Ancient Capitals Await: 3-Day Xian Tour from Shanghai by Train

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Xi'an by high-speed train: Datang Sleepless City, Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show and Dumpling Banquet
Day 2 Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 3 Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Xi’an Museum, Muslim Quarter

Day 1 Shanghai-Xian

In the morning, your private driver will escort you to the train station for your journey to Xian by high-speed train. After a smooth and comfortable ride, you will arrive at the train station in Xian. Upon arrival, your local Xi'an tour guide will greet you at the exit of Xi'an train station, holding a "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy identification.  From this moment, your guide will lead you through a carefully curated itinerary of Xi'an's must-see attractions, offering expert insights and personalized service to enhance your experience.  With everything taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the rich history and vibrant culture of this fascinating.

Upon arrival, you'll be taken to the Datang Sleepless City, a truly unique cultural haven where the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty is seamlessly blended with modern flair. Wander along elegant, lantern-lit avenues and through themed squares like Xuanzang and Zhenguan, each echoing the spirit of ancient Chang’an. Enjoy spectacular live performances that breathe life into Tang legends, and engage with interactive displays that celebrate traditional arts and crafts. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, you'll uncover hidden corners, hear fascinating stories, and experience the essence of Xi'an’s glorious past in a lively, contemporary setting. With thoughtful guidance and personalized insights, this visit becomes more than just sightseeing—it's a vibrant, immersive journey through time, rich with wonder, culture, and discovery.

Before the end of the first day, you'll enjoy the Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show and Dumpling Banquet, offers an enchanting evening where history, culture, and flavor come together in perfect harmony. Celebrated as a national treasure, the performance revives the elegance and splendor of the Tang Dynasty through exquisite costumes, ancient melodies, and poetic dance—culminating in the breathtaking presentation of The Empress of the Great Tang. Before the curtain rises, you'll indulge in one of Xi'an’s most iconic culinary traditions: the dumpling banquet. Each delicately handcrafted dumpling is not only a feast for the palate but also a reflection of local artistry and symbolism. With your professional guide offering rich cultural background and personal recommendations, this experience becomes more than just dinner and a show—it is a graceful journey into the heart of Xi'an’s golden age, and truly an unmissable highlight of your stay.

After then, your guide and driver will ensure a seamless transition back to your hotel. Your guide will be on hand to offer any last-minute advice or recommendations, making sure you have all the information you need for the remainder of your stay. Meanwhile, your driver will handle the route with care, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Day 2 Xian

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin a day filled with discovery and cultural depth. Your first stop is the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors—one of China's most awe-inspiring archaeological wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buried silently for over two millennia, this vast underground army was crafted to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. Walk among thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with distinct facial expressions and armor, revealing the extraordinary skill of ancient craftsmen. With your expert guide offering rich historical context, you'll uncover stories behind the emperor's quest for immortality, the symbolism carved into each warrior, and the revolutionary legacy of the Qin Dynasty that laid the foundation for China's imperial age. This site is more than just an excavation—it's a powerful glimpse into a civilization's ambition, belief, and enduring brilliance.

After exploring the Terracotta Warriors, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant celebrated for its genuine Xi'an flavors.  Your guide will introduce you to iconic regional specialties like Yangrou Paomo— a rich, comforting lamb and bread stew that perfectly captures the city's hearty culinary traditions. You'll also savor Liangpi, cold noodles tossed in a zesty, flavorful sauce with fresh vegetables, offering a refreshing contrast. Don’t miss Roujiamo, often called the Chinese hamburger, featuring tender, spiced meat tucked inside a crispy flatbread—an unmistakable street food favorite unique to Xi’an. With your guide's expert recommendations and assistance, you'll navigate the menu confidently to experience the city's authentic and diverse food culture. Meanwhile, your driver ensures smooth, hassle-free transfers to and from the restaurant, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable culinary journey.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to the elegant Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a sacred landmark that rises gracefully above the city skyline. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was originally designed to house sacred scriptures and relics brought back from India by the famed monk Xuanzang—whose legendary pilgrimage inspired the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. With its timeless symmetry and solemn presence, the pagoda stands as a symbol of devotion, wisdom, and cultural exchange between East and West. Your guide will bring its story to life, explaining the architectural ingenuity behind the seven-tiered brick tower and its enduring influence on Buddhist art and temple design throughout Asia. As a UNESCO-listed treasure, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda remains one of Xi'an’s most meaningful spiritual and historical sites.

As your day draws to a close, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in comfort. Your guide will be happy to answer any final questions, share evening tips, or offer personalized suggestions for dinner or additional experiences, ensuring you feel supported and inspired every step of the way.

Day 3 Xian

After a restful night, your journey through Xi'an continues with a visit to the magnificent Ancient City Wall, a proud symbol of the city's resilience and military past.  Originally built in the 14th century under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, this massive fortification—is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China.  Expanded upon the foundation of the earlier Tang Dynasty wall, it reflects the grand scale and precision of ancient urban defense.  As you stroll or cycle along the wide ramparts, your guide will bring the structure to life with vivid tales of battles, city planning, and the strategic brilliance behind its design.  From its imposing watchtowers to panoramic views of the old city, the wall offers a powerful glimpse into Xi'an’s storied past and enduring spirit.

Next, you'll visit the Xi'an Museum, a beautifully curated space that captures the city's rich historical legacy.  With your guide's expert commentary, you'll explore a diverse collection of artifacts that trace Xi'an’s evolution as China's ancient capital and a key hub on the Silk Road.  Highlights include finely cast bronze vessels from the Western Zhou Dynasty, delicately glazed Tang Dynasty figurines of court ladies and horses, intricately carved jade ornaments, and ancient Buddhist sculptures once housed in imperial temples.  You'll also see elegant scrolls of early calligraphy and silk paintings that reflect the artistic refinement of past dynasties. Your guide will bring each piece to life with fascinating stories and cultural insights, tailoring the experience to your interests and ensuring a deeper connection to the artistry, beliefs, and exchanges that shaped this historic city.

To complete your day, you'll explore the vibrant and aromatic Muslim Quarter, one of Xi'an’s most dynamic and beloved neighborhoods. This historic district, home to the Hui Muslim community for generations, pulses with life and flavor. Wander through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old architecture—ornate wooden facades, colorful shop signs, and the iconic Great Mosque's graceful blend of Chinese and Islamic design. Here, your senses will be captivated by the sizzling sounds and irresistible aromas of local street food: juicy lamb skewers fresh off the grill, steaming hand-pulled noodles, crispy Roujiamo (Chinese-style flatbread burgers), and sweet pastries laced with sesame and rose. With your guide as your culinary companion and cultural interpreter, you'll dive deeper into the traditions, faith, and history of this vibrant quarter, uncovering its importance as a key stop on the Silk Road and a living testament to cultural fusion.

At the conclusion of your day, your guide and driver will facilitate a hassle-free transfer back to your hotel or train station, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation of Xi'an's historical and cultural landscape. This carefully curated tour is designed to immerse you in the very essence of Xi'an, ensuring a deeply personal and enlightening experience under the guidance of our knowledgeable local expert.  Our guide's ongoing support and expertise will make your visit to Xi'an both enjoyable and memorable.

Price Per Person in US Dollars