Shanghai to Xian Tour: 2-Day Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour From Shanghai by Flight

Day 1 Shanghai to Xian by flight

Today, you’ll take a comfortable flight from Shanghai to Xi'an, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival at Xi'an Airport, your friendly local guide will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a sign that says "Your Way Holiday" to warmly welcome you. From there, you’ll be escorted directly to the Terracotta Warriors — one of the most iconic attractions in Xi'an. After an insightful visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site, your guide will ensure you have a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the warriors. Afterward, you’ll be taken to your hotel, where your guide will assist you with the check-in process. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Xi'an at your leisure.

Your first stop is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a 40-minute drive from your hotel. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the warriors and Qin Shi Huang’s empire. The Terracotta Warriors, often called "the Eighth Wonder of the World," is a UNESCO World Heritage site with life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor. Discovered in 1974, it’s one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Your guide will explain the history of the warriors, how each soldier was uniquely crafted, and the significance of the burial pits. What’s remarkable is that none of the burial pits have been destroyed by fire, offering a rare glimpse into ancient burial practices. You'll have time to explore this extraordinary site with expert commentary.

After your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Your guide will recommend some popular local dishes, such as Xi'an-style dumplings, lamb skewers, and famous Qishan noodles. The restaurant provides a great opportunity to experience authentic Shaanxi flavors in a cozy atmosphere. Your guide will ensure that your dietary preferences or restrictions are considered, making sure you have a satisfying meal before continuing the rest of your tour.

After the Terracotta Warriors, you will head to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most iconic landmarks. This ancient Buddhist pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty, stands at an impressive 64 meters tall and has a rich history linked to the spread of Buddhism in China. Your guide will share the fascinating stories behind its construction, its role in preserving Buddhist scriptures, and its significance as a symbol of Xi'an's spiritual heritage. You’ll have the chance to explore the pagoda and its surrounding gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture.

After a fulfilling day of exploration, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, ensuring your comfort and convenience as you relax and reflect on the day's memorable experiences.

Day 2 Xian

After breakfast, your professional tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start your exciting day. Your first stop is Xi'an Ancient City Wall, a 40-minute drive from your hotel. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the history of Xi'an and its evolution through the dynasties. The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. Built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, it was originally designed to protect the city from invaders. As you walk along the wall, your guide will point out the key architectural features, including watchtowers, gates, and ramparts, explaining how these structures were integral to the city’s defense system. The wall’s incredible preservation allows you to step back in time and imagine what life was like in ancient Xi'an. Your guide will also share interesting facts about the wall's role in protecting the city throughout the dynasties.

After visit, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Your guide will help recommend popular local dishes, such as Chinese dumplings, Xi'an-style noodles, or Shaanxi's famous lamb skewers, tailored to your taste preferences. This is a great opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Xi'an's unique cuisine in a cozy setting. Your guide will also ensure any dietary needs or preferences are met, making sure you have a delightful and satisfying meal.

After visiting the city wall, you will head to Xi'an Bell Tower, located in the heart of the city. This iconic landmark, built during the Ming Dynasty, stands at an impressive height of 36 meters and offers a unique view of Xi'an's historic center. Your guide will explain the significance of the bell tower in ancient Chinese society, where the bell was used to mark time and signal the start of the day. The structure also played an important role in coordinating activities across the city. From the top of the tower, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and get a sense of how Xi'an has evolved from a medieval walled city to the modern metropolis it is today.

Next, your guide will escort you to the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area filled with rich history, culture, and, of course, delicious food. The Muslim Quarter is a bustling street filled with a blend of Islamic culture and local Shaanxi traditions. It's famous for its street food and unique atmosphere, where you can experience the fusion of traditional Chinese and Islamic culinary influences. Your guide will take you to explore the many food stalls offering famous local dishes, such as crude pancake with mutton soup, cold rice noodles, Chinese hamburgers, and Qishan noodles. Your guide will share the history behind these dishes, providing insight into how they’ve become integral to Xi'an’s food culture. The neighborhood is also home to the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest, blending traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic design. Your guide will take you through the maze of narrow streets, explaining the history of the Hui Muslim community in Xi'an and the significance of the Great Mosque.

After an exciting day of exploration, your guide will escort you back to the Xi'an train station for your onward journey. They will ensure everything is in order for your departure and assist with any final questions or travel arrangements, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your Xi'an adventure.

Price Per Person in US Dollars