Tour Highlights
Stand in awe before thousands of life-sized Qin Dynasty guardians at the UNESCO-listed Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
Marvel at over 100,000 sacred Buddhist statues carved into steep limestone cliffs at the Longmen Grottoes.
Witness authentic Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations and wander among more than 240 ancient brick stupas in the Shaolin Pagoda Forest.
Cycle or take a scenic stroll atop the monumental ramparts of the best-preserved Ancient City Wall in Xi'an.
Discover the elegant Sino-Islamic courtyard architecture of the Great Mosque and savor street-food flavors in the historic Muslim Quarter.
Experience China's world-class high-speed railway network with round-trip bullet train transit between Xi'an and Luoyang.
Day 1 Arrival in Xi'an
Day 2 Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Bell & Muslim Quarter
Located at the very center of ancient Xi'an, the Bell and Drum Tower Square is a grand landmark that beautifully connects China's imperial past with its vibrant modern energy. This spacious public square offers a stunning vantage point between two magnificent Ming Dynasty masterpieces: the majestic Bell Tower, which marks the geographical heart of the city, and the historic Drum Tower, which stands at the entrance to the famous Muslim Quarter. Visited by millions each year, the square provides an exceptional setting to admire traditional triple-eaved wooden architecture, which comes alive at night with a spectacular display of colorful illuminations.
Steeped in over a millennium of history, the Muslim Quarter is a vibrant sensory feast and the heart of Xi'an's legendary food culture. As you wander through its ancient stone-paved lanes, you are greeted by an incredible array of mouth-watering delicacies and authentic Silk Road flavors. From the savory aroma of charcoal-grilled lamb skewers to the rhythmic pounding of traditional nut candy, this bustling historic enclave offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heritage and culinary soul of the city’s Hui community. It is the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and rich, diverse tastes of old Xi'an.
Leisure Time & Optional Experiences
Evening Recommendation: Indulge in a celebrated Xi'an Dumpling Banquet, followed by an enchanting Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show—a vibrant revival of China's golden age of art and culture.
Extended Exploration: If your schedule allows, we highly recommend a journey to Mount Hua to witness its breathtaking natural peaks.
Regional Highlights: For a deeper dive into Buddhist history, consider a bullet train excursion to Luoyang to marvel at the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s three most renowned ancient cave complexes.
Day 3 Xi'an to Luoyang | Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
Established in the 5th century, the Shaolin Temple (UNESCO) is world-famous for its connection with Chinese martial arts - Shaolin Kung Fu. China’s biggest pagoda forest also lies in Shaolin Temple, which is a concentration of more than 240 tomb pagodas for abbots and eminent monks of the temple.
Day 4 Xi'an Departure | Ancient City Wall & Great Mosque
The Great Mosque, which blends Islamic mosque styles and traditional Chinese architectural elements, acts as one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the bullet train ride take between Xi'an and Luoyang?
A: The high-speed bullet train between Xi'an and Luoyang takes only about 1.5 hours each way, allowing for a comfortable and efficient full-day round-trip excursion.
Q: Can we watch a live martial arts performance at Shaolin Temple?
A: Yes. Your visit to Shaolin Temple includes admission to the official martial arts training hall where Shaolin monks perform impressive demonstrations of traditional Kung Fu forms and weapon skills.
Q: Is bicycle rental readily available on the Xi'an Ancient City Wall?
A: Yes. Single bicycles and tandem bikes can be rented directly on the top deck near the South Gate, offering a fun and scenic way to explore the entire 14-kilometer defensive perimeter.
Q: Is this 4-day itinerary suitable for travelers utilizing the 240-hour visa-free transit?
A: Yes. Because this private journey departs from and concludes back in Xi'an, international passengers holding qualifying transit flights out of Xi'an Xianyang International Airport can take full advantage of the visa-free policy.
- Private English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned van
- Land transfers between airport and hotel
- Entrance ticket as listed
- Lunch as listed
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Domestic train tickets as listed
- Service charge & government taxes
- Flight tickets
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax fee, phone bills, optional activities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- China Visa
- Travel insurance