Xi'an: Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour & Local Family Lunch
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience Xi'an's most iconic site with comfort, culture, and cuisine.
Step into the world of ancient China with our intimate small group tour to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Led by an licensed English-speaking guide, you’ll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site in depth — with stories, secrets, and stunning views that bring the past to life.
After the tour, enjoy a delicious local lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you'll taste authentic Xi'an flavors.
Tour Highlights:
• Terracotta Army discovery – Learn the history, legends, and mysteries behind the warriors.
• Small group comfort – No rushing, no waiting, just smooth and personal experiences.
• Licensed English-speaking guide – Engaging storytelling, deep knowledge, and fluent English.
• Authentic local lunch – Regional flavor and hospitality.
• Convenient travel – Hotel pick-up and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Uncover the warriors, savor the flavors, and feel the history.
Book now!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Xi'an
Pick you up： 1. The pickup service from any hotel in Xi'an is available. Please inform us of your hotel name and address when you purchase the tour. 2. The pick - up time is around 8:30AM to 9:00AM. As it's a small - group tour, we'll pick up everyone in order based on your hotel locations. So, don't worry if the guide doesn't show up at 8:30 sharp. We won't leave anyone behind. 3. If the lobby of your hotel or youth hostel isn't on the first floor, please meet our guide on the first floor of the building. If it is on the first floor, our guide will wait for you in the lobby.
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Activities & Attractions: In the morning, vist the Terracotta Army. Our guide and driver will help you avoid the overcrowded tour buses and slow-moving tour groups. Prepare to be amazed by 7,000 life-sized terracotta warriors laid out in an actual battle formation, which have been buried underground for more than 2,200 years. (The recommended visiting time is 2.5 hours, and the area is mainly flat.) The museum tour covers three original pits: Pit 1, which represents the main force; Pit 2, known as the Flexible Troupe; and Pit 3, serving as the Command Center. Undoubtedly, this is a valuable resource for exploring the history of China's first dynasty, the Qin Dynasty.
What‘s Included
Licensed English-Speaking Guide (not included in ticket booking option)
Local Home-Cooked Lunch (not included in Terracotta Army ticket booking option)
Air-Conditioned Vehicle (not included in Terracotta Army ticket booking option)
Hotel Pickup and Drop off (not included in Terracotta Army ticket booking option)
Terracotta Army Tickets
Gratuities
Terracotta Army Ticket-Only Option: No guided tours, no hotel pick-up, no lunch.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Terracotta Army + Family Lunch
Pickup included
Terracotta Army Tickets Only
No Guide / No Hotel Pick-up : NOTE: This option is only for booking Terracotta Army tickets. IT DOES NOT include guided tours, hotel pick-up and Lunch.
Pickup included
Reviews
90 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An Unforgettable Tour!
Rema M,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely unforgettable! My visit to the Terracotta Army was, as expected, a breathtaking encounter with history. Nothing prepares you for the scale and solemnity of standing before the silent ranks of warriors, each face uniquely etched with purpose over two millennia ago. The Terracotta Army is awe-inspiring, but the true highlight was a lunch that felt like a homecoming. At a family house, we were welcomed like old friends and served the most delicious, heartfelt meal—simple, warm, and full of soul. It was the perfect, comforting end to a day of wonder. Don't miss this tour!
Wonderful Tour guide...
Tan A,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful Tour guide Willow! The tour started on time, pace was good and the lunch at the village home was a unique experience
Touring with kids
Monica W,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Andy was wonderful. Andy is from Xi’an and knows the ins and outs of the area. For example, the farmer who discovered the Terra-cotta warriors was there the day we toured and Andy took us to meet him. Andy is kind, helpful, and speaks good English. My husband and I had our four kids with us (ages 7-18). The tour of the pits went great. The pacing was perfect, allowing for pictures while giving just enough educational information. After the museum we went to his parents’ home for lunch. The food was delicious and they were so gracious to accommodate my vegetarian preferences. It was great for my kids to get a local flavor of Xi’an. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the tour.
Great experience in Xi’an
elisabologna87,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a day tour to the Terracotta Army and also the Xi’an Ancient Walls and Giant Goose Pagoda. It was an excellent experience, we had a great time and learnt many interesting facts about the history of Xi’an and the Terracotta Army. Our guide Andy was very friendly and knowledgeable. We also had lunch at Andy’s parents place, with a warm welcoming and many delicious home made traditional dishes.
A fantastic tour
David a,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy, our guide and owner of the business, contacted me the day before through WhatsApp to confirm pickup time and place and was there when he said he'd be. The day itself was brilliant. Andy explained the history of the discovery of the warriors and also about the time they were built. He also explained about the history of Xi'an, and also how things had changed dramatically in his lifetime. As for the actual visit to the Warriors, it was excellent and Andy was a great guide. But the icing on the cake for this trip was lunch with a local family. But not just any family. It was with his parents in their little village. We were made to feel very welcome and the food was delicious and plentiful. It was a very memorable day and I'd highly recommend this trip to anyone.
A nice tour and lunch
Wayne H,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Andy the tour guide provided a personal service, pick up and drop off from/to the hotel. The history and details were explained clearly and after the tour the lunch at the family's place was quite nice.
Best tour in China
laurakC1741KB,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today we went on a private tour of the Terracotta Army with our tour guide Andy, who also owns Best China Experience Tour Company. Communication with the tour operator was uncomplicated and smooth via WhatsApp. We were picked up on time at our hotel in downtown Xian in a very comfortable car. Andy is from the region where the Terracotta Army was discovered and he knows many interesting local stories surrounding the discovery of this cultural treasure. In short: he is a true expert. And an incredibly personable, energetic, and pleasant fellow. The tour through the various halls with the clay figures on the excavation and viewing site was fantastic. Although there were a lot of tourists at this location, we always had enough space and peace to marvel at the Terracotta Army. On the way out, Andy arranged a meet & greet with Yang Zhifa. He is the Chinese farmer who discovered the Terracotta Army while digging a well in 1974. The spry senior citizen now works in a museum shop. We took photos with him and he signed a book for us. Our tour also included a meal with a local family. We went to visit Andy's parents, who live in a village near the Terracotta Army. This lovely couple cooked a wonderful meal for us and invited us to an extensive and very delicious lunch in their living room. It was a truly wonderful local experience that we wouldn't want to miss. The tour is absolutely worth five stars and we highly recommend it.
Andy was an awesome guide...
Sebastian K,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy was an awesome guide who speaks very good english and explains a lot of things about the terracotta army! You get to eat at his families house which is the most authentic experience you can probably get regarding local food! I can absolutely recommend this tour :)
Great experience⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mitchi W,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Hotel pick up was great and the tour was smooth including the fantastic family lunch! Will definitely recommend this tour to anybody! Thank you!
One must have this experience
Gennaro D,,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy, our guide, was fabulous, caring, passionate about his job, a lovely person. We had an amazing experience also meeting new people. Lunch at a family house was amazing. I would suggest this experience to everyone.
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Operated by Best China Experience