Xian Memories

Arrive in Xian
Place & Transport: Arrive in Xian, Flight not included Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian)

Xian Place & Transport: Xian
Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Xian Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: Qianling Tomb, The Maoling Mausoleum, Famensi Temple Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch Qianling Tomb: Built in 684 AD, the mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Tang Gaozong (Li Zhi, 628 A.D.-683 A.D.) and Empress Wu Zetian (624 A.D.-705 A.D.), the only Empress in Chinese history. - The Maoling Mausoleum: The tomb of Emperor Wudi (140 B.C. - 87 B.C.) - Liu Che, the fifth emperor of the Western Han.

Depart Xian
-City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. You can have other options on the City Wall as following: Biking with RMB20/bike;rickshaw riding with RMB30/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, 2 people occupy; Golf Cart with RMB10/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, RMB50/person for whole circular tour. - Forest of Stone Steles Museum: A fascinating collection of inscribed stone tablets (steles), from very ancient to quite modern (Han-Qing Dynasties, 206BC-1911). All kinds of calligraphies and scripts tell stories, poems, classics, reports from around the Empire.