If you’re planning a trip to Xian and want an experience that feels more like visiting a knowledgeable friend than just another tourist, then Kathy’s private tour might be just the ticket. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 11 reviews, Kathy Chen has built a reputation for delivering tailored, authentic, and enjoyable experiences.
Her extensive knowledge and genuine care make her tours stand out in a city famous for the Terracotta Warriors and ancient walls.
What we love about Kathy’s tours is her ability to customize the itinerary to suit your interests and pace, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone eager to see the natural wonders like Mount Hua.
Plus, her knack for making you feel like a local, especially through visits to authentic restaurants, adds considerable value. The only consideration? Her tours tend to be booked about two weeks in advance, so planning ahead is wise.
Ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, flexible experience with a friendly guide who treats you like family, Kathy’s private tour is perfect whether you’re visiting Xian for the first time or returning and craving a more intimate, authentic adventure.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at This Private Tour
- Who is Kathy, and why choose her?
- What does the tour include?
- How is the itinerary structured?
- The Mount Hua experience
- Transportation and logistics
- What do travelers rave about?
- Is it worth the price?
- Who would enjoy this tour most?
- The Sum Up: Why Choose Kathy’s Private Tour?
- FAQs
- More Private Tours in Xian
- More Tours in Xian
- More Tour Reviews in Xian
Key Points
- Highly personalized: Kathy creates custom itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences.
- Authentic local experiences: From food to scenery, you’ll feel like a local rather than a tourist.
- Flexible scheduling: Kathy’s willingness to adapt on the fly makes for a stress-free day.
- Excellent value: At around $123 per person, you get dedicated attention, private transportation, and top-notch guides.
- Stunning sights: The tour includes must-see highlights like the Terracotta Warriors and Mount Hua.
- Consistently praised guides: Visitors rave about Kathy’s fluency, patience, and personal touch.
An In-Depth Look at This Private Tour
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Xian
Who is Kathy, and why choose her?
Kathy Chen is not just a tour guide; she’s a veteran host with over a decade of experience and a member of TripAdvisor’s excellence of service for 10 years. Her reputation for treating travelers like friends shines through in reviews, where many mention her warmth, patience, and willingness to adjust plans to meet group needs. Her commitment to personalized service is what makes her tours memorable.
What does the tour include?
This 2-day, 9-hour adventure covers key highlights of Xian, including the world-famous Terra cotta warriors and the mountainous splendor of Mount Hua. Depending on your interests, Kathy offers a customized itinerary, so you might explore ancient city walls, local markets, or take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Hua – the longest in Asia.
How is the itinerary structured?
Typically, her tours involve a morning pickup—sometimes arranged as early as 2 a.m. if arriving via flight—making sure your day starts smoothly. The Terracotta Warriors are always a highlight, with reviews emphasizing how Kathy’s guide skills make the visit engaging and informative. She provides insightful commentary on the history and significance, all while keeping the pace comfortable for everyone, even elderly travelers.
In the afternoon, her tours often include visits to local restaurants where you can sample authentic Xian cuisine. Tourists appreciate how she takes them to eateries favored by locals, making the meal not just delicious but also a cultural experience.
The Mount Hua experience
One of the standout features of this tour is a trip to Mount Hua, a sacred mountain and one of China’s five holy peaks. Kathy’s tours include taking the longest cable car in Asia to the summit, offering spectacular views you’ll remember long after the trip ends. The reviews mention the “breathtaking views” and appreciate how Kathy ensures safety and comfort during this adventurous part of the trip.
Transportation and logistics
The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which enhances comfort and flexibility. Pickup is offered, and the entire experience is designed to be convenient and seamless. The duration of nearly three hours per day allows for immersive sightseeing without the feeling of being rushed. With prices averaging just over $120 per person, you’re paying for dedicated guiding, private transportation, and authentic experiences that large group tours often overlook.
What do travelers rave about?
Multiple reviews highlight Kathy’s fluency in English and Mandarin, which makes communication effortless and enriches the experience. Tourists often mention how she remembers personal preferences, from food choices to sightseeing interests, offering a tailored experience.
Many describe her as meticulous and warm, with some saying the experience felt like visiting family rather than just going on a tour. Her flexibility is particularly praised—she’s willing to change plans on short notice if the group is eager for something specific or if weather conditions require adjustments.
Is it worth the price?
At around $123 per person, this tour offers great value considering the personalized care, private transport, and curated sites. Compared to larger group tours, the intimacy and tailored approach mean you get more meaningful engagement and flexibility. The inclusion of meals at local restaurants also enhances value, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine without the hassle of finding it yourself.
Who would enjoy this tour most?
This experience suits independent travelers, small groups, or families who want a more personalized exploration of Xian. It’s ideal if you’re interested in culture, enjoy delicious local food, or prefer a flexible schedule that adapts to your preferences. Active travelers will appreciate the Mount Hua trip, while history buffs will find the Warrior visit deeply satisfying.
The Sum Up: Why Choose Kathy’s Private Tour?

If you’re after a tailored, thoughtful, and engaging way to see Xian, Kathy’s private tour delivers in spades. Her ability to customize the itinerary ensures your trip aligns perfectly with your interests, whether that’s ancient history, stunning natural landscapes, or delicious food. The personal touch—from fluent communication to genuine warmth—makes the experience feel less like a guided tour and more like visiting a knowledgeable friend.
The value for money is clear. For just over $120, you get access to top sites, delicious local eateries, and a guide dedicated to making your visit memorable. And because Kathy’s tours are private, you get the flexibility to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or rushed past highlights.
This tour is best for adventurous travelers who want a personalized experience or small groups seeking authentic local insights. Whether your focus is history, food, or natural beauty, Kathy’s tour can be tailored to suit your wishes, making your trip to Xian truly special.
Xian Kathys private tour
FAQs

How far in advance should I book Kathy’s tour?
Most travelers book about 15 days ahead. Since she’s quite popular, planning early helps ensure availability.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private guiding, transportation, and meals at authentic local restaurants. Specific sites like the Terracotta Warriors and Mount Hua are part of the itinerary.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, reviews mention that Kathy caters well to elderly, children, and young travelers alike, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.
Can Kathy customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. She is known for creating tailored plans based on your interests, whether it’s history, food, or scenic views.
What’s the duration of each day?
Each day lasts around 4-5 hours, giving enough time to explore sites without feeling rushed.
Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group will participate, which allows for a more intimate and flexible experience.
Does she pick up from the airport?
Yes, pickup is offered and can be arranged to ensure your trip starts smoothly, even if arriving late at night.
Are there opportunities for local food?
Yes, Kathy takes travelers to authentic, highly-rated local restaurants, providing a genuine taste of Xian cuisine.
What language does she speak?
Kathy is fluent in English and Mandarin, making communication effortless.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Less notice means no refund.
In short, Kathy’s private tour offers a highly personalized, comfortable, and authentic way to experience Xian. With her attention to detail and warm hospitality, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking more than just a checklist of sights—it’s about truly feeling connected to the city.























