Uncover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Xian, one of China’s oldest cities, on this comprehensive 2-day private tour from Beijing. Travelers embark on a scenic bullet train journey, seeing the city’s iconic landmarks, from the impressive Xian City Wall to the awe-inspiring Qin Terracotta Warriors Museum. Alongside guided explorations of the bustling Muslim Quarter and traditional Drum and Bell Tower, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that showcases Xian’s rich heritage. With a knowledgeable guide to provide insights, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s significance in China’s long and storied past.
Key Points
- This 2-day private tour combines the highlights of Beijing and Xian, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Terracotta Warriors.
- Travelers will explore Xian’s historical landmarks like the City Wall, Drum and Bell Tower, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter via bullet train from Beijing.
- The tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience, with guided visits to iconic sites and opportunities to interact with the local Muslim community in Xian.
- Accommodations, private transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide are included, ensuring a seamless and personalized travel experience.
- The tour is suitable for most travelers, with options for biking on the City Wall and accessibility considerations taken into account.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Highlights
- Day 1 Itinerary
- Xian City Wall
- Drum and Bell Tower
- Muslim Quarter
- Day 2 Itinerary
- Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum
- Tour Details and Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Extend My Stay in Xian for Additional Days?
- Are the Bullet Train Seats Reserved?
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- Can I Request a Specific Dietary Cuisine During the Tour?
- Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Beijing
- More City Tours in Beijing
- More Tours in Beijing
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Tour Overview and Highlights
This 2-Day Private Classic Xian City Tour from Beijing by Bullet Train whisks travelers through the highlights of China’s ancient capital.
Spanning two days, the tour showcases iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Lama Temple, as well as the serene Temple of Heaven.
Guests will also explore the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu and the picturesque Summer Palace.
On top of that, the itinerary includes immersive experiences in Xian’s Hutongs, Jingshan Park, and the Olympic Park, home to the renowned Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
With a local guide, private transportation, and accommodations, this tour provides a comprehensive and seamless exploration of Beijing and Xian’s most renowned attractions.
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Day 1 Itinerary
The tour kicks off with an early departure from Beijing, as guests are picked up from their hotel at 6:30 a.m. and transferred to the Beijing West Railway Station.
The group boards the bullet train, departing around 7:40 a.m. for the 5-hour journey to Xian, Shanxi province.
Upon arrival, the local guide and driver meet the group and escort them to the famous Xian City Wall. Guests have the option to bike along the wall, taking in the historic views.
Next, they visit the iconic Drum Tower, a symbol of Xian dating back to 1380.
The tour then explores the vibrant Muslim Quarter, home to over 20,000 Muslims and the renowned Great Mosque, before returning to the hotel for the day.
Xian City Wall
Upon arrival in Xian, the group is met by the local guide and driver, who escort them to the historic Xian City Wall.
This ancient fortification dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Visitors have the option to explore the wall on foot or by bicycle, taking in panoramic views of the city.
The guide provides fascinating insights into the wall’s history and construction, as the group spends approximately 1.5 hours discovering this iconic landmark.
After the visit, the tour continues to the next stop, the Drum and Bell Tower, providing a seamless transition to explore more of Xian’s rich cultural heritage.
Drum and Bell Tower
After visiting the iconic Xian City Wall, the group now heads to the renowned Drum and Bell Tower.
This famous landmark, erected in 1380, has stood as a symbol of Xian for over 600 years.
The Drum Tower features:
- Intricate architecture and design elements
- Impressive size, standing at 32 meters tall
- Displays of traditional Chinese drums and percussion instruments
- Panoramic views of the surrounding city from the top
- Historical significance as a vital part of Xian’s ancient fortifications
The tour group spends 40 minutes exploring this cultural treasure, learning about its rich history and the important role it played in the development of Xian.
Muslim Quarter
From the Drum and Bell Tower, the tour group now explores the vibrant Muslim Quarter, an area that has been home to over 20,000 Muslims for centuries.
The group wanders through winding streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and mosques. They’re struck by the unique architecture and the lively atmosphere.
The group visits the famous Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. They learn about the rich history and cultural traditions of the Muslim community in Xian.
The guide provides insights into the daily life and customs of the local Muslims, leaving the group with a deeper understanding of this fascinating part of the city.
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Day 2 Itinerary
The second day of the tour begins with the group being picked up from their hotel at 8:30 a.m. to visit the renowned Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the impressive life-sized terracotta sculptures from the mausoleum of the first emperor of China.
After exploring the museum, the group enjoys lunch before visiting the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous Buddhist landmark built in 652 AD.
The tour then concludes with the group’s transfer to the train station for the return journey to Beijing, arriving at the West Railway Station in the evening.
- Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
- Lunch
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Transfer to train station
- Return journey to Beijing
Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum
The tour’s second day begins with the group being picked up from their hotel at 8:30 a.m. to visit the renowned Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the remarkable life-sized terracotta sculptures commissioned by China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to guard his mausoleum. The museum offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Chinese history and the ingenuity of its artisans.
Visitors can explore the three main pits, each revealing the extent of the army’s diversity, from infantry to cavalry to chariots. The guided tour lasts around two hours, providing ample time to appreciate this incredible archaeological treasure.
Tour Details and Requirements
For this tour, travelers must provide their passport name and number when booking, as these are required for the train tickets.
Plus, dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking, as vegetarian options are available.
The tour is open to most travelers, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should be aware of the following:
- Passport name and number required for train tickets
- Dietary requirements can be accommodated
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travelers can participate
- Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Extend My Stay in Xian for Additional Days?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Xi’an for additional days. The tour operator can help arrange extra nights at the hotel and provide recommendations for additional sightseeing or activities in the city.
Are the Bullet Train Seats Reserved?
Yes, the bullet train seats are reserved for the tour. Travelers don’t need to worry about securing their own tickets as the tour operator handles the booking and reservations for the round-trip bullet train journey from Beijing to Xian.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a maximum group size, but it is a private tour, so the group size is likely small and customizable to the traveler’s needs. The tour price varies based on the group size.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Cuisine During the Tour?
Yes, dietary requirements can be advised at the time of booking. Vegetarian options are available, allowing travelers to request their preferred cuisine for the included lunch during the tour.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for children. According to the tour details, children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. However, the tour does not mention any discounts specifically for senior travelers.
2-Day Private Classic Xian City Tour From Beijing by Bullet Train
“Five of us enjoyed this tour very much, itineraries are fantastic, our tour guide Coco was very friendly and very knowledgeable for all the history…”
Recap
This 2-day private tour from Beijing to Xian by bullet train provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the ancient city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the iconic Xian City Wall, discover the vibrant Muslim Quarter, and come face-to-face with the legendary Terracotta Warriors. With guided tours and opportunities to savor local cuisine, this immersive experience offers a deep dive into Xian’s timeless charm and significance.
