7 Days Ultimate Shaanxi Tour: Ancient Xi'an, Wild North & Mt. Hua

Welcome to Xi'an - China's 13-dynasty ancient capital! Our team will greet you at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport or Xi'an North Railway Station for a smooth transfer to your downtown hotel.

Then we'll visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, which is one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the Tang Dynasty. 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 capturing 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 admire "the Eighth Wonder of the World": the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, then explore the Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter in downtown Xian. Today, you will enjoy cultural activities - Terracotta Warriors DIY for the pottery experience.

In the morning, drive about 40km (about 1hour) to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. 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.

During your visit, a knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three, and provide valuable 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. 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.

In the afternoon, you can relax on the 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 with an unbroken rectangular circuit.

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, explore the local life around the bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). 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 the Muslim Quarter is one of the must-visit attractions for you to find the Silk Road marks.

Morning: Drive to Yucha Grand Canyon

After breakfast, we leave Xi'an for Yucha Grand Canyon, a 300km journey that takes 4-5 hours by car. The drive crosses the Loess Plateau, where you'll see terraced farmlands, traditional cave dwellings and open rural scenery— a stark contrast to Xi'an's busy city vibe.

Afternoon: Light Hiking at Yucha Grand Canyon

Known as China's Antelope Canyon, this spot is named a Loess Plateau natural crack wonder by National Geographic. Shaped by ancient earthquakes and millions of years of rain erosion, it's made up of four unique gorges: Longba Gou, Huabao Gou, Nanhe Gou and Huashu Gou.

Walk the narrow sandstone cracks to see Danxia landforms with flowing lines and light-shifting hues. Flat wooden boardwalks mean easy hiking for all ages, and every corner is perfect for photography.

Local Guide's Practical Tips

• Best photo time: 11:00-14:00, when direct sunlight brings out the canyon's full color palette
• Pack a long-sleeve windbreaker (big temperature gap inside and outside the canyon) and waterproof shoe covers
• We check the weather in advance and adjust the itinerary if heavy rain closes the scenic area
• Use a wide-angle lens and wear light-colored clothes for striking photos against the red rock

We then drive 70km (1-2 hours) to Yan'an and check into a well-selected comfortable hotel for a relaxing rest.

Morning: Journey to China's "Burning Earth"

After a fresh breakfast, we head to Jingbian Wave Valley (approx. 1.5 hours). This isn't just a rock formation; it's a 150-million-year-old masterpiece often called "Earth's Fingerprint." While Arizona has its famous stripes, Jingbian glows with a deep, fiery red that looks like frozen ocean waves or a landscape from another planet.

Afternoon: A Stroll Through Time and Sandstone

Spend your afternoon wandering through these surreal red swells. Formed from Jurassic-era sand dunes and sculpted by eons of wind and water, the textures here are incredibly delicate. You'll explore undulating ridges, narrow slot canyons, and hidden blue-green lakes that create a stunning contrast against the crimson stone.

The trails are gentle and easy, making it a relaxing walk for all ages. Whether you are an avid photographer or just looking for a quiet escape, the lack of crowds and the vast sky make this a truly meditative experience. Every turn reveals a new pattern, ensuring your photos look like scenes from a movie.

After chasing the "golden hour" light across the rocks, we'll drive back to Yan'an for a restful evening. Get some sleep—tomorrow, we head to the roaring Hukou Waterfall!

After breakfast, we head from Yan'an to Hukou Waterfall, the world's largest yellow waterfall on the Yellow River. This iconic spot is all about raw, unbridled natural power - one of Northern Shaanxi's most unforgettable sights.

The wide, calm Yellow River suddenly narrows into a 30-meter gorge and plunges down with immense force. Its crash rumbles like constant thunder, and golden spray fills the air, often forming bright rainbows in the sunlight.

Stand here to experience the famous "river pouring from the sky": feel the mist on your skin and the vibration in your chest, a truly awe-inspiring moment with nature.

After exploring the waterfall, we drive to the foot of Mt. Hua and check into a nearby hotel for the night. Staying close puts you ahead of the next day's day-trip crowds, making your Huashan hike far more relaxed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Pack a disposable raincoat, small towel, change of clothes and waterproof phone case- the mist soaks everything!
• Wear dark clothing to hide water and mud splatters easily
• Choose sturdy non-slip shoes; flip-flops and thin sandals are not recommended on the slippery ground

After breakfast, our team will pick you up for a 2-hour drive to Mount Hua. Known for its massive granite cliffs and deep valleys, it is often called the "most precipitous mountain in China." To make the most of your day, we offer two distinct ways to explore the summits.

Route A: Leisure Hiking Route (4-5 hours)

Cable Car - West Peak - South Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - East Peak - Middle Peak - West Peak - Cable Car

Upon arrival, take a tourist bus to West Peak Cableway Station and board the cable car to the summit area. Hanging over 900 meters above the valley, the cable car offers great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Your first stop is West Peak, or Lotus Peak, named for its unique shape from a massive rock formation.

A 30-minute walk from West Peak leads to South Peak, Huashan’s highest point, with a panoramic view of the other four peaks.Descend 15 minutes from South Peak to reach the famous Plank Road in the Sky, a thrilling narrow path built along a vertical cliff. After this stop, hike 40 minutes to East Peak, home to ancient trees and scenic spots like Sparrow Hawk Turning Over and the Chess Playing Pavilion.

Spend 40 minutes exploring East Peak, then head back to West Peak Cableway Station via a trail near Middle Peak. Take the cable car down the mountain, where your driver waits to take you back to Xi’an.

Route B: Challenging Hiking Route

Cable Car - North Peak - Canglongling - Middle Peak - East Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - South Peak - West Peak - Cable Car

First, take a park bus from the tourist center to the foot of North Peak (20 minutes), then take the cable car straight to the peak (10 minutes). North Peak, also Cloud Terrace Peak, has a panoramic view of the entire mountain and its other four peaks.

From North Peak, hike along the iconic Canglongling (Dragon's Back) trail, with rocky terrain and nice views of Huashan’s pines and cloudscapes. Continue to Golden Lock Pass, where iron chains are lined with red ropes and locks for love and peace. Hike 40 minutes from here to East Peak, the best spot for watching sunrise on Huashan.

Next is the Plank Road in the Sky, a narrow, steep trail along knife-blade ridges. It’s an optional activity (30-60 minutes round trip) and not recommended for beginners or those afraid of heights. After the trail, head to South Peak, Huashan’s highest point at 2154.9 meters, ideal for photos with mountain views.

Hike 30 minutes to West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak), where you can visit Cuiyun Palace and Fupi Stone, and hear the legendary story of Chenxiang splitting Huashan to save his mother. Walk 20 minutes to West Peak Cableway Station and take the cable car down (20 minutes), with one last chance to enjoy the mountain’s peak and valley views.

After your Huashan hike, our team will escort you back to your hotel in Xi’an.

Important Travel & Hiking Tips

• Bring your own food and drinks—supplies on the mountain are limited.
• The Plank Road in the Sky may close temporarily for maintenance or extreme weather.
• Long queues are common at the Plank Road in the Sky during peak travel seasons.
• Leave early from Xi’an if you want to experience the Plank Road in the Sky, and plan your hiking pace in advance.

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 7 days ultimate Shaanxi 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!