5 Days Beijing-Xian Tour by Flight + Train

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing - Xian by Flight
   Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Lunch)

   AM: In early morning, our local driver (no guide) will pick you up from hotel lobby in downtown area by holding a board with your name and transfer to airport for the morning flight to Xian (We will book the round way flights and flights tickets information will be sent to you by e mail in advance).

   Upon your arrival in Xi’an, our tour guide and driver will greet you at Xian airport. Board the private car to Xian city area. On the way, to the attraction spot, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this land.

   After about 50 mins’ driving to downtown, get to a local restaurant for lunch firstly and then come to Daci’en Temple which houses Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It 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.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: After lunch in a local restaurant, visit Shaanxi History Museum which is one of the biggest and most famous museums in China. The museum houses the cultural heritage unearthed in Shaanxi Province. Although it’s a provincial Museum, the collection of relics here is at national level from both quantity and quality as Xian had been Capitals for more than 13 dynasties in ancient China. Following the tour guide, walk and stop at those priceless exhibits to learn the hidden history and splendid civilization of China. At last, drive to hotel for check-in.

   Accommodation: Xian

   

2. Day 2: Xian
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Spring (Breakfast+Lunch)

   AM: Please be ready for the tour today at hotel lobby after breakfast. The first stop is Terracotta Warriors Museum, located 30 km east of the Xi’an City. Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, it was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into one of the most important attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. 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.

   Noon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

   PM: Afterwards, go to Huaqing Hot Springs. It’s the Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty’s winter palace where they could enjoy hot springs in the cold winter. Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite Concubine Yang Yuhuan spent a lot of happy time here. You will learn the ever prosperity of Tang Dynasty here and also the moving love story between Xuangzong Emperor and Yang Yuhuan.

   Accommodation: Xian

   

3. Day 3: Xian
   Famen Temple, Qianling Mausoleum(Breakfast+Lunch)

   AM: After the breakfast, your adventure begins with the Famen Temple which is situated at Famen Town, 10 km north of Fufeng County in Baoji City, and 118 km west of Xian. It is a famous Buddhist temple which holds the genuine relics of Gautama Buddha (Sakyamuni). Patronized by 8 emperors in the Tang Dynasty, this temple has become one of the four most sacred Buddhist sanctuaries in China.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: Afterward lunch, you will visit the Qianling Mausoleum. It is a Tang Dynasty tomb site situated in Qian County. Built in 684, the mausoleum houses the bodies of members of the royal Li family, including Emperor Gaozong and his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China’s first and only governing Empress Wu Zetian. After one hour inside the Qianling Mausoleum, you will go to the Tomb of Princess Yong Tai. After the fantastic tour, our driver and tour guide will transfer you back to your hotel.

   Accommodation: Xian

   

4. Day 4: Xian - Beijng by Overnight Train
   Xian Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Tower Square (Lunch)

   AM: Today’s first stop is Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area. Small Wild Goose Pagoda is the twin of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Both the two pagodas are important witnesses for the history of Great Tang Dynasty. Same as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda was also built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought from Ancient India by the master monk Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty. Different from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda attracts visitors with its special charms that it keeps quiet and peaceful in the bustling downtown area, has precious value on architecture and Chinese garden aesthetics. Inside of Small Wild Goose Pagoda, you will pay a visit to Xian Museum to learn about the city’s history and appreciate some exquisite relics unearthed in local area.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   

   PM: After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your exploration on Xian Ancient City Wall. Built in the Ming Dynasty, 1370 A.D., it is not only the unique and intact city wall that has survived in China but also the biggest and most complete military system of defense in the world. Walking or riding a bike (optional with cost on your own) on the 600-year-old wall is definitely a life-time experience.

   Last, come to Bell and Drum Tower Square which locates in the very center of the city and is considered as the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and purcahse some Terracotta Warriors imitation as souvenirs.

   After the tour, depart with the guide and driver at Xian train station for overnight train Z20/19:21-06:58+1 back to Beijing.

   Accommodation: Soft sleeper train (4 berths shared in 1 cabin)

5. Day 5: Beijing Arrival

   Upon arrival in Beijing, meet Beijing local driver at the exit of Beijing West Train Station and finally end the whole tour with hotel drop-off.