4 Days Xian Panorama Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

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 drive back downtown 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 escorted to a well-selected hotel in downtown Xi'an. The rest of the day is free for you to either rest and recover from jet lag or explore the area around your hotel on your own.

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.

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.

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.

In this morning, your local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a memorable trip to Mount Huashan, located 118km away and about 1.5-2 hours' drive. Mount Huashan, also known as Huashan Mountain, one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism and is famous for its steep and narrow paths, as well as its stunning natural scenery. It is home to five peaks and has long been considered the most precipitous mountain in China, with its sheer granite rock face, rugged cliffs, and deep valleys.

Route: the most leisure way to explore Mount Hua: the Cable Car - West Peak - South Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - East Peak - Middle Peak - West Peak - Cable Car route (4-5 hours, the leisure hiking route)

Upon arrival, you'll board a tourist bus to the West Peak Cableway station, where a cable car will take you directly to the summit area of Mount Huashan. Suspended over 900 meters above the valley, the West Peak Cable Car offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys - an experience you won’t want to miss. Your first stop is West Peak, also known as Lotus Peak for its unique shape, formed by a massive rock. It’s steep and awe-inspiring. From there, a 30-minute walk takes you to South Peak, the highest point on Mount Huashan, offering a panoramic view of the other four peaks.

Descending 15 minutes from South Peak, you’ll encounter the famous Plank Road in the Sky, a thrilling and narrow path built along a vertical cliff, considered one of the most dangerous paths in the world. After this adventure, continue hiking for about 40 minutes to reach East Peak, known for its breathtaking views, ancient trees, and attractions like Sparrow Hawk Turning Over and the Chess Playing Pavilion.

Spend around 40 minutes exploring East Peak before heading back to the West Peak Cableway station via a different trail near Central Peak. Take the cable car down, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Xian.

Route: the most challenging way to explore Mount Hua: the Cable Car - North Peak - Canglongling - Middle Peak - East Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - South Peak - West Peak - Cable Car route

First, you will take a park bus from the tourist center to the foot of the North Peak of Mount Hua, which takes approximately 20 minutes. And then, take the cable car directly to the North Peak (about 10 minutes). At North Peak (also Cloud Terrace Peak) on the platform, you can have a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole mountain and other four peaks.

After enjoying the panoramic view from the North Peak, continue your hike along the famous "Dragon's Back" trail, which winds through the rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the green pines and white clouds of Mount Huashan. Later, you will reach the Golden Lock Pass, where you can admire the beautiful scenery of countless red ropes and colorful strings, representing layers of locks for love and peace, hanging on the iron chain on both sides of the path. From there, continue on to the Middle Peak and hike for about 40 minutes to reach the East Peak (the best spot for watching the sunrise). And, the most thrilling and challenging activity of the hike is yet to come - the "Plank Road in the Sky". This section of the trail is considered the world's most dangerous hiking trail due to its knife-blade ridges, precipitous crags, and steep and narrow paths. (Note: It's important to note that walking through the Changkong Plank Road and completing the round trip takes about 0.5-1 hour. However, it's an optional activity, and it's not recommended for those who are not experienced hikers or are afraid of heights.)

Later, you will get to the South Peak which is the highest peak of Mount Huashan (2154.9 meters). It is a good spot to take photos with breathtaking scenery. After the happy time, you will hike for 30 minutes to the West Peak (also called Lotus Flower Peak). This place is the best spot with the most gorgeous scenery. Visit to see Cuiyun Palace and Fupi Stone, and listen to the legendary story about Chenxiang, the main character in the movie Lotus Lantern, who ripped Mount Huashan to save his mother, the Heavenly Goddess San Sheng Mu. Afterward, walk for approximately 20 minutes to the West Peak Cableway Station, where you'll take a cable car to descend the mountain. The cable car ride takes about 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the peaks and valleys of Mount Huashan, providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery one last time before leaving the mountain.

After the Mount Hua tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Xian.

Important Travel & Hiking Tips:
1) It is recommended to bring your own food and drinks while hiking as the supply on the mountain is limited. 2) The Plank Road in the Sky may be temporarily closed due to maintenance or extreme weather conditions. 3) Visitors may have to queue up for hours during peak season to enter the Plank Road. 4) If you are interested in experiencing this thrilling hike, it is advisable to depart from Xi'an early and plan your hiking route and pace accordingly.

Today is free for you until you are escorted to catch your flight or train to leave Xi'an.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again on your next trip to China/Asia. Have a safe journey!