Xian Local Tour: Explore Historical Sites & Learn Chinese Calligraphy

Tour Itinerary

Today our local Xi'an tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Xi'an or Xi'an train station, you will find a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday". And your Xi'an tour start.

Sightseeing today begins with a comfortable car ride, taking you to the renowned Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum). Located in the heart of Xi'an, this museum is a must-visit for calligraphy enthusiasts. It houses a collection of over 3,000 stone tablets inscribed with ancient Chinese calligraphy, epitaphs, and inscriptions, dating from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. The museum is housed in a beautiful traditional building and is often referred to as a "living monument" to Chinese art and writing. The Forest of Stone Steles Museum is an important site for the preservation of Chinese history. It offers insight into the evolution of Chinese script and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The museum's collection includes ancient texts, Buddhist scriptures, and historical records, which provide a glimpse into the thoughts and lives of people from different dynasties. For anyone fascinated by Chinese calligraphy and ancient art, this museum is an unmissable experience.

Next, you will be taken to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, it originally had five stories. It was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a symbol of old Xi'an, attracting many visitors due to its historical significance in Buddhism and its simple yet appealing architectural style. It is also a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve. The pagoda once housed sutras and Buddha figurines brought to China from India by the famous Buddhist translator Xuanzang. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of this iconic pagoda, ensuring you fully understand its cultural importance.

After visiting the pagoda, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Here, you can savor traditional Shaanxi cuisine, with options such as steamed buns, noodle dishes, and the famous local lamb soup. The dishes are known for their hearty and flavorful taste, giving you a true taste of the region. Your guide will help recommend popular local dishes and make sure you're comfortably seated at the restaurant. This break will give you a chance to relax and refuel before continuing your exploration of Xi'an's rich cultural heritage.

Following that, you will head to Shuyuanmen (the Calligraphy Street), where you will take a Chinese Calligraphy lesson. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you will learn the basics of handling the brush and writing Chinese characters. The teacher will be by your side throughout the class to help you practice. Learning about the history and culture of Chinese calligraphy is essential for anyone interested in this ancient art form. Calligraphy is deeply integrated into Chinese culture and often seen in everyday life, such as on menus and decorative items in restaurants. Your guide will explain the deep cultural significance of calligraphy, sharing its impact on Chinese society throughout the ages. This will enhance your appreciation of this treasured art form.

Your final stop will be the Muslim Quarter, the most famous food street in Xi'an. With over 1,000 years of history, this bustling area blends Islamic culture with delicious street food. The streets are lined with Ming-style buildings and paved with gray flagstones. The food here reflects the flavors of the north and west, offering dishes like lamb soup with crude pancakes, cold rice noodles, Chinese hamburgers, and Qishan noodles, all popular in Shaanxi cuisine. Your guide will accompany you throughout this lively district, helping you navigate the vibrant food stalls and introducing you to local culinary delights, ensuring you have a genuine and memorable experience.

Afterward, you will be transferred back to your hotel or Xi'an train station, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable Xi'an tour. Your guide will ensure a seamless and comfortable return journey, addressing any final inquiries or special requests you may have. We wish you a pleasant and safe onward journey!

Price Per Person in US Dollars