Explore the historic Xi'an city, one of the oldest cities and a capital for 13 dynasties in China's history. The start of the historic Silk Road, this city is believed to have been one of the four largest cities in the entire world from the 7th to 10th centuries. Add 3 days to any China tour to explore Xi'an's architecture, artifacts, and archeological marvels such as the Terracotta Warriors. Try your hand at calligraphy and bike along the ancient wall as you get to know the story of this city's ancient past.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive to Xi'an today via internal flight or bullet train. Meet with your guide and set out for your first day of exploring. Xi'an was once the capital city for 13 dynasties in ancient times, including the Western Zhou (11th century to 771 BC) and Tang Dynasties (AD 618-907). Xi'an was also the starting city of the Silk Road and is believed to have been one of the four largest cities in the world from the 7th to 10th century.
Explore first the downtown area, including the Bell Tower. Originally built in 1384, it sits in the center of Xi'an ancient city and is one of the best preserved of its age. Bike for a while along the the Xi'an ancient city wall originally built during the Tang Dynasty. Stop for impressive views of the old city contained within its walls on one side and the modern city that lies without to the other side.
Next visit the Forest of Stone Tablets Museum. This museum of carvings and calligraphy engraved in stone holds the largest collection of stone steles from the past 1000 years of China's history. At the site of the former Confucian Temple of Xi'an, the oldest collection dates from the Han period (206 BC to AD 220). It is an amazing collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy. Conclude your day by trying your own hand at Chinese calligraphy with ink and paper.
After breakfast this morning, drive 1.5 hours to the site of the Terracotta Warriors, which are considered one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. First discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, the discovery eventually attracted archaeologists which led to the largest pottery figurine find in China's history. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, began the work on the figurines in 246 BC at the age of 13. In the museum, see a short movie on how the warriors were made and how they survived being buried for so long.
Drive twenty minutes to nearby Huaqing Hot Springs at the northern foot of Mt. Lishanin. Huaqing Hot Spring (also called Huaqing Pool) is famed for both its spring scenery and a legendary romantic love story of Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty. Learn its long history and enjoy the landscape here.
Return to Xian city for an introduction to the Tang Dynasty, or the "Golden Era" of China. Visit the Tang Dynasty Art Museum, where you learn about calligraphy and participate in a short lesson. Try your hand at this visual art as you practice writing Chinese characters with a brush and ink. After that, we take a short walk around the Muslim Quarter, known for its mosques, souvenir markets, and delicious food.
Enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner tonight
Day 3: Shaanxi Museum & Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
1 Breakfast
Today you first visit the Shaanxi Museum, one of the largest state museum collections in China. Built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, the museum houses over 300,000 items including coins, metal objects, and other pieces of artwork. See also Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during the Tang Dynasty in honor of a famous Buddhist monk, the pagoda is about 1,300 years old and offers an amazing view of Xi'an. Explore the surrounding courtyards, including the North Square which holds the largest musical fountain in China and performs at set times of day.
After lunch, drive to Hanyang Tomb near the airport. This tomb is the best preserved and one of the largest among the Han king tombs. The buildings here are delicately decorated and carved with intricate pictures showing the grandeur of the royal family. Transfer next to the airport for your flight on to your next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Apr 16, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Apr 16, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$862
Notes
$196 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Rates based on current exchange rate CNY/US dollars. Please contact us for exact quote in US dollars.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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