We were very happy with our two day touring in Xi'an with Julia. Three generations travelled together, including a 15 month old baby. The organization was excellent, the sites were very interesting and Julia's guiding was informative. Julia's English is excellent. In particular, we were appreciative of the flexibility to cater for the needs of a 15 month old. This included scheduling a middle of the day nap time. We also had a lovely driver, and an infant car seat was supplied.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- If need Spanish/French/Italian/German guide, it will cause 800RMB extra, note us 3 days before tour.
- All entrance tickets
- Professional English speaking guide & Private driver and Vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off and 2 days transfer
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Accommodation
- Dinner
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Day 1
1
Meet your private guide and driver in your hotel lobby around 08:30 or you request time, one hour drive to Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, around 3 hours enjoyable visit to museum pit 1, pit 2, pit 3 and Bronze Chariots all exhibition without any tourist factory stop.
Big Wild Goose Pogoda is considered as one of the Xi'an History landmarks,a Great Tang dynasty culture relics temple. Your private guide will tell you why the pogoda is leaning, the relationship between the "Silk Road"and Tang, what is the Buddhist philosophy and how today's China religion condition is. If your visit time is the chanting day, you will see a lot of monks and believers stay out changting in the yard.
Suggest to visit Muslim Market (or called Muslim Street) in the afternoon which is famous for Chinese style Halal food. You will follow your guide explore Muslim snacks along the crowded street with piles of limb skewers, yellow color sticky rice, colorful fruit ice cream, nuts candy, beef burger.....you may stay 1 hour here or longer based on your interest. Muslim meal is one of your 2-day lunch options.
You will learn 6000 years old matriarchal clan information along the original village site which is devided into three parts: living house site, burial tombs site and pottery making kilns. A lot of vivid pictures,movie, models and media videos are also helpful to understand that special "girl power" time life.
This Mosque does not look like a Muslim Mosque from outside if you don't visit in. You will view a really beautiful garden Mosque with a lot of 600~1000 years old relics such as Song Dynasty rubbing, Ming dynasty tablets, Qing dynasty pavilion and the Pray Hall with traditional Chinese style.
Day 2
2
Follow your guide to climb up to the top of the 600 years old Ancient City Wall, and enjoy around 30 minutes comfortable and quietly walking or rent a bike do 30 minites to 2 hours cycling exercise on the top of the wall. You also will see local people's life such as City Wall morning market or relaxation moat park at the bottom of the Wall.
This 1-hour museum visit is quite different, you will walk through the underground glass corridor to see the thousands of toy size pottery figurines laying on the bottom of the pits which were prepared for the 4th Han dynasty emperor Jingdi's after life.
Climb up to the top of Bell Tower to take a bird view of the downtown centre and city wall. This is the best place to feel how Old Xi'an and New Xi'an grow together.
If you climb up to the top of Drum Tower, you not only see the whole muslim quater, you also will enjoy a short Bell and Drum playing show and Ming and Qing Dynasty antique furniture excibition.
This daoism/taoism temple is famous and popular for Xi'an local people who go there to pray, to listen monk chanting, to ask a fortune teller or to buy burial objects in the market nearby. You will see a lot of special selling stuff for the "dead".
Located in Xi'an Small Wild Goose Pogoda garden, combines history, traditional culture and city garden art together, so you will not only see a Tang dynasty pogoda, you will also learn Xi'an 's history and Xi'an countryside folk culture.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
I spent 2 days in Xi’an - saw the Terracotta Army, Goose Pagoda, City Gates, Hanyang Tomb and the Muslim Quarter. Steven the guide was very knowledgeable and provided great background to all the sights. He was flexible with itinerary so I had great experience despite tough weather. He also gave great recommendations on local food, shops and other experiences (small gallery).
I had an amazing experience. The tour was built specifically around my interests and the tour guide even added items to the itinerary after spending time with me. My guide was really fun. I felt like I was being shown around by my big sister. I really cannot say enough how much I enjoyed my trip and how fabulous the tour was.
We had a wonderful time in Xi'an, largely thanks to our guide, Julia. She was knowledgeable, personable, and friendly throughout our visit. Her English is flawless, and she helped us navigate the city with total ease. The highlight was, of course, seeing the Terracotta Warriors—an absolutely amazing experience that Julia made even more impactful with her deep knowledge of the history. What we appreciated most was her flexibility; she consistently checked if we had specific interests or preferred to take our time exploring. We never felt rushed, and we would easily rate her as a 5/5 guide. The logistics were also seamless. The drivers were consistently on time for all airport and station transfers, the cars were very comfortable, and we appreciated the thoughtful touch of having water available. As a vegetarian, I was initially concerned about dining, but Julia was fantastic. she ensured we visited restaurants with excellent vegetarian options, making every meal a great experience. We highly recommend this team for anyone visiting Xi'an!
We must say the VIP 2 day tour with Agnes was amazing. Having the dedicated car and driver was a time saver, our Driver (apologies for not remembering his name) was professional and an excellent driver. What impressed us about Agnes was not only her local knowledge and history of Xian but the way she expressed herself giving us memorable highlights delivered in perfect English. We never felt rushed and the lunches were perfect allowing us to try traditional food without worrying. We would highly recommend this tour and tour company. The icing on the cake would be Agnes, the perfect guide and host.
Rosa was an exceptional guide during our time in Xi’an. We started with the Terracotta Warriors Museum and on the second day visited the City Wall with the Bell and Drum Towers, the Muslim Quarter to explore local food, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Her language skills were very good, and she communicated clearly throughout the tour. Rosa was warm, organized, and attentive, guiding us expertly through the overwhelming crowds at the Terracotta Warriors on a weekday. She made a busy and potentially stressful site enjoyable and manageable. Rosa’s knowledge of Xi’an’s history, culture, and local cuisine made every stop meaningful. She provided context that helped us truly appreciate the city’s rich heritage. We highly recommend Rosa for anyone visiting Xi’an — she is professional, engaging, and makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.
We had a wonderful private 2 day tour of Xi’an. The tour company was able to cater the tour based on what we wanted to see. Both the driver and our guide is really familiar with Xi’an and able to make adjustments as our plans changes. The guide spoke excellent English and took us to restaurants to enjoy the local delicacies. Also guide suggested additional places to visit during our free time to make the most of our time in Xi’an. I would definitely hire them again when I visit China.
Great time for two days and Grace was a fabulous host and guide. Saw many of the interesting sites, including the best known of the terracotta soldiers.
We just finished a two-day tour of Xi’an with Becky as our guide, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Becky was absolutely fantastic: warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. Her understanding of Chinese history is truly impressive, and she brought each site to life with context, stories, and passion. She was also a joy to spend time with. Thoughtful and kind, she was always looking out for us. She knew all the best photo spots and took many photos of the two of us that turned out really well. On top of that, she went out of her way to help us book train tickets when we were having trouble with our own reservation, something she absolutely didn’t have to do. We also want to give a shoutout to our courteous and punctual driver, who made every ride smooth and comfortable. Becky is one of the best guides we’ve ever had on a private tour, and made the whole experience memorable. We leave Xi’an feeling lucky to have had her as our guide. An unforgettable two days!
The organization was good, Terracotta Army was great, and the dayanta surroundings are amazing. The trip was very convenient and safe.
I booked this tour in May 2025 where my tour guide was Agnes. I had a fantastic experience with Agnes! She is extremely knowledgeable about Xi’An’s history. At each part of the tour, Agnes provided a lot historical context on what I was observing. She maintained a careful balance between explaining and giving me time to explore the sites. I especially enjoyed her explanations of the different Chinese dynasties and what defined their dynasty. Agnes also explained local Xi’An day to day life including local food specialties, and different areas of the city. I would highly recommend this tour if you’re interested in Xi’An’s history.
We really enjoyed our tour with Agnes and Mr.Guo! Day 1 we attended Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors (It was amazing, spent nearly 4 hours, warning it’s a busy place), Xi’an Banpo Museum (very interesting excavation site, not busy at all) and Muslim Quarter - nice exposure to different aspect of Xi’an cultural history. Day 2 we attended Xi’an city wall, Tomb of Emperor Jingdi and Xi’an Museum- we enjoyed all the locations, they weren’t busy and we could take our time to explore! Our guide Agnes was super nice, very friendly, well informed and answered all our questions with a warm smile! We recommend this tour if you want to have a deeper experience of Xi’an other than seeing the Terracotta Warriors as we learned a lot and it has rich history!
Very good trip to Xian with the support of Catherine Lu Tour. thanks to the support of Julie , our guide, everything was very well organized. From departure from Beijing by train, to the arrival in Xi'an , transportation from Train station to the hotel, then to the sightseens of the city, and back to the hotel. everyhing was perfect during this 2 days trip.
The tour organized by Catherine Lu Tours was excellent. The guide, Agnes, has a great English level and knows very well the city. It was a lovely experience that we don't hesistate to recommend to all of you!
We just finished our two day custom tour with Catherine and Agnes with driver Shi. We went to Terracotta Warriors and did the Big Goose Pagoda in the afternoon, stopping for a lunch at a local noodle restaurant and seeing the Terracotta Show, which was a full production and really surprised us. The second day we rode bikes in the city wall for an hour and then saw the Muslim street, drum tower and bell tower. The final stop was the Hanyangling tomb, which is also a must see for Xi’an. The tour was very flexible as we added the bikes with no problem. Would highly recommend.
We had a great two days. Excellent driver and car and our tour guide Grace was wonderful - knowledgeable and very caring. Great itinerary planning and logistics. I would highly recommend this company and their guide Grace
We had a 2 day tour with Rosa. We have travelled around the world and done many tours, and she was one of our best guides. She was patient, and explained the history of China/Xi’an city very well. Our lunches felt like we were on a food tour of xian! No touristy places, all places where locals eat. The food was amazing. She helped us arrange our two days so that we could maximize our time. I would highly recommend Rosa as a tour guide, especially if you have a limited time in Xi’an and want to be able to learn about the history from the Neolithic period, to the terracotta warriors and Silk Road, as well as experience the many different type of cuisines that Xi’an has to offer.
We had a 2 day tour with Rosa. We have travelled around the world and done many tours, and she was one of our best guides. She was patient, and explained the history of China/Xi’an city very well. Our lunches felt like we were on a food tour of xian! No touristy places, all places where locals eat. The food was amazing. She helped us arrange our two days so that we could maximize our time. I would highly recommend Rosa as a tour guide, especially if you have a limited time in Xi’an and want to be able to learn about the history from the Neolithic period, to the terracotta warriors and Silk Road, as well as experience the many different type of cuisines that Xi’an has to offer.
Maria was very knowledgeable, personable, and fun. She used her excellent English skills to explain complex historical and cultural concepts easily. We appreciate the care and time she took to ensure this trip was memorable for my family and me.
I had the pleasure of having Tina as my tour guide in Xi’an, and she was absolutely fantastic! She explained the history in such an easy and engaging way that it was simple to understand and appreciate. Tina is approachable, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. Through her stories, she made history come alive, and I learned so much about the rich culture and history of China. If you’re planning to visit China, I highly recommend booking Tina as your tour guide in Xi’an—you won’t be disappointed! Catherine Lu Tours is a trustworthy and reliable company that truly takes care of every detail of your trip, making the experience stress-free and enjoyable. China is such a beautiful country, and it’s a destination everyone should visit at least once.
Going on the tour with our guide, Tony, was the best decision we’ve made for the trip! He shared excellent knowledge about China society both in the past and present in both Chinese and English. Whenever he introduces the sights to us, people around are also drawn to his sharing and listened intently. Undoubtedly, our trip to Xi’an would’ve been an empty shell without his stories. He is passionate about people and societies, and always had interesting stories to tell us about the norms of people in ancient and modern China. He brought us to climb Mount Huashan, visit the ancient wall, Terracotta Army, and other sights that were not in our itinerary but he knew we would enjoy. Initially, we were uncertain if the elderly in our group could manage Mt Huashan, but he gave us great confidence to do it, and went at a pace that everyone enjoyed. He also took great care of us, helped us with hotel check-in, made sure we wore clothes warm enough, had a good sense of humour and took great photos. Our family enjoyed the tour with him and highly recommend him for anyone visiting Xi’an! Thank you, Tony! :)
Agnes made a perfect program for us, with turist must-see places and local places as well. History, culture, life in Xi'an and China today - we heard so many interesting things and had a lots of fun! She took us to local restaurants and shops we would otherwise never find. Thank you, Agnes!
