3 Day Xi'an Highlights Tour - https://www.chinatours.com/

Highlights Itinerary Accommodation Inclusions/Exclusions Important Info

Highlights

Terracotta Army

Be amazed by the marvel of the world-renowned Terracotta Army, developed as a tomb for the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in 210 BC. This UNESCO site features 8,000 individual life-size warriors, horses and chariots believed to part of Emperor Qin’s army to protect him in the afterlife. The site was discovered by a local farmer in 1974.

Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an city has an interesting history. Over 1000 years ago it was the start of the famous Silk Road. Take this opportunity to explore the ancient Xi'an city wall enclosing the old capital and marvel at the largest and best-preserved city wall currently standing in China.

The Great Mosque

This is a great chance to visit the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in the country. The Great Mosque is a walled complex of five courtyards, with many walls carrying beautiful depictions of plants, birds, objects and text, in both Arabic and Chinese. Other religious temples of historical significance were known to have been situated in the same location.

Muslim Quarter

Muslim Quarter is a thriving and bustling center of commerce with delicious restaurants and traditional Muslim shops offering tasty treats and bargains for the intrepid traveler. While most commonly known abroad as a tourist hot spot, it’s actually a favorite hangout with locals as well. There’s a strong Muslim community and culture here and it’s become something of a famous drawcard for Xi'an.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square

The Bell Tower is located across square from the ‘sister building’ the Drum Tower. In ancient times, the drums were used to signal the running of time and to signal an emergency. The 24 drums in the north and south sides represent a weather calendar created by the ancients to guide agricultural production.

Shaanxi History Museum

This museum is one of the first state museums in China with modern facilities to support the 370,000 items housed. Exhibits provide an overview of China from the pre-historic to 1840. Murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold and silver objects are displayed in a building reflecting the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Absorb the ancient culture, religion, architectural history and local activity of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, to hold sutras and figurines of Buddha brought to China from India along the old Silk Road. Since then it has been rebuilt several times. Take a peaceful walk in the temple to see locals going about their daily activities.

On this tour of Xi’an you are exposed to a memorable mix: the architectural, cultural and religious diversity of the start of the legendary Silk Road and amazing archeological finds.

Vehicle	Airconditioned vehicle with licensed driver
Guide Service & Language	Professional English-speaking guide

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Xi'an

On your arrival in Xi’an you will be met at the airport or train station by your guide, who will then transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city.

Meals included: None

Day 2 - Xi'an

Highlight of today’s tour is the world-renowned Terracotta Army dating from 210 BC. Be amazed by the scale and detail of the thousands of individual terracotta warriors, horses and chariots arranged in battle formation that stand guard in the underground tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin, to protect him in the afterlife.

Returning to the city center, you’ll be able to explore the 13.75 km Xi’an City Wall encircling the old city, the best preserved of ancient fortifications in China. A stroll along the walkway reveals different sections of this defensive system and offers panoramic views of the surroundings. In the middle of the old block of Xi’an stands the Great Mosque, the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in the country, believed to have been built in the mid-7th century. Arabic and Chinese depictions on the courtyard walls are relics of the importance of Xi’an at the start of the Silk Road trade route. Around the mosque is bustling Muslim Quarter, one of the best food streets in Xi’an where you can find delicious local eats and trade for souvenirs. Before returning to your hotel, the guide will take you to the nearby Drum and Bell Tower Square. Relax as you capture memorable photos and ponder the change in communications from the drum of old to the smart phone of today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Depart Xi'an

Following breakfast, the day’s tour begins at the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a huge collection of artifacts dating from the prehistoric to the relatively recent past that have formed the rich Shaanxi cultural heritage. You may have an opportunity to enter at the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most significant Buddhist pagodas in Xi’an, you can observe Xi’an’s 1,400 years of history. Locals can be seen going about their daily activities on a peaceful walk in the temple. Finally you will be transferred to the airport/railway station to catch the flight/train to your next destination. Your memorable Xi’an trip comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: As the Shaanxi History Museum is closed each Monday, the tour may be altered.

Accommodation

Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions

Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified.
Activities as specified in the itinerary.
Accommodation: 4-Star or 5-Star hotel with breakfast based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
Excellent professional English-speaking guide.
Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
Travel agency liability insurance during the tour.
Government taxes and fees.

Exclusions

International/domestic flights and trains to/from Xi’an.
China visa.
Gratuities to guides & drivers and any expense of personal nature.
Meals: Lunches and dinners are excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required.
Our tour package does not include Travel Insurance. Please purchase the Travel Insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.

Important Information

This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule.
Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Prices based on twin occupancy.
The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).

