experience combines Market adventure with hands-on noodle making. Starting at a local spice market, you’ll learn about key ingredients fundamental to Xi’an cuisine. Then, in a traditional Chinese courtyard, you’ll make biang biang noodles, a signature dish famous for its thick, chewy texture and dramatic name. The class emphasizes authentic techniques, and your host is praised for being engaging and knowledgeable. The class includes all ingredients, recipes, and drinks such as tea and beer, providing an excellent value at $65 per person.
What makes this tour especially appealing is the small group size, offering personalized attention and a chance to ask questions. The market visit provides cultural context, making the experience more immersive. The noodles you create can be enjoyed with your choice of beverages afterward, making it as much a culinary discovery as a social event. Guests often praise it as a must-do for noodle lovers or anyone wanting to learn real Chinese cooking techniques.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want a hands-on experience with a local flavor, this class combines market insights and authentic noodle-making in a friendly setting.
2. Private Home Cooking Class: Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi’an
For travelers seeking a more personal touch, this private home cooking class offers a chance to learn directly from local families. After hotel pickup, you’ll visit a local’s home, where an English-speaking guide will introduce you to Xian-style noodles or dumplings. Under the guidance of a chef, you’ll participate in the entire process—making dough, filling, and shaping your dumplings from scratch—then enjoy your culinary creations in a warm, authentic environment.
This experience offers a genuine glimpse into domestic Chinese life and culinary traditions. The class is tailored to your skill level and interests, with all ingredients provided. At $90 per person, it’s an intimate and meaningful alternative to larger group classes, especially suited for those who love custom experiences or family-style meals.
Guests rave about the opportunity to “enrich your understanding of Xi’an culture” while cooking in a local home. It’s ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection and a story to tell—plus, you get to eat your own handiwork.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a personalized, cultural experience with delicious homemade food and a chance to meet local families.
3. 3 Hours Xi’an Mahjong Class with Local Tea
This short yet rich mahjong class invites you to discover one of China’s most iconic games in a peaceful courtyard setting. Over around three hours, you’ll learn basic rules and strategies with personalized instruction, capped at just eight participants to ensure attention. The class includes tea and traditional snacks, creating a relaxed atmosphere to soak in Chinese leisure culture.
What sets this apart is the chance to actually play mahjong rather than just watch. It’s perfect for travelers interested in Chinese social customs and looking for a leisurely, cultural experience without a big time commitment. The guide ensures everyone gets involved, making it ideal for beginners or those curious about Chinese games.
While reviews are limited, the experience is praised for its personal touch and authentic setting. The focus on learning and playing makes it enjoyable and educational without feeling like a formal lesson.
Bottom Line: Great for cultural explorers eager to learn a traditional game in a calm environment with tea and snacks.
4. Biking Tour with Calligraphy Class
This tour combines sightseeing, physical activity, and art in one afternoon. Starting with a visit to a bustling market, you’ll see daily life in Xi’an up close. Then, after biking along the historic City Wall, you’ll finish with a calligraphy lesson — a peaceful practice rooted in Chinese tradition.
The bike ride along the 640-year-old city wall offers a scenic way to see Xi’an’s ancient defenses, while the calligraphy session provides a chance to learn brush techniques and characters. The tour is designed for travelers with limited time but a desire to experience multiple aspects of local culture in a single outing.
Participants appreciate the mix of activities, especially the opportunity to cycle in a historic setting and try writing Chinese characters. The tour involves some walking, biking, and public transport, making it manageable yet engaging. Pickup from select hotels adds convenience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a well-rounded cultural experience, blending local markets, historic sights, and traditional arts.
5. 1-Hour Calligraphy Class with Optional Sightseeing
If you’re pressed for time but want a taste of Chinese calligraphy, this quick, one-hour class offers an introduction to the elegance of Chinese characters. Your private instructor, fluent in English, will teach brush techniques and share stories behind the characters, making it both educational and relaxing.
The class takes place in a historic setting, often with options to explore nearby Xi’an City Wall or other landmarks afterward. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, and the experience is praised for making Chinese writing accessible and fun. The price is very reasonable at $30, making it a great add-on or a standalone activity.