Right after I booked the tour, Christine (owner) and Cindy (tour office) reached out. We then sorted out which sights I wanted to see for each of the two days. Our guide, Agnes, met us in our hotel lobby on time. She was super knowledgeable and friendly, has lots of stamina for each of the days. Our driver was very safe. I would highly recommend this tour. There are plenty of options available to customize your tour and I felt they covered a good range of interests.
Our trip to Xi'an was fantastic, and Maria made it even better! She was not only patient with us but also super helpful, making sure we got the most out of every place we visited. From the major attractions to local spots off the beaten path, Maria knew exactly where to take us. Her guidance made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. If you're planning to visit Xi'an, you can't go wrong with Maria as your guide!
The tour was unbelievable! Thanks to our local guide Maria who was excellent at showing us the best there is to know in Xi’an city. She was patient and so kind, thanks to Catherine Lu Tours we are having the best time in China!
My friends and I had an amazing time in Xi'an, all thanks to Maria! She was incredibly patient and ensured that we were comfortable throughout the trip. Maria took us to all the must-see places and even some hidden gems we wouldn't have discovered on our own. Her knowledge of the city and her friendly demeanor made the experience truly unforgettable. I highly recommend Maria if you're looking to explore Xi'an in the best possible way
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide Amber in Xi’an! She took us to explore the Terracotta Warriors and all the incredible sights around the area. She was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and patient throughout the entire tour. We truly loved every moment of it. Thank you so much for making our visit unforgettable!
We arrived in Xi'an by bullet train from Beijing and were picked up at the busy train station by the driver. He was punctual and easy to find with the instructions given by Catherine Lu. My husband and I (both in our 70s) had arranged a 3 days Beijing and 2 days Xi'an private tour with Catherine Lu and they arranged the tours, all transfers and bullet train tickets for us. The Terracotta Warriors, the highlight of Xi'an, was fascinating. The excessive building of Emperor Qinshihuang to ensure a safe afterlife was in full display. The next day we went to the Hanyang Tomb with its mini Terracotta warriors. The contrast of Emperor Qinshihuang's extravagant tomb and Emperor Jingdi's large but more modest one was telling of their different styles as rulers. Our guide, Ding, was able to explain the complex history so that we could fully appreciate what we were seeing. We also visited the Big Goose Pagoda and the Dacien Temple, again Ding helped us appreciate the history. The City Wall and Muslim Street were also included in our tour. Ding also took us for two lunches of local food. They were enjoyable and at restaurants we may not have ventured into on our own. If history is your interest Xi'an shouldn't be missed. As with anywhere in China, be prepared to do alot of walking, although Xi'an was mostly flat so it was not difficult. Definitely get a guide to explain the history. We were lucky to get Ding!
Our tour guide, Amber, provided an exceptional level of service during our time in Xi’an. Her professionalism, clear communication, and extensive knowledge contributed greatly to our enjoyable experience. Additionally, her kind demeanor made us feel welcomed and valued throughout the trip. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the service that Amber provided and would highly recommend her as a tour guide to others.
We had a great time, best and easiest way to see the main spots hassel free. Our guide Richard was also very friendly and accomodating, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Our tour guide Amber has overcome our expectations, She took us to all the must see places in Xi'an and with her we had our best lunch in China. She has been very attentive, passionate and kind with all of us including a 5yo and a 3yo kids. She's never tired of telling you about Xi'an and China. We had an issue with our Flight and She helped us to solve It. We highly recommend this tour.
