Things to do in Shaanxi, China: The Best Walking Tours

May 19, 2021 Mollie Coke

Shaanxi (Chinese: 陕西; pinyin: Shǎnxī) is a province of the People's Republic of China. Officially part of the Northwest China region, it lies in central China, bordering the provinces of Shanxi (NE, E), Henan (E), Hubei (SE), Chongqing (S), Sichuan (SW), Gansu (W), Ningxia (NW), and Inner Mongolia (N). It covers an area of over 205,000 km (79,151 sq mi) with about 37 million people. Xi'an – which includes the sites of the former Chinese capitals Fenghao and Chang'an – is the provincial capital. Xianyang, which served as the Qin dynasty capital, is located nearby. The other prefecture-level cities into which the province is divided are Ankang, Baoji, Hanzhong, Shangluo, Tongchuan, Weinan, Yan'an and Yulin.
Restaurants in Shaanxi

1. Self-Guided Private Day Tour of Jingdi Emperor's Tomb and Famen Temple

Xi'an Tour 365
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Cars available: Car, MPV, Mini bus, Bus. Duration: Approximately 9 hours Itinerary: This private tour takes you to visit the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple. They are also of high historical significance. You can choose two of the attractions. A private tour guide and vehicle will be provided. You could know the ancient emperor's mausoleum culture and temple architecture.

Inclusions: English speaking driver, Fuel, tolls and parking fees, Hotel pick-up and drop-off service, All government taxes

Exclusions: Lunch at local restaurant, Optional gratuities to driver, Any other personal expenses, Entrance tickets to mentioned attractions

Reviewed By VHKF

Despite the past negative reviews of this company's tours, we took a chance and book the Terracotta Warriors Day Tour as the price was reasonable; given the fact that this trip to see the Terracotta Warriors would have cost us the same price if not slightly higher if we had to do it ourselves, using taxis. The bonus was that everything was taken care for us, transport to and fro, entrance fees, an extremely nice informative guide by the name of Chelsea (who didnt rush any of us on the tour) and also with a lunch in the package. Would highly recommend taking the tours from this company. Value for money!

2. 4-Hour Private Tour: City Wall Walking and Foot Massage Experience

Terracotta Warrior Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Have an enjoyable half day travel experience with a local insider, climb onto the ancient City Wall, walk along the wall to enjoy beautiful city view and get a glimpse of this ancient capital’s rich heritage, have a foot massage experience after long walking, enjoy private transfer service based on hotel pickup and drop-off.

Inclusions: Private tour, Private transportation, English-speaking guide, Foot massage, Mineral water, Hotel pickup & drop-off, Entrance ticket fee

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By asthecrowsfly2

We visited here in August 2019. It was a dumpling dinner and a Tang Dynasty dance show. The food was fairly bland, and there were people selling random souvenirs at the table throughout the dinner. The show was mostly dancing with historical details projected on the wall beside the dancers. A very cultural show and good basic insight into some of China's history.

3. 10-Day Trip: The Headwaters of the Yellow River

Xining, Xining, Qinghai Elevated Trips
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Adventure awaits as we explore the glacier of one of Tibet’s holiest mountains, Amnye Machen, and the headwaters of the Yellow River, China’s second longest river. The Golok Tibetan people live in some of the wildest and most magnificent lands in all the Tibetan Plateau. In this in-depth overland tour we start and finish in Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. On this tour you will stand at the bottom of the glaciers of Amnye Machen, experience the richness of authentic Tibetan culture, and view China’s largest salt lake at 3,200 meters.  We will also see the bright turquoise waters of Kyaring Lake and Nyoring Lakes, thought to be the source of the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization and the seventh longest river in the world.

