5 Days Xian To Zhangye Tour with Cultural And Natural Marvels

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Xian

   Upon arrival at Xian, your guide and driver will be ready to welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Xian. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the city on your own.

   Evening ideas: Please feel free to ask your guide for some evening recommendations. You can explore some popular attractions in the downtown area, such as the Bell and Drum Tower, or the vibrant Muslim Street.

   Accommodation: Downtown Xian

2. Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Xian (B, L)
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

   After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” - Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Follow a local expert guide, you’ll explore 8000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in their battle formations. Admire each terracotta figure’s unique facial features as your guide introduces you to the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   

   After that, head to the Xian Ancient City Wall in the city center area. You can ascend this largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China to look into the military defenses of ancient times and enjoy panoramic views of old and new Xian. Instead of walking along the ancient wall, you can also rent a bike (optional, at your own expense) to cycle along the 12-14 meters wide and about 14-kilometer-long wall.

   

   A culinary and cultural adventure awaits you at the nearby Muslim Quarter. A window to look into the Muslim culture and life in Xian, the Muslim Quarter attracts numerous tourists from around the world for its rich variety of halal food and traditional handicrafts. Here, each street teems with numerous food stalls and restaurants offering roujiamo (meat sandwich), yangrou paomo (mutton soup with bread), biangbiang noodles, and many more local authentic specialties.

   Take a side trip to the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter. It is one of the oldest mosques in China, featuring a unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic cultural elements.

   The evening is yours to enjoy the night scene of Xian or relax at your hotel.

   Accommodation: Downtown Xian

   

3. Day 3: Exploration in Xian - Fly to Zhangye (B, L)
   Da Cien Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanyangling

   After breakfast, continue your Xian exploration with a visit to the Da Ci’en Temple. The temple houses the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was initially constructed in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to store Buddhist scriptures, statues, and relics that the revered monk Xuanzang brought back from India. If you like, it’s possible to ascend the pagoda (with extra expense) through a wooden staircase inside the structure.

   With the ancient structures exuding a profound cultural ambiance, dressing in Hanfu for photos is a popular activity in this area. If you like, you can rent traditional Han Chinese clothing to take some photos (optional, at your own expense).

   

   End your Xian journey with a visit to the Hangyangling Mausoleum. This is the joint mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han and his empress, offering a glimpse into the history, art, military, attire, social life, and burial practices of the Western Han period. The mausoleum also houses numerous terracotta figurines. Though not as big as the Qin Terracotta Warriors, those Han terracotta figurines are abundant and varied.

   

   After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Zhangye. Your guide and driver in Zhangye will be ready to welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

   Accommodation: Zhangye

4. Day 4: Zhangye Danxia Landscape (B, L)
   Binggou Danxia Landform Scenery Area, Rainbow Mountains Scenic Area

   Today you’ll enjoy a visual feast of the breathtaking Danxia landform in Zhangye, one of the seven most beautiful Danxia landforms in China. After breakfast, your guide and driver will first escort you to the Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, an important part of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. With its core tourist area spanning about 300 square kilometers, Binggou Danxia Scenic Area is characterized by sandstone geomorphology, featuring Danxia cliffs, stone walls, stone pillars of diverse shapes, and majestic grandeur.

   

   In the afternoon, drive to the Rainbow Mountains Scenic Area (aka Colorful Danxia Scenic Area) about 12 kilometers away from the Binggou area. Covering about 200 square kilometers, this area is the most essential part of the Zhangye Danxia landform, standing out for its unique and color-rich hill landscapes. The stunning layers of red, yellow, orange, purple, gray, and white spread across the hills and change colors with the sunlight. There are multiple viewing platforms allowing visitors to marvel at the breathtaking landscape from different angles. The hues are especially vibrant during the sunset, offering many great photography opportunities.

   After the sunset, hop on our air-conditioned vehicle to drive back to Zhangye city center.

   Accommodation: in Zhangye

   

5. Day 5: Exploration of Zhangye & Departure (B, L)
   Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Temple

   Today is for you to discover the profound history and culture of Zhangye. You’ll follow your local guide to visit its two iconic historical sites: the Giant Buddha Temple and the Matisi Temple.

   Dating from the Western Xia Dynasty, the Giant Buddha Temple got its name from the giant reclining statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in its main hall, which is known as the largest indoor wooden reclining Buddha statue in China. More than that, the temple is also praised as a comprehensive Buddhist art museum, offering rich Buddhist sculptures, murals, scriptures, and architecture.

   

   About 65 kilometers from downtown Zhangye, the Mati Temple Grottoes are hidden among the foothills of the Qilian Mountains, boasting a history of about 1,600 years. The grottoes are home to over 70 niches, showcasing over 200 Buddha statues and ancient grottoes art of both Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. Besides Buddhist culture exploration, its unique location will also reward you with the breathtaking scenery of the Qilian Mountains and vast grassland.

   Your 5 days Xian and Zhangye tour comes to an end after the visit. Say goodbye to your driver and guide after they transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.