4 DAYS XI'AN - BEGINNING OF THE SILK ROAD

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, be met your guide at and transfer to the hotel for a good rest.

Datang Everbright City

In the evening, enjoy a walk at Datang Everbright City, a large-scale cultural attraction in Xi’an.

Xi’an Historical Highlights

This morning, start your visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. Spend the afternoon on the City Wall, the most complete ancient city wall in China. You may take a biking tour on the wall led by your guide.

In the afternoon, you will visit the outstanding Provincial History Museum (closed on Monday), one of the largest museums in Xi’an. Its collection of artifacts is carefully assembled from Xi’an and its vicinity. Additionally, you have the option to participate in a guided tour of an exhibition room specifically dedicated to murals found in Xi’an for an additional fee.

Terra Cotta Warriors Immersion

After breakfast, we will check out and embark on a drive to one of China’s most remarkable attractions: the Terra Cotta Warriors. Here, you will be astounded by thousands of life-sized soldiers, each bearing unique expressions, alongside horses. These statues were crafted as companions for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China and a key figure in the construction of the Great Wall.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in the HANS Terracotta Workshop. This workshop offers various lectures on terracotta culture, covering ten different themes such as excavation, design, carving, painting, firing, and more.

Muslim Quarter

Before dinner, we will pay a visit to the Big Mosque, one of China’s oldest and largest mosques.

In the evening, delight in a street food walking tour through the enchanting Muslim Quarter. This historic district in downtown Xi’an boasts streets dating back over 1,000 years. Renowned for its delectable local snacks and rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of immigration, the Muslim Quarter offers a tapestry of diverse cuisine, warm hospitality, and distinctive Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Its traditional mosques add to the area’s allure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers both local and international.

Optional: Song of Everlasting Sorrow

For those intrigued by traditional cultural performances, we can arrange a showing of “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” at Huaqing Palace, located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Xi’an. Following the performance, you have the option to return to your hotel or extend your stay at the nearby Huaqing Yutang Hot Spring Hotel, situated near the Huaqing Palace.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Upon checking out, transfer to the airport for your flight home, or towards your onward destination.

Stories of the Emperors

After breakfast, we will embark on a roughly 2-hour drive to Famen Temple, initially constructed during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty, boasting a rich history spanning over 1,700 years. According to the “Record of Buddhist Classics,” King Asoka of Ancient India erected 84,000 stupas worldwide to propagate Buddhism, with 19 located in China, including Famen Temple. This temple gained renown for housing sariras of the Buddha beneath its pagoda, leading to its establishment and prominence.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Qianling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu Zetian, along with the tombs of Prince Yi De and Princess Yongtai.

Into the Mount Huashan

Today, indulge in a full-day excursion to Mount Huashan, where you’ll discover a fusion of Buddhist and Taoist temples amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Traverse the mountains and marvel at the sheer cliffs, adorned with temples perched on the rocky terrain.

Departing early from Xi’an, you’ll maximise your time on this memorable journey. Upon arrival, ascend to the summit of Mount Huashan via cable car, granting you ample time to explore at your leisure. Your guide will accompany you throughout the day, ensuring an enriching experience amidst this awe-inspiring landscape.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Upon checking out, transfer to the airport for your flight home, or towards your onward destination.