Flights
Not included
Accomodation
4-star hotel
Transportation
Private vehicle
Group Size
Minimum 7
Arrival City
Xian
Departure City
Xian
Best season
Autumn
Guiding method
Local tour guide
Language
English

Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road and the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty is a city rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks. This makes it one of the top popular destinations in China for travelers from all over the world. An 8-day tour of the Silk Road capital allows visitors to experience the city’s top tourist attractions, must-visit places, and favorite sites. From the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter to the ancient imperial landmarks; there is something for everyone in this diverse and captivating city. This virtual tour will provide you with trip itineraries, insights into Xian’s lifestyle and culture, and recommendations for gastronomy, ensuring you make the most of your journey through Xian.

Exploring Unmissable Must-Visit Sites in Xian

Xian is home to some of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions; each with its own unique charm and historical significance. Thus, one of the must-visit sites in Xian is the Terracotta Army Museum. Here thousands of life-sized statues were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife. Hence, this army of intricately crafted statues is a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient China. Wander through the pits and learn about the history behind this incredible archaeological discovery.

Furthermore, Xian hosts countless must-visit places, each offering its own distinct experience. Apart from the well-known tourist attractions like the Terracotta Army, and the Drum Tower; several other noteworthy sites should not be missed during your 8-day tour of the Tang Dynasty´s capital. Stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors and explore the city walls.

Discovering Top Tourist Attractions

Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood filled with delectable street snacks. This world-famous top attraction of Xian is a commercial street located in the central part of Xian. Additionally, it is close to the Bell and Drum Towers. There are ten mosques in the area. The biggest one is the Great Mosque, which it is listed as a state-level protected heritage for its traditional buildings and religious significance.

In the past few decades, Xi’an Muslim Quarter has become a well-known tourist attraction site, famous for its culture and food. As part the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is one of the largest premodern mosques in China. Although it was first built in 742 AD during the Tang dynasty, it was however significantly rebuilt in 1384 AD during Emperor Hongwu‘s reign of the Ming dynasty.

As one of the few ancient China’s imperial cities, Xian offers its visitors a endless opportunities to delve deeper into Chinese history and culture. In addition to the Terracotta Army, take a stroll along the ancient city wall. Then, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and try some delicious local cuisine.

Stay tuned for our upcoming section, where we will explore the fascinating lifestyle, culture, and gastronomy of Xian.

Immersing in the Vibrant Lifestyle and Culture of Xian

As you embark on your 8-day tour of Xian, where ancient wonders await, it is not only the ancient monuments that will captivate you; but also the vibrant lifestyle and rich culture of this fascinating city. From bustling markets to traditional performances; there are endless opportunities to delve deeper into the local traditions and immerse yourself in the daily lives of the Chinese people.

Xian offers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Tang Dynasty show; where dazzling costumes, mesmerizing music, and graceful dance performances bring ancient traditions to life. Delve deeper into Chinese culture by attending a calligraphy class or learning the art of Chinese paper cutting.

Indulging into the Xian´s Gastronomy Scene

No trip to the City of Eternal Peace would be complete without indulging in the mouthwatering delights of its renowned cuisine. From aromatic street food to elaborate banquets, Xian´s gastronomy is a feast for all senses. Moreover, Xian is home to the world-famous Muslim Quarter. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in delectable street snacks. Also lamb skewers and roujiamo, a savory meat sandwich.

To truly understand the culture behind the Tang Dynasty´s capital city´s cuisine, consider taking a cooking class. Moreover, learn the art of dumpling-making or master the technique of stir-frying. Also, these hands-on experiences will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a deeper connection to the vibrant culinary tradition.

These are just a few of the many favorite sites and activities you can explore during your Xian tour. Stay tuned for our next section. We will then outline the perfect itinerary for your 8-day tour of Xian, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring these incredible destinations.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Uncovering the Wonders of the Silk Road Capital

Crafting Your Perfect Trip Itinerary in the Silk Road Capital

Now that we have tantalized your taste buds with a preview of what awaits you in Xian’s gastronomy scene, it’s time to delve into the details of crafting the perfect 8-day itinerary for your trip.

With so much to see and experience in the western capital of China, it’s essential to plan your days strategically to make the most of your time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture and design lover, or foodie, Xian has something for everyone. So, make sure to include as many as possible of the unmissable must-visit places and must-do activities in your 8-day tour for a truly unforgettable experience. With this carefully planned itinerary, you will have the opportunity to experience the rich history, culture, and gastronomy of Xian’s top destinations.

Unforgettable Memories from Chang’ an, the City of Eternal Peace

Besides being the starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient Xian is also known as Chang´ an, meaning the City of Eternal Peace. It was the capital city of the Tang Dynasty, and as such, considered as the heart of the Chinese civilization. With so many incredible tourist attractions to discover, it’s no wonder that Xian is a top destination for travelers.

In conclusion, Xian´s 8-day tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore some of the city’s top tourist attractions. From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the distinctive Muslim Quarter, there is so much to see and experience. But a trip to Xian is not just about visiting famous landmarks. The city’s rich lifestyle, culture, and gastronomy are equally captivating.

In our next virtual tour, we will dive into the vibrant lifestyle and cultural experiences that await you in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. We will also explore the diverse gastronomic delights that will indulge your taste buds throughout your journey. So, stay tuned for an immersive and unforgettable travel experience in China!

Trip Highlights

Shaanxi History Museum – Chinese paper cutting.
The Terracotta Warriors & Horses /Army Museum – Huaqing Palace & Imperial Hot Springs
Giant or Big Wild Goose Pagoda – The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
Xian Great Mosque – Muslim Quarter – Starting point of the Silk Road
Xian Ancient City Wall – Bell Tower – Drum Tower – Traditional Dumpling Dinner – Tang Dynasty Show
One-day trip to the City of Luoyang

Day 1 :

Arrival in Xian and transfer to hotel

Day 2 :

Shaanxi History Museum – Chinese paper cutting.

- Shaanxi History Museum is one of the first if not the first large-scale state museums with modern facilities in China. It houses a huge number of items, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects. It was built between 1983 and 2001 and traces the Tang Dynasty´s architectural style.
- Lean Chinese Paper cutting class (2 hours) in one of the ateliers in Xian (upon the supplementary cost of 75€)

Day 3 :

The Terracotta Warriors & Horses /Army Museum – Huaqing Palace & Imperial Hot Springs

- The Terracotta Army Museum, also known as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is said to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World” is by far considered as the top #1 highlight of Xian´s overall attractions. The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting him in his afterlife. The figures were accidentally discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi'an.
- Huaqing Hot Springs, also known as the Huaqing Palace is a Tang Dynasty style palace with imperial hot springs, located 25 km outside Xian city, at the northern foot of Lishan or Mount Li. The palace is not far from the Terracotta location and is thought to become famous because it witnessed a true imperial love story between the emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, that became later his wife.

Day 4 :

Giant or Big Wild Goose Pagoda – The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

- Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is a monumental Buddhist pagoda, originally built in 649 during the Tang Dynasty and renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of its functions was to store the Buddhist scripts brought to China from India. The pagoda was added to the World Heritage List, along with many other sites along the Silk Road, as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" site in 2014.
- The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City is about a 1.5 km long pedestrian street, in the vicinity of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda filled with buildings depicting the Tang Dynasty´s architectural style and featuring Tang epoch´s events and stories through sculptures and street performances. At the same time, it is a shopping street for locals and tourists alike.

Day 5 :

Xian Great Mosque – Muslim Quarter – Starting point of the Silk Road

- Visit Xian Great Mosque: The Great Mosque of Xi'an is one of the largest premodern mosques in China. Although it was first built in the year 742 AD during the Tang dynasty, it was significantly rebuilt in 1384 AD during Emperor Hongwu's reign of the Ming Dynasty
- The world-famous Muslim Quarter: The Xi'an Muslim Quarter is a commercial street located in the central part of Xian. It is close to the Bell and Drum Towers. There are ten mosques in the area. The biggest one is the Great Mosque, which is listed as a state-level protected heritage for its traditional buildings and religious significance. In the past few decades, Xi'an Muslim Quarter has become a well-known tourist attraction site, famous for its culture and food.
- Starting point of the Silk Road: we drop by what is commonly thought to be the very starting point of the Silk Road

Day 6 :

Xian Ancient City Wall – Bell Tower – Drum Tower – Tang Dynasty Banquet, incl Traditional Dumpling Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show at the Tang Dynasty Palace

- Xian Ancient City Wall is about 600 years old, around 14 km long, 12 m high and 18 m wide. Along the Wall there are 4 gates. It is nowadays located at the very center of Xia and is considered one of the most important landmarks, and therefore, attracts tourists worldwide.
- Bell Tower: the Xian Bell Tower is most probably the biggest and best-preserved bell tower in China. It served as a control and alerting tower. Nowadays it is one of Xian city´s most iconic landmarks.
- Drum Tower is located next door to the Bell Tower at only about 200 m away. It was built during the Ming Dynasty in around 1380. Nowadays, it is a museum housing several collections of drums and cultural historic relics and items. The Muslim Quarter is located just a few meters for the Dum Tower.
- Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Banquet, including both a Dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty show at the world-famous Tang Dynasty Palace. The Dumpling is the traditional specialty of Xian. The dinner will be served at the Palace Restaurant, next to the theater where the show will be presented (upon the supplementary cost of 70€, including the dinner and the show)

Day 7 :

One-day trip to the City of Luoyang

One-day trip to the City of Luoyang
NOTE: To implement the day trip to Luoyang, a minimum of 7 participants is required.

Day 8 :

Departure – End of the tour – End of our services