4 Days Chengdu & Xian Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chengdu - Leshan - Chengdu by Car
   Leshan Giant Buddha (Lunch)

   AM: After breakfast meet your guide in hotel lobby and then drive to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. It took 90 years to accomplish the Giant Buddha from A.D. 713 to 803 A.D. in the Tang Dynasty. The reason to excavate was that the local people suffered from flood each year because its special location that three rivers meet here. A Monk named Haitong made up his mind to help the local people and then started this huge work. Although it was interrupted several times for many reasons, it was finally completed through efforts of generations. You will be surprised at how the ancient people made such huge a Buddha in old time when you see its real size.

   Noon: Lunch in a local restaurant.

   PM: After the visit, you will be transferred back to your Chengdu hotel.

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by you

   

2. Day 2: Chengdu – Xian by Bullet Train
   Chengdu Panda Breeding Center (Lunch)

   AM: In the morning our guide and driver will greet you in your hotel lobby and escort you to the No. 1 highlight of Chengdu: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Panda, known as the national treasure of China, may be the most adorable animal on the planet so that many people feel happy even just watching them eating and playing. Here is a chance for you to see the real pandas before your eyes. Chengdu Panda Base is the largest panda base in the world where you could see more than 50 pandas. You will spend about 2 hours here to enjoy the happy time with cute pandas.

   Noon: Lunch in a lcoal restaurant.

   PM: After the tour, you will be escorted to Chengdu East Train Station for high speed train G90/15:02-18:16 (or a train with similar schedule) to Xian. Upon your arrival, the Xian local driver will greet at the exit by holding a name board and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by you

    

   

3. Day 3: Xian
   Banpo Museum, Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Lunch)

   AM: Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning. First you will visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses which is known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World” with a surprisingly high level in sculpture. It is located 30 km east of the Xi’an City and the original site was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. The museum includes Pit 1(the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and history of their owner: First Emperor of Qin who is also the first emperor of China.

   Noo: Lunch in a lcoal restaurant.

   

   PM: In the afternoon, continue to visit Banpo Neolithic Village (1 hour visiting time). This New Stone Age site, dating from approximately 5,000 to 4,000 B.C., is one of the most complete examples of a Neolithic agricultural settlement in the world. After the whole day’s tour, transfer back to your hotel.

   Next we come to Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in Tang Dyansty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The design of the buidlings and statues is in Tang style, showing people the ever glory of that great time. It’s busier in the evening when many activities with Tang elements held by local amateur. Finally you will be transferred back to your hotel.

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by you

   

4. Day 4: Xian Departure
   Muslim Quarter, Xian Ancient City Wall (Lunch)

   AM: After hotel pickup you will be escorted to visit Xian Ancient City Wall which is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China. It was built for the military defense in the Ming Dynasty, 1370 A.D. Since it is cycling the Xian city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall which is optional (cost on your own, CNY45p.p). Today’s last stop is the Muslim Quarter, the most famous food street in Xian. The Muslim Quarter’s narrow lanes are full of butcher shops, sesame oil factories, smaller mosques hidden behind enormous wooden doors, men in white skullcaps and women with their heads covered in colored scarves. Steeped in history, the neighborhood has housed a largely Muslim population since the 7th century. Many of the dishes served have changed little since that time. Chefs stir-fry lamb and spices in hot woks set over blazing hot coal ovens. Nearby, hawkers roast walnuts or sell prunes of varying prices and degrees of quality. Stacks of bamboo baskets filled with mutton and beef dumplings steam away next to fresh fruit vendors and old ladies stir-frying potatoes.

   Noon: Lunch in a lcoal restaurant.

   PM: You will be escorted to train station / airport for departure.