Tour of Two Ancient Capitals: Xi'an & Luoyang

Itinerary

• Day 1: Xi'an, Arrival

  Welcome to Xi'an, a city with a thousand years of history!

  Upon arrival, be welcomed at Xianyang Airport and proceed with a worry-free transfer to your hotel. After arriving and checking in about one hour later, you can then take some time to rest or venture out on your own to explore the local streets and restaurants.

  • Xi'an

• Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots

  Set off to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. After about an hour, you'll stand face-to-face with thousands of life-sized Terracotta Warriors, each uniquely crafted with distinct appearance and expression. Arranged in a formidable formation, these soldiers seem poised for battle, eternally guarding the tomb of the great Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Continue to admire the two bronze chariots. The first one, driven by a charioteer with four horses, was the emperor's vanguard, offering protection in battle. The second one, known as the Anche, was the emperor's personal carriage, designed with luxury and comfort in mind for his travels.

  Conclude your day back in the city with an evening visit to the Great Tang All Day Mall. Here, the bustling streets, lined with ancient-style buildings, come alive with the sounds of food stalls and street vendors and locals and actors in traditional Chinese attire.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 3: Xi'an City Wall and Local Family Visit

  Ascend the City Wall, a symbol of China's rich heritage. Whether walking or cycling along its impressive length, you'll be rewarded with vibrant views of the bustling city below.

  Next, visit a local family. Engage in friendly conversation with your host, learn to prepare traditional dishes like dumplings or noodles, and savor an authentic homemade lunch with your Xi'an friends.

  In the afternoon, at the Gaojia Courtyard, immerse yourself in the captivating world of folk arts. Delight in a shadow puppetry performance filled with wit and charm, and try your hand at calligraphy in an engaging lesson. Venture at Muslim Street, a lively food paradise famous for its exotic flavors and unique handicrafts.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 4: Xi'an - Luoyang, Luoyang Museum

  Today, you will take a high-speed train to Luoyang, a journey of about an hour. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the station, and your driver will transfer you to the hotel.

  To truly understand a city, you must start with its museum. The Luoyang Museum embodies the essence of the city, symbolizing its thousands of years of Heluo cultural accumulation and heritage. The museum houses exquisite treasures, including a pristine white jade cup carved from Hetian jade, vibrant Tang Dynasty ceramics, and a vast collection of Buddha statues and niches.

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  • Luoyang

• Day 5: Shaolin Temple With Kungfu Show

  Take a 1.5-hour drive to Dengfeng and uncover the soul of Mount Song at the legendary Shaolin Temple.

  Devote your day to exploring this historic site, where you'll marvel at the awe-inspiring temples and halls. Feel the adrenaline as you witness an electrifying Kung Fu performance, showcasing the martial arts mastery that has made Shaolin famous across the globe. Engage in a 1-hour introductory Kung Fu lesson. Stroll through the Pagoda Forest, where over 230 tomb pagodas stand as silent guardians of the monks who once called Shaolin home.

  Additionally, visit the Songyang Academy, a revered learning center for scholars from over a thousand years ago. The academy boasts a timeless and elegant architectural style, with its main structures arranged along a central axis, featuring five successive courtyards and complete with surrounding corridors.

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  • Luoyang

• Day 6: Longmen Grottoes & Luoyang Folk Museum

  If you have a passion for history, the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes located along the Yi River are a must-see. The vast collection of intricate stone carvings here stands as a testament to the power struggles of ancient Chinese royalty.

  Continue your cultural journey at the Luoyang Folk Museum, where you can explore exhibits featuring embroidery, longevity customs, wedding traditions, folk crafts, farming tools, and everyday household items. Step through Lijing Gate into the vibrant heart of Luoyang's Old City. Here, the night market buzzes with energy, offering a feast of local delights, from mouthwatering cuisine to traditional handicrafts.

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  • Luoyang

• Day 7: Luoyang, Departure

  Today, you will depart from Luoyang after a private transfer to either the high-speed train station or the airport. If you're heading to the airport, you can take some time to visit the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum. Here, you can explore the underground burial exhibition area, walking on stone floors, passing through stone doors of tomb chambers, and navigating the low passages of the tombs to get a close-up view of the murals on the domed ceilings.

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