| Starts | Xi'an, China, China |
|---|---|
| Ends | Xi'an, China, China |
| Region | China |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Xi'an & Finishing: Xi'an
Ni hao! Welcome to Xi'an, China. Once the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China;Â a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites and is a great place to explore. A Xi'an airport or train station arrival transfer is included, please provide your flight/train details at the time of booking, or no later than 14 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Your local guide will meet and greet you at the hotel upon your arrival. The rest of today is free for you to explore the city. Perhaps visit the night markets and try many of the tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth that you break flat bread into), hand pulled noodles, hot pot and barbecue.
Day 2 - Starting: Xi'an & Finishing: Xi'an
Today, join your leader on a walking tour to uncover what was once the start of the ancient trading route of the Silk Road. Visit the Bell and Drum Towers, the former built (according to legend) to restrain the dragons that were causing earthquakes, the latter is (unsurprisingly) full of drums, once used to mark time and warn in emergencies. The city also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter, and you’ll wander the narrow streets of quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes, and visit the Great Mosque. One of the oldest and most important in China, the mosque features an unusual blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, the mosque is still in use today and serves as a place of worship for Xi’an’s large Muslim population, made up predominantly of the Hui minority. Although non-Muslims are not allowed within the main hall itself, a visit during one of the five daily prayer times adds another dimension of spirituality, no matter what your religion. You’ll also see the City Walls and Gates, the most complete in China, running over 13 kilometres around the city. Maybe cycle around them for a unique way to experience and see the city.
Day 3 - Starting: Xi'an & Finishing: Xi'an
Today you’ll journey out in to the countryside surrounding Xi’an (approximately 1 hour) to the site that made the city world famous – the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for 2,000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots (once all individually painted) were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum, after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Archaeologists have located around 600 different pits, but most have still not undergone the painstaking process of excavation. Three main pits are open for you to view, where over 6,000 warriors – each individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expressions – stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive. Return to Xi’an for you final evening in the city. The mix of cultures in the city’s history is especially found in its food options, so tonight why not discover the noodle, dumpling, street snack, kebab and flatbread options that line the city streets.
Day 4 - Starting: Xi'an & Finishing: Xi'an
Your Xi'an experience comes to and end this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Notes: A departure transfer is included but must be organised prior to departure.
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