Xian group tour - please advice a company or driver

Question

Hi. We are a couple in 50s and staying at Xian Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower.

We would like to go on a guided tour ( English speaking guide) of Terracotta warriors with hotel pick up and drop off and skip the queue entry included. We would prefer a mini size group tour with no shopping stop overs on the way.

Kindly recommend any tour operators. Thanks

Answer

For a comfortable and hassle-free visit to the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an, opting for a small group tour or a private driver with an English-speaking guide is ideal, especially if you want to skip shopping stops and avoid long queues.

Here are some options and suggestions:

Private driver with guide: You can hire a private driver who will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to the Terracotta Warriors. Most private tours also include an English-speaking guide at the site. Booking can be done online through platforms like Klook, Viator, or local tour companies in Xi'an.
Mini group tours: Look for tours labeled “small group” or “exclusive group” which usually have 4–6 participants. These tours often include skip-the-line tickets, hotel pickup, and an English guide. Avoid tours that mention “shopping stops” if you want to skip them.
Hotel concierge recommendation: Since you are staying at the Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower, the concierge can help arrange a trusted local guide and private driver tailored to your needs, often at similar rates to online platforms but with added convenience and reliability.

Additional tips:

Confirm in advance that the tour does not include shopping stops; many budget tours add these as a revenue source.
Ask whether the tour includes entrance fees to the Terracotta Warriors and transport costs—sometimes these are extra.
If you prefer full flexibility, a private driver with a separate guide allows you to spend more or less time at the site depending on your interests.

Reliable online providers for small group or private tours include:

Klook – offers English-speaking guides, hotel pick-up, and skip-the-line tickets.
Viator – similar offerings, can filter for small group or private tours.
China Discovery or China Highlights – reputable companies with customizable small group tours.

Booking through these channels ensures you have an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and avoid unwanted stops, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Terracotta Warriors.

Xian group tour - please advice a company or driver

More Xi'an Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions