5 Days Xian Chengdu High Speed Train Tour: Terracotta Warriors & Panda

Nihao! Welcome to Xi’an, which served as the capital for 13 dynasties! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Xi’an, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Xi’an. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:

Xi'an is well-connected by air and train. The city is served by Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. You can easily reach Xi'an by air from major cities in China as well as from international destinations. Additionally, Xi'an is a major transportation hub with high-speed train connections to cities such as Beijing (4-5.5 hours), Shanghai (6-7 hours), Guangzhou (8.5-9 hours), Hangzhou (7-8 hours), Pingyao (3 hours), Chengdu (4 hours), etc, allowing for convenient travel.

Free Time Ideas:
1. Take a stroll through bustling Zhonggulou Square, where you can see the beautiful Bell and Drum Towers.
2. Explore the South Gate of the Xi'an City Wall, which is beautifully decorated and illuminated in the evening.
3. Admire the stunning musical fountain show near the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

After breakfast, you will be picked up to visit the Ancient City Wall. Xi'an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi'an's former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling (optional) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city - a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi'an's historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you've delved into the city's historical narrative, don't forget to indulge in the delicious food and experience the vivid local life. The Muslim Quarter is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture, and you can surely taste the most authentic local food there. Don't miss the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles.

After lunch, drive to visit the Xian Museum (Closed on Tuesday). It is one of the top museums in China, showcasing the 3,000-year history of Xian, the one-time capital of 13 dynasties, its economy, social life, as well as cultural exchange and trade with foreign countries. The museum is less crowded than the Shaanxi History Museum. The famous architect Zhang Jinqiu, who also designed the Shaanxi History Museum, designed this building. Its architectural design symbolizes the traditional Chinese concept of the universe - a round heaven and a square earth. With more than 110,000 pieces of cultural relics, including bronze wares, jade wares, gold and silver wares, three-color glazed wares, painting and calligraphy, miscellaneous wares, seals, Buddhist statues, stone carvings, porcelains, etc., the Xian Museum has achieved a wide reputation and popularity for its historical and cultural value. In fact, the Xian Museum is made up of an exhibition hall, the site of the Jianfu Temple in the Tang Dynasty, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

Before entering the Xian Museum, you can enjoy a nice view of Jianfu Temple and its Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The Jianfu Temple used to be a royal temple of the Tang Dynasty (destroyed by war) and was rebuilt during Ming and Qing dynasties. The logo of the Xian Museum is designed based on the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, which shows the long history of the Xian Museum and the profound Chinese culture.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda (World Heritage) is one of the two famous and important Buddhist pagodas erected in the Tang Dynasty about 1,300 years ago. It was named after its larger predecessor, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, 5km away (which you will visit this afternoon). The two pagodas were a symbol of Chang'an (means constant peace). Xian (means west peace) was called Chang'an until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was originally 15 stories tall, but a big earthquake in 1556 reduced it to its current 13 stories. The 13-story structure later suffered countless other earthquakes, yet it is still remarkably well-preserved. Today, "Morning Bell of Small Wild Goose Pagoda" is listed as one of the "Eight Sights of Central Shaanxi Province"

Following is a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, which is one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple, is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. While at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) and capture memorable moments in Hanfu.

As evening falls, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which showcases the life and times of the Tang Dynasty. The light show is decorated with structures, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that transports you back to the times of the Tang Dynasty, providing a magical experience of walking through time.

Optional activities:
1) Rent a bike cycling on the Ancient City Wall;
2) Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show with or without Dumpling Banquet.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses: an army of around 9,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this "underground military museum," you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. The second shock is that the faces of thousands of Terracotta Warriors are still vivid, despite the passage of more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, with distinct postures, hairstyles, and armor, making them seem to come back to life in the next moment.

During your visit, a knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three and provide valued explanations and insights that you might not get from simply observing the sculptures on your own. Afterward, you will have a rare opportunity to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. This will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques of the Qin Dynasty as well as gain a deeper understanding of how terracotta warriors were made.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3.5-4 hours). Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to your hotel in Chengdu downtown area.

After breakfast, you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Also called Chengdu Panda Base, accommodated over 100 pandas, it is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world. You will see giant pandas of different ages there. It’s great fun to watch them playing, eating, climbing, sleeping… If you come in autumn, you will have the chance to see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, you can also meet the cute red pandas walking by your side in the Red Panda Playgrounds. Then follow your guide to discover more about panda’s secrets through the Panda Museum. (Note: Pandas like cool weather, so we advise you to arrive there early as pandas are more active in the morning.)

Later, be transferred to the ancient Buddhist monastery in Chengdu - Wenshu Monastery to feel thousand years of history. Pay a visit to Chengdu’s Renmin Park to witness the city’s leisurely lifestyle and how the local people are doing. Order a cup of fragrant green tea while sitting in the He Ming tea house, chat with your friends and see locals playing mahjong and having fun. After that, return to Chengdu downtown for a relaxing stroll at Jinli Old Street. With a history over 1,800 years, it showcases the profound cultures of Ancient Shu Kingdom. Take a nice walk on the traditional stone-paved street full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc. (Optional Activity: Try some local spicy dishes such as hot pot, chuanchuan, dandan noodles, or even get out of your comfort zone and try some rabbit's head!) After the tour, you will be escorted to a hotel in downtown.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:
1) Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics (usually from 20:00 to 21:30).
2) Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu (18:00~23:30).

It is time to end your 5-day Xi'an Chengdu tour. You will have some free time in Chengdu and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia!