Xi’an’s walking tours offer the perfect blend of history and local life in this ancient Chinese capital.
The Back Street Food & Beer Tour stands out as an excellent choice, combining convenient hotel pickup with stops at authentic local eateries.
We love the Bell Tower Food Tour for its well-curated tastings of regional specialties and expert cultural insights.
The Muslim Quarter tours deserve special mention – they showcase the neighborhood’s centuries-old food traditions and bustling night markets.
For history buffs, the Terracotta Warriors tours (both guided and self-guided options) provide essential historical context while avoiding tourist traps.
Let’s explore the top walking tours that make Xi’an come alive.
Top Tours
- The Xian Back Street Food & Beer Walking Tour offers a 3-hour guided exploration of the Yongxingfang area with authentic street food and regional beverage tastings.
- The Private Big Wild Goose Pagoda Buddhism Walking Tour provides insights into the Buddhist heritage of Xi’an, including a visit to the iconic pagoda.
- The Xian Bell Tower Food Walking Tour focuses on the city’s iconic landmark, showcasing local delicacies such as soup dumplings and Roujiamo.
- The Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour offers a 2.5-3 hour exploration of the vibrant night market, featuring diverse local snacks and historical sites.
- The Xian Terracotta Army Walking Tour or Ticket Only Option allows visitors to experience the renowned Terracotta Army with flexible durations and multilingual guides.
Xian: Back Street Food&Beer Walking Tour W/ Hotel Pickup
Set out on a delightful back-street food and beer walking tour in Xi’an, complete with hotel pickup for your convenience.
With a flexible cancellation policy and no upfront payment required, you can easily reserve this 3-hour experience.
Skip the ticket lines and explore the local Yongxingfang area, guided by knowledgeable English and Chinese-speaking hosts.
Savor a selection of authentic street food and regional delicacies, including opportunities for beer, cocktail, and dessert sampling.
The walking portion lasts approximately 30 minutes, with the majority of the tour spent immersed in the vibrant Yongxingfang district.
Accommodations can be made for special food requests, ensuring a tailored experience.
Secure your desired starting time in advance, as this tour is popular.
Enjoy the flexibility to modify your plans, with a full refund available up to 24 hours prior.
Prepare for a seamless, immersive exploration of Xi’an’s captivating food and beverage scene.
Read our full review: Xian: Back Street Food&Beer Walking Tour W/ Hotel Pickup Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Big Wild Goose Pagoda Buddhism Walking Tour
Explore the rich Buddhist heritage of Xi’an on this private walking tour of the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
You’ll skip the ticket lines and enjoy a live English-speaking guide who’ll share insights into the pagoda’s history and cultural significance.
Start your 3.5 to 4.5-hour adventure at the North Square, where you’ll stroll through the Morning Clock and Fountain.
Then, explore the Da Cien Temple, home to the impressive Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Climb the pagoda for panoramic city views and learn about the legendary monk, Xuan Zang.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, flexible booking, and optional hotel pickup, this tour offers convenience and value.
While the tour’s overall rating is 4.3 out of 5, customers highlight the exceptional service quality and organizational effectiveness.
Prepare to be captivated by the rich Buddhist culture and history during this immersive walking experience.
Read our full review: Private Big Wild Goose Pagoda Buddhism Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Xian: Bell Tower Food Walking Tour With Local Guide
Enjoy the captivating food culture of Xi’an on this 3-hour walking tour centered around the iconic Bell Tower.
With a live English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the city’s vibrant streets and discover its culinary traditions.
Begin at the famous Jiasan Guantang Baozi, known for its juicy soup dumplings.
Then, venture into the bustling Muslim Quarter to sample the local Qin-style Roujiamo, a delectable variation of a hamburger.
Next, indulge in a Dumpling Banquet at the renowned Defachang restaurant, showcasing the region’s diverse dumpling offerings.
Complete your culinary journey with a taste of the hearty Yangrou Paomo, a lamb soup served with crumbled flatbread, and the chewy, sweet Zenggao dessert.
Throughout the tour, you’ll gain valuable insights into Xi’an’s rich food culture and the artistry behind each dish.
With a small group size and flexible cancellation policy, this experience promises an unforgettable exploration of Xi’an’s culinary delights.
Read our full review: Xian: Bell Tower Food Walking Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour
Discover the vibrant night market of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter on this captivating foodie walking tour.
You’ll have the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later for flexible travel plans.
The tour lasts 2.5-3 hours and includes a knowledgeable, English-fluent guide. Hotel pickup is available within the 2nd Ring road area.
Explore the best snack street loved by locals, and visit historical sites like the Great Mosque.
Indulge in diverse food tastings, including Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Liangpi (cold noodles), Yangrou Paomo (mutton soup with bread), Biang Biang Mian (noodles), and Zenggao (glutinous rice cake).
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 and positive feedback on the guide’s knowledge and communication, this tour promises an authentic, immersive cultural experience.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your passport for entry to the Great Mosque or Gaojia Courtyard.
Read our full review: Xian Muslim Quarter Night Market Foodie Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Xian: Terracotta Army Walking Tour or Ticket Only Option
Experience the grandeur of the Terracotta Army on this captivating walking tour or explore the site at your own pace with a ticket-only option.
You’ll enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the flexibility of reserving now and paying later. The tour duration ranges from 2.5 to 8 hours, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
Multilingual guides are available, ensuring a seamless experience. Positive traveler reviews highlight the responsiveness and knowledge of the guides, with an overall rating of 5/5. The value for money is rated at 4.5/5, reflecting the excellent experiences.
Remember to bring your passport or ID card, as advance booking requires this information. You may even save up to 10% on the standard price of $32.00, with the discounted rate of $28.80 per person.
Capitalize on the booking flexibility, including gift options and the ability to accommodate private groups.
Read our full review: Xian: Terracotta Army Walking Tour or Ticket Only Option Review
Book now: Check availability
Common Questions
Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?
Gratuity is typically not included in the tour price. You’ll want to check with the tour operator to see if tips are expected or recommended for your walking tour guides. This can help you budget accordingly.
Can I Cancel the Tour for a Full Refund?
You can usually cancel your tour for a full refund, but be sure to check the tour operator’s cancellation policy. Many have deadlines for full refunds, so it’s best to cancel early if you need to.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
Most walking tour operators in Xi’an can accommodate dietary restrictions if you notify them in advance. They’ll work to provide you with suitable food options to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The size of tour groups typically ranges from 10 to 20 people, though some companies may offer smaller or larger groups depending on your preferences. This allows for a more personalized experience during the walking tour.
Are the Tours Available Year-Round or Seasonally?
The tours are generally available year-round, though you’ll want to check with the specific tour operator as some may have seasonal variations. Most tours operate daily, so you can typically join whenever it fits your schedule.
Sum Up
Xian’s walking tours offer an immersive cultural experience. You’ll explore the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and delectable local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in the Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, or Buddhist heritage, there’s a walking tour to suit your interests. Discover Xian’s richness at your own pace and gain insider knowledge from knowledgeable guides. With convenient hotel pickup options, you can easily fit these tours into your travel itinerary.