4 Days Xian World Heritage Tour with Culture Experiences

Nihao! Welcome to Xi’an, which served as the capital for 13 dynasties! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Xian, 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.

As the sun sets, it is highly recommended to explore the local life around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). The Muslim Quarter, over 1,000 years old, is located just behind the Drum Tower, about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the evening light are breathtaking sights to behold. Both ancient structures that date back to the Ming Dynasty (600 years ago) are beautifully illuminated, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing amazing Xian landmark photos where ancient history meets modernity in perfect harmony. Before entering Muslim Street, you may have the chance to view the music fountain and square dancing near the Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), immersing yourself in the colorful nightlife of Xian like a local.

The Muslim Quarter (Muslim Bazaar) is a paradise mixed with mouthwatering local snacks and unique Muslim culture. Xian is the Starting Point of the Silk Road and Muslim Quarter is one of the must-visit attractions for you to find the Silk Road marks. Don't miss the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles. To watch the Shaanxi Shadow Play, a visit to Gao's Grand Courtyard is highly recommend. Besides, as one of the best-preserved traditional residential courtyards in Xi'an, Gao's Grand Courtyard (open from 8:30am to 22:30pm) itself is worth a visit ,too.

At the Gao's Grand Courtyard, you can attend cultural classes in either Chinese calligraphy or painting (optional). Calligraphy and paintings have been valuable treasures of Chinese culture throughout the ages. With the guidance of interpreters, you can practice Chinese calligraphy or create your own paper-cutting works, which will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese folk culture.

Optional Cultural Experience:
Watching Shaanxi Shadow Play is one of the top things to do in Xi'an (inside Gao's Grand Courtyard). Listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Shadow Puppetry is an ancient entertainment/movie that dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 8AD) over 2,000 years ago. It is said that shadow play originated when the favorite concubine of Emperor Han Wudi (156BC - 87BC) died. Han Wudi was heartsick of his empress Li, so an advisor Shaowen invented a way to see the late Empress' spirit through shadows. By the way, Emperor Han Wudi’s father is Emperor Han Jingdi (188BC-141BC), the one buried in the Hanyang Mausoleum (you will visit it on Day 4).
Chinese Shadow Play (Shadow Puppetry, Lighting Play) is a type of folk drama that tells stories and legends through the manipulation of cut-out figures made of animal skins or cardboard. You can see the puppeteers hiding behind the translucent screen while controlling the shadow puppets and humming local tunes to tell stories. Accompanied by the sound of traditional percussion and string instruments, the Shaanxi Shadow Play has a strong local flavor. Contact us if you need help with ticket booking and more.

Arrival Ideas:
Xi'an is well-connected by air and train. The city is served by Xian Xianyang 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, head to explore the Ancient City Wall in downtown Xian. After a wonderful visit on the City Wall, it is time to admire “the Eighth Wonder of the World” - the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (world Heritage). Today, you will enjoy two cultural activities - a local family visit for Xian food culture and Terracotta Warriors DIY for the pottery experience.

In the morning, you can relax on the Xian City Wall, the only complete ancient city wall in China. Built-in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty (over 600 years ago), it encloses the 36 square kilometers old Xian city center and is the only fortification in China still as an unbroken rectangular circuit. The wall stands between modern Xian and the old city center, witnessing the transformation from a defense system to a city playground. You can take a leisurely walk on the Ancient City Wall to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Nowadays, the City Wall Cycling tour has become popular with locals and tourists. You can rent a bike and cycle on the City Wall (Optional & Self-pay), which offers a panoramic view of the city - a testament to Xi'an's historical significance and modern vibrancy.

Then, visit a local family and know more about Xian food culture, you would love to communicate with them while learning to make Chinese dumplings or cook some Xian family dishes. Xi'an, located in Shaanxi Province, is famous for its delicious and unique cuisine, which includes many dishes made from wheat powder such as dumplings, Biang Biang Noodles, Roujiamo, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup...

After lunch, drive about 50km (about 1hour) to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can see 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 (259BC - 210BC), 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 time to sit down and create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. With the Terracotta Warrior DIY experience, you will get more idea about how ancient people made the warriors and the culture related to the pottery. After making your own Terracotta Warrior by hand step by step, I'm sure you'll be impressed by the wisdom, craftsmanship, and techniques of the Qin Dynasty (221BC - 206BC). Finally, you can choose to head to Huaqing Palace (Huaqing Pool) for the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" show or back to downtown Xian for the "Chang'an Impression - Tang Dynasty Grand Welcoming Ceremony" show for a further experience of the Tang Dynasty culture. (Note: You can choose to either head back to your hotel directly for a good rest or attend the evening show of your preference before returning to your hotel for the night.)

Optional Cultural Experiences:

1.The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (70min, start around 20:10pm)
It is a large-scale live-action show that tells the story of one of the most famous love stories in Chinese history between Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Longji and his beloved concubine Yang Yuhuan. The show features a cast of over 200 performers on the stage that set on a lake, surrounded by mountains, and the lighting effects add to the magical atmosphere. This must-see show will transport you back to the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), where love, beauty, and poetry reign supreme. (Note: Due to its popularity, it's advisable to book this show as early as possible.)

