Day 1 → All day meeting in Xi'an
All day
Xi'an All-Day Gathering Day
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shaanxi History Museum, Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, Hanguangmen Ruins Museum, Forest of Steles Museum, Anrenfang Ruins Museum, etc.
Other attractions in the city: Bell and Drum Tower, Muslim Street, Daming Palace, The Longest Day in Chang'an, etc.
Food recommendations
Muslim Street—Dingzikou, west of Dapianyuan: Dingjia Crispy Pork, Shengjia Noodle Noodles, Hongshunxiang Braised Jelly, Shaanxi Shisan Ice Cream, Southeast Asian Zenggao, Yizhenlou Pao Mo, Mijia Pao Mo, Wujia Stir-fry, Shengzhiwang Sesame Sauce Cold Noodles. Yongxingfang
—Zhengjia Steamed Buns, Wangjia Bucket Chicken, Pao Pao Oil Cake, Honey Cold Zongzi, Jinxian Youta.
Simple Restaurant Chains—Weijia Cold Noodles, Yuanjia Roujiamo, Laotongguan Roujiamo, Dongguan Jixiang Roujiamo, Sanqin Set Meal (Cold Noodles, Roujiamo, Bingfeng).
Shaanxi Restaurant Chains—Chang'an Food Stalls, Zui Chang'an, Dahaizi, Liji Jiaotuan, Chef's Restaurant, Narrow Alley.
Traffic Tips
Xianyang Airport: We recommend taking the airport shuttle bus to Zhonglou Station or taking Metro Line 14 to Xi'an North Railway Station. Then, take Metro Line 1, 2, or 4 depending on
your hotel's location. Xi'an North Railway Station: We recommend taking Metro Line 2 or 4 depending on your hotel's location.
Day 2 Xi'an City Wall → Shuyuan Gate → Xi'an Museum/Small Wild Goose Pagoda → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Tang Dynasty City
All day
Early risers can head to the popular Xiaonanmen Morning Market for an authentic Xi'an breakfast, then head to the Hanguangmen City Wall Ruins Museum to reunite with the main group.
Today is a classic one-day tour of Xi'an. Wander through the streets of the ancient city, learn about the layout and military defenses of Chang'an, witness the wonders of the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, sample Shaanxi specialties, and dream back to the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.
Under the city wall of Xi'an people is the train of Xi'an people [Xi'an City Wall]
For Xi'an locals, entering the city wall is the only way to truly experience the city! Built over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the Xi'an City Wall is China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall. With a circumference of 13.74 kilometers, even a complete bike ride would take two hours! Inside and outside the walls, half is a bustling world of life, often depicting both ancient and modern times. Here, we'll begin at the Hanguang Gate City Wall Ruins Museum, where we'll stroll along the walls, immerse ourselves in history, and learn about the wall's architecture and the layout of Tang Chang'an.
Academy Gate
Walking here, we can smell the fragrance of books and ink, and hear stories about old Xi'an. It's a rare place to "steal a little leisure time" in the bustling city center. We can also stop for a quiet tea break between the Xi'an Ming City Wall and the screen wall of the Temple of Confucius in the Forest of Steles, sharing the joy of the trip with our group! Afterwards, we will go to Sanxue Street to see the elderly writing and the young people carving seals on the street. Time seems to slow down. The whole street sells the four treasures of the study: calligraphy and paintings, jade rubbings, seals and picture frames, etc.
Special Experience | Chang'an Lacquer Fan: Here we will make our own lacquer fan to record the good times~
Understanding a city starts with museums [Xi'an Museum]/[Small Wild Goose Pagoda]
The Xi'an Museum, home to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, was built on the ruins of the Tang Dynasty Jianfu Temple and Anrenfang, rivaling the Shaanxi History Museum. In addition to exquisite artifacts, the museum also houses a sand table model of the 108 wards of Chang'an City, recreating the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Let's hear about some of the unique designs and stories within the imperial city during that time. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built to house Buddhist scriptures and images brought back from India by the Tang Dynasty monk Yijing. The Morning Bell of the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong, is also located here. In summer, this area is a great place to enjoy lotus blossoms in Xi'an, and the endless sea of hydrangeas in summer attracts countless young people, making it an ideal spot for period photoshoots.
Special Experience | Wild Goose Pagoda Bell
After hearing about the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, we also went to experience the Wild Goose Pagoda Morning Bell, one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong". The clear bell sound and the beautiful tower shadow together with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda constitute part of the Silk Road World Heritage.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of the Tang Dynasty in Xi'an
Over 1,300 years old, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the oldest and largest surviving Tang Dynasty square-pavilion brick pagoda. Xuanzang oversaw its construction to preserve Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back to Chang'an from India via the Silk Road. The pagoda was once the site where newly-minted Jinshi (imperial examination) scholars inscribed their names, giving rise to the "Yanta Inscriptions," one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong." The Big Wild Goose Pagoda's fountain has become a must-see attraction for tourists both domestically and internationally.
Chang'an: A City That Never Sleeps [The Tang Dynasty]
From the "tumbler lady" to "Li Bai" offering roujiamo (Chinese steamed buns) in exchange for poetry, to the ever-popular "Fang Xuanling" and "Du Ruhui" characters from the "Great Tang Secret Box," and other phenomenal cultural IPs like "Stone Man" and "Dunhuang Flying Apsaras," the already popular "Da Tang City That Never Sleeps" continues to heat up. Young ladies in ancient costumes can be found everywhere on the streets, allowing everyone to find their own version of the Tang Dynasty here. Your guide will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary with show times, allowing you to explore the city without backtracking, and then return to your hotel to rest.
Day 3 Xi'an → Terracotta Warriors + Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang → Stay at Mount Huashan
All day
Today is the classic one-day tour of the East Line that countless outsiders must check in when visiting Xi'an, and experience Qin Shi Huang's underground army of figurines~
Counting the past and present of the Terracotta Warriors [Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum]
The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, built over 39 years and employing over 700,000 workers, is the size of 78 Forbidden City palaces. Surrounding the mausoleum are numerous burial pits and tombs of varying shapes and contents. The enigmatic Terracotta Army continues to guard the underground empire of the once-great emperor. We'll experience the majesty of Qin Shi Huang's conquering army in Pit 1, observe the diverse military formations up close in Pit 2, and learn about the command center layout of the Qin army in Pit 3. The Terracotta Army is still being excavated, allowing us to see the archaeologists at work up close.
Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang
The construction of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor took 39 years and over 700,000 workers. Its total area is 56.25 square kilometers, equivalent to the size of 78 Forbidden City palaces. Surrounding the mausoleum are numerous burial pits and tombs of varying shapes and contents, with over 400 discovered. We'll tour the mausoleum in an electric vehicle, exploring the bronze chariots and horses, known as the "Crown of Bronze," marvel at the craftsmanship of Qin Dynasty bronzeware, and witness the rich entertainment life of the Qin court in the K9901 burial pit, the Hundred Plays Terracotta Warriors Pit. The K0006 Civilian Officials Terracotta Warriors Pit is a rare relic within the mausoleum that has remained untouched by fire.
After the tour, we headed to Mount Huashan. We stayed at the foot of the mountain, so we could avoid the peak crowds, set off early, and avoid waiting in line. The cable car attractions were also off-peak for sightseeing.
Day 4: Full-day tour of Huashan → Stay in Hancheng
All day
Come challenge the Western Peak [Huashan] in Jin Yong's martial arts novels
Huashan has multiple cable car routes, so we can't predict everyone's needs. Please feel free to choose the cable car route based on your physical fitness. (Note: This itinerary includes Huashan tickets, but does not include round-trip cable car access, shuttle buses, or tour guides. The tour guide will explain the route and help you purchase cable car and shuttle bus tickets, so don't worry.)
Route 1: West-up and West-down - Suitable for the elderly, children, people with mobility issues, tourists with limited physical strength, or tourists who want more time to take photos and experience some of the challenges of the mountain. (Round-trip bus to and from the West Peak, round-trip cable car to and from the West Peak, and a walk down the cable car, about 2-3 hours)
Route 2: West Peak Up and North Peak Down - Suitable for tourists with normal physical fitness who want to experience the treacherous roads of Mount Huashan, visit the Huashan Sword Contest Monument, and fully explore the scenery of Mount Huashan (enter West Peak + exit North Peak + one-way cable car from West Peak + one-way cable car from North Peak + a 3-5 hour walk down the mountain).
The Huashan Scenic Area has matured, allowing visitors to freely explore the mountain and enjoy the stunning beauty of Mount Huashan, the Western Peak. Mount Huashan, known for its unparalleled peril, is renowned for its ancient legend of Chenxiang splitting the mountain to save his mother. This is also reflected in Jin Yong's novel, "The Contest of Swords on Mount Huashan." The ancient saying, "Since ancient times, there has only been one path to Mount Huashan," further captures the mountain's unprecedented and unparalleled peril.
After the tour, we will wait for you at a fixed location (the guide will inform you of the meeting place during the group), and then we will check in at the Hancheng Hotel.
