Discover the Splendid Ancient Xian
4-Day Xi'an Ancient Relics Tour
This 4-day tour covers not only the must-see attractions in Xi'an but also includes the discovery of other historical relics. Be amazed by the ancient culture of the Tang Dynasty at Qianling Tomb and Famen Temple.
Tour Highlights
- Have a silent conversation with the Terracotta Warriors
- Learn feng shui at Qianling Tomb, the mausoleum of the only ruling empress in Chinese history
- Admire the tallest Buddhist pagoda and treasures at Famen Temple
- Discover the city's highlights at the City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
About China Highlights
Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"
2.5 days in Xian
Helen helped with a quickly arranged Covid test at a local centre to smooth future travel. Next day was the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Mosque. Amazing history and not too crowded with plenty of time to explore with excellent local restaurant for dumpling lunch . Helen went through loads of background info at each site adding to the experience and assisted with bartering at the markets. The final day required a late switch of museum and to the little wild goose pagoda which Helen organized efficiently and also played museum guide, I’m not sure what she doesn’t know about Chinese history. Helen was also helpful with our individual onward travel plan changes and our obsession with coffee. more
Suggested Itinerary
After your flight lands, you will be met by your tour guide at the airport's arrival hall and transferred to your hotel by a comfortable private car and driver. Have a sound sleep and prepare to explore the ancient capital city.
Accommodation in Xi'an: 4-star: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an / 5-star: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Needless to say, the Terracotta Army is a huge highlight of Xi'an. you will be driven for about one hour to the outskirts of Xi'an where you can admire the notable Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These incredible underground life-sized soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots represent the army that triumphed over other Chinese armies, being the decisive factor in forming a united China in ancient times.
After that, you will visit the symbolic structure of Xi'an — Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built over 1,000 years ago, it houses precious Buddhist materials that were brought back from India by the monk known as Xuanzang.
Accommodation in Xi'an: 4-star: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an / 5-star: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
To avoid crowds at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses site, we suggest that customers have a big breakfast and visit an attraction in the morning, then arrive there at about 12pm. You can continue to explore it with fewer crowds because lots of people have lunch during that period.
Then you can choose to have a picnic lunch at Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park, which is the neighbor of the Terracotta Warriors, or drive for about 30 minutes to a local restaurant on the way to the downtown area of the city.
Qianling Tomb is the joint burial place of Emperor Tang Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, and includes the remains of other members of the royal family. Its highlights include its many stone statues from the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and mural paintings that decorate the walls of the tomb.
About one hour's drive from Qianling Tomb is Maoling Mausoleum. It is the biggest of all the imperial mausoleums from the Western Han Dynasty. The complex has several attractions including Maoling Mausoleum, the Tomb of Huo Qubing, and Maoling Ruins Protection Area. Famen Temple has a history of 1,700 years. This Buddhist temple dates far back to 67 AD and has a 13-storied brick pagoda. This pagoda collapsed in the rain in August, 1981, and revealed a 1,000-year-old underground vault filled with 2,400 treasures of the Tang and previous dynasties, which had been given as offerings.
These included gold and silver utensils, glazed wares, porcelain, pearls, precious stones, and textiles, as well as religious items. The biggest treasure is a finger bone of Buddha, which was offered to the Emperor of China during the Tang Dynasty.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your Xi'an hotel.
Accommodation in Xi'an: 4-star: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an / 5-star: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
You will move on to the Ancient City Wall and take a cycling trip there to hear history's echo.
Xi'an City is divided into an inner and an outer part, enclosed by the Ancient City Wall. Its construction began in 194 BC, witnessing history throughout the years. It is massive, being both tall and long, stretching along for about 14 kilometers. Besides walking, cycling on the wall is a good choice to enjoy some good views. Then visit Shaanxi History Museum to see historical relics.
As your Xi'an tour concludes, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Your tour guide will assist you and accompany you to the security check before waving goodbye.
Xi'an ancient city wallTrip Notes
Snacks in Xi'an
Xi'an is a paradise of wheaten food. It is fun to forage for snacks in a local food street. We recommend Muslim Quarter, which offers Muslim food, and Yongxingfang Food Street, which provides traditional food from Shaanxi Province and is near to the east gate of the Ancient City Wall.
These snacks are recommended:
- Shaanxi sandwich (la zhi rou jia mo)
- Cold noodles (liang pi)
- Dumplings stuffed with hot gravy at Jia Brothers' Restaurant (Jia San guan tang bao)
- Bread soaked in mutton soup (yang rou pao mo)
- Various noodles
Optional Activities
The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show, either with or without the inclusion of the Dumpling Banquet, is the most popular show in Xi'an.
It must be clearly understood that enjoying these extras is your own decision. They are not included in the itinerary or tour price, so you will need to pay for them separately. The ticket price depends on the seating arrangement. Ask your guide to book tickets if you want to see the show (and banquet).
Tour Price
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