2.Chang'an Impression - Tang Dynasty Grand Welcoming Ceremony (70min, start around 20:00pm)
It is a large-scale outdoor theatrical performance held at the South Gate of Xian Ancient City Wall. If you're interested in learning more about Xi'an's history and experiencing Chinese traditional culture, Xian regional culture, city wall culture, and ancient welcoming culture, this show should be your first choice. You will be part of a breathtaking ancient celebration from the Tang Dynasty: the Grand Welcoming Celebration. "City officials" in Tang Dynasty costumes will greet you, and when the suspension bridge is slowly lowered, you'll cross the bridge and step back in time. (Note: Make sure to book in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly.)

This morning, 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".

Then, move to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Big Wild Goose Pagoda) for a Hanfu Costume Experience. Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, the predominant ethnic group of China for thousands of years. Hanfu is a significant symbol of Chinese civilization, and different stages of Hanfu's development correspond to different Chinese dynasties. Choose your preferred Hanfu and wear it to walk around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda like the people from the Tang Dynasty. Traditional Hanfu fashion is in vogue now, and you will encounter many locals wearing beautiful Hanfu as you stroll through the courtyards, taking beautiful photos. Enjoy your Hanfu cultural tour inside the ancient buildings while gaining a better understanding of Hanfu, Chinese history, and culture.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (World Heritage), built about 1,370 years ago, is one of Xian's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This 7-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. Your guide can provide more information about Xuanzang, who set off from Chang'an (the ancient Xi'an) along the Silk Road, spent 17 years traversing 100 countries, and finally arrived in India, the cradle of Buddhism.

As evening falls, you won't want to miss the Largest Musical Fountain in Asia, located at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain is controlled by a computer, and the fountains shoot streams of water that vary in height and shape in accordance with the rhythm of music (Water Phantom of Tang). The night view is especially breathtaking when the fountain is illuminated by LED lights.

After enjoying the "dance of water", it's time to visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which is located south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and west of Tang Paradise. It is a 1,500-meter-long pedestrian street themed with Tang Dynasty culture, featuring buildings with Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) architecture and sculptures telling Tang stories. You can enjoy street performances, a variety of Xi'an food, and shopping here. It creates an immersive atmosphere to take you back to Tang Dynasty, providing a magical experience of walking through time. The best time to visit is at night, after the lights are lit up and people start to gather for fun. It is a place where people can embrace old and new cultures.

This morning, you will head to the Hanyangling Mausoleum and Hanyangling Museum, which are 20 km away from Xian Airport. Hanyangling is the tomb of Emperor Han Jingdi (188BC - 141BC), the sixth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 8AD), and his Empress Wang. (By the way, as mentioned on Day 1, Chinese Shadow Play appeared in the Western Han Dynasty. It is said that Emperor Han Jingdi's son - Emperor Han Wudi (156BC - 87BC) helped to originate Chinese Shadow Puppetry.)

Famed as the “Miniature Terracotta Warriors”, Hanyangling is one of the largest and best-preserved Han Dynasty (206BC - 220AD) tombs in China. Hanyangling is much less crowded than the Terracotta Warriors, making it a nice place to enjoy a quiet lesson in archaeology. You can learn more about the Western Han emperor's funeral system, which was the epitome of economic prosperity, military power, and material wealth during the Western Han Dynasty. The Western Han (206BC - 9AD) and the Eastern Han (25 - 220AD) are the two major periods of the Han Dynasty which was named after the Han River and is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of China. As the Han Dynasty (206BC - 220AD) came after the fall of the Qin Dynasty (221BC - 206BC), it is of great interest to compare Hanyangling with the Terracotta Warriors (Mausoleum of China's First Emperor - Qinshihuang), as both Qinshihuang and Han Jingdi are considered the two greatest rulers in Chinese history. Emperor Han Jingdi's burial place comprises burial pits, and you can walk above ongoing excavations.

In the Hanyangling Museum, you will see some 40,000 excavated miniature clay figures of animals, warriors, and officials. They are only 1/3 the size of real people and most of them have the same figure, face, and hairstyle. Different from the solemn, vigorous, and life-size Terracotta Warriors of Qinshihuang, the terracotta army of Hanyangling appears more leisurely, and there even consists of a group of comely and well-proportioned women who are peaceful and calm. There are also some with prominent cheekbones and strange features, who should be members of a different ethnic group at the time. During the reign of Emperor Han Jingdi, the Han economy developed rapidly after the turmoil at the end of the Qin Dynasty. So he is remembered as a capable emperor in Chinese history, and together with his father Emperor Han Wendi, opened a golden era of harmony in the early feudal society, which was later regarded as “the Great Reign of Wen and Jing”.

After the visit, it is time to end your 4-day Xian tour. You will be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore more around China and other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!

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