How to Plan Your Tour of Cultural and Scenic China from Xi’an and Yellow River

If you want to experience the rich culture and scenic beauty of China, this tour from Xi’an and Yellow River is perfect for you. In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the itinerary, sample menu, what’s included, meeting and pickup, what to expect, and additional information.

Overview

This private tour will take you to some of the most iconic destinations in China. You will explore ancient temples and monuments, witness breathtaking sunsets, and enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Xi’an You will arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport or train station, where our tour guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Day 2: Xi’an to Luoyang In the morning, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the twentieth century. After lunch, you will head to Luoyang, where you will visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will spend the night in Luoyang. Day 3: Yellow River Scenic Area You will start your day by visiting the Yellow River Scenic Area, where you can take a cable car to the top of Mount Song for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After lunch, you will visit the Shaolin Temple and watch a kung fu show. You will spend the night in Zhengzhou. Day 4: Zhengzhou to Kaifeng In the morning, you will explore the Henan Museum, which showcases some of the most remarkable cultural relics of ancient China. After lunch, you will drive to Kaifeng and visit the Iron Pagoda, one of the oldest standing pagodas in China. You will spend the night in Kaifeng. Day 5: Kaifeng to Xi’an In the morning, you will visit the Millennium City Park and Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. After lunch, you will head back to Xi’an, where you will spend your last night. Day 6: Xi’an Departure Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Sample Menu

Here’s a sample menu of some of the Chinese foods that you can expect during the tour: Simple breakfast and lunch available when passing by noodle shop/small easy cooking restaurants, dinners at nicer Chinese food restaurants. – Chicken dumplings – Spicy Szechuan-style beef – Steamed fish with ginger and scallion – Kung Pao chicken – Fried rice with egg and vegetables – Stir-fried mixed vegetables

What’s Included

– Pickup and drop-off at the airport or train station – Private transportation with a driver – English-speaking tour guide – Admission tickets to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary – Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. The meeting point is at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Weicheng District, Xianyang, Xianyang, Shaanxi China. Clients can book a flight or train to Xi’an, and we will meet you at the airport or train station. Please inform us of your arrival details ahead.

What to Expect

– Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. – Not wheelchair accessible – Not recommended for travelers with back problems – No heart problems or other serious medical conditions – Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level – This is a private tour/activity.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through the Viator website or by phone. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water. Remember to bring cash or your credit card for any additional expenses. Book the tour here: book the tour here In conclusion, if you want to experience the best of China’s culture and scenery, this private tour from Xi’an and Yellow River is a great choice. With the convenience of a tour guide and private transportation, you will be able to explore China’s iconic destinations and enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine without any hassle. Make sure to book your tour in advance, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

FAQ About Xian

Xian, also known as Chang’an, is the ancient capital city of China. The city is located in the central part of China, in the Shaanxi Province. Xian is one of the oldest cities in China with a rich cultural heritage, and a major tourist attraction in China. In this FAQ, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Xian.

1. What is the best time to visit Xian?

Xian’s climate is continental, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Xian is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the climate is mild, and the temperature is pleasant. Summer (June to August) in Xian can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be extremely cold with occasional snowfall.

2. How do I get to Xian?

Xian is a major transportation hub in China, with an international airport, a high-speed train station, and several long-distance bus stations. By Air: Xian is well-connected to major cities within China, as well as international destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok. By Train: The high-speed train network connects Xian to major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, with travel times of around 4-6 hours. By Bus: Xian has several long-distance bus stations, which provide services to many destinations across China.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Xian?

Xian is famous for its ancient history and cultural heritage, with several notable attractions, including: – The Terracotta Warriors and Horses: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s most famous tourist attractions, the terracotta army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the army of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. – The City Wall: The Xian City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It is also the largest city wall in the world. – The Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Built during the Tang Dynasty, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xian. – The Muslim Quarter: Xian’s Muslim Quarter is a lively maze of streets and alleyways, lined with shops selling traditional Muslim food, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

4. What are the best places to eat in Xian?

Xian is famous for its traditional cuisine, including the famous “Xi’an Rougamo” (a kind of meat sandwich) and “Yangrou Paomo” (a kind of soup dish). Some of the best places to eat in Xian include: – De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant: The restaurant is famous for its dumplings, with over 20 different varieties to choose from. – Fan Ji Lao Zhi Rou Jia Mo: A popular restaurant that specializes in the Xian Rougamo. – Tong Sheng Xiang: A restaurant that serves traditional Xi’an cuisine, including the Yangrou Paomo.

5. What are some of the traditional festivals celebrated in Xian?

Xian celebrates several traditional festivals throughout the year, including: – The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Celebrated in January/February, the Spring Festival is the most important festival in China and is celebrated with feasting, fireworks, and dragon dances. – The Lantern Festival: Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, the Lantern Festival is marked by the release of lanterns and the eating of sweet glutinous rice balls. – The Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival is marked by the eating of mooncakes and the watching of the full moon.

6. What are some of the traditional crafts of Xian?

Xian is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, including: – Terracotta pottery: Xian is famous for its terracotta pottery, which is distinguished by its intricate designs and bold colors. – Shadow puppetry: Shadow puppetry is an ancient Chinese art form that originated in Xian. It involves the use of hand-made puppets and special lighting to create intricate shadow images on a screen. – Paper cutting: Paper cutting is a traditional Chinese folk art that involves the cutting of paper into intricate and detailed shapes.

7. What is the currency used in Xian?

The currency used in Xian, as well as in the rest of China, is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). There are several ATMs and currency exchange offices in Xian where visitors can exchange foreign currency.

8. What should I know about Xian’s culture and etiquette?

Xian has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of Chinese and Muslim cultures. Visitors to Xian should be respectful of local customs and etiquette, including: – Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or Muslim neighborhoods. – Remove shoes when entering a local home or mosque. – Use both hands when offering or receiving gifts. – Always use chopsticks to eat.

Book Your Tour Now

Xian is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage, ancient history, and modern developments. Whether you’re interested in exploring famous tourist attractions, sampling traditional cuisine, or experiencing local customs and traditions, Xian has something for everyone. We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Xian and inspires you to visit this beautiful city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Xian: A Step-by-Step Guide

As one of the oldest cities in China, Xian offers a wealth of opportunities for tourists to explore its rich history and culture. From the Terracotta Warriors to the ancient city wall, there are plenty of sights to see and experiences to be had. If you’re planning a trip to Xian, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

Step 1: Visit the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are one of the top tourist attractions in Xian, and for good reason. This incredible army of life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots was buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Xian. To get there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from the city center. Once you arrive, you can explore the three pits where the warriors are located and see the incredible detail of each statue up close. There are also several museums on site that provide more information about the history of the site and the Qin Dynasty.

Step 2: Walk the Ancient City Wall

Xian’s ancient city wall is one of the best-preserved city walls in China, and it’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The wall is over 600 years old and stretches for 8.5 miles around the city center. You can rent a bike to ride along the top of the wall or take a leisurely walk and enjoy the views of the city and surrounding countryside. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at archery or take a martial arts class on the wall. There are also several cafes and shops along the wall where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments.

Step 3: Sample the Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to experience the culture of Xian is through its food. Xian is known for its distinctive cuisine, which features a blend of flavors from the north and south of China. Some of the must-try dishes include: – Roujiamo: a kind of Chinese burger made with pork, beef, or lamb – BiangBiang noodles: hand-pulled noodles topped with chili oil, garlic, and vegetables – Yangrou Paomo: a hearty lamb soup served with crumbled unleavened bread – Guantangbao: soup dumplings filled with pork and a rich, flavorful broth – Shaanxi style fried rice: a blend of rice, vegetables, and meat You can find these dishes and more at local restaurants and street vendors throughout the city.

Step 4: Visit the Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in the center of Xian that showcases the city’s multicultural history. It’s home to a large Muslim community, and you’ll find the streets lined with stalls selling spices, souvenirs, and delicious food. You can explore the old mosque and learn about the history of Islam in China, or simply stroll through the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to try some of the local snacks, like spicy lamb skewers, roasted chestnuts, or sweet sticky rice cakes.

Step 5: See the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist temple that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, over 1,300 years ago. It was built to house the Buddhist scriptures that were brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, and today it’s a popular tourist attraction. The pagoda itself is over 200 feet tall and has seven stories, with a small museum at the base that showcases the history of the temple. You can climb to the top for views of the city and surrounding countryside or attend one of the daily Buddhist ceremonies.

Step 6: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum

For a deeper dive into the history and culture of Xian, head to the Shaanxi History Museum. This large museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region, including pottery, jade, bronze, and more. You’ll learn about the history of the various dynasties that ruled over Xian and the significant role the city played in shaping Chinese culture. The museum is well-organized and has plenty of English-language signage, so it’s easy to navigate and understand.

Book Your Tour Now

Xian is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of ways to experience it as a tourist. From the Terracotta Warriors to the Muslim Quarter, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating city. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Xian and come away with a deeper appreciation for this incredible part of China.