Xian: Guided Day Tour to Huaqing Palace & Terracotta Army

Xian, the ancient capital of China, offers a glimpse into its rich history. This guided day tour takes visitors on a journey through the captivating Huaqing Palace and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. With an experienced guide, travelers can explore the stunning architecture and natural beauty of Mount Lishan, before uncovering the secrets of the legendary Terracotta Warriors. Whether you’re a history buff or just seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of China’s past.

Key Points

• A guided day tour that takes visitors to Xian’s Huaqing Palace and the Terracotta Army, two of the city’s top historical attractions.
• Tour duration of 10 hours, with pickup from hotels within Xian’s third ring road and conducted in English.
• Exploration of the Huaqing Palace complex, including its bathing pools, hot springs, and scenic views of Mount Lishan.
• Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracolla Warriors, featuring over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, chariots, and horses.
• Inclusion of transportation in a Buick GL8 MPV, but exclusion of admission fees and meals, which must be paid separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This guided day tour to Xian’s Huaqing Palace and Terracotta Army offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural highlights.

Priced from €122.44 per person, the 10-hour tour is limited to 5 participants and conducted in English.

This guided tour is priced at €122.44 per person, limited to 5 participants, and conducted in English over 10 hours.

Pickup is provided from hotels within Xian’s third ring road, with an additional cost for further distances.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include visiting Huaqing Palace, Mount Lishan, the Terracotta Army, and Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, with bottled water and transportation by Buick GL8 MPV included.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, where the guide will meet participants in the lobby holding a trekinfini sign.

They’ll then transfer to the first stop, Huaqing Palace, in a Buick GL8 MPV.

At the palace, guests will explore the nearly 3,000-year-old complex and visit the nearby Mount Lishan, known for its historical significance and scenic views.

After a lunch break, the tour heads to the renowned Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The day concludes at Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, featuring impressive bronze chariots.

Key highlights of the tour include:

• Huaqing Palace

• Mount Lishan

• Terracotta Warriors

• Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum

• Buick GL8 MPV transportation

Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with the guide meeting participants in their hotel lobby between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, holding a trekinfini sign.

The guide then transfers the group to Huaqing Palace in a Buick GL8 MPV. This door-to-door service is provided for hotels within the third ring road of Xian, with an additional cost for further distances.

The pickup time allows ample time to reach the first destination, Huaqing Palace, by 9:30 AM, ensuring a smooth start to the day’s exploration of Xian’s historical sites.

Huaqing Palace & Mt. Lishan

After being picked up from the hotel, the tour heads to Huaqing Palace, a complex with a history spanning nearly 3,000 years.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Lishan, the palace is known for its historical significance and scenic views.

Visitors can explore:

• The elaborate bathing pools and hot springs, once used by emperors and royalty

• The ancient ruins and architectural remains from various dynasties

• The Potala Palace-inspired Duanwang Temple, dedicated to the Daoist deity

• Picturesque gardens and the scenic Mount Lishan, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape

• Informative exhibits and interpretive displays detailing the site’s rich cultural heritage.

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Lunch Break

After exploring the historical wonders of Huaqing Palace, the tour breaks for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. The guide can suggest local dining options to suit your preferences. A table of nearby restaurants is provided below to help you make an informed choice:

| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Reviews |

| — | — | — | — |

| Xi’an Famous Foods | Chinese | $$ | 4.5/5 |

| Lost Laowai | Western | $$$ | 4.7/5 |

| Genghis Khan BBQ | Mongolian | $$ | 4.3/5 |

| Jia Xiang Fang | Shaanxi | $$ | 4.6/5 |

Notify the guide if you have any dietary requirements for a seamless lunch experience.

Terracotta Warriors

Visitors arrive at the renowned Terracotta Warriors site, a UNESCO World Heritage attraction discovered in 1974. The sight is awe-inspiring, as the life-sized army of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 520 horses stand in precision formation.

The life-sized army of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 520 horses stand in precision formation at the renowned Terracotta Warriors site.

Highlights of the visit include:

• Exploring the Main Pit, the largest of the excavated pits, showcasing rows of soldiers in battle array.

• Observing the intricate craftsmanship and individual facial features of the warriors.

• Marveling at the bronze chariots and horses unearthed from the Emperor Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum.

• Learning about the history and significance of this ancient imperial tomb complex.

• Appreciating the scale and complexity of this remarkable archaeological treasure.

Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum

The Emperor Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum, a colossal tomb complex, stands 76 meters high and features nearly 200 accompanying pits.

Visitors can explore this remarkable archaeological site, where bronze chariots were unearthed in 1980.

The mausoleum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Army, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the first emperor’s reign.

This site offers a unique opportunity to explore China’s rich history and uncover the secrets of the past.

The mausoleum is a must-see for those interested in ancient civilizations and the legacy of Qin Shihuang.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking expert guide, and transportation in a Buick GL8 MPV. Bottled water is also provided.

The tour offers hotel transportation, an expert guide, and bottled water, all provided in a Buick GL8 MPV.

However, meals, gratuities, and admission tickets are excluded from the tour price. Tickets for the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Springs must be paid in cash to the guide on the tour date.

The admission fees are:

• Terracotta Warriors: ¥120 (Adult), ¥60 (Child 1.2m-1.4m), Free (Child under 1.2m)

• Huaqing Hot Springs: ¥120 (Adult), ¥60 (Child 1.2m-1.4m), Free (Child under 1.2m)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour does not include lunch, so you’re welcome to bring your own food. However, the guide can suggest local dining options if you prefer to eat out during the lunch break.

Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available at the tour sites. The guide will provide information about restroom locations throughout the day so participants can access them as needed during the tour.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. However, it’s best to check with the guide for any specific restrictions at each site. Respect any no-photography zones and be mindful of others while capturing memories.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Avoid revealing or overly casual attire out of respect for the historical sites.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Sites?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs at the sites. The Terracotta Warriors site and Huaqing Palace both have shops where you can find a variety of local handicrafts, pottery, and other mementos to bring home from your visit.

The Sum Up

This guided day tour in Xian offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history. Visitors will experience the grandeur of Huaqing Palace, the majesty of Mount Lishan, and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. With hotel pickup, expert guidance, and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience, allowing travelers to make the most of their time in this iconic Chinese destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: