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Xian Tours and Vacation Packages


  • The famous terracotta warriors is a must inclusion on all China tours.
  • Night view of the Bell Tower
  • Tang Dynasty show at the Xian Theatre
  • Terracotta horses
  • Terracotta warriors

One of the oldest cities, Xian was the first of China’s four ancient capitals, having held that position for 13 dynasties. As the easternmost stop for the Silk Road on a China vacation, Xian is rich with history and features ancient ruins, museums, and cultural relics.

Maintaining its heritage, the restored Ancient City Wall encircles Xian, dividing it into inner and outer portions. The wall is 12 metres high and stretches 13.7kms long. With a width of 12-14 metres on the top, a bike tour of the wall would ideally permit a full exploration of the inner and outer city’s parameters.

Discovered by a farmer in the 20th century just 30km east of Xian, are the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Housed in a museum, there are over 8000 warriors, 600 horses, and 130 chariots. Some of these life-size terracotta figures were staged in battle formations, fighting to obtain a united China. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China (211-206 B.C.), ordered the construction of these warriors in honour of their triumph, with his own mausoleum to be situated just over a kilometre away.

With its culture derived mostly from ancient dynasty eras, Xian, though somewhat cosmopolitan today, has become a popular tourist destination for history lovers on China travel.

 

Xian's Major Tourism Spots

Just one-and-a-half hours by air from Beijing, Xian is the home of the world-famous life-size Terra Cotta Army, unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries. Xian was the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization dating back to 4000 BC and the capital city for 11 dynasties up to the 9th century. It is from here that caravans started on the Silk Road to Europe, changing the Western world forever. The massive City Wall and Moat that surround the city are a monument to the importance of Xian to be experienced on tours to China.

Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses
This is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world with three exhibition halls, the largest of which is 180 metres by 60 metres, housing the continuing excavation of an army of 6,000 life-size terra-cotta soldiers and horses that guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor of unified China. It is a stunning exhibition of ancient artifacts that is well laid out and easy to view.

Shaanxi History Museum
The museum, covering 60,000 square metres, was built in the Tang style of architecture with elegant galleries and courtyards. Its collections amount to over 115,000 relics representing the periods from the 11th century BC to 907 AD.

The Xian City Wall
The Xian City Wall is the largest, best-preserved ancient city wall in China.

The Small and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is 43.3 metres high while the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is 64 metres high. They were all built around 700 AD.

 


 

China and Tibet Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a China vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of China, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about China's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering China for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our China tours today!

 

Extend Your Trip

After your China tour considers taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

 

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Xi an, China

  • China Signature: Beijing, Xian & Shanghai

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: The perfect introductory China itinerary for the independent traveller includes three of the most important cities, Imperial Beijing, Ancient Xian and the city of the future, Shanghai.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,036
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Private Experiences, Single Friendly, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    China See Trip Details
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