Xi’an isn’t just about the Terracotta Warriors or ancient city walls; it’s a city alive with local markets, street food, and authentic shopping experiences. What makes Xi’an especially appealing for shopping and market tours is its unique blend of old and new—sprawling markets filled with hand-made crafts, aromatic spice stalls, and family-run eateries that you won’t find in guidebooks. Among the options, we love tours that take you beyond the typical tourist spots, like the Xi’an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk which whisks you through lively alleyways on a private tuk-tuk, tasting local breakfast favorites, and exploring bustling markets. It’s a perfect choice if you want an immersive intro to Xi’an’s food scene.
If hands-on cooking appeals more, consider the Half-day Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit, where you learn how to make iconic noodles and shop for spices directly from locals. For a comprehensive day exploring Xi’an’s highlights minus the shopping detours, the One Day Mini Group Xi’an City Tour offers culture, including the Terracotta Army and ancient landmarks. Whether you prefer food, hands-on classes, or cultural sightseeing, there’s an experience in Xi’an to match your interests.
1. Xi’an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk
This 4-hour tour takes you on a private tuk-tuk ride through Xi’an’s oldest areas, offering a taste of the city’s lively morning food scene and local markets. Starting near the Xi’an City Wall, your guide—who speaks excellent English—will navigate you through hidden streets, away from tourist crowds. You’ll visit 4-5 sit-down eateries and street stalls, sampling breakfast dishes unique to Xi’an, such as hand-pulled noodles or local flatbreads. The highlight is eating alongside locals at family-run businesses, discovering how breakfast in Xi’an is a ritual you shouldn’t miss. The tour also includes a walk through a bustling local market, where you’ll see everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, and even some pets for sale.
This tour scores a perfect 5.0 rating from 29 reviews, with travelers praising the passionate guides and authentic local food. One reviewer mentions, “Buren showed us traditional dishes made by real locals and family businesses,” highlighting how personalized and local-focused this experience is. The unlimited food and drinks make it great value for money, especially for those eager to explore Xi’an’s culinary heart.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting an intimate look at Xi’an’s local life, especially if you enjoy exploring with a small group on a tuk-tuk.
2. Half-day Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit
For about $65, this 4-hour experience offers a fantastic hands-on opportunity to learn how one of Xi’an’s most famous dishes—biang biang noodles—is made. The tour begins with a visit to a local spice market, where you’ll pick out fresh ingredients, gaining insight into regional flavors. Then, in a traditional Chinese courtyard, you’ll learn to make the noodles from scratch—stretching and pulling the dough just like locals do. A lesson in the history behind biang biang noodles makes this more than just a cooking class; it’s a cultural lesson in itself. During the session, you’ll enjoy local tea and, at the end, savor your homemade noodles with beer or other drinks.
This tour has received full five-star reviews, with one participant noting, “I now feel confident I can recreate these noodles at home,” and others praising the host’s warmth and expertise. Small group sizes mean plenty of personal attention, making this an ideal choice for foodies who want to master authentic Chinese noodles.
Bottom line: An engaging, immersive experience that combines spice shopping, noodle making, and cultural learning—excellent for foodies and aspiring cooks.
3. One Day Mini Group Xi’an City Tour, No Shopping
This 8-9 hour tour is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Xi’an’s top attractions without any shopping stopovers. Ideal for layovers or those with limited time, it features a personalized experience with just a small group and private transportation. The itinerary includes Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army, the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, and the Banpo Museum, showcasing archaeological and prehistoric highlights along with cultural stories told by your guide.
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, and the guide’s in-depth knowledge brings history alive, making it accessible and engaging. The Terracotta Army, with its thousands of life-sized warriors, is the highlight, and the museum’s exhibits are explained in detail, giving you more insight than most large group tours. You’ll also visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, rounding out a full day of discovery.
Rated 5.0 by 20 reviews, travelers appreciate the flexibility and personalized service. One reviewer states, “Our guide Tracy was wonderful, explaining everything and sharing tips for after the tour.” The private nature of this tour makes it suitable for travelers who want a tailored experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs and travelers seeking a private, detailed exploration of Xi’an’s most iconic sites in one day.
4. One Day Mini Group Tour to Mt. Huashan, No Shopping
If your idea of adventure is conquering a mountain with legendary views, this 10-11 hour tour is the way to go. Traveling with a small group of about six, you’ll take a cable car up to the West Peak of Mt. Huashan—famous for its steep trails and breathtaking scenery. The tour emphasizes effortless sightseeing with no shopping stops, allowing you to focus solely on the natural wonder. Your guide will share stories about the mountain’s legendary status and point out its most famous peaks.
Once at the summit, you’re free to explore the thrilling trails, which are safe but exhilarating, with views that make the climb worth the effort. The cable car ride itself offers spectacular scenery, and the tour includes time to take photos and soak in the grandeur of this sacred mountain. The tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with some physical activity, as you can choose to walk or take the cable car at different points.
Rated 5.0 from 12 reviews, travelers love the seamless logistics and insightful commentary. One reviewer described it as a “thrilling but safe experience,” highlighting the well-organized nature of the trip.
Bottom line: Ideal for fit travelers craving scenic mountain views and a bit of adventure without shopping distractions.
5. Xian Terracotta Warriors Private Day Tour, No Shopping
For around $89, this private day tour focuses on the massive Terracotta Warriors and other key attractions like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Starting early, your expert guide will take you directly to the site, avoiding crowds and giving you ample time to explore. The tour includes at least 2.5 hours at the museum, where you’ll see the three excavated pits filled with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach—your guide will tailor the narration to your interests, and the private transportation ensures comfort and efficiency. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offers insight into Buddhist history along the Silk Road, and the flexible schedule allows you to spend more or less time at each site.
