Xi'an Insiders
Xi'an Insiders
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Recommended by TIME magazine, National Geographic Traveller, Vogue and ELLE Magazine across 38 countries; we're pretty qualified when it comes to off the beaten path adventures in comfort. Let your insider take you around Xian in a quaint 1950's convertible jeep. Make a stop in a beautiful winery for a wine tasting session, climb to inhabited caves or discover China's oldest Christian building. Just let us know what you're interested in and we'll take you there through small villages and narrow roads. An experienced insider will open the way. Rides go from half day to two days. Trips are family-friendly.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
77 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
BrendanLeG
Hong Kong, China54 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
This tour is special not for what you see - in fact there are few individual sites that you’ll remember – but for the opportunity it provides to sit back and experience a real slice of the Chinese countryside; the fact that you can’t help but feel cool while riding in one of these sidecars doesn’t hurt.
And that’s perhaps my one caveat: don’t go expecting a typical tour. If you are looking to see the major tourist sites and hear about their individual histories, there might be better options for you. But if you feel that tourist attractions are starting to blur – you know what I mean, when the Eifel Tower looks exactly like you knew it would look, only more crowded – then something like this is definitely for you.
It is expensive, but it is also unforgettable.
The service we received from Felix before, during and after the trip was exceptional and I would recommend this tour to anyone in the area.
And that’s perhaps my one caveat: don’t go expecting a typical tour. If you are looking to see the major tourist sites and hear about their individual histories, there might be better options for you. But if you feel that tourist attractions are starting to blur – you know what I mean, when the Eifel Tower looks exactly like you knew it would look, only more crowded – then something like this is definitely for you.
It is expensive, but it is also unforgettable.
The service we received from Felix before, during and after the trip was exceptional and I would recommend this tour to anyone in the area.
Written August 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Brendan,
You summed out quite well the spirit of what we do, thank you for that!
I hope we'll have the chance of having you on one of our Shanghai or Lijiang tours or even on one of our longer expeditions in Yunnan!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve A
Suzhou75 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
I've been living in China for a few years and really wanted to show my friend something different on his first visit. Xi'an is a major tourist destination, and has a lot of must-sees like the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Mosque. It's in a really unique part of China and is the birthplace of many of the most ancient traditions in Chinese culture. Still, it's a city that everyone visits, and I hoped exploring the area by sidecar would give us the chance to see something different and truly authentic.
Exploring the city with Xi'an Sideways is probably the coolest thing I've ever done in China, way beyond the common tourist sights and really in-depth for just a one day tour. Guide/driver Felix seems to have been everywhere in the area and was able to take show us a side of China that is hard to see without months of preparation. Beyond the countryside and village tour, complete with a home-style meal (really good representation of the region's food), Felix took us to see some sites that were over 2,000 years old, not far from the city. After visiting the monument to the great Emperor who unified China, we were really able to appreciate the lives of the people who helped mold Chinese culture when we visited the traditional home and ancient burial site.
Then we got on these really cool motorbikes and drove around. According to our guide, they're actually updated versions of an old German model that have been produced and sold in China for years. We had helmets and it felt very safe as we zipped around little village lanes, stopping for photos or to ask Felix about the area. You'll probably never get another chance to ride in a sidecar like that.
XI'an Sideways is a fabulous way to experience China, whether you're a seasoned travel or it's your first time to China.
Exploring the city with Xi'an Sideways is probably the coolest thing I've ever done in China, way beyond the common tourist sights and really in-depth for just a one day tour. Guide/driver Felix seems to have been everywhere in the area and was able to take show us a side of China that is hard to see without months of preparation. Beyond the countryside and village tour, complete with a home-style meal (really good representation of the region's food), Felix took us to see some sites that were over 2,000 years old, not far from the city. After visiting the monument to the great Emperor who unified China, we were really able to appreciate the lives of the people who helped mold Chinese culture when we visited the traditional home and ancient burial site.
Then we got on these really cool motorbikes and drove around. According to our guide, they're actually updated versions of an old German model that have been produced and sold in China for years. We had helmets and it felt very safe as we zipped around little village lanes, stopping for photos or to ask Felix about the area. You'll probably never get another chance to ride in a sidecar like that.
XI'an Sideways is a fabulous way to experience China, whether you're a seasoned travel or it's your first time to China.
Written June 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your very kind words! Felix has now moved to Guilin to open our latest office, you should come own and visit him sometime as he's got some pretty brilliant tours there too!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CountinPlaces
Boulder, CO43 contributions
Apr 2012 • Family
I took the "Authentic Tour." This is a wonderful way to be introduced to the Xi'an area.
