Real Xi’an Gourmet
Xian, China
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
You may not associate mosques and Muslims with China, but Xi’an is home to some fine examples of Islamic architecture and a strong Muslim community. On this Xi’an tour you’ll explore the Muslim Quarter area, meet the Hui minority, and feast on street food and a traditional banquet.
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Highlights
- Snack on popular local street bites in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
- Tuck in to a traditional banquet in a local restaurant
- Wander the backstreets and alleyways of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
- Dip in to the daily life and culture of the Hui minority (Chinese Muslim)
- Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in China
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Bell Tower Hotel: 西安钟楼饭店，西安市南大街110号
110 Nan Da Jie, Xian, 710001
Tel: (86-29)87600000
The Bell Tower Hotel is located at the south west corner of the Bell Tower, it is nearby a China construction bank on the north part of south street.
- Starting time: 4.00 PM
- Ending point:
Muslim Quarter North Entrance
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, local snacks, dinner, entrance to the Great Mosque.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for guides.
Nothing beats cultural learning through food, does it?! Get to know another side of modern China (and its food) on this Xi’an tour through the city’s evocative Muslim Quarter. Meet your food-loving and informative local guide and set off on a food adventure past the ancient Drum Tower and straight into the Muslim Quarter.
Brace yourself – this busy market area is filled with different kinds of produce and snacks, and in our opinion, it’s the epitome of Xi’an food. You’ll likely spot things like beef pancakes, persimmon cake, and lamb kebabs, among many, many more dishes.
With the advice of your local guide, indulge in a few of our favourite bites while you learn about the history and culture of the Chinese Muslims who reside here. Learn about the origins of the Hui people, hear the tales of how Islam came to China many centuries ago, and pay a visit to the iconic Great Mosque, which offers insight into how locals worship.
The Great Mosque is one of the biggest and oldest in China, and is hands down one of the most unique, featuring a blend of Islamic and Imperial architecture. Discover ancient relics and feel at peace within the beautiful, tranquil grounds.
Fully inspired (but hopefully not too full of food), our Xi’an food tour makes its way past tempting bakeries and butcher shops before arriving at a local restaurant, where a feast awaits! Dig in to a delicious banquet-style Halal dinner or a barbecue, delighting in local flavours and mealtime customs.
Our Xi’an tour concludes after dinner, and your guide will be more than happy to share tips on where to go for the rest of your night out in Xi’an.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, local snacks, dinner, entrance to the Great Mosque.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for guides.
Dress standard: Please wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, out of respect for the Muslim religion.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
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