Highlights
Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque & Muslim Quarter
Discover the historic heart of Xi’an in one day, from its ancient city wall and traditional landmarks to Buddhist heritage, Islamic culture, and lively local neighborhoods. This route brings together several sides of Xi’an, giving you a clear sense of how the city developed as an ancient capital and an important cultural crossroads.
- Walk or Cycle on the Ancient City Wall Experience one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China and enjoy views over both old and modern Xi’an.
- See Xi’an’s Bell & Drum Towers Visit two of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks in the center of the old town.
- Explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi’an Museum Discover Xi’an’s history as an ancient capital through historic architecture, cultural relics, and stories from different dynasties.
- Experience Xi’an’s Muslim Heritage Visit the Great Mosque and explore the surrounding Muslim Quarter, known for its distinctive culture, traditional streets, and local food.
What you'll do
Explore Xi’an’s walled historic center through four defining landmarks, from imperial defenses and Ming-era towers to Buddhist heritage and the city’s Muslim quarter.
Walk or cycle the Ancient City Wall
Climb onto one of China’s best-preserved city walls and take in views across both old and modern Xi’an.
See the Bell and Drum Towers
Visit the two Ming-era landmarks at the center of the old city and learn how they once marked time and organized urban life.
Discover the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore a quieter Tang-era Buddhist site and the nearby Xi’an Museum for a deeper look at the city’s history.
Enter the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter
See Chinese and Islamic architecture come together, then finish among the lively lanes and food culture of the Muslim Quarter.
Included
- Private small-group tour
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance tickets
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Ancient City Wall
The Xi’an Ancient City Wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China and one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. The existing wall dates mainly from the Ming Dynasty and still surrounds the historic center of Xi’an.
Walk or cycle along the top of the wall and enjoy a different perspective of the city, with traditional neighborhoods inside the walls and modern Xi’an stretching beyond them.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand at the heart of Xi’an’s old city and are two of its most iconic historic buildings.
Both date back to the Ming Dynasty and reflect the traditional layout of the ancient city. Surrounded today by busy streets and modern buildings, they remain an important visual symbol of Xi’an and a reminder of the city’s long history.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi’an Museum
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda dating back to the Tang Dynasty, one of the most influential periods in Xi’an’s history.
Together with the nearby Xi’an Museum, the area offers a broader look at the city’s development through different dynasties, including its role as an ancient capital and an important center of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Great Mosque & Muslim Quarter
The Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of China’s best-known historic mosques. Its courtyards, pavilions, and architectural details combine traditional Chinese design with Islamic religious traditions, reflecting the long history of Muslim communities in Xi’an.
Continue into the Muslim Quarter, a lively historic neighborhood filled with food stalls, small shops, narrow streets, and local specialties. It is one of the best places to experience the everyday atmosphere of Xi’an and the city’s distinctive mix of cultures.
