Xian Travel Package: Private Xian 4 Days Package Tour with Famen Temple

Summary

DAY 1 Xian: Shaanxi Provicial Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower, Tang Dynasty Show, Dumpling Banquet
DAY 2 Xian: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter 
DAY 3 Xian: Famen Temple, Qianling Tomb
DAY 4 Xian Departure

Day 1 Arrive in Xian

Upon arriving in Xi'an, you'll be warmly greeted by your tour guide at the exit of Xi'an train station, airport or at your accommodation in Xi'an. Look for the "Xi'an Your Way Holiday" welcome signage, reflecting our commitment to providing a personalized and immersive travel experience. Embracing our ethos of "Travel like a local," your guide will help you seamlessly transition into the vibrant life of Xi'an, ensuring you feel right at home. Your four-day adventure will begin with a local touch, offering you an authentic and engaging exploration of the city's rich heritage and modern wonders.

Next, visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the most iconic and best-preserved fortifications in all of China. Originally built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, the wall stretches over 13 kilometers and still completely encircles the old city. Its sturdy structure, battlements, and four main gates reflect the city's long military history and traditional urban planning. Your guide will lead you along the ramparts, either on foot or by optional bike ride, pointing out historical features such as watchtowers and parapets while sharing vivid stories about the city's defense systems, ancient patrol routines, and local legends. From atop the wall, enjoy a unique panoramic view that contrasts the ancient city with modern Xi’an.

Continue to the central Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, the symbolic heart of Xi’an. These two majestic towers, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, once played a vital role in the city’s timekeeping system marking dawn and dusk with the sound of their massive bell and drums. Today, they serve as elegant architectural landmarks surrounded by lively pedestrian zones. Your guide will explain the historical significance of the towers, including their design features, imperial functions, and how they once synchronized daily life in the walled city. This area is also a great place for photos and people-watching, with its mix of historic charm and modern energy.

Day 2 Xian

After breakfast, your tour guide will greet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you on a drive to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a journey of approximately 50 minutes. This visit is the highlight of your Xi'an experience. The Terracotta Army, famously featured in travel books and websites, is a remarkable collection of terracotta sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Created as funerary art and buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE, these sculptures were intended to protect him in the afterlife. As you explore this awe-inspiring site, your guide will share insights into the historical significance of the Terracotta Army, including details from historian Sima Qian’s Shiji, which described the tomb a century after its completion. Marvel at the intricacy of the sculptures and the vast scale of the excavation, experiencing firsthand the grandeur of this ancient burial complex.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you will continue to the nearby Qin Tomb, where you will further admire the remarkable Terracotta Army. This site offers a unique opportunity to see the Terracotta Warriors in their full battle array, meticulously arranged as if poised for action. Explore the expansive burial pits where thousands of life-sized soldiers, chariots, and horses were discovered, each figure intricately detailed and strategically positioned. The Qin Tomb provides a deeper understanding of the scale and significance of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's grand funerary complex, revealing the impressive efforts made to secure his afterlife. Your guide will offer additional insights into the history and archaeological significance of this extraordinary site, enhancing your appreciation of this ancient marvel.

After your exploration of the Qin Tomb, your guide and driver will transport you back to downtown Xi'an for a delightful lunch. At a local Chinese restaurant, you'll have the chance to savor authentic Xi'an cuisine. Your guide will recommend some of the city’s specialties, such as the renowned Xi'an-style noodles, flavorful Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with bread), and the delectable Chinese-style dumplings. Enjoy the rich, diverse flavors that reflect Xi'an's vibrant culinary heritage. Your guide will ensure you experience the best of local dining, providing recommendations based on your taste preferences and offering insights into the cultural significance of the dishes.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the majestic Xi'an Ancient City Wall, a true marvel of ancient architecture and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This formidable structure stands as one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China, offering a remarkable glimpse into the grandeur of feudal society’s defensive architecture. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, the wall was later enhanced under the Ming Dynasty to fortify the city. Today, it remains a top attraction in Xi'an, providing an immersive experience into ancient urban planning and military fortifications. You can take a leisurely walk around the wall to fully appreciate its impressive scale, or opt for a bike ride to cover more ground and enjoy panoramic views of the city. This exploration offers a unique opportunity to connect with China’s architectural heritage and envision life in ancient Xi'an.

