Xian in 3 Days

Uncover Xian’s Ancient Wonders and Hidden Eats

From $620 USD per person

Small Groups of 4-10 people

Activity level 1

Xian in 3 Days

Uncover Xian’s Ancient Wonders and Hidden Eats

From $620 USD per person

Small Groups of 4-10 people

Activity Level 1

China's Ancient Capital, One Bite At A Time.

2 nights at 4-star central hotel.

All tickets & activities: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, and more.

All tickets & activities: Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more.

All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Ground transportation by private van.

Airport pick-up & drop-off.

English-speaking expert guide.

Where the Silk Road ends and the feast begins.

For over a thousand years, Xian stood at the eastern end of the Silk Road, connecting China to Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Today, that history still lives on through its food. From hand-pulled noodles and lamb specialties to markets, China's oldest intact city wall, and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, this tour combines Xian's most important sights with the dishes that define one of China's great culinary capitals.

Trip Details

This Trip is Best For

First-time travelers to Xian looking to see the city's history and iconic landmarks while also exploring the markets, neighborhoods, and restaurants that make Xian unique.

Trip Type & Size

Select a scheduled group departure for group sizes between 4-10 guests, or schedule a private trip just for you on the dates of your choice.

Trip Length

3 days / 2 nights

Price

Join-in departures start from $620 USD per person. Private trip quotes are determined based on your group size and requests.

Deposit

$300 USD per person to secure your spot.

Includes

2 nights in a centrally located 4-star hotel within Xian's ancient city wall, all meals including soft drinks and local beer, all entrance tickets and activities, private ground transportation throughout, airport or train station transfers, and an expert local guide.

Food Highlights

Taste your way through one of China's great food cities with hand-pulled noodles, Lamb Stew with Flatbread (Yangrou Paomo), local breakfast specialties, seasonal Shaanxi comfort foods, grilled skewers, dumplings, local craft beer, and even organic ice cream in flavors like black sesame, walnut, or chili oil, plus so much more!

English-speaking Guide

Each trip is led by an expert Lost Plate guide who knows Xian's landmarks, cuisine, history, and hidden alleys inside out.

Upcoming Group Departures

$300 USD deposit per person

Where You'll Go

Xian in 3 Days Map

Day

Description

1

Muslim Quarter Evening Food Tour by TukTuk

2

Terracotta Warriors, Shaanxi Lunch, Ancient City Wall

3

Morning Market & Breakfast Tour, The Great Mosque, Bell & Drum Towers

Day by Day Itinerary

01 Evening Food Tour by TukTuk

Arrival + Hotel Check-In: Airport pick-up is included from Xianyang International Airport (XIY) or Xian’s high-speed railway station.

Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk: Start strong with the #1 Food Experience in the World ranked by TripAdvisor. Explore the backstreets of Xian’s Muslim Quarter by tuktuk for an introduction into local cuisine before ending the night with craft beer steps away from your hotel.

Terracotta Warriors: Visit one of China’s most iconic archaeological sites. Built for China’s first emperor over 2,000 years ago, the vast army of soldiers, horses, and chariots remains one of the world’s greatest ancient discoveries.

Shaanxi Lunch: Enjoy a selection of seasonal Shaanxi dishes, including local stews, handmade breads, and regional specialties that showcase the heart of northwestern Chinese cuisine.

Ancient City Wall: Cycle along the largest fully intact ancient city wall remaining in China, taking in views of moats, watchtowers, and the city below.

Shuyuanmen Art District: Wander through a historic neighborhood filled with calligraphy shops, local artists, and traditional architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Yangrou Paomo Dinner: Experience Xian’s most famous dish by tearing fresh flatbread into pieces before it is transformed into a hearty lamb soup. Finish with local organic ice cream in flavors like black sesame, walnut, tofu, or chili oil.

Morning Market + Breakfast Food Tour: Eat your way through the Muslim Quarter’s historic market to eat local breakfast dishes while learning about the vendors and traditions that have shaped Xian’s food culture for centuries.

The Great Mosque: Visit China’s largest mosque, a unique blend of Chinese architecture and Islamic tradition spread across peaceful courtyards and gardens.

Bell + Drum Towers: Explore two of Xi’an’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy views over the historic city center.

Airport/Train Station Transfer: Drop-off is included to Xianyang International Airport (XIY) or Xian’s high-speed railway station.

Where You'll Stay

View

Description

Eastern House Hotel

The itinerary and hotel selections are subject to adjustments based on seasonality and local operations.

Upcoming Group Departures:

$300 USD deposit per person

How to Book Your Trip

01

Reserve your spot online, or contact us with questions or to plan a private trip.

02

Our Travel Advisor will guide you through next steps, including document collection and payment.

03

Show up hungry. Your Lost Plate guide handles the rest, including logistics, ordering, and the stories behind each stop.

Ancient Wonders Paired with Ancient Flavors.

If you want to taste 5,000+ years of history in China, you have to go to Xian. In another, much more fanciful sense, you haven’t seen China if you haven’t visited Xian with Lost Plate.

We have personally curated this 3-day food and sightseeing tour in and around Xian, and it’s jam-packed with all of our favorite eats.

For 11 years, over 75,000 guests have eaten and explored with our team of knowledgeable English-speaking guides, supporting local vendors along the way.

Let us show the real Xian through a local lens. 

Travellers jumping on the city wall Guide introducing ingredients Guests and tuktuk Craft beer cheers

Payment & Cancellation Policy

How do I secure my spot?

A $300 USD per person deposit is required to reserve your place. Your booking is officially confirmed once we receive your deposit.

When is the remaining balance due?

Your remaining balance is due 45 days before departure.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

If you cancel more than 45 days before departure, 80% of your deposit can be transferred to another Lost Plate multi-day trip departing within 6 months. Any payments made beyond your deposit will be fully refunded.

What if I need to cancel less than 45 days before departure?

Within 45 days of departure, the deposit and any additional payments are non-refundable, and no credit can be issued.

Common Questions

Can I book a private version?

Yes, private departures can be arranged for individuals, families, or groups seeking a more personalized experience. We can offer customizations around timing and duration while preserving our thoughtfully designed routes and trusted vendors.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

This tour is not recommended for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or those with severe allergies. Our eateries are small, family run, and very specialized. While we do our best, there just aren’t substitutes for highlight dishes that include meat and noodles/wheat. Contact us with questions.

Can I join as a solo traveler?

Yes, our join-in group departures are perfect for solo travelers. A single occupancy surcharge of $118 USD will apply, as hotel rates are based on double occupancy. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to check which dates have a confirmed departure.

Do the join-in group departures have a minimum size?

Yes, and we have a minimum guarantee. If the minimum group size isn't met (4 people), your deposit is fully refunded or you can convert to a private trip for an additional fee.

What is not included in the price of the trip?

Your flights to and from Xian are not included, as well as any shopping and other personal expenses or items not mentioned in our itinerary.

What about visas, packing lists, and travel preparation?

After signing up, you’ll receive our China Travel Guide PDF with visa guidance, packing tips, and other practical info. Or, get our travel guide now!

Is this trip suitable for families or older travellers?

This trip is best suited for travelers who can comfortably walk and stand for 2–3 hours at a time. Booking a private trip is suggested for families with children under 8, or those wanting additional flexibility or a slower pace.

Can I extend my trip beyond Xian?

Yes, many guests choose to arrive early, stay longer in Xian, or add additional destinations before or after the trip. We can help you extend your hotel stay and/or add additional destinations throughout China, creating a seamless itinerary tailored to your schedule and travel style.

Is this the right trip if it's my first time to Xian?

Absolutely. This itinerary combines Xian’s most iconic experiences, including the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, and Great Mosque, with the city’s most famous food traditions. It’s designed to help first-time visitors experience the best of Xian without worrying about researching or planning logistics.

What makes this different from other Xian tours?

Most Xian tours focus heavily on the Terracotta Warriors and a few major landmarks. This journey goes deeper into the city’s food culture and living history. Alongside Xian’s must-see sights, you’ll explore local markets, eat your way through the backstreets of Muslim Quarter, join the world’s #1 food experience on TripAdvisor, and discover how centuries of trade along the Silk Road shaped the flavors that still define Xian today.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

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