My trip to Xi'an was an unforgettable journey back in time, bursting with awe-inspiring moments, delightful flavors, and friendly encounters. No doubt, seeing the Terracotta Warriors was an experience that left me marveling at the craftsmanship and history behind these ancient figures. Walking along the ancient city wall offered a unique perspective of Xi'an, blending historical significance with stunning views of the city. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was equally memorable, providing a serene and beautiful glimpse into China's Buddhist heritage. But what truly rounded out the experience was indulging in Xi'an's culinary delights. Tasting the famous Yangrou Paomo, a savory and heartwarming bread and lamb soup, and tasting the famous Xi'an burguer. Everything was a journey for the taste buds, adding another layer of richness to our exploration of this captivating city. Each step in Xi'an was a step through history, made all the more enjoyable by the warm hospitality, the deep cultural immersion, and the delicious food experiences
It is a wonderful tour for the history and streets of Xi’an. Selection of places to visit and time management was excellent. Our Spanish speaking guide, Bin, was very professional and, with her explanations, comments and help, she made us greatly enjoy this experience. Highly recommended.
Amber was our tour guide with Catherine Lu Tours in Xi'an. She was an amazing guide knowing a lot about history and the region, and we enjoyed every minute with her. In addition to the Terracotta Warrior museum, which was a must, she also took us to another Han Dynasty tomb terracotta figurine museum, which is less known but equally outstanding. In addition our tour of the Muslim Street and other food markets were equally enjoyable. We also visited Xi'an's walls, where we rented bikes and explored the views of the city. Amber, who is a local, took us rather to local than tourist restaurants, which we appreciated a lot. Overall a fantastic experience. We strongly recommend the guide Amber and Catherine Lu Tours to visit Xi'an. You get a genuine experience and learn a lot!
The whole trip was informative and engaging. Cindy was able to give us the authentic experience of the city and its past history. She'd also go above and beyond by giving us many different locations to visit in the spare time too. Massive thank you to Cindy to be out guide and Catherine Lu tour to organise such an unforgettable tour experience.
I visited Xi’an with my young son and my mother and were all very impressed with our guide, Ping! She was punctual, prepared materials for my son, and took great care of my mother when I had to run off to chase my son. This is our 2nd time with Catherine Tours, and their arrangements and tour guides are all top-notch. Highly recommend!
Xi'an....a modern city filled with generations of history.....and we had an awesome teacher as our tour guide...Ping (Cindy)!! She was wonderful and so informative. Our trip was well arranged....everything was smooth and comfortable. Thumbs up to Ping for showing us around till late at night....we were well taken care of. The Terracotta Warriors were indeed a highlight together with the delicious belt noodles and barbecue!!
Our 5 day visit and 3 day tour exceeded all expectations. From our arrival at the train station to our departure four days later, Cindy and our driver were punctual, efficient, and extremely accommodating. Cindy provided thorough background and historical information before every site visit. She even included hand drawn visual aids, drawing on her background as a junior high school history teacher! She could answer every question. She sought out our preferences and made changes to the agenda based on our input. Flexibility is her middle name. Meals were local, delicious and an education in themselves. Who knew Daoism recommends chewing your food 36 times? I would love to have a guide like Cindy in every city we visit!
Sunday / Ping was an awesome tour guide . She helped us understand the history of the warriors and the city.In addition to the terra cotta warriors. We enjoyed a bike ride on the city wall. Also great street food in the Muslim quarter. Glad Catherine Lu tours coordinated our travel and that Sunday was our guide !!!
The historical world of Xi'an came alive with the lovely and systematic narration by our wonderful guide, Cindy. I wished I had her as my history teacher when I was back in school. She was enthusiastic and creative with her presentation of all the places that we visited. All restaurants recommended by her were also very good. Special shout out to the driver as well who was very patient and accommodating. Just one note to history buffs, skip the Han Tomb and go for the Great Mosque instead. That was the only place the we wished we had gone to. Great Job Cindy and Keep it Up.
Terra-cotta, a site worth every penny. Every feature of every warrior is so vivid and so intricate. A national find. We have the authority, the artists and every person l to thank for. Their effort in the restoration and preservation work highly commendable. Yes Mountain Hua, beautiful, serene and majestic but the climb is arduous and worthwhile. Standing on the tallest peak is one step closer to heaven. Breathtaking. Our 5D trip is just scraping the surface of this mystical and historical rich city. A place we are more than happy to revisit. Food is delicious and people are very friendly. Pleasant disposition, punctual and a skillful driver. We are fortunate to be driven around by Mr Hao (don’t too sure if I had is right). Our conversation is fluid and engaging. We talk about anything and everything. Non judgmental and non discriminatory. We had lots of laughs and lots of fun. Knowledgeable, helpful, witty and open minded. Never a dull moment from the start to the end of our trip. And he is charming ! That’s even better. Our guide, Evan. Thank you.
Sunday took my class and I around Xi’an for three days. She had all days planned with fun activities, amazing sights and delicious local cuisine. During our three days we saw various museums, the terracotta warriors, biked along the city wall, two pagodas, and a performed show. On our way to each location, Sunday utilized the time on the tour bus for rest but also detailed summaries of the significance of certain dynasties and it’s affects on the region and all over China. Truly an unforgettable experience. If you’re thinking of traveling to Xi’an and booking a tour with Sunday, I guarantee you will enjoy your time!
Sunday is one of the best tour guides I ever had. She knows where are the best places to visit in Xi'an. She is very knowledge and able to summarize the long history in a few sentences without boring me. I learned a lot from this tour about the Terracotta Army. I love the local food, such as the biang biang noodles and the roujiamo that she recommended to me. If I go to Xi'an again, I will definitely ask her to be my tour guide again. Thank you for making my trip so memorable!
Excellent tour guide with a good time management and good spots selection during the Xi’an trip. Very sweet and helpful as a tour guide.
Sunday is the best tour guide I ever had, she knows a lot history story and everytime when I have the question, she always answer patiently. Xi'an definitely the best city in China. The Dayan pagoda square was so beautiful.
Sunday was a very informative tour guide who is very knowledgeable about Xi'an. Instead of just taking our group to the tourist destinations, she also showed us the fun places that only locals would know about. Overall it was a very fun tour.
Sunday was such an amazing tour guide. She has so much energy and passion for the culture in xian. Her speaks really good English and knows everything about China. From trying local food to riding bikes on the wall, the entire trip we had was made possible with her guidance. If you are looking for a friendly, adventurous, and engaging tour guide, Sunday is the perfect guide for you.
Sunday was an amazing, energetic and well prepared guide. The perfectly crafted two days tour allowed my family and I to make the most of our time escaping from the busiest spots and timings, taking the best photos and learning the most. Her energetic pace allowed us to avoid all the crowds viewing the Terracota Warriors. In addition, she would explain everything away from the people and give us plenty of time to really appreciate the details and take photos, which made understanding and learning a lot easier. Sunday explained everything as well as a teacher would, which made it much easier to understand the history behind it. She even made drawing to help us visualize what she was explaining!! Sunday not only knew the perfect spots to take photos, where we could get the best angles and avoid the crowds, but would be constantly taking photos for us with her amazing camera. This not only made the tours more efficient but also more more enjoyable as we didn't have to wait for a long time to take a photo or fight for some empty space. I can't forget but to comment about her perfect English and the amazing restaurants she took us, which for sure added to the perfect overall experience.
We spent two days exploring Xi’an with Sunday. She was a superb guide, so knowledgeable and passionate about her job. She even brought some her own drawings to make us better understand e.g. structure of the Terra-cotta warriors discovery area. We especially enjoyed being led by Sunday along the Muslim Street and - based on our excitement about Chinese dumplings - she especially selected restaurant with delicious dumplings and instructed us on the way we could experience eating them in the most Chinese way. As our guide, Sunday did not limit her responsibility to showing us local highlights. She also checked that our flight was cancelled and with exceptional determination she helped us to chose the best option of further travel and to book new tickets at the airport. When you book your tour with Catherine Lu, ask for Sunday and you will explore Xi’an in exceptional way.
Xi'an and its long and colourful history was brought to life by Sun Ping's knowledge and passion. I had a 2 day tour just she and I... It was fantastic! Thanks to her Xi'an is a city that I would like to return to further explore its secrets as long as Sun Ping is there to guide me. She is professional, punctual, very good English, a good sense of humour and very energetic.
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