Guests comment on the teacher’s expertise and engaging style, often leaving with a desire to continue practicing. It’s perfect if you want a quick, meaningful souvenir of your trip.
Bottom Line: A brief, enriching activity that offers a meaningful introduction to Chinese calligraphy without requiring a large time commitment.
6. 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi’an
This small-group class provides a focused dive into making Xi’an’s legendary biang biang noodles. Meeting at Sa Jin Qiao Subway Station, you’ll learn the techniques behind these thick, hand-pulled noodles and the story behind their name, which mimics the sound of the noodles being made. The class lasts about three hours and is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personal attention.
During the class, you’ll drink tea and coffee while practicing the art of noodle pulling, then enjoy a noodle feast at the end. This experience is praised for its fun, hands-on approach and the chance to take home a skill that’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home.
For $74.88 per person, it offers great value, especially for those interested in Chinese culinary techniques. Reviewers highlight the engaging host Michael and the enjoyable walk through local markets beforehand.
Bottom Line: Perfect for noodle enthusiasts who want to learn an iconic local dish in a friendly, small-group environment.
$74.88 per person
7. Half-day Xi’an Steamed Buns Cooking Class with a Market Visit
If steamed buns appeal to you, this half-day class offers a delightful experience. Starting with a market visit, you’ll learn about ingredients for baozi (filled buns), then proceed to make dough and fillings from scratch in a traditional courtyard setting. The class includes all ingredients, recipes, and drinks, with options for morning or afternoon sessions.
The instructor is highly praised for creating a lively yet intimate environment, and the class produces enough buns for everyone to enjoy with beer or other beverages afterward. Costing $80, this class strikes a good balance between affordability and authenticity.
Guests rave about the location and the chance to learn baking techniques firsthand. It’s perfect for those who want a culinary souvenir they can recreate at home or simply enjoy a fun, hands-on activity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for bread and baking lovers wanting to make baozi with tips from local artisans.
$80.00 per person
8. Kungfu Class and Bicycling on Xi’an City Wall
This activity combines martial arts and cycling for a full afternoon of physical and cultural engagement. You’ll start with a traditional kungfu lesson—either Hong Quan or Taiji—lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours. Afterward, you’ll ride bicycles along the historic City Wall, enjoying spectacular views of Xi’an’s skyline and ancient fortifications.
The kungfu class is led by a master who shares techniques and background, making it accessible even for beginners. Cycling on the 3600-meter-long city wall offers a fun way to see the city from above, with plenty of photo opportunities. The experience is priced at $99 per person and includes all necessary equipment and tickets.
Reviews note the engaging kungfu instruction and the novelty of cycling on the city wall. This tour is ideal for active travelers keen to combine sport, culture, and sightseeing in one engaging experience.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want an active, hands-on introduction to Chinese martial arts paired with a scenic city tour.
$99.00 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the perfect workshop or class in Xian, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. Food lovers might prefer the noodle or dumpling classes, especially if they love making authentic dishes from scratch—both these experiences and the dumpling tour offer immersive culinary fun.
If you’re interested in cultural arts, the calligraphy classes and mahjong are ideal, especially if you want a more relaxed pace or a quick lesson. For active travelers who enjoy cycling and martial arts, the Bike & Kungfu tour is an excellent combo.
Consider your fitness level and time availability. The half-day classes are perfect for busy schedules, while the private home cooking offers a richer, more personalized experience. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Xian offers a fantastic variety of workshops that go beyond sightseeing, giving you genuine insight into Chinese culinary traditions, games, calligraphy, and martial arts. For a well-rounded trip, we recommend trying the Biang Biang Noodle Class for a lively, authentic cooking experience, or the private home dumpling class if you want a deep cultural connection. For a more relaxed approach, the calligraphy or Mahjong lessons provide meaningful souvenirs and stories to bring home.
Whatever your interests, these classes guarantee an engaging way to connect with Xian’s living culture. Be sure to book ahead and enjoy a hands-on adventure that complements your sightseeing — after all, the best memories come when you participate, not just observe.