5-Day In-Depth Xi’an Tour

As the morning bell of the Tang dynasty rang out, dusk in Rome was coloring the Tiber red;

As camel bells echoed along the Silk Road, merchant ships in the Mediterranean were setting sail;

"Rome in the West, Chang’an in the East"—this ancient saying tells of the legendary twin cities that shone brightest in the history of human civilization.

For an in-depth experience of traditional culture and historical sites, take a look at these attractions!

Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum and Terracotta Army: The Guarding Army of China’s First Emperor

The Terracotta Army is located in Xi’an, China, and is one of the world’s most famous archaeological discoveries. In 1974, local farmers accidentally uncovered it while digging a well.

These terracotta figures were made for Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. He unified China and wanted an army to protect him even after death. So thousands of soldiers, chariots, and horses were made as terracotta figures,

and buried underground to guard him.

The three main pits:

· Pit 1: The largest, with more than 6,000 warrior figures arranged in formation like a real army.

· Pit 2: Contains infantry, cavalry, and chariots, with a more complex formation.

· Pit 3: The smallest, possibly a command center.

Every terracotta warrior is unique, with different facial features, hairstyles, and expressions. They originally held real weapons and were painted in vivid colors, but most of the paint has faded over the past two thousand years.

Today, the Terracotta Army is known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If you visit Xi’an, be sure to see in person this army that has stood silent for more than two thousand years.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Xi’an’s Thousand-Year-Old Buddhist Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is one of Xi’an’s most famous landmarks and is more than 1,300 years old. Located within the Da Ci’en Temple, it was built to preserve Buddhist scriptures.

Why was this pagoda built?

In the 7th century AD, the renowned monk Xuanzang returned from India with a large collection of Buddhist scriptures and statues. To preserve these precious treasures, Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty ordered the construction of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Xuanzang himself translated Buddhist scriptures here,

and lived there for 19 years.

Architectural features: · Height: 7 stories, 64 meters tall   Style: A classic brick pagoda with multi-tiered eaves from the Tang dynasty, simple and dignified      Climb the pagoda: Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an

Shadow Puppetry: Ancient Chinese Tales Told Through Light and Shadow

Imagine this—a piece of animal hide, a lamp, and a few bamboo rods can bring mythical figures to life before your eyes! This is shadow puppetry, one of China’s oldest forms of storytelling, with a history of more than 2,000 years. In Xi’an, you can still see this fascinating art form.

In a shadow puppet performance, artists stand behind a white screen and manipulate colorful leather puppets with thin rods. When the light shines, the puppets’ shadows dance, fight, and tell stories on the screen. The artists manipulate the puppets while singing and reciting lines,

accompanied by lively gong and drum music!

Shadow puppetry is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage

Many stories are based on Chinese classics such as Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Some veteran artists devote their entire lives to this craft and demonstrate extraordinary skill

Watching a shadow puppet performance is like stepping into a childhood dream from China.

Xi’an Museum: Take in the History of an Ancient Capital at a Glance

Want to quickly learn about Xi’an’s history? Xi’an Museum is the place to go! It is a comprehensive museum combining a museum, historic buildings, and gardens. Opened in 2007, it showcases the glorious history of Xi’an as the capital of thirteen dynasties.

Three highlights

Museum: The collection features precious artifacts unearthed in Xi’an, from bronzeware to Tang sancai, spanning the Zhou to Tang dynasties. Each piece tells a story of the ancient capital.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: This thousand-year-old Buddhist pagoda within the grounds was built in 707 AD, 50 years before the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It has withstood more than 70 earthquakes and still stands—a true wonder!

Garden area: A peaceful and beautiful space where local residents enjoy morning exercise and tea, and take in a slower pace of life.

Xi’an Museum—a place that takes you on a journey through time.

Based on the attraction descriptions above, put together the following itinerary:

DAY1: Arrive in Xi’an - Private transfer from the airport/station - Check in at the hotel - Watch shadow puppetry on Muslim Street near the Bell and Drum Towers

DAY5: Free time - Private transfer to the airport