Company Name Xi’an History Tour Guide

Principal Guides Bryan Bai

Services

• Transportation Services

• Tour Planning

• Private Guide Services

Xi’an is one of the most interesting places in the world. In modern times, it covers 4150 square miles, supports a population of eight million residents, hosts industrial centers and education institutions, and has a station on China’s high speed train network with swift access across the country. But throughout the centuries, Xi’an was one of the largest and most important cities in the world. It not only served as the wealthy capital of 13 imperial dynasties, but also as a key stop on the Silk Road that connected China and the west. Xi’an opened China to a variety of foreign influences and diverse visitors over the centuries including Marco Polo from Italy and Nestorian Christians from Central Asia.

Today, the intact landmarks from these glory days include the wall of the old city, the Big Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the Muslim Quarter. But the greatest treasure of ancient Xi’an was not discovered until 1974, when a farmer located the first remnants of the thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors buried in the nearby countryside along with Emperor Qin around 200 BC. This incredible archaeological discovery caused the world to focus on Xi’an once again and the city has emerged in the 21st century as a centerpiece for studying Chinese history and culture. A stop in Xi’an is an important part of any tour of China

Background and Experience

It is helpful to use private transportation and a guide to get around this large city and fully experience the sites and culture it has to offer. Bryan Bai has been working as a guide for twenty years. When he obtained his bachelor’s degree from Northwest University of China, he chose Chinese history as his major course. He then obtained certification as licensed English intermediate level tour guide.

Bryan explains his interest in the tourism field and the results of his work this way: “I love the history and culture of China a lot. I try to explain to clients what I have learned and share the outstanding stories of China. I want my clients to know more about my city and China, and thereby enhance the relationships from China to other countries of the world. Over the years, I have led more than nine hundred tours and have been pleased to receive many complements and to establish long term friendship with people through sincere service and hard work.”

Tours, Sites and Activities

Bryan provides complete trip planning, transportation and guide services for independent travelers and small groups seeking a personalized travel experience. The principal area which he serves are the sites near Xi’an. Everyone enjoys going to see the Terracotta Warriors Museum which is sometimes considered the eighth wonder of the world. The huge buildings there house six thousand life sized clay made warriors buried by the First Emperor of China to protect him and his nearby mountain tomb in the afterlife. The warriors were lined up in rows, placed in large pits, and covered over by dirt in a field for the past 2200 years so most of them have been reassembled piece by piece by archaeologists and resolute artisans. In addition to seeing the unearthed warriors, the museum has glass displays of the distinct types of warriors and, their weaponry, along with stunning bronze horses and chariots.

Another popular stop is the ancient wall of Xi’an located in the central part of the city. Construction of the wall started about two thousand years ago, but the existing wall is roughly six hundred years old. In excellent condition, the square shaped wall is forty feet high with solid stone facing, a dry moat around it, and a road on top suitable for walking, biking, or riding around the city for 8.7 miles. Some of the City’s many temples, pagodas, and museums are usually visited on Bryan’s tours. The most popular one is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which is 1400 years old and located within the ornate Da Ci’en Temple. The Pagoda was built to commemorate Xuan Zhuang, a renowned pilgrim who travelled to India to study Buddhism. The modern Shaanxi History Museum is another attraction. It presents exhibits and artifacts that help visitors understand the major events and leaders of the city’s long history.

An important characteristic of Bryan’s tours is his willingness to find new ways to help guests experience Chinese cultural and entertainment activities. Some people enjoy an escorted tour through the Muslim Quarter which is filled with markets offering traditional wares and exotic goods. The Chinese Tea Inn is one popular stop since the owner takes the time to explain the medicinal uses of Chinese teas and sells specially blended teas to treat everything from colds and coughs to skin conditions. For entertainment, arrangements can be made to go to lunch or dinner at one of the top-notch restaurants in town or to a Tang Dynasty cabaret show full of pageantry. Other immersive tours include the opportunity to attend a practice class with a local Tai Chi instructor, observe Chinese kite flying at a local park, or visit with a local family in their home and enjoy a lunch together. Finally, the high-speed rail station in Xi’an and the expanded highways make day trips or overnight excursions to other places in the region easy to arrange.

Bryan emphasizes that he works with each client to respond to their inquiries and adjust the tour program to meet the desires and schedule of the guests. His objective is to plan a quality tour for a reasonable price. The company provides comfortable car service that can include airport transfers and transportation to all activities. A trained professional guide will accompany guests to all selected destinations or provide advice to people who want to explore on their own.

My Family's Experience

My family contacted Bryan by email to provide guide service to us for four days in Xi’an during our trip to China seven years ago after reading dozens of reports from U.S. travelers who had used his services. He welcomed us at the airport and instantly made us feel comfortable about touring the city with him and his driver. Since we had gotten a good night’s sleep at Beijing the night before, we took a short afternoon tour of the city sites including the Xi’an wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda before checking into our hotel. That night we went to a Chinese cultural show. The next day it was off to visit the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and the park surrounding the mysterious mountain nearby which is believed to be the unexplored and dangerous tomb of Emperor Qin. A trip to a decorated section of the old city and a dumpling restaurant followed that evening.

Over the next few days, we spent time with Bryan walking around the city, visiting the Muslim Quarter, and checking out modern shopping plazas and stores as well. I was also able to go off on my own and walk the entire perimeter of the wall including the parks and shops outside of the wall. Since Xi’an usually only gets large tour groups passing through, this was a wonderful way to observe daily life and talk with the friendly residents.

Another highlight of our time with Bryan was taking the high-speed train to Luoyang where we visited the World Heritage Site of the Longmen Grottoes. The site features miles of thousand-year-old caves, temples, and Buddhist sculptures carved into the rocks along the river. I was one of the only westerners at this site, so I was able to see an important historic and religious site and picnic along with hundreds of Chinese families. On this trip, Bryan and I had time to talk freely about the changes going on in our countries and enjoy each other’s company. By the end of the trip, it was clear that in addition to meeting a guide, I had also made a friend.

Contact Information
Bryan Bai
Xi’an History Tour Guide
13991987358@139.com
bryanbaichen@aliyun.com
008613991987358
Proficient in English

Notice: The information provided in this profile are true and accurate to the best actual knowledge of The Traveling American. However, my family's experience with the particular guide or company profiled here may not reflect the experience of other travelers using these services. Travelers should rely on their own judgment and information in retaining any guides or drivers mentioned on the website.