Tours From Xian: 1 day Xian Tour to Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple

Tour Itinerary

Your pick-up service will be conveniently arranged at either your hotel lobby in Xi'an downtown or Xi'an train station, based on your preference. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by your dedicated tour guide, who will be holding a welcome sign displaying "Your Way Holiday." From that moment, your guide will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, taking care of every detail as you embark on a one-day tour of Xi'an’s most iconic attractions. Your guide will provide insightful commentary, sharing the historical significance of each site, answering any questions, and personalizing the day’s itinerary based on your interests. With the professional assistance of both your guide and driver, you’ll enjoy a seamless and engaging journey through the heart of Xi'an.

Your journey begins with a drive 115 kilometers west of Xi'an to the renowned Famen Temple, a site with over 1,700 years of history and regarded as the "Forerunner of the Ziggurat in Central Shaanxi." This sacred temple is not only a major Buddhist holy site but also a remarkable cultural gem of China. The expansive Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area is divided into four key sections: the majestic Temple Gate Square, the symbolic Foguang Avenue, the historic Famen Temple itself, and the stunning Namaste Dagoba, which houses relics of the Buddha. This scenic area, revered as the "No. 2 Cultural Symbol of Shaanxi" after the famous Terracotta Army, offers visitors a profound connection to both ancient spirituality and architectural wonder. With its blend of historic significance and serene atmosphere, Famen Temple stands as a world-class cultural destination, offering a deep exploration of Buddhist heritage and a peaceful retreat from the modern world.

Famen Temple, often hailed as the "Royal Temple," first gained prominence during the Northern Wei Dynasty (368-534), rose in significance during the Sui Dynasty (581-618), and reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is revered as a sacred Buddhist site where the phalanx sarira of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is enshrined and worshiped. A key highlight of the temple is the 148-meter-high Heshi Dagoba, or Holding Palms Dagoba, which was completed on May 9th, 2009. On this sacred occasion, over 20,000 people gathered to witness the enshrinement of Sakyamuni's unique phalanx sarira inside the Tang-style pagoda, whose design features a pair of folding palms, symbolizing reverence and spiritual devotion.

For lunch, you'll be taken to a local Chinese restaurant where your tour guide will offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring an authentic dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for classic Shaanxi dishes like hand-pulled biangbiang noodles, savory lamb paomo, or delicate dumplings, your guide will help you choose the best local specialties. They’ll also introduce you to the cultural significance of each dish, enhancing your culinary journey with fascinating stories about Xi'an’s rich food heritage. With their expertise, you'll enjoy a satisfying and memorable meal, tailored to your tastes.

In the afternoon, you'll be driven to the Qianling Mausoleum, the grand burial site of the third Tang-dynasty emperor, Li Zhi, and his empress, Wu Zetian. This mausoleum is renowned as the most representative and well-preserved among the eighteen Tang-dynasty tombs. The site features exquisite stone carvings that line the approach from the "Crimson Sparrow Gate" to the tombs. These carvings, which include symbolic figures and a striking array of statues, create a ceremonial path known as the "Way of Horses and Grooms." You’ll see a pair of symbolic stone carvings marking the tomb entrance, followed by impressive war steeds adorned with cloud-patterned haunches, giving the impression of flight. This is followed by five pairs of intricately carved stone horses with detailed saddles, stirrups, and other equine gear, though only three pairs of stone grooms remain. These beautiful stone sculptures reflect the grandeur and artistry of Tang-dynasty funerary traditions.

After the tour ends, your friendly guide will ensure a smooth transition as you are driven back to either Xi'an train station or your hotel in downtown Xi'an, depending on your travel plans. The guide will assist with any last-minute questions you might have about the day's experiences or offer additional recommendations for your stay. Meanwhile, the driver will provide a comfortable and efficient journey, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day's adventures. We hope you enjoyed exploring the rich history and culture of Xi'an with us.

Price Per Person in US Dollars