2-Day Xi’an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Private Custom-Made Combo Tour

A Close Look at the 2-Day Xi’an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Private Custom-Made Combo Tour

Taking a trip to Xi’an? This 2-day private tour promises a tailored experience that combines the must-see attractions with lesser-known spots, all while offering the comfort of your own guide and driver. With a stellar rating of 5.0 based on 87 reviews and praise from travelers around the world, it seems like a fantastic way to truly get under the skin of this historic city.

What we really like about this experience is how customizable it is—allowing you to pick up to six attractions from a list of 15 options. This flexibility means you can focus on what interests you most, whether that’s the famous Terracotta Warriors or the more niche spots like the Calligraphy Museum or bar street. Plus, the inclusion of authentic, non-touristy restaurants for your lunches is a big plus, ensuring you taste Xi’an without the tourist traps.

A potential consideration? The tour spans two days and involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, booking 13 days in advance is typical, so plan ahead if you want to secure your preferred dates.

If you’re after an in-depth, personalized exploration of Xi’an that balances history, culture, and local flavor, this tour is a great pick. It suits history buffs, food lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed but comprehensive look at the city without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets.

Key Points

• Highly customizable: Choose up to six attractions from a list of 15 options
• Authentic dining: Enjoy two lunches at local, non-touristy restaurants
• Expert guidance: Well-reviewed guides like Rosa and Agnes enhance the experience
• Comfort and convenience: Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and private transport
• Rich itinerary: Mix of famous landmarks, cultural sites, and hidden gems
• Balanced pacing: Enough time at each site to explore without feeling rushed

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This private, flexible approach to exploring Xi’an means you get to shape your own experience. Whether it’s the iconic Terracotta Warriors, the grandeur of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, or the lively Muslim Quarter, you control what’s on your itinerary. The guides, praised for their knowledge and caring attitude, help you understand each site’s story without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or rushed.

The tour’s design focuses on value—all entrance fees are included, and the lunches are at non-touristy spots, giving you a taste of authentic local cuisine. You’ll find this especially appealing if you’re after a more genuine experience rather than visiting heavily commercialized attractions.

Another highlight? The transportation is private, and your guide manages timings, so you won’t have to worry about splitting group interests or waiting around. The flexible timing (they can pick you up at your hotel around 8:30 am or a time you specify) makes it suitable for different travel schedules.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Dive into Ancient History and Cultural Heritage

Starting your day around 8:30 am, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. The first stop is the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, a highlight that draws countless visitors. With an estimated 3-hour visit, you’ll beat the crowds early and get an unhurried look at the astonishing life-sized sculptures and bronze chariots. Travelers have praised the experience, with one reviewer saying they spent nearly four hours there, highlighting just how immersive and impressive the site is.

Next, you’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an’s cultural history. Your guide will fill you in on why the pagoda leans, its significance to the Silk Road, and how it relates to Buddhist traditions. Visitors often find the explanations enriching; one reviewer mentioned that their guide explained the connection between the pagoda and Tang dynasty culture clearly and passionately. If your visit coincides with chanting days, you might see monks and believers gathering in the courtyard, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

For lunch, you’ll head to a local restaurant that’s not touristy—something travelers consistently appreciated, noting how the food felt authentic and flavorful. The Muslim Quarter follows in the afternoon, where you’ll explore a bustling street filled with street food stalls. From skewered lamb to sticky rice and colorful fruit ice creams, this short walk is a feast for the senses. One reviewer called it a “nice exposure” to local flavors, mentioning that their guide helped them navigate the many options.

The last stop of Day 1 is the Xi’an Banpo Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into a 6,000-year-old matriarchal society. The site is divided into living areas, burial tombs, and pottery kilns, with multimedia presentations making ancient life more accessible and lively. Another reviewer appreciated the vivid pictures and media, describing it as a time capsule that tells stories of early Chinese civilization.

