Xian Day Tour Packages: A Historian Leads You to Read Xian In One Day

Tour Itinerary

Your Xi'an adventure begins with a warm welcome from our local guide, who will meet you at either your hotel or the Xi'an train station. Look for the personalized "Your Way Holiday" signage for easy identification. Embodying our "Travel like a local" philosophy, your guide will ensure that your experience is not just about sightseeing but about immersing yourself in the authentic culture and history of the city. From the moment you step out, your tour will be tailored to give you a genuine taste of local life, starting your journey through Xi’an with a personal touch and the comfort of local expertise.

Today, your knowledgeable guide will escort you to the renowned Terracotta Army, a 40-minute drive from downtown. This remarkable site features an immense collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures, meticulously arranged in battle formation to recreate the grand imperial guard of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first ruler of a unified China. Originally designed as a funerary project to accompany the emperor in the afterlife, the site has evolved into a live museum officially named Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Here, you’ll witness not only the vast army but also intricate details of ancient military organization and artistry. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Army lay buried for over 2,000 years before being revealed as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. As you explore, you'll gain insight into the scale and splendor of the Qin Empire and the emperor’s elaborate plans for his eternal protection.

After exploring the Terracotta Army, you'll be driven back to Xian downtown and continue your day with a visit to the Daming Palace National Heritage Park. Once the largest and most opulent palace complex in China, Daming Palace was a symbol of grandeur during the Tang Dynasty. Established in 634 AD during the reign of Emperor Taizong, this sprawling palace was the epicenter of political power and cultural development in its time. Although the palace was largely destroyed by the end of the Tang Dynasty and faded into history, its legacy remains significant. Covering an impressive area of about 3.2 square kilometers—nearly 4.5 times the size of Beijing's Forbidden City—the Daming Palace was a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and garden design. Today, it stands as a testament to the splendor of Tang Dynasty palatial and garden architecture, often celebrated as the Eastern Sanctuary along the Silk Road. The rebuilt Daming Palace National Heritage Park is divided into three parts: the Front Garden, Palace and Back Garden. Wondering in the park, one could actually sense the lingering glory, grandness, sorrow and pain of this place by the view of the ancient ruins; for they are the proof and witness of the great empire' s raise and fall.

Your final stop for today is Shuyuanmen Culture Street, located south of the Bell Tower in Xi'an. This vibrant cultural street, restored to reflect the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, stretches approximately 570 meters in length and 10 meters in width. Shuyuanmen is renowned for its shops and stores that specialize in the four treasures of the study—writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper—making it a hub for calligraphy enthusiasts. Often referred to as "Calligraphy Street," it immerses visitors in a serene cultural atmosphere where traditional Chinese art is celebrated. The street's array of handcrafted products, including oriental paintings that showcase traditional styles, provides a colorful display of the richness of Chinese crafts. As you stroll through Shuyuanmen, you'll experience the true essence of Xi'an's cultural heritage and catch a glimpse of the city's illustrious past.

After a day of exploring Xi'an's rich history and vibrant culture, your tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your hotel in Xi'an or the Xi'an train station. Your knowledgeable guide and dedicated driver will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, reflecting the excellence of our service. As your Xi'an history tour comes to an end, we hope you’ve enjoyed the fascinating insights and memorable experiences throughout your day. Wishing you a pleasant evening and safe travels.

Price Per Person in US Dollars