I had previously taken the Great Wall Tour (Outstanding!) with Beijing Sideways and Felix who happened to be visiting Beijing so I wanted to visit the new operation in Xi'an.
First, Felix and Jeg-gu (sp?) are just two great people. My 10 year old just thinks Felix is the coolest guy ever. You could not ask for better folk to spend the day touring the area. They have gone to a great effort in searching out a nice mix of things to see throughout the day. I suspect things are still evolving a bit as they are tweaking their fairly new operation.
The historic living caves of the locals were the highlight of the day. Without a doubt, those were just absolutely amazing. You get a view into how some of the older generations have lived for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years. My feel is that this style of living is disappearing fast with the evolution of China so this is something not to be missed. The people were all incredibly interesting and fun to interact with. I felt honored to be shown their homes, though it seemed apparent that they did not fully understand the significance of our interest. Without a doubt, if you do this tour with Felix, you will be thankful for the opportunity. We were even able to enjoy our lunch in an unused room of an owner's cave.
The second most interest thing of the day was the 1,400 year old monastery that we visited. If you are in good shape, you can hike a quarter mile or so up to this unique location for a view into the way things once were. Development and modern updating seem to be pending so do not miss seeing the area before it changes forever.
Now, while the Xi'an Sideways experience is a wonderful one, there is one caveat that I will have to offer to my overall very-positive perspective. It is not their fault, but it does add a dynamic to the day that you should keep in mind.
- They cannot enter the city center at this point with their motor bikes. Thus, it will be unlikely that they can pick you up (drop you off) at your hotel which was a real plus to the Beijing experience. I hope that can change with some sort of special permit, but at this point, I would assume that you will need to obtain a taxi to and from points outside "no-motorbike land." It does add to the adventure a bit.
So, I had another fantastic 'Sideways experience in China. I hope to return to Xi'an in several months with my full family to do another tour with Felix.
Do not miss this if you are in Xi'an. If you are thinking of going to Xi'an, then this experience should be a favorable push tipping you toward making the trip. (Don't miss the Terra Cotta Warriors - of course!)
Thanks Felix!
I had previously taken the Great Wall Tour (Outstanding!) with Beijing Sideways and Felix who happened to be visiting Beijing so I wanted to visit the new operation in Xi'an.
First, Felix and Jeg-gu (sp?) are just two great people. My 10 year old just thinks Felix is the coolest guy ever. You could not ask for better folk to spend the day touring the area. They have gone to a great effort in searching out a nice mix of things to see throughout the day. I suspect things are still evolving a bit as they are tweaking their fairly new operation.
The historic living caves of the locals were the highlight of the day. Without a doubt, those were just absolutely amazing. You get a view into how some of the older generations have lived for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years. My feel is that this style of living is disappearing fast with the evolution of China so this is something not to be missed. The people were all incredibly interesting and fun to interact with. I felt honored to be shown their homes, though it seemed apparent that they did not fully understand the significance of our interest. Without a doubt, if you do this tour with Felix, you will be thankful for the opportunity. We were even able to enjoy our lunch in an unused room of an owner's cave.
The second most interest thing of the day was the 1,400 year old monastery that we visited. If you are in good shape, you can hike a quarter mile or so up to this unique location for a view into the way things once were. Development and modern updating seem to be pending so do not miss seeing the area before it changes forever.
Now, while the Xi'an Sideways experience is a wonderful one, there is one caveat that I will have to offer to my overall very-positive perspective. It is not their fault, but it does add a dynamic to the day that you should keep in mind.
- They cannot enter the city center at this point with their motor bikes.
So, I had another fantastic 'Sideways experience in China. I hope to return to Xi'an in several months with my full family to do another tour with Felix.
Do not miss this if you are in Xi'an. If you are thinking of going to Xi'an, then this experience should be a favorable push tipping you toward making the trip. (Don't miss the Terra Cotta Warriors - of course!)
Thanks Felix!
Written April 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very nice and constructive review.
Since your feedback, we have fixed the issue of hotel pick up with drivers who pick passengers up by car to bring them to our starting point where the bikes and/or jeeps will be awaiting them.
I hope we'll have the chance of seeing you again on one of our tours in China!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elias H
Perth, Australia20 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
I must admit that I didn't know what to expect on my jeep tour of Xian when I first met Rocky. He stood out immediately in the hotel lobby, cowboy style hat and boots, a US navy t-shirt. He looked like he was in the Special Forces and not a tour guide. But what an incredible guide he turned out to be! Rocky drove a cool black jeep with my name on the side of it, which was a very thoughtful touch. He was a very interesting character with great perspectives on China and life, and experiences and aspirations beyond his immediate environment.