Next, you'll delve into the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a captivating blend of culinary delights and rich Islamic culture with over a millennium of history. This bustling area is renowned for its mouthwatering array of Islamic foods, offering a sensory feast of flavors and aromas. Explore the lively market streets, paved with gray flagstones and lined with Ming-style buildings, where you can sample local specialties such as spicy lamb kebabs, savory yangrou paomo, and sweet date cakes. The Muslim Quarter is also home to the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that reflects the harmonious integration of Islamic and traditional Chinese styles. As you wander through the bustling ethnic shopping center and the lively residential area of the Hui people, you'll experience the unique cultural tapestry that defines this historic quarter.

After the tour concludes, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. Your driver will provide a relaxing journey back, while your guide will be available to assist with any last-minute questions or arrangements you may need. Whether you have inquiries about the day's experiences or need recommendations for the evening, your guide will be happy to help. Enjoy the convenience of a stress-free ride, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures as you head back to your accommodation.

Day 3 Xian

Today, you'll embark on your tour with a visit to Famen Temple, an illustrious site with over 1,700 years of history. Often referred to as the "Forerunner of the Ziggurat in Central Shaanxi," Famen Temple is a significant cultural landmark. The Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area is a sprawling complex divided into four distinct zones: the Temple Gate Square, Foguang Avenue, Famen Temple, and the Namaste Dagoba. This revered site is celebrated as the "No. 2 Cultural Symbol of Shaanxi," following only the Terracotta Army. As a world-class cultural destination, it offers a profound glimpse into Buddhist heritage, showcasing the enduring legacy of this ancient holy land and its classic Buddhist traditions.

In the afternoon, you'll journey to the Qianling Tomb, an impressive historical site where the third Tang-dynasty emperor, Li Zhi, and his influential empress, Wu Zetian, are interred. This tomb stands out as the most representative and best-preserved among the eighteen Tang-dynasty tombs. Situated atop Liangshan (Liang Mountain), approximately six kilometers north of Qian County City and around eighty kilometers from Xi'an, the Qianling Tomb is renowned for its grandeur and extensive grounds. The site encompasses a vast area of 2,400,000 square meters, including the elaborate tomb precincts and beautifully landscaped gardens. As you explore this magnificent tomb, you'll gain insight into Tang-dynasty imperial funerary practices and appreciate the scale and artistry of one of China’s most significant ancient burial sites.

At the end of your visit to the Qianling Tomb, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. Your driver will provide a relaxing ride, navigating the route with efficiency to get you back safely. Meanwhile, your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions you might have about the day's experiences or provide additional recommendations for your stay. Whether you want to discuss the highlights of the tour or seek suggestions for local dining and activities, your guide will offer valuable insights. Enjoy the convenience of a seamless return journey, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Day 4 Xian Departure

Today is yours to explore at your own pace before our driver transfers you to the train station or airport, depending on your travel plans. We hope you’ve enjoyed your four-day journey with us, immersing in the rich history and culture of Xi'an. For your free time, you might want to visit the tranquil Daming Palace National Heritage Park, offering a peaceful walk through the remains of a Tang Dynasty palace. Alternatively, explore the quirky art galleries in Xi'an’s Creative Cultural Park for a modern take on Chinese art. For a culinary adventure, consider trying jianbing, a savory crepe, or biangbiang noodles, a local favorite with a spicy kick. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe journey home, filled with unforgettable memories of Xi'an!

Price Per Person in US Dollars