Rated 5.0, reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and smooth logistics. One traveler says, “This was an excellent way to see Xi’an’s key sites without feeling rushed,” confirming its value for travelers who want a tailored experience.
Bottom line: Well-suited for history enthusiasts and those wanting a flexible, private tour experience.
6. One Day Terracotta Warriors and Mountain Huashan Tour (None Shopping)
This 11-hour tour combines two of Xi’an’s top attractions—the Terracotta Warriors and Mt. Huashan. It’s perfect if you want to see both natural and cultural highlights in one day. The morning begins with a visit to the Qin Warriors, where you’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore the museum and pits in depth. Afterward, a 1.5-hour drive takes you to Mt. Huashan, where you’ll take a cable car to the North Peak and explore the famous peaks for about 3 hours.
The tour is designed for those with a good level of fitness, as there’s some walking involved, especially on the mountain trails. Private transportation ensures comfort, and the schedule is flexible enough for you to take your time enjoying each site. The scenic cable car ride and mountain views are unforgettable, making this a comprehensive combo for natural and historic lovers alike.
Rated 5.0 from 2 reviews, travelers mention the smooth logistics and engaging guide. One notes, “It’s a full day, but worth every minute for the scenery and history,” confirming its value.
Bottom line: Best for travelers eager to combine natural vistas with historic sites in a single, well-organized day.
7. Mini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar
This all-in-one 9-10 hour tour packs nearly every top sight into a small-group format. Starting with the Terracotta Army, you’ll get over two hours at the museum, avoiding the large crowds often seen in bigger tours. Afterwards, you’ll explore the City Wall, where you can walk or bike for panoramic views, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to understand its significance in Buddhism.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Muslim Bazaar, an lively market filled with street food and souvenirs. The focus on small groups means your guide can give personalized attention, and the tour avoids unnecessary shopping stops—making the experience more authentic and less commercial. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and organized schedule, with one traveler stating, “This tour shows Xi’an’s highlights without the hassle,” confirming its appeal.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet intimate look at Xi’an’s landmarks and local life.
$89.00 per person
8. Half-day Xi’an Steamed Buns Cooking Class with a Market Visit
If you’re craving a culinary hands-on experience, this 3.5-hour class is a delight. You’ll visit a local spice market, then learn to make baozi (steamed buns) from scratch in a traditional courtyard. The class emphasizes local ingredients and authentic techniques, giving you a real taste of Xi’an cuisine. All ingredients and recipes are included, and you can enjoy your buns with beer or tea afterward.
Rated 5.0 by one reviewer, the class is praised for its joyful host and great food. It’s an ideal activity for food lovers or families wanting a relaxed, interactive experience that ends with a delicious snack.
Bottom line: Short but sweet, perfect if you want to learn a local specialty and enjoy a fun, intimate cooking session.
$80.00 per person
9. Half-day No-shopping Group Tour of Terracotta Army
This 4-5 hour tour is dedicated solely to the Terracotta Warriors, with no shopping stops or extras. It’s perfect if you want a straightforward, small-group visit to the UNESCO-listed site. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll have about four hours to explore the three pits and learn about the Qin Dynasty from an insider.
Rated 5.0, travelers appreciate the efficient, no-frills approach. One reviewer notes, “It’s a perfect way to see the Warriors without wasting time,” making it a solid choice for quick, focused sightseeing.
Bottom line: For those who want a no-distraction, direct visit to the most iconic attraction in Xi’an.
$125.00 per person
10. Xi’an Private Day Tour: Terracotta Army, Muslim Bazaar, No Shops
This 10-hour private tour offers a personalized itinerary for history and culture fans. It includes the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Bazaar—each with detailed explanations from your guide. The tour maintains a focus on cultural sights without any shopping detours or factory visits, maximizing your sightseeing time.
With excellent reviews praising the guide’s knowledge, this tour suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, customizable experience with private transportation for comfort and flexibility.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, in-depth day exploring Xi’an’s key highlights without commercial stops.
How to Choose the Right Shopping & Market Tour in Xi’an
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and fitness level. If you love food and local flavors, the Morning Food & Market Tour offers authentic tastes and vibrant street life. For those eager to learn new skills, the Noodle Making Class combines hands-on cooking and spice shopping. If cultural and historic sights are your main focus, the Mini Group City Tour or the Terracotta Warriors private tour are excellent choices.
Budget-conscious travelers should look for tours with good reviews that offer value for money, like the private options providing personalized attention without extra shopping detours. Active travelers may prefer the Mount Huashan Tour, which combines natural beauty with physical activity. Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and tour size.
Final Thoughts
From culinary adventures and cultural explorations to mountain hikes, Xi’an offers a variety of shopping and market experiences to match every travel style. For those craving authentic local flavors, the tuk-tuk food tour is unbeatable. Foodies and cooks will love the noodle and steamed bun classes, while history enthusiasts can’t go wrong with the private tours to the Terracotta Army or Mount Huashan.
Each experience provides a glimpse into Xi’an’s lively markets, ancient traditions, and delicious cuisine—so choose what best fits your curiosity and pace. Be sure to book early to secure a spot, especially for small-group or popular tours. With this range of options, your Xi’an shopping and market adventure will be a memorable highlight of your trip.
Happy exploring, and don’t forget—sometimes the best souvenirs are the stories and tastes you bring home!