Hancheng, Shaanxi, located on the banks of the Yellow River, is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. In the evening, you can freely go to Hancheng Ancient City to stroll around and enjoy the delicious food.
Day 5 Hancheng → Hukou Waterfall → Yangjialing → Overnight in Yan'an
All day
Watch the Yellow River in one pot [Shaanxi Hukou Waterfall]
As the Yellow River flows through the Huangshi Plateau and into the Qin-Jin Gorge, the riverbed suddenly narrows from 400 to 50 meters wide to 40 to 50 meters, resembling a giant pot pouring out water, hence the name Hukou Waterfall. Hukou Waterfall is magnificent, especially during the "Peach Blossom Flood" (April to May) and the "Hukou Autumn Wind" (September to November), when the water reaches its peak. Here, the 300 to 400-meter-wide Yellow River suddenly narrows to 30 to 40 meters, creating a turbulent, roaring river. Visitors will deeply feel the awe of the Yellow River's celestial presence. On clear days, the mist created by the water creates a rainbow above the waterfall, a truly auspicious sight.
Embark on a journey to Red Yan'an and experience the Nanniwan Spirit
This is the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party's military reclamation project. See how the revolutionary forefathers transformed the thorn-covered and uninhabited Nanniwan into a beautiful Jiangnan area in northern Shaanxi, where "crops are everywhere and cattle and sheep are everywhere."
【Yangjialing】
Afterward, we headed to the Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, where we could see the Seven Great Halls of the Communist Party of China, the cave dwellings of former Chairman Mao Zedong on the hill behind, and the vegetable plots they cultivated. We listened to the guide recount stories of the revolutionary era. It was also at Yangjialing that Chairman Mao met with American journalist Anna Louise Strong at a small stone table in front of his cave dwelling. In response to the then-prevalent "anti-Americanism," he famously asserted that "all reactionaries are paper tigers."
In the evening, you can freely go to Erdao Street Night Market, where you can try potato chips, stewed lamb trotters, mixed noodles, and barbecued meat with vinegar and garlic. They all taste great!
Day 6 Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall → Wave Valley → Yan'an
All day
Never forget the past [Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall]
Yan'an, Shaanxi Province, a renowned revolutionary shrine, naturally has become a beloved destination. Its collection of over 35,000 artifacts and 5,500 precious historical photos evokes memories of that revolutionary era. The Party Central Committee, Mao Zedong, and other veteran proletarian revolutionaries lived and fought in Yan'an and northern Shaanxi for thirteen years, leading the Chinese people to victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation. After your visit, you'll undoubtedly gain a profound understanding of the Yan'an spirit, a spirit that will endure for generations to come.
Then go to the Wave Valley scenic area to experience the wonderful world on the red sandstone
We'll head to the main scenic area of Wave Valley, also known as Longzhou Danxia. Here, the red rocks flow like a stream, cascading down the ravine in circles, lumps, and curves. These red rocks, frozen in the water, resemble tiny streams flowing at the bottom of the ravine and the green vegetation in the distance, creating a beautiful, immersive scene. This magnificent Danxia oasis will surely captivate you, leaving you in awe of the passage of time.
After lunch at a farmer's house in Bolanggu, China-TravelNote will give you a chance to experience the unique folk customs of Northern Shaanxi, such as cutting flower paper and making flower buns. I believe it will be unforgettable!
Afterwards we drove back to Yan'an to check in.
Day 7 Yan'an → Yucha Grand Canyon → Xi'an Xianyang Airport → Xi'an North Railway Station
All day
After breakfast, we set off for the Yucha Grand Canyon, another wonder of the Loess Plateau known as the "Chinese Antelope Canyon."
The canyon is majestic and breathtaking, its interior winding and varying in width, from a few dozen meters wide at its widest point to barely wide enough for a single person to pass sideways. The traces of time are seamlessly carved into the cliffs, leaving one marvelling at the wonders of nature and the miraculous power of creation. A scenic bus ride through the Yucha Grand Canyon reveals sunlight slanting down from above to the canyon floor, revealing a breathtaking spectacle. Recently discovered by geologists, the Yucha Grand Canyon, remarkably similar to the Antelope Canyon in the United States, remains unexplored, hidden deep in the mountains of northern Shaanxi. Let's uncover the mysteries of this virgin land together.
Afterwards we returned to Xi'an, ending our pleasant journey.
The estimated arrival time at Xi'an Xianyang Airport is 19:00. It is recommended to purchase flights after 21:00.
The estimated arrival time at Xi'an North Station is 19:40. It is recommended to purchase a train after 20:30.
