5 Days Impressive China Ancient City Tour to Xian & Pingyao

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, 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 8,000 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, an 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 lunch, drive back downtown to visit 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.

After breakfast, head 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 the tour, you will be taken to the Xian North Railway Station for a high speed train to Pingyao Ancient City (about 3 hours). Welcome to Pingyao, the best-preserved ancient walled city in China listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will pick you up at Pingyao Gucheng Railway Station and escort you to your hotel in Pingyao Ancient City.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to to spend one full day exploring Pingyao Ancient City. Known as one of the “Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities”, the ancient town of Pingyao, with a history over 2800 years, is an outstanding example of a Han Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. First, pay a visit to Rishengchang Former Bank which is the first draft bank in China, and you can have basic understanding the original bank system in the past. Later, walk leisurely to the Armed Escort Company Museum to know the protection of the tangible currency and top 10 escort companies and top 10 guards. After that, have a nice stroll on the most prosperous traditional Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, taking you back to the former bustle bazaar in the old days. Then, visit the Temple of City God to appreciate the wonderful wood carvings, paintings and sculptures in the old temple. Last, get atop on the Ancient City Wall and have a glimpse of the roofs of the ancient buildings. If you come at dusk, you can capture the sunset view of the Ancient City Wall.

In this morning, you will be transferred to the Shuanglin Temple (about 9km from the ancient city), which is reputed as the “ancient painted sculptures museum” and it has more than 2000 existing painted sculptures made in Ming and Qing dynasties. Visit its Heavenly Kings’ Hall, Arhats Hall, One-thousand Buddha Hall, Sakyamuni Hall, etc. You will get shocked by its exquisite design and elegant carvings.

Then, drive about an hour (about 46km) from Shuanglin Temple to Wang Family Compound. It is the former residence of the Wang Family and it was the biggest and most classic residential family compound in Shanxi province for over 300 years. It is a huge complex at the layout of “three alleys, four castles and five ancestral halls”, with 123 courtyards and 1,118 rooms. The structure of the compound embodied the different status of men and women, masters and servants. Walk into this architectural art museum and fully explore Gaojiaya Dwelling Area and Hongmenbao Dwelling Area.

After the tour, it is time to end your 5 days China ancient city tour. You will have some free time in Pingyao and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport in Taiyuan/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!