Xi'an Private Day Tour do Exército de Terracotta, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Fantastic tour with an exceptional tour guide in Roger. Delightful young man with a comprehensive knowledge of the history of Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors and an excellent English. Roger took us to the best areas to stop and view the pits, and gave us in depth explanations of the history. We had a delicious lunch spent the afternoon at the City wall and the grand Muslim mosque and Muslim street. A fabulous trip, just note that you pay separately for entry tickets. Well done Roger.

Roger was a great tour guide for the Terra Cotta Warriors. He even took us to a great local place for lunch, so go with his food recommendations. The driver was excellent, too. The vehicle was clean and comfortable.

We were picked up by our travel guide, Celine Yang and driver, Mr. Jiang at Courtyard Marriott at 730am Thursday, 22 June 2023. It was a Dragon Boat Festival holiday, so our travel agent expects a busy travel week. The vehicle, a Buick mini van is clean and comfortable. The weather that day was at high of 35 deg C, plenty of bottled waters provided and the car air conditioner is cold enough to withstand the heat. The time from hotel to the Terracotta Museum was a bit over an hour. The early pick up actually had avoided us the traffic jam and arriving museum just in time of the opening. On the road, Celine gave us a short introduction to Xi'an and the historical narration on Emperor Qin's reign so we can better appreciate and understand those relics at the museum. The warriors are actually facing the east perimeter of the museum of which our early arrival privileged us to get a good front row of the viewing at the mezzanine. Celine briefed us on the formation of the statues' positions and their individual chambers and then we progresses towards the west exit by walking through the southern perimeter. Half way of the site is lesser of the statue formation but more visibly the continuoud excavation and plenty of newly unearthed statues in restoration process. Celine would pinpoint to us from time to time details that we should take notice of, like the underground entrance and some residue of dye painted on the statues and explained to us of its relevance. Not included in our package is the audio/visual presentation located at building three. Tickets are sold at RMB68.00, the presentation though is in Mandarin so the museum staffs allowed Celine to walked in with us and she would do a simultaneous translation of the presentation. After the Terracotta tour, Celine walked us to a pick up point of which a bus would transfer us to Emperor Qin's tomb. No way to really get to the actual tomb but rather a view of the hill believed to be where his body was laid. But this site offers another excavation showing statues of perhaps of ancient performers. The highlight though are two bronze charriots of which constructed in utmost details. Celine pinpointed to us those accessories of ancient siren and those angle turning umbrellas. It was past lunch already when we get done with the exhibit. Celine and driver Jiang took us to a good local Biang Biang noodle eatery. The breaded chicken is also good, just perfectly marinated to the taste. We then headed back to the city to the Small Goose Pagoda. There was a musical show of traditional instrument. After the show, we started strolling the pagoda's courtyard. Celine explained to us the significance of the bell and drum towers and the came about of this structure of which several characters of the past had their role of offers and blessings. Celine walked us to a certain location of the courtyard where you get the most beautiful photo spot of the pagoda. We then proceeded to the city wall and take a quick photo of the gate and bell tower. Last part of the tour, we strolled the Muslim Pedestrain street and got a taste of Xi'an version's of stinky tofu and backyard snack food made from corn grits. It was already 5pm that we called it a day and we were driven back to our hotel. I have been in several parts of China, but I think this one so far is most that I am impressed. Celine definitely made us appreciate the whole thing.

Everything was great, very well organised, good hotels, good food, full days. Highly recommend this company. Guides were good but only thing I didn't like was Maggie reminding us of the tip which should be paid to her and driver. Ocean also pointed out that it is not expected to tip in China but we had to tip him as per contract with China travel company!!! It spoilt a great experience. Mrs J Dick

The tour guide spent the full day flirting with my husband. Anything from calling him a movie star to handsome to a gentleman. The rest l can't write about. She even asked if he wanted to see a concubine that night whilst l was asleep on the bus. So if you want rid of your husbands this is the tour for you!