Xian Travel Package: Private Xian 2-Day Cultural Tour with Paper Cutting

Day 1

Our Xi'an local tour guide will meet you with a warm welcome at either your downtown Xi'an hotel or the train station, holding a sign that reads "Your Way Holiday." From this point on, you're in the hands of an expert guide dedicated to making your Xian experience unforgettable. With local knowledge and a passion for sharing Xi'an's rich history and vibrant culture, they’ll ensure a personalized and engaging exploration of the city. Your tour will begin with a seamless transition from your arrival point to the day's exciting itinerary, all while our guide provides insightful commentary and assistance throughout your journey.

Your adventure begins at the Shaanxi History Museum, located to the northwest of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. As one of China’s four largest museums with modern facilities, it showcases a rich collection of over 370,000 artifacts, ranging from murals and paintings to pottery, coins, and various metal objects spanning over a million years, from the ancient past to the late Qing Dynasty. The museum, constructed between 1983 and 2001, is designed in the traditional Tang architectural style, echoing the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Esteemed as "the pearl of ancient dynasties and a house of Chinese treasures," the Shaanxi History Museum offers an insightful reflection on over a thousand years of Chinese history and culture. Its exhibition spaces include an introductory hall, permanent and special exhibitions, temporary displays, and the National Painting Hall, collectively highlighting the depth of Shaanxi's cultural heritage and showcasing the pinnacle of China's historical and social development..

Proceed to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist monument nestled in southern Xi'an. Constructed in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 704 under Empress Wu Zetian, this pagoda originally reached five stories high and was later renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Renowned as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve, it embodies Xi'an's profound Buddhist heritage. The pagoda, situated within the expansive Da Ci'en Temple complex, was initially built to honor a revered queen and later became a vital repository for Buddhist sutras and relics brought by the eminent translator Xuanzang.

The Da Ci'en Temple, despite its reduced size today, retains its historical grandeur, covering an area of 50,738 square meters (12.5 acres). Noteworthy highlights include the majestic statue of Xuanzang, flanked by guardian lions symbolizing protection and prosperity. The temple's layout features a captivating central axis that includes the Hall of Mahavira, the Sermon Hall, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda itself, along with the Hall of Xuanzang. This arrangement reflects the traditional architectural elegance and spiritual significance of the Tang era, offering visitors a glimpse into the temple's rich past and its role in preserving Buddhist culture.

Lunch will be arranged at a local Chinese restaurant where you can savor authentic Xi'an flavors. Our tour guide will offer you the best recommendations for local specialties such as biangbiang noodles—thick, hand-pulled noodles served with a savory mix of spices and vegetables. You might also try yangrou paomo, a hearty mutton soup with crumbled flatbread, and roujiamo, a flavorful Chinese-style hamburger filled with spiced meat. Additionally, xiao jiao, Xi'an’s unique spiced kebabs, and qishan noodles, another local favorite, are highly recommended. Feel free to let our tour guide know your preferences or dietary restrictions, and they will ensure you enjoy a memorable Xi'an culinary experience.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the TangBo Art Museum, a prominent venue dedicated to Shaanxi folk arts and ancient Chinese art. Founded in 2000, the museum showcases a rich collection of Shaanxi folk arts, including Huxian farmer paintings, Huaxian shadow plays, North Shaanxi papercuts, Fengxiang Shehuo ladle facial masks, Fengxiang clay sculptures, and New Year pictures. These exhibits are presented in a historical sequence, offering a glimpse into the region's vibrant artistic heritage. The museum also features representative ancient paintings and hosts periodic exhibitions by contemporary artists, including professors and students from Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. Additionally, TangBo Art Museum conducts regular calligraphy and painting lectures, enriching the experience for those passionate about traditional Chinese arts. With two exhibition halls and a cultural exchange hall, the museum extends a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.

After your visit to the museum, you'll have the unique opportunity to learn the art of Paper Cutting from a skilled professional. Paper cutting, a traditional Chinese handicraft, traces its roots back to the 6th century during the Han Dynasty, shortly after the invention of paper. Over the course of a millennium, this intricate art form has evolved into a beloved decorative practice, particularly among rural communities and women. Known for its delicate and elaborate designs, paper cutting transforms simple sheets of paper into stunning visual masterpieces, often featuring motifs of flowers, animals, and traditional symbols. Under the guidance of your expert instructor, you’ll discover the techniques and cultural significance behind this beautiful art form, creating your own paper-cut designs to take home as a cherished memento of your cultural journey.

Following your engaging paper cutting workshop, our dedicated driver will provide a seamless transfer back to your hotel in Xi'an. As you travel, your guide will be on hand to offer any final tips or answer any lingering questions you might have about Xi'an’s rich heritage. Whether you seek recommendations for evening activities or need any last-minute assistance, our guide is here to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. This smooth and attentive service underscores our commitment to making your visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Day 2

After breakfast, our experienced local tour guide will meet you promptly at your hotel lobby. From there, you will be transferred directly to the Terracotta Warriors, a journey of approximately 50 minutes. Throughout the ride, your guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and significance of the site, offering context and answering any questions you may have. This allows you to fully appreciate the magnitude of this incredible archaeological discovery. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with ticketing and ensure a smooth and enriching visit to the Terracotta Army, enhancing your experience with detailed explanations and helping you navigate the site effectively.

The Terracotta Warriors are an unmissable highlight of Xi'an, embodying over 2,200 years of Chinese history. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, these lifelike statues were designed to guard his tomb and accompany him in the afterlife. The army, discovered by local farmers in 1974, includes over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, along with a variety of non-military figures such as officials, acrobats, and musicians. The meticulous craftsmanship and scale of this army reflect the emperor’s ambition and the sophistication of the Qin Dynasty. Each figure is unique, showcasing individual facial expressions and postures, which illustrate the advanced techniques of ancient Chinese sculpture and military organization. This monumental find, celebrated as "the eighth wonder of the world," offers a profound glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of China's early imperial era.

Following your morning exploration of the Terracotta Warriors, you'll head to a nearby local restaurant for lunch. This eatery offers a range of Xi'an's traditional dishes, including mouthwatering hand-pulled noodles and succulent lamb kebabs, all made with fresh, local ingredients. After savoring your meal, you'll be driven back to Xi'an's downtown area. Your driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, giving you the opportunity to unwind and soak in the morning's fascinating discoveries. Once back in the city center, you'll have the afternoon free to either continue exploring Xi'an on your own or seek additional recommendations from your guide.

Next, you’ll visit the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical and architectural significance. Constructed in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, this impressive fortification was designed to protect the city from invaders and remains one of the most extensive and well-preserved city walls in China. Stretching over 13.7 kilometers, the wall boasts a formidable array of watchtowers, battlements, and defensive gates, reflecting the sophistication of ancient military architecture. As you walk or cycle along the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views of both the old and new parts of Xi'an, providing a unique perspective on how this ancient city has evolved over centuries. The City Wall not only stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Ming era but also offers a vivid glimpse into the historical grandeur of feudal China. The Ancient City Wall of Xi'an is a rigorous and integrated military defense system comprising city moat, drawbridge, various observation towers, battlements, turrets, parapets and crenels. Since constructed from Sui and Tang dynasties about 1400 years ago, the wall has experienced series of alteration and finalized the current layout, with the Changle Gate (East Gate), the Yongning Gate (South Gate), the Anding Gate (West Gate) and the Anyuan Gate (North Gate) being the four main city gates.

Your tour concludes at the bustling Muslim Quarter, Xi'an's renowned food haven. This vibrant district is a cultural tapestry that includes an array of Islamic food stalls, eclectic ethnic shops, the historic Great Mosque, and the residential area of the Hui people. With a history spanning over a millennium, the Muslim Quarter is celebrated not only for its rich Islamic heritage but also for its diverse and tantalizing cuisine. As you stroll along its gray flagstone streets lined with Ming-style architecture, you'll encounter a feast of northern and western flavors. Savor local specialties like the savory mutton soup with handmade pancakes, refreshing cold rice noodles, flavorful Chinese hamburgers, and the renowned Qishan noodles. This lively area offers a deep dive into Xi'an's culinary traditions and cultural fusion.

After exploring the vibrant Muslim Quarter, you will be comfortably driven back to your hotel in Xi'an or the Xi'an train station, concluding your enriching tour of this ancient city. Over the past two days, you've delved into Xi'an's rich history and culture, from the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the historic City Wall and the lively food scene of the Muslim Quarter. We hope your journey through Xi'an has been memorable and filled with delightful discoveries. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!

Price Per Person in US Dollars