Shaanxi Highlight Cultural Tour

Arrival at Xian by train or flight, met by our English speaking tour guide and visit the Terra-cotta Army - a lifetime viewing of the extraordinary 2200-year-old terra-cotta Army of China's First Emperor-Qin Shihuang. The emperor Qin Shi Huang who was the first emperor to unite China in 221 BC started to build his own mausoleum 35 years before his death. The Terracotta Army was to protect him after his death. Only a small part of the Terracotta Army has been restored. The museum shows different stages in the slow restoration process. Then, you will take a short visit to the Pottery-making House.

After having the local flavor - Dumpling Dinner , enjoy Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. Transferred back to your hotel.

Xian

After breakfast at hotel, your city tour begins with a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum - a large modern museum of the national level where you will see the artifacts that have been collected in Shaanxi Province since the upper Cave Man 18,000 years ago. Then move on to Big Goose Pagoda ( Ascending the pagoda is optional). The Pagoda is over 1000 years old and has 6 levels. It was used to store and protect Buddhist writings in the past.

Today you have a la carte lunch with an a la carte menu at a nice local restaurant, where you could enjoy the authentic Chinese food. After lunch, visit the Muslim Quarter, a delightful place you will never miss! The bazaar in the Muslim area is most attractive with a wide area of stalls selling everything.

The famous Great Mosque is located in the Muslim Quarter area. Great Mosque,is the biggest and most preserved complete Chinese existent mosque. It was first built at the Tianbao first year (742 years) during Tang Dynasty.

Then visit the Xian City Wall, a symbol of great significance of the famous historic cultural city of Xian. The City Wall started to be built in 194 B.C. The wall is 25.7 KM in length and is 12-16 meters in the base. Bicycles can be rented to ride. The wall encloses a city area of 36 square kilometers. Transferred back to your hotel.

After breakfast, drive 227km along the highway to the city of Hancheng. Hancheng is composed of a new town and the old town. The old town is built at the bottom of a hill that boasts a few historic sites. Hancheng is best known for being the hometown of Sima Qian (145-90BC), China's legendary historian and the author of the Shiji (Record of the Grand Historian).

After lunch, visit the highlights in Hancheng old town. The old Hancheng Old Town is adjacent to the Yellow River on its east. The original old town was made of mud that dates back to Jin Dynasty (1164), also kown as Jin City. In Ming-era (1640), the old town was rebuilt with bricks. The present old town still keeps its main north-south street of 1200m long in the style of Ming and Qing dynaties. About 40 lanes or alleys fan out from the main street, forming numerous hutongs and courtyard houses of Ming and Qing styles.

While amazed by the old town itself, you are arranged to visit Confucius Temple. The temple is the big draw in Hancheng. It is the 5th largest confucious temple in China. It is a group of well-preserved ancient architectures dating to the 13th century. Then move on to the back of Confucious Temple and visit the Chenghuang Temple ( the Temple of Town God ). This old Ming-Qing Style temple is a grandeur compound with a cluster of prominent ancient buildings, well organized, ornately decorated in Ming-Qing style. Overnight at a hotel in Hancheng.

After breakfast, continue to drive 9km north of Hancheng old town and get to Dangjiacun Village. The well-preserved 14th century village is tucked away in a loess valley. The village wan once inhabited by Dang clan who prospered from the timber transport business across the Yello River. Now the ancient village is home to over 100 grey-brick courtyard houses with delicate carvings and blend of different architectural styles. Many of their homes have moved out and their homes have become exhibition rooms to showcase the past cultural heritage.

After Chinese lunch, you are transferred back to Xian. Overnight in Xian.

Transfer to airport or train station for departure or free on your own and end your pleasant China trip.

Meals: Hotel Western Breakfast