Xi'an city tour: the central stops
The old city is compact. The Bell Tower stands at its center, the Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter lie right next to each other, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is south of the old walls. Most city tours string these stops together, and you can also walk or ride the route yourself.
Guided tours differ in pickup, guide language, group size, time and whether tickets are included. Compare these points before you pay, and ask for the guide language you need. A German-language guide is not available on every tour. If you want to eat your way through the quarter, see our Xi'an food tour guide.
Our picks: Xi'an city tours
Our take: the full day with the warriors, wall, pagoda and bazaar is the most complete. The no-rush day lets you choose how much to add to the transport.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Terracotta Army, city wall, pagoda and bazaar
- Entries of the chosen tour
- Guide and hotel transfer
- Buffet lunch
The warriors and the main city sights in one day with a guide. The cheapest option is the ticket only.
Check availability →No-rush Xi'an day with the warriors
- Shuttle or hotel transfer
- Commentary in the vehicle
Options range from a shuttle only to a day with pagoda and city wall; entries and lunch depend on the option.
Check availability →Xi'an city tours and day trips
Guided walks and tours through the old city, with live prices and availability.
The stops compared
Prices and hours in 2026. Check the gate before you go, because hours change by season.
| Stop | Price | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Tower | CNY 30, or CNY 50 with the Drum Tower | 1 April to 31 October 08:30 to 21:00, sales until 20:30. 1 November to 31 March 08:30 to 18:00, sales until 17:30 | Center of the old city |
| Drum Tower | CNY 30, or CNY 50 with the Bell Tower | Check at the gate | Do not use the Bell Tower hours for it |
| Muslim Quarter | – | Shops and stalls keep their own hours | The main street starts right behind the Drum Tower |
| Giant Wild Goose Pagoda | Temple and pagoda are priced separately | Check at the gate | In the Da Ci'en Temple south of the old city |
| Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum | Free admission | 08:30 to 18:00, last entry 17:00 | Closed on Tuesdays, except public holidays, and on Chinese New Year's Eve |
| Shaanxi History Museum, main building | Free basic exhibition | 6 May to 14 November 2026: 08:30 to 19:00, last entry 18:00 | Reservation required, passport accepted |
| City wall | CNY 54, half price CNY 27 | Check the wall guide | 13.74 km around the old city |
For most first-time visitors the best day is the Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter in the afternoon and evening, with the pagoda and museums on a second day.
A two-half-day route
The first half day stays in the center. The second covers the south.
Half day 1: Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter
Start at the Bell Tower, walk to the Drum Tower and continue into the Muslim Quarter for dinner. The towers look good in the evening, and the combined ticket costs CNY 50. See the things to do in Xi'an page for more stops nearby.
Half day 2: the pagoda and the museums
Go south to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, linked to the monk Xuanzang and the translation of Buddhist texts. Then visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi'an Museum next to it. The Shaanxi History Museum needs a reservation, so book early.
Add the city wall
The wall is a half-day activity in itself, especially if you rent a bike. Read our Xi'an city wall guide for tickets, gates and rental prices.
Booking rules for the Shaanxi History Museum
The one stop on this route that you must reserve in advance.
When to book
Booking opens 5 days ahead at 17:00. Pre-registering alone is not a reservation. You need a successful slot.
Bring the same document
Use your original passport for the reservation and bring it to the entrance. A missed slot can lead to a booking ban of 180 days.
Qin-Han branch
The Shaanxi History Museum has a second site in Xixian, the Qin-Han branch. It is open 08:30 to 18:00 with last entry at 17:00, and it admits visitors with a valid original document without a prior reservation. Do not mix up the two buildings.
The fountain show at the pagoda
A short performance on the square.
The music fountain at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda runs at 12:00, 16:00, 19:00 and 21:00, each for about 10 minutes. Times can change on the day, so confirm them on arrival. Pair it with the evening view of the pagoda.
The Terracotta Army sits outside the city in Lintong. If you plan both, read the Terracotta Army tours overview and leave a separate day for it.
Xi'an city tour: frequently asked questions
How long does a Xi'an city tour take?
The central stops fit one half day. Adding the pagoda area and museums makes a second half day. Check the duration in each tour description.
How much do the Bell Tower and Drum Tower cost?
The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are CNY 30 each in 2026, or CNY 50 for both together.
Can I join a city tour in German?
That depends on the tour. A German-language guide is not guaranteed, so check the guide language in the tour description before you book.
Do I need a reservation for the museums?
Yes for the Shaanxi History Museum main building. The basic exhibition is free but needs a reservation, and your passport is accepted.
Is this the official Xi'an tourism site?
No. This is an independent guide. Tour prices and availability are shown live in the tour cards above.