Our first stop was to meet a wonderful elderly couple living in a cave with their dog. Although we couldn't communicate much because of the language barrier, they were very warm and welcoming and were beautiful souls. Rocky bridged the gap between us and helping to translate and was obviously very close to them, which is lovely to see in a guide. It was such a great way to start the tour. Our next stop through the wonderful farming community with corn and noodles drying on balconies was a stop to the local Blacksmith, one of the few in the area making tools for the farmers. The Blacksmith allowed us to see his wonderful skill in making tools the old fashioned way. To my amazement, he showed us a room full of extraordinary ancient weapons that he made replete with intricate markings and details. We then stopped over at the home of a lovely farming couple who were most welcoming and excited to see us. The woman then displayed her unbelievable gift of paper cutting, skilfully cutting paper without ever looking to make stunning butterflies which I got take home with me. Rocky then treated me to lunch at this charming little noodle house with the friendliest owner/chef. He used an ancient wooden machine to make the most delicious noodles, which went well with the "Chinese Hamburger".
It was an incredible day with an unforgettable guide.
I would love to do other tours with Insiders in the future if I am lucky enough to get the chance.
Highly recommended for a unique experience!
Our first stop was to meet a wonderful elderly couple living in a cave with their dog. Although we couldn't communicate much because of the language barrier, they were very warm and welcoming and were beautiful souls. Rocky bridged the gap between us and helping to translate and was obviously very close to them, which is lovely to see in a guide. It was such a great way to start the tour. Our next stop through the wonderful farming community with corn and noodles drying on balconies was a stop to the local Blacksmith, one of the few in the area making tools for the farmers. The Blacksmith allowed us to see his wonderful skill in making tools the old fashioned way. To my amazement, he showed us a room full of extraordinary ancient weapons that he made replete with intricate markings and details. We then stopped over at the home of a lovely farming couple who were most welcoming and excited to see us. The woman then displayed her unbelievable gift of paper cutting, skilfully cutting paper without ever looking to make stunning butterflies which I got take home with me. Rocky then treated me to lunch at this charming little noodle house with the friendliest owner/chef. He used an ancient wooden machine to make the most delicious noodles, which went well with the "Chinese Hamburger".
It was an incredible day with an unforgettable guide.
I would love to do other tours with Insiders in the future if I am lucky enough to get the chance.
Highly recommended for a unique experience!
Written January 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Elias,
Glad you enjoyed our secret weapon: the ROCKY!
he is one of a kind indeed and t means a lot to us that people appreciate our insiders as they put their heart and guts on the table to provide passengers with a unique experience of China.
I hope we'll have the pleasure of seeing you again in Xi'an, Shanghai or Yunnan province for a longer trip maybe?
Have a rocking year of 2015 and safe travels!
Written January 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BrumDawn R
Birmingham, UK6 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We did the Warrior Tour, with tour guide Rocky behind the steering wheel.
Before the Warriors we visited the Xi'an countryside, including a blacksmith, farmer and cave dweller. We then had a lovely lunch, using the freshest ingredients, cooked by locals. Rocky even brought along a bottle of wine!
The Warriors were our main reason for visiting Xi'an and they did not disappoint. However, Rocky took us late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and, at 6pm, my partner and I found we had the Warriors to ourselves - we were literally the only people in the main chamber containing the foot soldiers. Priceless!
Rocky has spent time travelling the world, including the US, so his English is impeccable. Chatting with him gave us a real insight into how China is changing: you wouldn't get that on a tour bus!
Highly recommended.
Before the Warriors we visited the Xi'an countryside, including a blacksmith, farmer and cave dweller. We then had a lovely lunch, using the freshest ingredients, cooked by locals. Rocky even brought along a bottle of wine!
The Warriors were our main reason for visiting Xi'an and they did not disappoint. However, Rocky took us late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and, at 6pm, my partner and I found we had the Warriors to ourselves - we were literally the only people in the main chamber containing the foot soldiers. Priceless!
Rocky has spent time travelling the world, including the US, so his English is impeccable. Chatting with him gave us a real insight into how China is changing: you wouldn't get that on a tour bus!
Highly recommended.
Written September 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you so much for your kind words!
Rocky is indeed one special guy who knows his way around the homeland.
We're happy we managed to deliver to the level of your expectations and hope we'll have the chance of having you on another tour in the future, may it be in Xi'an again, Shanghai or even south western China where we organize longer expeditions.