Finally, the Xi’an Mosque showcases traditional Chinese Islamic architecture, with relics dating back 600–1,000 years. Visitors often find the blend of religious and cultural elements enriching, especially the Ming dynasty tablets and Qing dynasty pavilions. The quiet garden setting offers a peaceful pause before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: City Walls, Tombs, and Urban Charm

Starting with the Xi’an City Wall, you’ll climb to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the city. The option to walk or rent a bicycle allows you to set your pace—some prefer a quick 30-minute stroll while others go for a longer ride around the ramparts. The city wall, over 600 years old, offers a perfect vantage point to observe Xi’an’s blend of ancient and modern life. Reviewers loved the opportunity to see local morning markets or relax in the moat park at the base.

Next, you’ll visit the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi at the Hanyangling Museum. This site is unique because you walk through glass corridors over underground pits filled with thousands of tiny figurines—an impressive display of Han dynasty funerary art. Visitors describe it as “quite different” from other sites, with one reviewer saying they appreciated the clarity of the exhibits and the opportunity to see these tiny figures up close.

The Xi’an Bell Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the city center, allowing you to see how the old city and modern developments coexist. Climbing to the top, you’ll get a sense of the city’s layout, while the Drum Tower offers a chance to watch a traditional performance and view antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The short 30-minute visits are often described as a perfect snapshot of Xi’an’s lively city core.

The Temple of the Eight Immortals adds a spiritual and local flavor, as it’s a popular spot for locals to pray, listen to monks, or buy funeral objects at the nearby market. Travelers found this place intriguing, especially the local customs and the array of items sold for the dead.

Finally, the Xi’an Museum in the Small Wild Goose Pagoda garden is a cultural treasure trove. Over two hours, you’ll learn about the city’s history, see Tang dynasty relics, and enjoy a peaceful park setting that blends history with garden art. One reviewer called it “a perfect ending,” appreciating the well-rounded mix of history and nature.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-day private tour offers a comprehensive yet flexible way to explore Xi’an, perfect for those who want to avoid touristy chaos without missing out on key sights. Its customizable nature makes it ideal for history buffs, culture seekers, and foodies alike. You’ll benefit from knowledgeable guides who go beyond basic facts, making the experience more engaging and meaningful.

The inclusion of authentic local lunches and lesser-known attractions ensures you see a more genuine side of Xi’an, making this a valuable option for travelers who want depth over surface-level sightseeing. The private transportation and well-paced itinerary reduce stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying each moment.

While it does require some physical activity—walking at several sites and possibly cycling—you’ll be rewarded with views, stories, and flavors that stick with you long after the tour ends. It’s an especially good option for those who prefer a personalized experience that balances history, culture, and authentic local life.

FAQs

How many attractions can I choose to visit?
You can pick up to six attractions from a list of 15 options when booking, so you can tailor your experience to your interests.

Are meals included?
Yes, two lunches at non-touristy, authentic restaurants are included, giving you a chance to taste local flavors without the touristy vibe.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour spans approximately two days, with each day carefully planned to cover key sites at a relaxed pace.

Is transportation private?
Yes, a private guide and driver will pick you up and drop you off at your specified location, ensuring comfort and flexibility.

Can I request guides in other languages?
Yes, guides in Spanish, French, Italian, or German are available for an extra 800 RMB, but you need to request this at least three days in advance.

Are entrance tickets included?
All entrance tickets for the selected sites are included in the price, so there are no surprise costs on-site.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but most travelers find it suitable, especially with some rest breaks and comfortable walking shoes.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and exploring.

Can I customize the itinerary on the day?
Yes, the tour is private and flexible, so your guide can adapt the schedule based on your interests and pace.

What is the booking lead time?
Most travelers book about 13 days in advance, so early planning is advised to secure your preferred dates.

In essence, this private, customizable tour offers a rare opportunity to see Xi’an through your own lens, combining major landmarks with local flavor and personal touches. It’s an ideal choice if you crave an in-depth, hassle-free exploration with guides who genuinely care about making your experience memorable. Perfect for those who value authenticity, comfort, and flexibility in their travel adventures.