Exciting 3-Day Xian Cultural Tour from Shanghai by Flight: A Complete Shanghai to Xian 3-Day Experience

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai to Xian by flight: Bell Tower and Drum tower Square, Xi'an Grand Mosque, Muslim Quarter
Day 2 Xian: Terracotta Warriors and museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 3 Xian-Shanghai: Morning market, Ancient City Wall, Xian-Shanghai by flight

Day 1 Shanghai-Xian

In the morning, your professional guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and escort you to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. Upon your arrival, your dedicated Xi'an guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a welcoming "Your Way Holiday" sign, ready to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your adventure.

Your exciting day will begin with a visit to Bell and Drum Tower Square, located in the heart of Xi’an. This bustling square is home to the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which have long marked the rhythm of city life. Your professional guide will lead you through the square, pointing out the intricate architectural details of both towers, explaining their construction during the Ming Dynasty, and sharing fascinating stories about how the bell and drum were used to regulate city life in ancient times. Surrounded by shops, cafes, and traditional streets, the square offers a lively atmosphere where you can experience both the historic and modern sides of Xi’an. Your guide will also help you navigate the crowds, suggest the best angles for photos, and provide historical context that brings the towers’ significance to life.

Next, you will visit the Xi’an Grand Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant Islamic sites in China. Built over 1,300 years ago, the mosque perfectly blends traditional Chinese architectural style with Islamic design elements. Your guide will walk you through the mosque’s courtyards, prayer halls, and decorative carvings, explaining the religious and cultural importance of each feature. They will also share stories about the local Hui community, the history of Islam in Xi’an, and how the mosque has remained a center for worship and learning for centuries. Your guide ensures a respectful visit, helping you understand proper etiquette and enhancing your appreciation of this remarkable site.

Afterward, stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, Xi’an’s most famous food and shopping street. This area is renowned for its delicious local snacks, ethnic shops, and rich Islamic culture, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years. Your guide will introduce you to traditional delicacies such as hand-pulled noodles, savory dumplings, and sweet pastries, pointing out the best stalls and hidden gems along the cobblestone streets. They will share stories about the Silk Road’s influence on Xi’an, the arrival of Muslim merchants, and the blend of cultures that shaped the quarter. With your guide’s assistance, you can safely explore the bustling streets, learn about local customs, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s multicultural heritage.

At the end of the day, your guide will drive you to your Xi’an hotel and assist with check-in, ensuring a comfortable and seamless conclusion to your first day of exploration. They will answer any questions, provide recommendations for the evening, and make sure you are well-prepared for the next day’s adventures, offering personalized attention that makes your visit stress-free and memorable.

Day 2 Xian

Embark on an unforgettable journey into Xi’an’s ancient history with our full-day Terracotta Warriors tour, a fascinating exploration of one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the secrets of the life-sized warriors and horses, each crafted with remarkable detail to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. As you explore the excavation grounds, your guide will share captivating stories about the Qin Dynasty and the emperor’s enduring legacy, bringing the ancient world vividly to life.

Your tour begins at Pit 1, the largest and most iconic site. Thousands of terracotta soldiers stand in precise military formation, accompanied by horses and chariots. Walking along the raised platforms, you’ll marvel at the intricate details of each figure—from their facial expressions to armor—while your guide explains their roles, ranks, and historical significance. This immersive introduction helps you understand the scale and ambition behind Emperor Qin’s grand vision.

Next, visit Pit 3, a smaller, more intimate excavation site that provides a closer look at the daily life of ancient warriors. Here, your guide will highlight the diverse expressions and poses of the figures, sharing insights into their social and ceremonial roles. This pit offers a unique perspective, allowing you to appreciate the individuality and craftsmanship of each figure in a quieter, less crowded setting.

Finally, explore Pit 2, where the strategic layout of the army is on full display. Archers, infantry, and chariots are arranged to protect the emperor’s mausoleum, showcasing both military planning and artistic skill. Your guide will explain the tactical significance of the formations and the advanced techniques used in creating this remarkable army, giving you a deeper appreciation for Qin Dynasty military ingenuity.

After your morning sightseeing, enjoy a delightful lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant in Xi’an. Savor authentic Shaanxi and Xi’an cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from hand-pulled noodles and savory dumplings to flavorful stir-fried vegetables and traditional snacks. Your guide will introduce you to a variety of signature dishes, explain their origins and cultural significance, and help you select options that suit your taste and dietary preferences. This relaxing meal offers the perfect opportunity to recharge, experience the local culinary heritage, and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Xi’an before continuing your afternoon exploration.

Next, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a treasured symbol of Xi’an’s cultural and spiritual heritage. This ancient pagoda, built to house sacred Buddhist texts and relics brought from India by the famous monk Xuanzang, exemplifies elegant simplicity and classical Chinese architectural style. Your guide will share the inspiring story of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage and explain the pagoda’s significance in the spread of Buddhism across China. While exploring the site, you can admire its towering structure, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and the nearby square where locals gather for cultural performances and evening music shows. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda remains a cornerstone of Xi’an’s history, offering a profound connection to both religious tradition and the city’s rich past.

After exploring the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its beautifully landscaped surroundings, your guide will escort you back to your Xi’an hotel. They will assist with check-in if needed, answer any questions you may have about the day, and provide recommendations for the evening or your next day’s activities. This personalized service ensures a smooth and comfortable end to your day, allowing you to relax and reflect on the rich history, culture, and flavors you’ve experienced in Xi’an.

Day 3 Xian-Shanghai

Our guide will take you to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also named Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It  is a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China and became the symbol of the old-line Xi'an. It was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty and originally had five stories. The structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming dynasty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda attracts numerous visitors for its fame in the Buddhist religion and its simple but appealing style of construction. It is rated as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang.

At the tour end, transfer you to Xian airport and you fly back to Beijing. Upon arrival, drive back to your hotel in Shanghai. Your 3 Days Xian Discovery Tour from Shanghai comes to the end.

Price Per Person in US Dollars