The ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, and the Terracotta Army on its doorstep.
Xi’an was the eastern end of the Silk Road and the capital of thirteen dynasties, which is why the city feels older than almost anywhere else in China. Two full days covers the essentials; three lets you add a day trip to Huashan or a morning on the city wall by bicycle.
Go with a guide who can explain what you are looking at — otherwise it is three very large pits of statues.
14 kilometres of Ming-dynasty wall, wide enough to ride two abreast.
Lamb skewers, persimmon cakes and roujiamo from the stalls that locals actually queue at.
Tang-dynasty architecture and a musical fountain show that is far better than it sounds.
8 daysBeijing · Xi’an · Shanghai
The classic first-timer route and our best-selling itinerary: the imperial north, the ancient capital of the Terracotta Army, and the most modern city in the country — all by high-speed train.
10 daysBeijing · Xi’an · Guilin & Yangshuo · Shanghai
History in Beijing and Xi’an, then three days among the karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo. The most balanced two-week-shortened itinerary we run.
11 daysBeijing · Xi’an · Zhangjiajie · Shanghai
The golden triangle plus the sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar. For travellers who want the big sights and the big landscapes in one trip.