Xian Holiday Package: 2-Day Xian Pingyao Cultural Exploration Tour

Day 1 Xian

In the morning, our friendly local Xi’an tour guide will greet you in the hotel lobby of your Xi’an accommodation or at the Xi’an train station, holding a welcoming sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” From the moment you meet, our dedicated guide will ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your day in Xi’an. Accompanied by our experienced driver, who will handle all transportation needs, you will embark on a seamless journey through the city’s highlights. Our guide will provide personalized insights and engaging commentary throughout your tour, while the driver ensures your comfort with efficient and hassle-free transfers. This attentive service is designed to help you relax and fully immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Xi’an, setting the stage for a memorable and enriching experience.

Your first stop will be the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered symbol of ancient Xi’an. Located in southern Xi’an, Shaanxi province, this Buddhist pagoda was originally constructed in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. Although it initially featured five stories, it was later rebuilt in 704 under Empress Wu Zetian’s reign and underwent further renovation of its brick facade during the Ming Dynasty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is celebrated for its significant role in Buddhism and its elegant, unadorned architectural style. As a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve, it draws visitors from around the world. Historically, the pagoda served as a repository for important Buddhist sutras and statues brought to China from India by the renowned monk Xuanzang. This visit offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual and historical legacy of Xi’an.

Next, you’ll visit the Shaanxi History Museum, situated to the northwest of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As one of China’s four largest museums with modern facilities, it is renowned for its impressive collection and traditional Tang Dynasty architectural style. The museum houses over 370,000 cultural relics, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, and artifacts made from bronze, gold, silver, seal, and stone, spanning from over a million years ago to the late Qing Dynasty. The museum’s design mirrors the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, earning it the title of “the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures.” It provides an insightful reflection of over a thousand years of Chinese history, showcasing the rich culture, daily life, and social development of ancient Shaanxi and China as a whole.

Lunch will be arranged at a local Chinese restaurant, where our knowledgeable Xi’an tour guide will be on hand to offer excellent recommendations. With their deep understanding of the local cuisine, your guide will suggest popular dishes and specialties, ensuring you experience authentic and delicious flavors unique to Xi’an. Whether you're eager to try traditional dishes or local favorites, your guide will provide personalized suggestions to suit your tastes, making your dining experience both satisfying and culturally immersive. Enjoy a delightful meal as you recharge for the rest of your tour.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Bell Tower, an iconic landmark steeped in history. During the Ming Dynasty, cities across China, including Xi’an, were equipped with both a bell tower and a drum tower. These structures played a crucial role in ancient timekeeping, with the bell ringing at dawn and the drum sounding at dusk. The Xi’an Bell Tower, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), stands proudly in the city center, serving as a pivotal point connecting the four main roads of the ancient city wall. From the top of the Bell Tower, you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of Xi’an, offering a stunning perspective on the city’s layout and historical significance.

The final stop on your tour is the vibrant Muslim Quarter, renowned as Xi’an’s most famous food street. This lively area is a melting pot of Islamic cuisine, ethnic shopping, and local culture, with over a thousand years of history. The streets, lined with gray flagstones and Ming-style architecture, create a charming and authentic atmosphere. Here, you’ll find an array of delicious foods with distinct northwestern flavors, such as savory mutton soup with flatbread, cold rice noodles, traditional Chinese hamburgers, and flavorful Qishan noodles. The Muslim Quarter offers an immersive experience into the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Xi’an’s Hui community.

After exploring the Muslim Quarter, our driver will take you back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable ride. Your guide will be available to answer any final questions and provide additional recommendations. Enjoy a smooth and relaxing transfer as you unwind from your day’s adventures.

Day 2 Xian to Pingyao by Train

In the early morning, our local Xi’an driver will transfer you to Xi’an train station for your journey to Pingyao. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local Pingyao tour guide, who will be holding a welcome sign. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Qiao Family Courtyard, located 42 km from Pingyao Ancient City. This impressive family compound showcases traditional Chinese northern architecture and exquisite decorations, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of the Qiao family. It also offers a glimpse into the folk customs and cultural heritage of Shanxi Province.

From a bird’s-eye view, the Qiao Family Courtyard resembles the Chinese characters for "joy" and "happiness," symbolizing the family's wish for prosperity and good fortune. The compound is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, including detailed wood, brick, and stone carvings, as well as vibrant murals and wall sculptures. Each of the over 140 chimneys features unique designs and decorations, adding to the compound's charm. The underside of the eaves is adorned with murals depicting traditional folktales. This historically rich courtyard has been prominently featured in renowned Chinese films and TV series, most notably in "Raise the Red Lantern," which showcases its distinctive architectural and cultural elements.

Enjoy your lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, where our knowledgeable tour guide will offer personalized recommendations to help you experience the best of local cuisine. With their expertise, you can sample authentic dishes that highlight the regional flavors of Shanxi Province. Whether you're interested in traditional specialties or curious about local delicacies, your guide will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. Throughout your meal, they will be available to answer any questions and provide insights into the culinary culture of Pingyao, making your lunch an enriching part of your tour.

After lunch, you will continue your exploration at Mingqing Street. Historically referred to as the "Wall Street of China," Mingqing Street stretches approximately 750 meters and is lined with around 100 shops and traditional local houses. This charming street, though narrow, offers an ideal setting for both shopping and sampling local cuisine. The shops, featuring authentic Ming and Qing architectural styles, are arranged along the street, showcasing their historical design with brick and stone constructions. As you stroll, you'll be captivated by the street’s vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by red lanterns that adorn each storefront and the enticing aromas of local delicacies that fill the air. Mingqing Street provides a perfect blend of cultural heritage and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Pingyao.

Continue your tour with a visit to the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao. Dating back approximately 2,700 years, this impressive wall was expanded during the Ming Dynasty and remains one of the best-preserved city walls in China. The wall encloses a square area, standing 10 meters high and 5 meters wide, with a total circumference of 5.4 kilometers. Its robust construction and historical significance make it a remarkable example of ancient Chinese defensive architecture. From a bird’s-eye view, the wall's shape resembles a turtle, leading to its nickname "Turtle City." As you walk along the wall, you can enjoy panoramic views of Pingyao, gaining insight into its historical layout and the strategic importance of its fortifications. The ancient City Wall not only offers a glimpse into the past but also provides a scenic vantage point to appreciate the blend of historical and contemporary elements within Pingyao.

After your exploration of the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, our dedicated driver will take you to Pingyao train station or your hotel, as per your preference. We hope you have enjoyed your two-day journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of Pingyao. Our knowledgeable guide and experienced driver are committed to ensuring that your experience was both memorable and comfortable. We wish you a pleasant onward journey and a wonderful continuation of your travels. If you need any further assistance or have any feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out. Safe travels!

There are some useful Tips for you to purchase train ticket between Pingyao and Xi’an
From Xi’an to Pingyao:
Option 1: D2501 Xi’an North Station to Pingyao Ancient Town Station: Depart at 07:33AM and arrive at 10:42AM

From Pingyao to Xi’an:
Option 1: D2527 Depart at 17:59 from Pingyao Ancient Town Station and arrive at Xi’an North Station at 20:59
Please Note: Plz book the train ticket in advance in case sold out, especially on weekend or Chinese public holiday. You can ask your hotel help you book it or you can book it online by yourself (trip.com). By the way, we provide train ticket booking service as well.

Price Per Person in US Dollars