Prices Start From

$286+PP
USD

Select Tour Options

Private Tour

Luxury

Superior

Adults

123455+

Children

0123455+

Infants

0123455+

Younga P wrote a review 15 July 2024

Fabulous 3 city tour (Hong Kong/Xi’an/Beijing) planned and executed by China Tours!

My family and I loved our recent private tour with China Tours! We started by working with Lora to plan our itinerary first. We let her know which cities we wanted to visit and what we wanted to see in each city. She was so responsive to my many questions and requests from providing information necessary to get our visas to making recommendations of when we should see the Terra Cotta soldiers based on our travel schedule to letting me know we were able to get entry tickets to see the Forbidden City. I felt very comfortable in a country where I didn't speak the language because Lora was always available to provide assistance. When we arrived in each location, the guides and drivers were fantastic. I was able to connect with each guide prior to reaching the destination and they were always waiting for us. The guides, Chas in Hong Kong, Helen in Xi'an and William in Beijing were fabulous!!! They were all so accommodating and helpful. They knew their cities well and made great food recommendations! Since we were on a private tour, they were very willing to make adjustments based on what we wanted to do or see when prior reservations were not required. My husband, daughter and I are very grateful to Lora, Chas, Helen and William for providing us with such a wonderful experience in China! Thank you!

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
Mara wrote a review 7 July 2024

Great Experience with China Tours!

We had a great experience with China Tours. We traveled to the cities Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. The organization was impeccable, the guides and drivers very professional. We would recommend the agency to others!

Date of experience: June 2024 • Friends
Cruiser61335187814 wrote a review 6 July 2024

Great experience

We had a great time in Beijing and surroundings. Guide Maggie was very knowledgeable and speaks English really well. She was flexible and proactive as we had some last minute requests and some sites were crowded and she did a good job navigating that. During our preparations, office person Martha responded fast and accurately. We stayed at the Novotel which we liked as it has a good location for an evening stroll and mall.

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
hilaryt714 wrote a review 2 July 2024

Book without a second thought

Our trip was delayed from 2020 with no problems. Martha responded to changes in our itinerary brilliantly.
There were two of us on our small group tour and the service was exceptional. Hotels were of a high standard and we were happy with them. All guides were enthusiastic and helpful, we only had to ask.
In the end we took high speed trains within China which we enjoyed as we got to see more of the country.
Highly recommend this tour group

Date of experience: May 2024 • Couples
WingF wrote a review 23 June 2024

Perfect China Trip

The small group tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai organised by China Tours was a great way to see these 3 fantastic cities of China. Each of the local guides Nancy (Beijing), Elysha (Xi’an) and Lucy (Shanghai) were very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting and had a passion for their jobs. They were all super helpful answering any questions and offering advice and tips for navigating each city in our own free time, including recommendations for places to eat and other attractions to see not covered by the tour. All the main attractions and sites were visited with plenty of time spent at each. The main highlights for me were the Forbidden City and Great Wall (Nancy took us to a great part of the wall that was not overcrowded) in Beijing and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (including meeting the farmer who made the discovery in the 1970’s). It was not a rushed tour and was also flexible. In Xi’an because of the weather the itinerary order was changed to suit the group. Being a small escorted tour meant that you were not just one of many in the usual large group tours which made it more personal and enjoyable. A special mention for Nancy and Elysha who made suggestions, with no hidden agenda, in Beijing and Xi’an respectively to see live shows as add-ons which turned out to be unexpected delights. Martha of China Tours was very easy to deal with and was patient with all my requests and queries when booking the tour. Overall I can highly recommend China Tours if you plan to visit China and wish to arrange a tour. From start to finish everyone was extremely helpful and communicated in very good English.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo
TravelerToo wrote a review 20 June 2024

Fantastic Tour Itinerary, Guide, and Hotels

I can’t imagine a better way to see and experience Taiwan than this 9-day tour. Starting in Taipei and driving counterclockwise we went from the top to the farthest southern tip of the country and back. Hotels were much nicer than expected as were all of the locals we met along the way. As most travelers know, a few words in the local language are much appreciated so set your Google translate app to Traditional Chinese and say hello! Our tour leader Cathy was funny, smiley, organized, and felt like my 2nd mother as she constantly made sure I was all right and happy. The trip itinerary was varied and extensive (maybe a few too many temples but that’s my problem). Perhaps the most impressive was the coordination between our tour leader and the travel company when an issue arose as when an indigenous cultural site unexpectedly closed. Cathy arranged for us to attend a special performance of another group which turned out to be one of the many highlights of the tour.
This tour was excellent, a great introduction to an interesting country, a great value for the price. I highly recommend it. Oh, and try to get Cathy Lin as your guide; you won’t regret it.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo