Day 1 in Xi`an

Welcome to Xi`an! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin with a leisurely stroll around the Ancient City Walls where you can check out The Bell Tower and The Drum Tower which are both located in the heart of the inner city of Xi`an. Head to the top of The Bell Tower for some amazing panoramic views of the city. Then make your way over to the Muslim Quarter situated behind the Drum Tower where you will find a wide array of dining options and street stalls selling souvenirs. The streets in the Muslim Quarter are vibrant and full of life offering great bargain shopping and delicious authentic food.

After lunch, stop at The Great Mosque of Xi`an also situated in the heart of the city, this is the oldest mosque in the country founded during the Tang Dynasty. Buitl in 742 built with Islamic and Chinese architecture with Arab influences which include a central minaret and the main Prayer Hall, the mosque faces west towards Mecca.

There are bicycle rentals situated all around the City Walls, hire a bicycle and take a ride on top of the largest intact wall in China where you can enjoy views of the inner and outer city as well as the tower, ramparts, Draw Bridge and a moat. The entire wall runs for 9 miles where several city gates still stand, soak in the authenticity of this ancient city and bask in the beautiful surroundings.

As evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at one of the many eateries situated in and around the city walls. The square inside the inner city comes alive at night when the Bell and Drum Towers are lit up and locals fill the streets of the Muslim Quarter selling tasty snacks and handmade crafts. Enjoy a romantic evening stroll around the square and the city walls or a relaxing drink at one of the many bars situated in the area, and then retire for the evening.

Day 2 in Xi`an

Start your day off with a visit to the famous Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, one of the four largest museums in the country regarded as `the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures`. Soak up the culture and history that fills the museum with several exhibition halls and treasure from the Tang Dynasty, some of the artifacts on display date back to 206BC.

Next stop is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 589AD the Buddhist Pagoda is one of the oldest structures in China and a famous landmark of the city. The beautiful pagoda boasts seven stories and is filled with Buddhist relics that were brought from India. The large fountain that sits in front of the building is the largest in Asia and displays a water and music show several times a day.

Visit the nearby park and grab lunch at one of the eateries located in this area, find a secluded spot under a tree and sit back and enjoy a picnic. In the plaza surrounding the Pagoda, there is often free entertainment and locals practicing calligraphy.

The Xi`an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts is situated in the area south of the Big Goose Pagoda, in the same building as the Westin Hotel and is said to be one of the best private museums in China. The exhibits feature ancient Chinese murals, arts and antiques spread throughout three exhibition halls with rare pieces from the Ming and Qing Dynasties including a gold suit of armor and a Buddha stone head.

As evening time approaches head to one of the many restaurants for a traditional `Jiaozi` (Dumpling) dinner, a popular dish that dates back over 2,000 years ago. Make your way to Tang Paradise, a large park area with a giant lake in the center where the world`s largest water show takes place at 8:40 pm every evening with lasers, video projectors, water fountains and special effects. The park is filled with food, live entertainment and cultural areas all worth exploring.

Alternatively enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Show which showcases music, costumes and dancing from the Tang Dynasty.

Day 3 in Xi`an

Today head to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, The Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum which was discovered by a local farmer while drilling in 1974, it is now one of the most famous attractions in Xian. The museum features Pits 1-3 which boast over 8,000 life-sized Terracotta soldiers as well as an exhibition hall filled with more than 130 chariots and 670 horses, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 286BC and was opened to the public in 1979. The area is also the burial site of Qin Shi Huang`s, the warriors are said to have protected his entry to the afterlife from the earthen side.

After a busy morning, make your way to the Huaqing Palace and Hot Springs, a beautiful complex filled with natural hot spring pools in a relaxing tranquil setting. Sit back and relax in the 109F degree rejuvenating pools that contain a high concentration of healing natural minerals, the pools are set in a peaceful outdoor environment with stunning scenic views of Mount Li and the Qin Mountains in the background.

Mount Li is a mountain situated in this area which is part of the Qinling Mountain ranges and one of the eight scenic spots of the Guanzhong Plain. The mountain is said to `shine like a beacon in the evening sunlight` and is a stunning location to capture a Xi`An sunset. Head to the `Sunset Pavilion` and enjoy a vibrant sunset over the mountain region. Make your way back to the city center and enjoy tasty street food in the Muslim Quarter or dine at one of the many local restaurants. Enjoy a drink in the bustling vibrant quarters and retire for the evening.

Additional Days in Xi`an

If you are able to spend additional days in Xi`an be sure to check out The Daming Palace National Heritage Park which is the former site of the Palace. Once the royal residence for the emperors of the Tang Dynasty. The large park covers 164 acres of land filled with ancient ruins, a museum and plenty of entertainment including an IMAX theatre.

Visit The Eight Immortals Temple, the largest Taoist temple in the city built for the `Eight Immortals` who were a legendary group in Chinese mythology who held magical powers. The temple is still active and boasts rich décor and calligraphy on the walls along with images of the immortals.

The Stele Forest or Beilin Museum holds the oldest and largest collection of 2,300 stone tablets and epitaphs in the country. There are seven exhibition halls featuring steles, calligraphy, paintings and historical records and notable steles that date back to 1087.

The Famen Temple is a Buddhist temple in Famen Town around 74 miles west of Xi`an city. The temple dates back to 67AD and is regarded s the `ancestor of pagoda temples` in the Guanzhong area. A stunning 13 story brick pagoda and a 1,000-year-old underground vault filled with over 2,400 ancient treasures from the Tang Dynasty.

Mount Huashan is not for the faint-hearted, this staggering mountain stands at 7,070ft tall with five peaks and steep slopes. Said to be one of the most dangerous hikes in the world with a wooden walking trail that hangs along the sheer Cliffside 3,280ft above the ground and 164ft long plank path that is only 50 centimeters wide.

Your Last Day in Xi`an

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.