Take care!
Written October 7, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bluejuiceng
Lannion, France4 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
"Warrior Ride", that is a tour I would recommend to anyone ! I chose this one cause I was in Xi'An only for a limited period of time: the mountain landscapes and the wild undiscovered part of the Chinese countryside and eventually the terra cotta, everything combined within one amazing day in sidecar ! It was an awesome adventure that I will certainly not forget so soon. If you are passionate about wild natural spaces and adrenaline, this is something that will actually stick to your mind forever.
Written June 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, I ike how you summed up our tours :)
See you on one of our expeditions if you ever come back to China maybe?
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GlynnPJones
Shanghai, Shanghai, China2 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
Just back from the most amazing 5 day trip to the Shaanxi Mountains. Insiders organised everything - Xi'an airport pickup, sidecar trip to the mountains (4 hours), accommodation, meals, return sidecar trip to Xi'an, boutique hotel and return to airport. Initial communication with Shane in Shanghai very prompt and professional, as was Felix is Xi'an. This is definitely a bucket list tick trip which I have no hesitation recommending to others - well done Insiders!!!
Written April 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very kind review, I hope the fishing was good and that we'll get the chance of having you on another ride in China!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PASH3
Hilo, HI17 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
We are two senior citizens who absolutely enjoyed the exhilarating tour in a motorcycle side-car. Seeing inside the cave dwelling and meeting the gracious people who lived there was memorable, especially when the lady of the house cut pieces of her still warm home baked bread and shared it with us. Delicious! Touring the farming hills, sharing and enjoying a lunch in a village restaurant, and visiting the secluded Buddhist/Confucian/Tao Temple showed us that we were seeing a genuine small part of China. And to make the tour especially wonderful, we were never taken to a "tourist trap alias museum or factory." Felix, our guide, was honest, friendly, and enjoyed what he did. When I remarked that the motorcycle and side-car looked like it came from WWII, Felix explained that it was an exact Chinese copy of the exact Russian copy of the real, authentic WWII German motorcycle and side-car and all the parts were interchangeable. We highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in seeing some real China away from the tourist crowds.
Written October 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback, you've made Felix's day :)
Take care and I hope we'll have the chance of having you on another tour in the future!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yvesbike
Beijing17 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
My wife, 3 friends with a 2yr old baby and I took a tour with Felix to explore Xian countryside. We saw amazing things thanks to him that we would never have found by ourself or even booking a car driver or local guide. We had access to places that no tourists have been, other that Xian Sideways' guests.
Nice lost temples, we went inside local houses dug into the ground, nice mountain rides,...
Thank you Felix for such a great day! i would recommend this unique tour to anyone looking for something special to do in Xian apart from the Terracotta Warriors. Nice ride for the children too.
Nice lost temples, we went inside local houses dug into the ground, nice mountain rides,...
Thank you Felix for such a great day! i would recommend this unique tour to anyone looking for something special to do in Xian apart from the Terracotta Warriors. Nice ride for the children too.
Written September 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Yves,
Thanks for the review and the photos, you guys look good :)
See you soon on three wheels!
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucas C
San Diego, California, USA8 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
After having had an AWESOME tour with Shanghai Sideways, I was not going to miss the chance to do it in Xian. Absolutely the most fantastic way to see it! Felix and his mate were superb guides and showed me and my friend some really interesting places from the sidecar of his motorcycle. As a first time visitor to Xian you need someone like him to take you to all the hidden attractions. There is no way that you could cover the amount of ground we did if you didn't know where you were going. It was fantastic! My friend thought it was fabulous and was disappointed he did not have the chance to do the Shanghai tour. Do not miss this - it will be the best money you ever spent!
Written March 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lucas,
Thanks for your ravishing review, that's very nice of you! See you in Lijiang or Guilin for another ride then!
take care!
Thomas
Written April 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! Is it possible to arrange a day tour for us on 23rd April 2019?
Written April 21, 2019
Hi there, yes but not via trip advisor, best is to connect through our website xianinsiders (dot come - sorry the trip advisor forbids to share url's)
Written April 21, 2019
Hello kathy, yes we go and see one which we really like and which has a link with California.
Best is to contact us via our website (sorry tripadvisor doesn t allow me to post a link here) and specify this is what you are interested in.
Written July 7, 2017
Hi Erin, can you give me the website where I can book this tour? I want to be sure I get the correct one. Thanks,
Liz
Written May 2, 2016
Hi, How much are the tours and are the suitable for young children? We are a group of 6. Thanks
Written March 28, 2016
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