Xian: Guided Day Tour to Huaqing Palace & Terracotta Army

Xian, the ancient capital of China, is a city steeped in history and cultural significance. A guided day tour to Huaqing Palace and the iconic Terracotta Army offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating sights and stories that have shaped this remarkable destination. With convenient transportation and an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the secrets of these UNESCO-listed treasures and gain a deeper appreciation for China’s enduring legacy.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Guided Tours In Xi An.

Key Points

• This guided day tour in Xi’an visits Huaqing Palace, Mount Lishan, the Terracotta Army, and Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, lasting approximately 10 hours.
• The tour is priced at €121.38 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and uses a luxury Buick GL8 MPV for transportation.
• Guests are picked up door-to-door from hotels within Xi’an’s third ring road, with an English-speaking guide providing insights and bottled water.
• The tour includes pre-booked admission tickets, but lunch is not provided, allowing participants to choose local dining options catering to dietary needs.
• The Terracotta Army and Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum are UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage and imperial legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The article provides an overview of a day tour in Xi’an, China, which includes visits to Huaqing Palace, Mount Lishan, the Terracotta Army, and Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum.

The tour is priced from €121.38 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The small-group tour lasts 10 hours and is limited to 5 participants.

Transportation is provided in a luxury Buick GL8 MPV, with door-to-door pickup service from hotels within Xi’an’s third ring road. Admission tickets to the key sites are booked in advance, and payment is made in cash to the guide on the tour date.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Luxury transport in a Buick GL8 MPV whisks visitors to the tour’s destinations.

The tour includes a door-to-door pickup service from hotels within the third ring road of Xi’an. The guide will meet guests in the hotel lobby, holding a trekinfini pick-up sign.

Travelers staying outside the designated area may incur extra costs. This small-group tour is limited to 5 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Throughout the journey, the English-speaking expert guide will provide insights and assist with any needs, while bottled water is included for refreshment.

Huaqing Palace & Mt. Lishan

Visitors begin their journey at the historic Huaqing Palace, a complex with a captivating history that spans nearly 3,000 years.

They’ll explore the elegant pavilions, gardens, and thermal pools that were once favored by ancient Chinese royalty.

Next, they’ll venture up Mt. Lishan, rising 1,302 meters high and renowned for its historical significance.

Key sites include the Beacon Tower and Remonstrance Pavilion, offering breathtaking vistas over the surrounding landscape.

This scenic mountain is an integral part of the tour, providing a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its imperial past.

Lunch Arrangements

Although lunch isn’t included in the tour, the guide can suggest local dining options to suit guests’ preferences.

The tour allows flexibility for participants to choose a restaurant that caters to their dietary needs, whether they prefer vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal cuisine.

Guests should communicate any special dietary requirements to the guide in advance, so they can be accommodated.

Dining in the area offers a chance to immerse in the local culture and try authentic Xi’an dishes.

The guide’s expertise ensures guests make the most of their midday meal and recharge for the remainder of the sightseeing itinerary.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army is undoubtedly the highlight of this day tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features approximately 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 520 horses – all buried to protect Emperor Qin in the afterlife.

The sheer scale and remarkable detail of the figures are truly awe-inspiring. Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the excavation pits, marveling at the life-size statues and learning about the groundbreaking archaeological discoveries.

The tour also includes a visit to Emperor Qin’s mausoleum, located at the northern foot of Mt. Lishan, which covers an impressive area of 56.25 square kilometers with nearly 200 accompanying pits.

Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum

Located at the northern foot of Mt. Lishan, the tomb mound of Emperor Qin stands an impressive 76 meters high.

Covering an immense 56.25 square kilometers, the mausoleum complex includes nearly 200 accompanying pits. Among the notable finds are the bronze chariots unearthed in 1980, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the Emperor’s final resting place.

Buried to protect him in the afterlife, the scale and intricacy of this ancient site continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

As a key stop on the day tour, travelers can explore the rich history and archeological wonders of Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, a testament to the power and ingenuity of the first unifier of China.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off services, as well as an English-speaking expert guide and bottled water.

Admission tickets to the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Springs are pre-booked, with adults paying €120 and children 1.2m-1.4m paying €60. Children under 1.2m can enter for free.

Guests are required to pay in cash to the guide on the tour date. However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 3 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide’s knowledge, communication, and local dining experience.

Customer Reviews

Reviewing the tour’s customer feedback, the overall rating stands at a respectable 4.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. Guests praised the guide’s deep knowledge, clear communication, and ability to provide a local dining experience. Feedback also suggested opportunities for improvement, such as providing advance notice on optional activities like mountain climbing. The tour appears to cater well to the average traveler, though may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or expecting a more personalized experience.

Review	Rating
"Excellent guide, highly recommended"	5
"Great tour, but optional activities need more notice"	4
"Well-organized and informative"	5

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Does the Guide Speak During the Tour?

The guide speaks English during the tour. They are an English-speaking expert who will provide information and commentary to guests throughout the day’s activities and visits.

Are There Any Stops for Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour itinerary likely includes scheduled restroom breaks, as the tour duration is 10 hours. However, the information provided does not explicitly mention any planned stops for this purpose. Guests can consult the guide if they require additional breaks.

Can Children Under 12 Participate in the Tour Activities?

Children under 12 can participate in the tour activities, but admission is free for those under 1.2 meters tall. Taller children aged 1.2-1.4 meters will need to purchase a child ticket.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour doesn’t offer customization options, but the guide can suggest local dining choices based on dietary needs communicated in advance. The itinerary includes key sites and activities predetermined by the tour provider.

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a small group size, limited to 5 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and enables the guide to provide focused attention to each guest.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Xi’an’s historical sites offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene Huaqing Palace and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. With personalized insights from an expert guide, travelers can enjoy China’s rich cultural heritage. The convenient transportation and small-group setting ensure a personalized and enriching experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an insightful cultural adventure, this tour is an excellent way to discover the treasures of Xi’an.

You can check if your dates are available here: