3-Day Xi’an Tour from Shanghai: Terracotta Warriors & Mount Huashan Hiking
Tour Overview
Fly directly from Shanghai to Xi’an on this 3-day trip, which combines the historic heritage of the ancient capital with the dramatic scenery of Mount Huashan.
Your dedicated guide will take you to explore the Terracotta Warriors and cycle on the Xi’an City Walls. After dark, roam the Tang Paradise in traditional Hanfu clothing. You’ll also challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Huashan to enjoy the breathtaking peaks.
It’s perfect for travellers who aspire to explore the culture of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties while also seeking the thrill of conquering famous mountains.
Travel destinations: Shanghai, Xi’an
Suitable for: Culture & History Lovers, Adventurers
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Shanghai – Xi’an
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Fly to Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Army, explore the landmark Big Wild Goose Pagoda and watch the musical fountain
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2
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Xi’an
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Challenge the most dangerous peak under heaven – Mount Huashan; take the cable car to the North Peak and hike along the ridge
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3
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Xi’an – Shanghai
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Cycle on China’s most well-preserved ancient city wall, visit a Chinese-style garden mosque, stroll through the Muslim Quarter to try authentic local food
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Highlights of this tour:
Be Amazed by the Underground Terracotta Army: delve into the pits built two thousand years ago, where thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers stand in formation, each face unique.
Enjoy a Novel Hanfu Experience: put on a Tang dynasty outfit, step into an ancient-style street glowing with golden lights, interact with NPCs dressed in Tang attire, and instantly feel like you’re in the bustling Tang dynasty city.
Hike up the Most Dangerous Peak, Mount Huashan: take the cable car to the North Peak and hike higher along the ridge, with a sheer drop beneath your feet and jagged peaks before your eyes.
Visit a Mosque with a Chinese-style Garden: walk through the bustling food stalls of Muslim Street and turn into a classical courtyard with pavilions and brick-carved gates. This mosque has no dome or minaret – only peace and a sense of serenity.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai to Xi'an by FlightVisit the Terracotta Warriors & get lost in the sparkling night street
Welcome to our 3-day trip from Shanghai to Xi'an!
A local driver in Shanghai will pick you up from a downtown hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an (duration: 2.5-3 hours).
Upon arrival in Xi'an, your private guide will take you for a lunch.
Start your afternoon exploration at the Terracotta Army.
The Terracotta ArmyĀ are known as the eighth wonder of the world, and this archaeological site showcases exquisite sculptures from 2000 years ago. You can meet thousands of clay soldiers, each with unique expressions, almost life-sized. Your knowledgeableĀ guide will explain why, for whom, and how they were built.
Our customers are crafting mini Terracotta Warriors After the visit, return to the city to explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, one of Xi'an's liveliest public squares. Here, you can view the city landmark - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and enjoy the music fountain show.
In the evening, wander around the nearbyĀ Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City. With golden lights on, the ancient-style buildings sparkle, and with NPC characters dressed in Tang Dynasty clothing, it creates the atmosphere of an ancient Tang street, echoing the glorious history of the Tang Dynasty that dates back over 1,400 years.
Hanfu experience at Xi'an Datang Everbright City Optional Activities:
- Want to make your Terracotta Army trip truly memorable? We can arrange for you to make a mini Terracotta Warrior by hand at a factory near the site, and you can even take it home!
- In the evening, the most special experience of visiting the Great Tang All Day Mall is renting a set of Hanfu and getting a special makeup look, immersing yourself in the evening life of people in the Tang Dynasty.
- Day 2: Xi'an to Huashan by Private VehiclePrivate transfer to Mount Huashan for a thrilling cable car tour and hiking adventure
Today, you will be hiking on one of the most dangerous peaks in the world. Mount Huashan, about a 2-hour drive from Xi'an city centre, is famous for its perilous paths.
After arriving at the scenic area, the guide will take you on a cable car straight to the North Peak of Mount Huashan,Ā which is the lowest of the five peaks. The view here stretches endlessly, giving a clear sight of the East, West, and South peaks as well as Canglong Ridge. It is a perfect spot to take in the panorama of Mount Hua. The iconic 'Huashan Sword Discussion' stele is also here.
A couple is taking photos of the stone monument of Mount Hua Depending on your fitness level, continue hiking along the ridge towards the Central, East, South, and West Peaks. Stop at the viewpoints along the way and take in the steep terrain and magnificent mountain scenery. You can return to the North Peak anytime during the hike.
After the hiking, the guide will accompany you on the cable car down the mountain, and a private car will drive you back to your hotel in Xi'an city centre for a good rest.
Friendly Reminder:
- The itinerary includes the round-trip cable car to the North Peak. If you want to save energy, we can arrange the West Peak cable car for you, which offers a more spectacular view.
- It's recommended to bring some high-energy snacks like chocolate and nuts, as there are no restaurants on the summit.
- Day 3: Xi'an Back to Shanghai by FlightCycle the Xi'an City Wall, taste snacks, and fly to Shanghai
Since you were so exhausted yesterday, you can start todayās tour a little later this morning.
The Xi'an City WallĀ is one of the largest and best-preserved walls in China. Stroll or cycle along the wide city wall. Follow your guide's pointed finger down below, and you'll see locals doing morning exercises or playing ping-pong - a real glimpse into daily life in Xi'an.
Bike Riding on the Xi'an City Wall Head to the Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is a bridge connecting the ancient city's history with modern life. Nearby, in the Muslim Quarter, the Great MosqueĀ is set in a classical Chinese garden style. You can visit the brick-carved gate towers, stele pavilions, stone archways, and the outer eaves of the prayer hall (the interior is generally not open to the public).
Hunt for Xi'an specialty snacks in the Muslim Quarter, from biangbiang noodles to soup-filled buns. The guide will skip the flashy main street and head straight for the old local favourites.
Eating Biangbiang Noodles at Muslim Street Finally, weāll transfer you to Xi'an airport for your flight back to Shanghai. The driver in Shanghai will pick you up and send you back to your hotel.
The 3-day Shanghai to Xi'an tour comes to a perfect end here.
Travel Tips:
- Cycling on the city wall is an optional activity. Your guide will help you rent a bike on-site.
- It's recommended that you book a flight departing after 6 pm.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This Xi'an Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can selectĀ luxury 5-star hotelsĀ for unparalleled comfort,Ā cozy 4-starĀ accommodations, orĀ value-for-money 3-starĀ options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked forĀ their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped withĀ standard amenitiesĀ like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
InĀ some hotels, there are English-speaking staffĀ who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
