7-Day In-Depth Tour of Xi’an & Yan’an: Hukou Waterfall, Wave Valley, Yucha Grand Canyon

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival

   Welcome to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China!

   Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Get a brief introduction to Xi’an and your upcoming itinerary on the way.

   After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace.

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   4-star hotel in Xi'an
2. Day 2: Xi’an History Exploration
   Trace Qin’s Army Glory and Tang Imperial Stories

   In the morning, take roughly a 1-hour drive from downtown Xi’an to the Terracotta Army.

   Explore the main pits from Pit 1, the largest of the three. Admire the grand underground military formation of the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC), with rows of terracotta warriors and chariots. Some areas still preserve original archaeological excavation sites.

   Proceed to other pits to see different types of soldiers and precious unearthed relics. Learn how the Terracotta Army was discovered, excavated and painstakingly restored. Many of the figurines were found in pieces, and archaeologists have had to carefully restore the fragments to bring the warriors back to life.

   

   Join a miniature terracotta warrior-crafting session using raw clay and molds. Learn the basic process of traditional terracotta figurine making under an instructor’s guidance.

   After that, head to Huaqing Palace, nestled at the foot of Mount Lishan. It is renowned for its natural hot springs and Tang Dynasty royal heritage. Uncover the romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei while wandering through its classical gardens and historic buildings.

   Optional Activity: For more details of this tale, watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow in the evening. This is a live performance combining dance, music, water scenes and lighting effects.

   

   Return to downtown Xi’an after the show. If you opt out, you’ll go back to your hotel after visiting Huaqing Palace.

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   4-star hotel in Xi'an
3. Day 3: Xi’an to Yan’an by High-Speed Train
   Experience Xi’an Ancient City Scenery and Taste Local Delicacies

   Start the day with a visit to the Xi’an City Wall, a landmark with more than 600 years of history. Take a leisurely walk along the top and see the city gates, gate towers and old city below. Rent a bicycle and cycle along part of the wall if you feel up to it.

   

   Move to the Muslim Quarter to explore halal restaurants, food stalls and traditional shops. Experience the lively atmosphere of everyday life in Xi’an’s historic center. Enjoy a lunch featuring authentic Xi’an specialties.

   Take a 1.5-hour high-speed train to Yan’an in the afternoon. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel.

   

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   4-star hotel in Yan'an
4. Day 4: Yan’an to Hukou by Private Vehicle
   See the Yellow River Rush Down from High Above

   Leave Yan’an and take a 2.5- to 3-hour drive to Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, the world’s largest yellow waterfall and the image printed on the fourth set of RMB 50 banknotes. In contrast to the urban sights of Xi’an, you will see the eroded gullies of the Loess Plateau along the way.

   Board a shuttle bus to the main viewing area upon arrival. The broad Yellow River abruptly narrows as rushing through the gorge, forming the breathtaking Hukou Waterfall.

   Admire the Yellow River and waterfall from different angles along the observation platforms. Hear the thunderous roar of the water and gaze at the mist when the river is running at a high level.

   After the visit, drive back to Yan’an.

   

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   4-star hotel in Yan'an
5. Day 5: Yan’an to Jingbian by Private Vehicle
   Explore Swirling Curves of Expansive Red Sandstones

   You will explore another distinctive natural landscape today. Travel roughly 2.5-3 hours from Yan’an to Jingbian Wave Valley, often called China’s own Antelope Canyon.

   See vast stretches of red sandstone shaped by years of weathering and erosion. Rock layers form wave-like and swirling curves and stretch naturally along the hillsides, which create a striking Danxia landscape.

   Continue along the trails and appreciate the undulating rock formations from different heights and viewpoints. When sunlight falls on the rocks, you can see varying shades of red and orange.

   Plenty of time will be set aside for today’s exploration, so you can take your time walking and stop to take photos at your own pace.

   

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   4-star hotel in Jingbian
6. Day 6: Jingbian Back to Xi’an by Train
   Venture into Narrow Canyons for Red Walls with Layered Rock Textures

   A 2.5-hour ride from Jingbian brings you to Yucha Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, explore one or more of the canyon sections open that day, selected for their distinctive scenery.

   Unlike the expansive red landscapes of Wave Valley, Yucha Grand Canyon takes you deep into narrow ravines, where towering rock walls rise on either side. Shaped by years of water erosion, the walls feature flowing curves and intricate layers of natural patterns.

   On sunny days, sunlight streams down from the narrow gorges above, illuminating the rock walls in shades of red, orange, and gold. If you enjoy photography, look out for moments when sunlight reaches into the canyon. The changing light reveals different colors, textures, and layers from every angle.

   Transfer to Ganquan Railway Station and take a train back to Xi'an after the sightseeing. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

   

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   4-star hotel in Xi'an
7. Day 7: Departure from Xi’an

   This concludes your 7-day journey. Depending on your flight or high-speed train schedule, you can enjoy some free time before departure. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station.

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