Inclusions: Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, 9 nights accommodation, All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, Round-trip shared transfer, National Park fees, Bottled water, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By Oscar M

Went on our second trip led by Ben Cubbage from Elevated Trips for a good reason, Ben and his crew know their way around western China and they know know to serve their clients well. Our tour guide Sangye was very attentive and informative at every step and every stop along our journey through the Silk Road in Gansu and Qinghai. Ben has lived in western China for over a decade and works with locals to provide authentic experiences. This time around we discovered the holy Qinghai Lake, the rainbow mountains, hanging monastery, hiked snowy mountains, saw the western end of the Great Wall and rode camels on the Gobi desert. Whether you’re looking to explore Tibetan culture, the Silk Road, or you’re a hiking junkie, Elevated Trips is the way to go.

4. Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option

Bell Tower Hotel Xian, 110 Nan Da Jie, Zhong Lou Shang Quan, Beilin Qu, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China China Xian Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a wonderful stroll along the Ancient City Wall and immerse yourself during this 2 hours walking tour. Learn about the glorious history from your experienced tour guide.But there is no guide service when you ride a bicycle on the city wall.

Inclusions: English speaking tour guide service, Entrance ticket of the City Wall, Bicycle rental, if option selected, Direct transfer to the City Wall, if option selected

Exclusions: Gratuities, Meals is not included

Reviewed By 779teos

The trip was well planned and customized to our liking! The Tour Guide & Driver were both very polite and professional. Memorable trip in Guilin and would highly recommend!

5. 16-Day Small-Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai

Travel China Guide
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This small group trip is a perfect combination of popular tourist destinations in China. You can explore rich historical and cultural heritages in Beijing and Xi'an, by visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and many other attractions. Continue to appreciate charming natural scenery in Guilin, observe the lovely pandas in Chengdu, relax during the 5-star Yangtze River Cruise and experience dynamic metropolitan life of Shanghai.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 15 nights hotel/ cruise ship accommodation based on twin-sharing room, One way Economy-class airfare from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin and Guilin to Chengdu. , One way First-class seat of High-speed Train Fare from Yichang to Shanghai, One way soft seat train from Chengdu to Chongqing, Two bottled water per person per day, Professional guide & experienced driver, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, China visa fees, International airfare, Airport drop-off service in Shanghai on Day 16, Single room supplement for solo guest is compulsive and is available on request.

Reviewed By 283brianneb

Really great experience! Our guide Rocky was really knowledgeable and took some amazing photos for our group. This tour made our trip stress free, leaving us to enjoy the beautiful views.

6. 12-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Kunming and Lijiang

Travel China Guide
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join this guided 12-day tour of China and visit three of its major cities - Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin and then continue to Kunming and Lijiang - inhabited mostly by ethnic people. Travel in small groups numbering no more than 6 travelers, benefit from the cost-effective group tour price and enjoy the expert service of professional, English-speaking tour guides.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, One-way Economy class airfare of Beijing/Xi'an/ Guilin, Hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing room, Professional English-speaking guides, Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles, Train fare of Guilin/ Kunming/Lijiang.

Exclusions: International airfares, Entry Visa fees, Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers, Airport drop-off service in Lijiang on Day 12

Reviewed By 283brianneb

Really great experience! Our guide Rocky was really knowledgeable and took some amazing photos for our group. This tour made our trip stress free, leaving us to enjoy the beautiful views.

7. 11-Day China Tour of Small Group to Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, No Shops

Travel China Guide
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

This is really a golden trip including the three most valuable treasures in China: the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Pandas. With affordable prices, this 11-day China tour will offer you a once in a life time experience.

Inclusions: 10 nights hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing room, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, One way Economy-class airfare from Beijing to Xi'an and Chengdu to Shanghai. , One way second- class seat of high speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, Two bottled water per person per day, Professional guide & experienced driver, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, China visa fees, International airfare, Airport drop-off service in Shanghai on Day 11

Reviewed By bowie0923

Lily was a wonderful tour guide! I had been to the Terra Cotta Warriors site before, but I didn't realize how much I didn't know until Lily showed us around. She was knowledgeable, friendly, engaging and she catered to our wishes. She even suggested the perfect restaurant for lunch afterwards and introduced us to a variety of teas that we sampled (before purchasing, of course :) Lily was patient with us (there were three of us in our little group and we each went at different paces) and she was easy to spend time with. We never felt rushed. She also knew a few shortcuts, for example, taking the tram to the site, which saved us time and energy. I highly recommend Travel China Guide, their star tour guide, Lily and the expert driver!

8. Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour

Drum Tower, Shi Cha Hai, Dongcheng Qu, China Catherine Lu Tours
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Hit the alleys of Beijing City’s old Hutong area on a 3-hour culinary tour that takes you to 4 to 6 delicious stops. Ideal for the first-time visitors, this experience provides an overview of the old Beijing’s foodie scene and reveals lesser-known hutong specialties such as Beijing Wraps, Hutong style BBQ, Mongolian hot pot, fresh noodle, and along with hand-made fresh yoghurt, home-made pear herbal soup, local drinks, unlimited local beers and 1 pint of home-made craft beer. Explore with ease this carefree hutong walking tour and get a greater understanding of old Beijing hutong culture from your private knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide service fee, 4-6 food stops, Food and drink tastings (enough for lunch or dinner), Unlimited beer and sodas, 1 pint of home-made craft beer, One cup yoghurt or one frozen yoghurt pop

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By B8603NLmiked

This was our first time to go on a private tour here in China and it was well worth it. Peter was an excellent guide, who took care of everything, and was very knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. Visiting the Great Wall was a highlight for me and my kids loved riding back down in the toboggan. Being able to jump in the van and relax as we were driven from place to place was great and it is highly recommended if you have kids. Our driver, Lee, was very polite and both he and Peter provided a great service. I highly recommend this tour.

9. 3 hours Xi'an Mahjong Class with Local Tea

Zhonglou Shangquan, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Chilli Cool China
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During this 3 hours mahjong course, you’ll be taken into an authentic Xi'an Mahjong house. You’ll go to a cozy room to learn how to play the famous traditional Chinese game-mahjong, with an English speaking guide. You’ll learn rules in an easy way and then test your master's degree with a local tea. If you want to test your game intelligence and deep into the local life. You can not miss mahjong experience when you visit Xi'an

Inclusions: Afternoon tea, Food tasting, Professional guide, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jaychaudhri

We met our guide Micheal at the metro, near a local food market in the morning. He was so friendly and informative, we learned a lot about food in the Shaanxi region, picked up some crazy cheap walnuts and various other bits to cook with. The class itself was great, we were cooking in a local restaurant, both my mother and I kneaded the noodle dough and hand pulled out noodles, eventually leading to a giant bowl of noodles for each person. My mum is veggie and the cooking class accommodated for that. Really enjoyed my time and would highly recommend as a way to explore real chinese culture.

10. Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk

Zhonglou Shangquan, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Lost Plate Xian Food Tours
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4.9 based on 456 reviews

This is not another walking tour but a small group tour travel by private tuktuk and offer unlimited beer and soda while you and your English-speaking guide are whisked around Xi’an off the beaten path. You will eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own. After 3-4 hours, you will finish at a local brewery to have a pint of the only craft brew in town.

Inclusions: Private transportation, 4-5 food stops, Dinner, Driver and local guide, Unlimited beer and soft drinks, Small-group tour (less than 10 people)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Joshua C

This trip was an absolute highlight of my time in China. As a non-Chinese speaker, with a limited time to spend in Shaanxi and a strong love of food, it took away the uncertainty and difficulty that often comes with finding the best things to eat and to do off of the well-trod tourist path. The itinerary was a perfect balance of eating, sight-seeing and socialising, covering all of the best-known sights while also veering off into territory no non-local could find. And the food was THE BEST EVER, well-curated, plentiful, and expertly explained by our guide. Thanks @LostPlate.

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