Xi'an Biking Tour: Visit Local Market, Experience Ancient Wall Cycling and Chinese Calligraphy
5.0
2 Ratings
Xi'an
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Xi'an with this biking tour. Explore a local market, cycle on the ancient city wall, and try your hand at Chinese calligraphy. Limited time? No problem! This 4-hour tour is packed with unique experiences.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - Your tour guide will greet you in Grand Noble Hotel at 8:00 a.m! \n\nAfter a brief introduction to the tour, we will head to a crowded morning market filled with daily necessities. Like an open-aired grocery store, the shopping here is the central feature of the local’s daily life. It is the most active and lively part of the downtown shanty district. The crowds move through the middle of the street with vendors standing behind their booths, loudly selling their wares. It is bustling with people buying goods and at the same time bargaining vigorously. Immersed in this environment you may be forgiven for thinking you were in the centre of a bazaar in a Middle-eastern country. It’s the beating heart of a quiet and decrepit district nestled within the city wall.\n\nWalking from the market to a public bus station, we will catch a bus for a short ride to the next stop - Xi’an City Wall. It is the biggest and one of the best preserved city walls in China and cycling on this 640 year old wall is always considered one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences in the city. You will see a large section of the city and also bump up your knowledge of this ancient city from our most devoted tour guide accompanying you on the cycle route.\n\nFollowing the one hour bike ride you will be guided to a quaint cultural street exuding an aura of calm. Buildings are in an ancient Chinese architectural style and the vendors trade a variety of writing brushes, papers and stone seals. Traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy works can be browsed everywhere along the street. There are galleries and antique shops as well as many interesting workshops hidden down narrow alleyways. Strolling down the street will give you an authentic taste of the culture and history of the city. But more importantly our calligraphy master is waiting to impart his knowledge and guide our hands as we practice this ancient art. So, why not join us?
What's Included
- Licensed professional English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation by foot and public bus
- Complimentary bottled water
- Instruction from a skilled calligraphy master
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Own transfer to and from meeting point
Additional Information
For explorers with limited time in Xi’an, this tour has been tailored to offer an authentic local experience. Included in the itinerary is a visit to a charming morning market, a bicycle ride on the 640-year-old wall for a panoramic view of the city, and a chance to learn Chinese calligraphy in a picturesque location.
A licensed guide well-versed in the city’s history and culture, and fluent in English, accompanies you for around 4 hours. The journey is mostly on foot, with short bus rides and cycle runs in a safe ambiance. Our tour offers visitors an invaluable insight into this city, rich with cultural and historical significance!
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults;
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers;
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required;
- Dress code is smart casual;
Location
Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang)
Zhongxin District
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
294johnr
Jan 8, 2020
Amazing time with Michael! - My girlfriend and I had an amazing time with Michael for our Bike tour and Calligraphy lesson! It started with a lot of great info about the wall and the history behind it, and also getting to know our guide and friend! We won’t spoil too much of the fun but it was a long 14km ride around the wall! It was a lot of fun and by the end of the biking we were beat. Perfect for sitting down for an hour to learn some of the basics of calligraphy! The calligraphy master was very kind and we made some pretty decent pieces at first, but it wasn’t until after that that our trip was topped of by having a bowl of biangbiang noddles that Michael showed us, it was really special and Michael made the trip very enjoyable. We were sad to have to leave his company but he had many restaurant suggestions handy for us afterwards! And Michael knows all the great spots. Thanks again to Michael for an amazing day, best of luck! And to you reading looking for a trip, this is one you will not want to pass up on!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Murphy23232018
May 21, 2018
A great day in Xian - I was apparently the first person to take this tour, but I really should not be the last. We started with a trip to a morning market and my guide (Harvey - excellent) explained many of the local foods; where the food was from; and so on. A nice way to start the day, including a quick look at a nearby mosque, which looked just like a Buddhist temple. Then we made our way to the city wall, where Harvey gave me a quick history, and then we got on our bikes, literally. We did three-quarters of the wall, with stops to look at the views. Then we took a bus to a small shopping complex, where we met Mr Chong, who is apparently a noted calligrapher, and Harvey's colleague, Andy. The three gamely tried to show me the basics of calligraphy; I confess I was just terrible, which we all found pretty funny. But Mr Chong did my name in Chinese (I paid 100 yuan to have it done on special paper) and we enjoyed some local tea. The whole thing lasted about 5 hours, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks to Harvey and Andy, who were both lovely. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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