Explore Xi'an's Regional Highlights
Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities, is renowned for its numerous historical sites, including the Terracotta Army. This tour focuses on history, archaeology, and cultural features that students can immerse themselves in. It's a rich context for learning about ancient China.
In addition to exploring Xi'an, students will visit the Shaolin Temple to experience the spirit of kung fu dreams. Then they can test their courage on Mount Hua.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Repeat visit to Xian - Excellent!
![]() This time Jenny was my guide and she is a wealth of knowledge and very accommodating in regards to making sure my visit exceeded expectations. One thing I did really appreciate was her suggesting the best days and times to visit the sights to minimize the crowds as August is very busy with Chinese tourists heading to the same sights as was in my schedule. Everything went smoothly and while intense was never overwhelming. I also loved her choices for food and showing me places where the cuisine was unique to this province. more
Aug 2025, DMW1207
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X'ian an extraordinary experience with a great guide and driver
![]() Xian is an extraordinary city, and Crystal was just as extraordinary. From the moment we arrived at the airport, both she and the driver proved to be reliable, helpful, and incredibly kind. We visited the Terracotta Museum, following her advice to leave early in the morning. This gave us the opportunity to see this extraordinary discovery up close with fewer people. The guide was always eager to explain something to us, whether it was about the language, history, or traditions. She's a person with a golden heart, very knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. Amidst so much history, there were plenty of opportunities for calligraphy and cooking classes. Not to forget the evening at the theatre organised by Crystal, who even took the time to buy our tickets and wait for us at the theatre, even though it was already evening.The driver was truly top-notch and incredibly kind. What can I say, an unforgettable experience. more
Aug 2025, Tanja T
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Xi'an trough Crystals eyes
![]() We had the honor to explore the city together with Crystal and her driver. An amazing and heartwarming couple, always with a smile on their faces and ready to help out. Extremely knowledgeable and always with an explanation ready for us. The tour to the terracotta worriers was an unforgettable experience also thanks to our guides advice and explanations. We had the opportunity to get to know the city not only throughout museums but also trough the daily life. Been extremely happy and will certainly come back for more exploring. more
Aug 2025, Aurora P
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Tour 'Wow' Points
Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors
Your knowledgeable guide would introduce to you the secrets hidden behind the well-known museum. After that, visit a local cave dwelling and making mini clay warriors by yourselves.


Savor a Culinary Adventure in the Muslim Quarter
Challenge yourself to try some special local snacks in the Muslim Quarter. It's ok if you are only interested in the most typical and popular Xi'an food. But, you will get corresponding medals based on your food choices.


Experience the Life of Humans during the Banpo Period
Learn about the clothing, food, housing, and transportation of people during the Banpo period at Banpo Museum. Making a fire by drilling wood and learn to make and play the ceramic flute.


Travel back to the Tang Dynasty
Wear Hanfu while strolling around the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The combination of traditional Chinese attire and medieval architecture will transport you back to the Tang Dynasty.


Tell a Story with Chinese Shadow Puppetry
Chinese shadow puppetry is China's precursor to movies. Learn to dye a carved puppet and operate the puppets behind the curtain. Try to tell a story with them.


Find your Master Shifu in the Shaolin Temple
The guide will tell you how the canal made Hangzhou a vital trade center. Thanks to the canal, the city flourished through the exchange of goods, cultural ideas, and technologies.


Admire the Breathtaking Steepness and Grandeur of Mount Hua's Natural Scenery
Huashan is often referred to as one of the most dangerous mountains in the world due to its steep cliffs, narrow paths, and challenging hiking routes. Conquer it in safety under the guidance of a professional hiking guide!


Suggested Itinerary
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful school trip to Xi'an for you.
Welcome to China! Your guide, who is experienced in leading student groups, will meet you in the arrivals hall at the airport. Your group will be transferred to your hotel on our comfortable bus.
Morning:
The Terracotta Warriors is usually the top highlight of a Xi'an tour. They are located about 1 hour from Xi'an city center. Explore the main pits housing thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, which were buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Don't forget to take a picture with the warriors!
Afternoon:
Go to a local cave dwelling where a craftsman makes terracotta figures in the traditional way. You will have an opportunity to learn how to make the warriors. Try to make a little one on your own, with your host's help.
Food is another icon of Xi'an. On day 2, you will taste a different kind of local food at the Muslim Quarter. Taste Xi'an food and immerse yourself in the Muslim atmosphere, just as Marco Polo did when he arrived there 743 years ago.
Morning:
Explore China's prehistoric culture at Banpo Museum. Visit the excavated artifacts exhibition hall to learn about the clothing, food, housing, and transportation of people during the Banpo period (400–200 BCE).
Students will have the opportunity to experience making a fire by drilling wood and learn to make and play an ancient Chinese instrument.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, engage in an outdoor activity — cycling on Xi'an City Wall. Cycling on top of the wall gives you a an all-round view of the city and its surroundings. It provides a unique perspective on the city's past and present.
Morning:
This morning, put on traditional Chinese clothing. Then, begin your tour at Xi'an Museum. Explore its vast collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Xi'an, including items from the Tang Dynasty and ancient relics.
Head to Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic medieval structure. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and learn about its significance in Buddhist history. Then learn to create a model of the pagoda.
Afternoon:
Learn about Chinese shadow puppetry show at a workshop. Try your hand at dyeing a carved puppet. The teacher will show you how to operate the puppets behind the curtain. Finally, use your imagination and teamwork to collaboratively create a shadow puppetry performance.
Morning:
Get up early to take a bullet train to Luoyang, then we'll drive you to Shaolin Temple.
Shaolin Temple is shrouded in legend and mystery. The origin of martial arts and kung fu is part of the mystique of Shaolin Temple and the Shaolin monks.
Afternoon:
After walking around the main buildings of the Shaolin Temple, open the door and step into a quiet courtyard. Your "Master Shifu" is waiting for you. Learn a set of kung fu moves from your Master. Let Chinese kung fu awaken the bravery and strength in your heart.
Take a bullet train back to Xi'an after your Shaolin kung fu tour.
You will reach Huashan after a 2-hour drive. Huashan ('Number One Steepest Mountain Under Heaven') is known for its steep and challenging hiking trails, stunning cliffside paths, and breathtaking views. We will arrange round-trip cable car rides for you to save time and energy.
There are various peaks and adventures on Huashan, such as the East Peak, West Peak, South Peak, North Peak, and the Plank Walk. Choose based on your preference and fitness level.
It's time to say goodbye to Xi'an! At the designated time, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure home. Safe travels!
Hotel Selection
Selected hotels with good locations.


Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned bus with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour Code: cht-et-6