Day 1: All over the country → → → → Xi'an assembly day
All day
The whole day is Xi'an gathering day
All tourists go to the meeting hotel on their own and report "China-Travel Note + Name" at the hotel front desk to check in. After checking in, you will be free to move around. During the free time, please keep your belongings safe and pay attention to safety.
Recommended attractions in Xi'an: City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Forest of Steles, Daming Palace, Tang Dynasty City, etc.
Recommended Xi'an cuisine: biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese roujiamo), oil-splashed noodles, mutton soup, cold noodles, spicy meatball soup, Huanggui persimmon cake, gourd chicken, Bingfeng (a type of pork stew), etc.
Internet celebrity must-visit food: bowl-breaking wine, brush pastry, Thirteen Yao, small crispy pork, egg and vegetable steamed bun, sour plum soup, etc.
If you want to know more about the imperial tombs in Shaanxi Province before traveling, you can first watch documentaries such as "Imperial Tombs of the Tang Dynasty", "Imperial Tombs of the Western Han Dynasty", "Daming Palace", "Eastern Valley of the Kings", and "Eighteen Tombs of the Tang Dynasty in Guanzhong". You will have a clearer understanding of the imperial tombs in Shaanxi. You can watch them on Bilibili or Youku.
Day 2 Xi'an → Baoji Bronze Museum → Tang Dynasty Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum → Baoji
All day
Baoji, formerly known as Chencang and Yongcheng, is known as the "Hometown of the Yan Emperor and the Hometown of Bronze Artifacts." It is the birthplace of Zhou and Qin civilizations and the seat of Baoxue (Baoji Studies), a vital branch of Chinese culture. With over 8,000 years of civilization and over 2,770 years of city history, Baoji has unearthed treasures such as the Four National Treasures of the Late Qing Dynasty, as well as the Stone Drum and He Zun. The region is rich in folk wisdom and cultural heritage. From Fengxiang's painted clay sculptures and woodblock New Year paintings to Qianyang embroidery, Longxian's community performances, and the magical paper-cutting, Baoji's folk culture shines like pearls, inlaid throughout this cultural fertile land. Today, we'll begin our journey to the imperial tombs in Baoji, witnessing the dawn of civilization during the Zhou and Qin dynasties.
The Light of Zhou and Qin Civilizations [Baoji Bronze Museum]
The Baoji Bronze Museum, located in the China Stone Drum Park, houses over 12,000 artifacts, including over 120 first-class artifacts, including the He Zun, Zhe Gong, King Li's Hu Gui, Qiang Pan, and Qin Gong Bi, all prohibited from export. The bronze artifacts here are of the highest quality. Examples include the Dayu Ding in the National Museum of China, the Sanshi Pan in Taipei, and the Maogong Ding, all of which originated in Fengxiang and Qishan, Baoji. The spirit of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, the charm of bronze and stone, washes over you. Here, you'll marvel at the mastery of bronze smelting techniques achieved two to three thousand years ago. The museum also reveals various historical aspects of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, revealing the essence of bronze culture. Other themed exhibition halls, such as "Pottery Talks about the Spring and Autumn Period" and "Mirroring with Yellow Flowers," offer a wealth of fascinating exhibits and are open to the public.
Key highlights: Restoration of the Yangjiacun cellar, the glorious era under the Zhou Dynasty ritual system, the ritual and musical sound of the Qin Gong Bi, and the casting process of bronze ware.
The Duanlou, a rare underground eaves ancient building in China [Tang Dynasty Qin Wang Mausoleum]
The Mausoleum of the Qin King of the Tang Dynasty is the joint burial site of Li Maozhen, the Prince of Qin, and his wife, Liu, during the late Tang and Five Dynasties. Although not an imperial mausoleum, it was built on the model of imperial mausoleums. Compared to the 18 Tang Dynasty imperial tombs in Guanzhong, it is quite unique. "To understand the style of the late Tang Dynasty, one must visit the Mausoleum of the Qin King." It is the only excavated imperial mausoleum in my country from the late Tang and Five Dynasties period that features a single tomb but different burial sites. Eighteen vivid paintings of musicians flank the tomb passage, and a "ground astronomical map" is created by splitting blue bricks to form a spoon-shaped "ground celestial phenomenon map" according to the positions of the Big Dipper. The Mausoleum of the Qin King of the Tang Dynasty's treasure, the Duanlou, is a Tang-style blue brick imitation wooden hip-and-gable roof with double eaves. This is a rare underground Tang Dynasty structure in my country, a source of pride for Baoji and even Shaanxi, and a marvel in the archaeological world. CCTV-10's "Discovery" program visited the Mausoleum twice to film two documentaries, "Who is the Qin King" and "Excavation of the Mausoleum of the Qin Kings of the Five Dynasties," which were broadcast on CCTV.
Key highlights: Deep into the tomb passage to uncover two underground palaces of emperors and empresses, a rare sight in China since the Tang Dynasty, an underground tower – a wonder of archaeology, and a grand display of ancient tomb murals.
After the entire tour, check in to Baoji to rest. In the evening, you can freely visit Chencang Old Street, Xifu Old Street and other Baoji night market food streets to enjoy the charm of this city.
Day 3 Baoji → Qin Tomb No. 1 → Famen Temple → Qianxian County
All day
The largest ancient tomb excavated in China to date [Qin Gong Tomb No. 1]
Qin Gong Tomb No. 1, located in Nanzhihui Village, Fengxiang County, Shaanxi Province, holds five key positions in the history of Chinese archaeology: it is the largest pre-Qin tomb excavated in China to date; the 186 human sacrifices found within the tomb represent the largest number of human sacrifices discovered in China since the Western Zhou Dynasty; the cypress "Huangchangtichou" coffin chamber is the highest-grade burial vessel discovered in China from the Zhou and Qin dynasties; and the wooden stele slabs on the outer walls of the coffin chamber are among the earliest tombstones in Chinese history. In particular, the stone chimes unearthed in the tomb are among the earliest inscribed stone chimes discovered in China. The inscriptions on the stone chimes, which contain over 180 characters in Zhuanwen script, closely resemble the "Stone Drum Inscriptions," suggest that the tomb occupant was Qin Jinggong.
Key highlights: the "Huangchangtichou" coffin, the brutal human sacrifice burial system, the ruins of the ancient Qin Yongcheng city, the precious stone chime inscriptions, and the archaeological site
More than 2,000 Tang Dynasty treasures have been unearthed here, making it the most valuable temple in the world. [Famen Temple]
Famen Temple became the royal temple of the Tang Dynasty because it housed the Buddha's finger bone relics of Sakyamuni. Every 30 years, the underground palace would be opened to welcome the relics to Chang'an for people to pay homage. It was said that "it would be opened every 30 years, and when it was opened, the harvest would be good and the wars would cease." In the late Tang Dynasty, perhaps Emperor Xizong also had a premonition of the decline of the country, so he sealed the Buddha's bones in the underground palace and stored them with thousands of rare treasures (including an "embroidered skirt" worn by Empress Wu Zetian) and three "shadow bones" (shadow bones shaped like Buddha's bones to confuse the sight of tomb robbers).
Key highlights: The past and present of the Buddha's most precious treasures, including the Buddha's relic, bronze pagoda, eight-layered treasure box, silver-flowered double-wheeled twelve-ring staff, and the true body pagoda of Famen Temple.
We will stay in Qian County to rest in the evening. You can try some of the delicious food in Qian County, such as Guokui, sour soup noodles, tofu pudding, Shengyuan Qishan noodles, and Qianzhou Chasu.
Day 4 Qianling Mausoleum → Princess Yongtai's Tomb → Prince Yide's Tomb → Zhaoling Museum → Yuanjia Village
All day
Leaving Baoji, a city steeped in the Zhou and Qin dynasties, we'll explore the imperial tombs of the Tang Dynasty. Nineteen emperors are buried in the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi (Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi are buried together in Qianling Mausoleum). Eighteen of these tombs, including those of Xian, Zhao, Qian, Ding, Qiao, Tai, Jian, Yuan, Chong, Feng, Jing, Guang, Zhuang, Zhang, Duan, Zhen, Jian, and Jing, are collectively known as the Eighteen Tang Imperial Tombs of Guanzhong. These majestic mountainside mausoleums fan-shaped around Chang'an, along with the city and palace complex, form one of the highest-ranking and most densely populated Tang Dynasty cultural relics and heritage sites in China. We'll explore some of the most representative imperial tombs, underground palaces, and museums.
The only mausoleum in China where an emperor and his wife were buried together, Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi, the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, reigned for 34 years during the Yonghui reign [Qianling Mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong of Tang & Empress Zetian]
Qianling Mausoleum, located on Liangshan Mountain in Qian County, Shaanxi Province, is the only joint burial site in Chinese history for Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi. Its grand scale and imposing majesty, with lush peaks and a forest of stone carvings, earn it the title of the crowning imperial tomb of the Tang Dynasty and the only one to remain unlooted. It boasts numerous architectural remains, including the Shangxian Temple, the Sixty Courtiers' Portraits Shrine, and the Four Gates Tower. Over 120 large-scale Tang Dynasty stone carvings, including Huabiao (patterned pillars), winged horses, stone lions, stone ostriches, and the Shushengji Stele, have earned it the reputation of "an open-air exhibition hall for Tang Dynasty stone carving art." The pair of stone ostriches flanking the Qianling Mausoleum's sacred path are particularly striking. Let's explore them together!
Key highlights: The various theories about the inscriptionless stele, the sixty-one statues of foreign ministers, Wu Zetian's road to victory, and the social situation during the Wu Zhou period
Tomb No. 1 is the highest standard accompanying tomb of the Mausoleum [Princess Yongtai's Tomb] [Prince Yide's Tomb] [Qianling Museum]
There are a total of 17 tombs in Qianling Mausoleum, and more than 4,300 precious cultural relics have been unearthed, including more than 100 splendid and colorful tomb murals, which can be regarded as a magnificent and unique art gallery of ancient China. Murals such as "Polo Picture", "Guests and Envoys Picture", "Watching Birds and Catching Cicadas Picture", "Hunting Picture", and "Ceremonial Picture" are of great value not only for the study of Tang Dynasty paintings, but also for the study of Tang Dynasty architecture, clothing, customs, sports, court life, and foreign affairs.
Key highlights: The burial tombs of the mausoleum and the Tang Dynasty murals in the tomb passage
[Zhaoling Museum] Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, one of the most famous and wise emperors in Chinese history, reigned for 23 years, and the Zhenguan era was a long song of prosperity.
The Zhaoling Museum, located 11 kilometers north of the Zhaoling Mausoleum of Emperor Taizong of Tang, houses a collection of 4,550 artifacts, divided into themed exhibition halls such as "The Essence of Excavated Cultural Relics from Zhaoling," "The Zhaoling Forest of Steles," and "Murals from Tang Tombs in Zhaoling." The Zhaoling Forest of Steles has been hailed by Japanese visitors as "one of the three great forests of stele in China." Zhaoling is the largest imperial mausoleum in my country in terms of both area and number of accompanying tombs, with over 180 tombs, including those of Zhangsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and Yuchi Jingde. Constructed from the peak of Jiuyi Mountain, the Zhaoling Mausoleum set a precedent for the construction of mountain mausoleums for feudal emperors during the Tang Dynasty.
Key highlights: Specially invited the director of Zhaoling Museum to analyze the stone carving art of Zhaoling Stele Forest
Stay in Yuanjia Village for the night. This is a great place to experience the folk customs of Guanzhong. The oil mill, tofu shop, noodle shop, tea shop, etc. can still let tourists experience the lifestyle of ordinary people here hundreds of years ago. The dazzling array of delicious food from Guanzhong, southern Shaanxi, and northern Shaanxi will make you linger. There are also many local folk customs. Everyone can enjoy shopping and eating at night.
Day 5 Yuanjia Village → Maoling → Xianyang Museum → Hanyang Tomb → Overnight in Xi'an
All day
The Mausoleum of Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, is the largest, longest-lasting, and richest in burial objects among the Western Han imperial mausoleums. [Maoling]
First, the Xianyang Plain, nestled in the heart of Guanzhong, at the junction of the Jing and Wei rivers, is the primary concentration of Western Han imperial tombs. Eleven emperors built these mausoleums, nine of which are located on the Xianyang Plain. Among the most prominent are the Five Mausoleums: Changling of Emperor Gaozu, Anling of Emperor Hui, Yangling of Emperor Jing, Maoling of Emperor Wu, and Pingling of Emperor Zhao. These five mausoleums were governed by their own towns, hence the name "Five Mausoleum Plain." Ancient poetry depicts the "young men of the Five Mausoleums vying for their hair" and "the men of the Five Mausoleums, dressed in furs and riding horses, are proud of their wealth." Construction of Maoling took 53 years, and its accompanying tombs include those of Lady Li, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Huo Guang, and Jin Midi, earning it the nickname "The Pyramid of China." Maoling boasts seven distinctions: first, the longest construction period, spanning 53 years; second, its largest scale, with over 400 discovered accessory burial pits; and third, the largest number of burial objects. By the time Emperor Wu died and was buried, the mausoleum was completely empty. As the historical records state, "there is no room for anything else." Fourth, it was the most expensive, with construction costs accounting for one-third of Emperor Wu's annual taxes. Fifth, Maoling is the most prosperous city. Sixth, the mausoleum area is the most extensive, with dozens of accompanying tombs, most of which are unique. Seventh, Maoling itself is the tallest, standing out among the 11 imperial mausoleums of the Western Han Dynasty. As the renowned historian Wu Bolun wittily observed, Maoling is an "illegal and oversized" structure. (PS: Due to its proximity to the airport, you can see airplanes flying over the 2,000-year-old burial mound. The feeling of glimpsing the past and the present in a fleeting moment is truly extraordinary!)
A small treasure museum, unexpectedly hiding an underground army nine years older than the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang [Xianyang Museum]
Xianyang was the capital of the Qin Dynasty and home to a large number of Han Dynasty tombs. Therefore, the Xianyang Museum's collection primarily focuses on Qin and Han dynasties, with the 3,000 painted terracotta warriors and horses from the Western Han Dynasty being the most renowned. The Xianyang Museum houses over 20,000 artifacts, including valuable items such as Han Dynasty jade horses, jade heads, painted commander figurines, and the Lu King's tiger talisman; Warring States Period inlaid gold and silver tripods, Anyi lower-official bells, and dragon-shaped cymbals; Tang Dynasty carved red gold pots and tri-colored dromedaries. Unearthed in Yangjiawan in 1965, a miniature army consisting of 1,965 infantrymen and 583 cavalrymen, each only 50cm tall, boasts stunning detail! The commander figurines' red and green robes, the muscular lines of the cavalry horses, and even the painted shields are clearly visible. A Han Dynasty round-carved jade immortal galloping on a horse—a flying divine horse carved from Hetian mutton-fat jade—features a horse stepping on flowing clouds and an immortal holding a Ganoderma lucidum, with even the feathers on the horse's wings clearly visible! The Confucian Temple ancient building complex where the museum is located is also very winding and secluded. The wooden archway with a hip roof, the stone carvings of the Lingxing Gate, and the glazed tiles of the Dacheng Hall are all ancient-style masterpieces.
The joint burial site of Emperor Jing of Han, Liu Qi, and his empress, Wang, in separate tombs, during the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing [Hanyangling]
The Hanyang Mausoleum, built in 153 BC, is the most complete Western Han imperial mausoleum discovered to date. The Luojing Stone Ruins are among the most well-preserved remains of imperial mausoleum and temple buildings. The Yangling South Gate Que is one of the earliest, highest-ranking, largest, and best-preserved three-que que sites discovered in China. The Hanyang Mausoleum Archaeological Exhibition Hall, now open to the public, showcases the grandeur of the "Reign of Emperors Wen and Jing." Every autumn, the ginkgo groves here create a unique and beautiful landscape.
Key attractions: Get up close and personal with my country's only fully underground ruins museum, see Western Han Dynasty sculptures, and experience phantasmagoric imaging.
Day 6 Xi'an → Shaanxi Archaeological Museum → Xi'an Xianyang Airport → Xi'an North Railway Station
All day
The Imperial Capital's Eternal Charm [Shaanxi Archaeological Museum]
Special note: Due to the requirements of the Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, the master teacher will not give the museum's tour. We will arrange for professional museum guides to give the museum's tours. The tours will be in a scattered format, with a maximum of 20 people. We will also have the master teacher prepare for the archaeological museum and extract the essence of the tour in other itineraries. Please understand.
During the era when tomb-raiding novels were all the rage, you might have wondered a lot. Did Cao Cao really maintain a dedicated army of tomb raiders? Is there really a difference between the Southern School of Dragon-Seeking and the Northern School of Luoyang Shovel? Did ancient people actually engage in archaeological work? You'll find the answers to many of these questions here. Learn about the development of Chinese archaeology, including archaeological site simulations, archaeological tools, and archaeological diaries; explore the pedigree of various cultural relics; discover newly exhibited Shaanxi archaeological finds; and discover the latest developments in modern cultural heritage preservation technology. This museum will leave you gasping in wonder, with numerous artifacts on display for the first time. For more fascinating stories, come and discover them in person!
Arrive at Xianyang International Airport between 14:00 and 14:30. It is recommended to book a flight after 16:00.
Arrive at Xi'an North High-Speed Railway Station between 14:40 and 15:10. Please book a train departing Xi'an after 15:40. Wish you all a safe journey!
During the May Day and National Day holidays, it is recommended to purchase a later train ticket to avoid traffic jams and delays to your trip!
