Remarkable Tours from Beijing: A Deep Dive into Xi'an’s Legacy with a 2-Day Private Tour

Day 1 Xian from Beijing by Bullet Train

Today’s adventure begins with a warm greeting from your private driver at your Beijing hotel lobby. After a smooth transfer, you’ll be escorted to the train station to board a high-speed bullet train bound for Xi'an, which takes approximately 5.5 hours. As you sit back and relax, enjoy the scenic views of China’s countryside unfolding outside your window. Upon your arrival at Xi'an’s train station, your local tour guide will be waiting to welcome you with a personalized "Your Way Holiday" sign. After a brief introduction, your guide will lead you through the bustling station and onto your next adventure—your tailored Xian heritage tour. Get ready to dive into the rich history and culture of Xi'an, where you’ll explore ancient wonders and significant landmarks that tell the story of China’s imperial past.

Your adventure begins with the iconic Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of China's most treasured landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 14th century during the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, this remarkable structure was originally designed to protect the city from invaders. As you explore the City Wall, your expert guide will share fascinating historical insights, detailing the strategic importance of this defensive fortification and its evolution over time. The City Wall is not only the largest and most complete ancient city wall in China but also one of the oldest and best-preserved. With its expansive ramparts, watchtowers, and gateways, you'll step back in time to experience the grandeur of ancient military architecture. Your guide will explain how the wall was an essential element of Xi'an’s defense system, offering protection to the city during the Ming Dynasty. Take your time to explore the wall, either by walking or biking along its path, while your guide points out the historical and architectural highlights.

After your fascinating exploration of the City Wall, it will be time for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Here, your guide will not only recommend the best dishes to try but also share the cultural significance of each meal, enhancing your culinary experience. Whether you opt for Xi'an’s famous biangbiang noodles, flavorful dumplings, or the spicy yet delicious yangrou paomo (a mutton soup with bread), your guide will ensure your meal is authentic and satisfying. This is also a perfect opportunity to relax, chat with your guide, and ask any questions you may have about the history, culture, or life in Xi'an. Your guide will provide personalized recommendations based on your tastes and preferences, ensuring that your lunch is a delightful addition to your day’s journey.

Next, your journey continues to the Bell Tower, one of the most iconic symbols of Xi'an. As you approach, your guide will offer an intriguing history of this Ming Dynasty structure, explaining its dual purpose: not only as a timekeeper but also as a vital signal to the people of ancient Xi'an. From dawn to dusk, the bell was struck in the morning to mark the beginning of the day, and the drum was beaten in the evening to signal its end. Standing in the heart of the city, the Bell Tower was designed to serve as a focal point for the city’s four main roads, each leading from the north, south, east, and west gates of the City Wall. Your guide will take you up to the observation deck, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Xi'an’s ancient city center, offering a unique perspective of the modern city surrounding it. From this vantage point, your guide will point out important landmarks and help you envision how the city looked centuries ago, when this tower was an essential part of daily life.

Your journey will lead you to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the largest of its kind in China, spanning 31 hectares (76 acres) and home to around 22,000 residents. Nestled in the northwest corner of Xi'an’s ancient city, it can be reached through historic gates such as St. Stephen's Gate, Herod's Gate, and Damascus Gate. At the core of the quarter is the bustling shuk, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys that have stood for over a millennium. Here, you’ll find an energetic marketplace teeming with aromatic spices, colorful textiles, fresh meats, vegetables, and a mix of traditional and modern foods. This lively neighborhood offers a deep dive into Xi'an’s rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

As your visit to the bustling Muslim Quarter concludes, your guide will make sure you have a deep understanding of its cultural and historical significance. After exploring the vibrant streets and sampling the local flavors, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in downtown Xi'an. On the way, your guide will offer a brief summary of the day’s discoveries, answer any remaining questions, and ensure that your time in Xi'an has been both enriching and memorable.

Day 2 Xian to Beijing by Bullet Train

After breakfast, your private tour guide will greet you in the hotel lobby, ensuring a seamless start to your day. From there, you will be transferred directly to the Terra-cotta Army, with a comfortable drive that takes approximately 40 minutes. Your guide will provide insightful commentary during the drive, giving you a sneak peek into Xi’an's history and culture, preparing you for the upcoming exploration.

Upon arrival at the Terra-cotta Army and Horses Museum, your guide will lead you through the world-renowned site, often referred to as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” This astonishing archaeological discovery is one of the most significant of the 20th century, showcasing a remarkable level of craftsmanship in sculpture. As you walk through the museum, your guide will explain the fascinating history behind Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum and the soldiers that were buried with him to guard him in the afterlife. Your guide will also share intriguing facts about the excavation process, which began in 1974, and how over 8,000 life-sized warriors, along with horses and chariots, were uncovered.

After a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant near the Terra-cotta Warriors, your guide will take you back to the car for the next leg of your journey. As you head toward the Hanyangling Museum, your guide will share additional historical details about the Western Han Dynasty, offering fascinating context to enrich your visit.

Next, head to the renowned Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a cornerstone of Xi'an's cultural and historical legacy. Erected in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty by the legendary monk Xuan Zang, this towering seven-story pagoda was originally built to house the sacred Sanskrit scriptures, Buddhist statues, and relics he brought back from India. Soaring over 64 meters, it once held the title of the tallest structure in Chang’an and still stands as an iconic landmark. At the foot of the pagoda, in the southern courtyard of Ci En Temple, a bronze statue of Xuan Zang honors his vital contribution to the spread of Buddhism. Although the pagoda has leaned slightly over time—by more than a meter—it remains a breathtaking testament to both historical significance and architectural beauty.

After visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, your guide will ensure you have time to reflect on what you’ve seen and will be happy to answer any final questions about the tomb’s history and the Han Dynasty. You’ll then be transferred back to the Xi’an train station for your return journey to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your driver will meet you at the train station and take you back to your hotel, completing your unforgettable two-day heritage tour of Xi'an.

Price Per Person in US Dollars