Exploring Xi’an, China: Day Tours and Fun Activities
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China, is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its rich heritage as the starting point of the Silk Road and the home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. With over 3,000 years of history, Xi’an offers a unique blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. In this guide, we’ll explore the various day tour options and fun things to do in Xi’an, ensuring that you make the most of your visit to this captivating city.
The Terracotta Army: A Journey Back in Time
No visit to Xi’an is complete without seeing the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.
Day Tour Option:
- Terracotta Army and Horses Museum Tour: A half-day tour that takes you to the site where the Terracotta Warriors were unearthed. A knowledgeable guide will walk you through the history of the Qin Dynasty and the significance of the army. The tour usually includes a visit to the museum, where you can see the restored warriors and learn about the ongoing excavation efforts.
Fun Fact: Each warrior in the Terracotta Army is unique, with distinct facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor, reflecting the diversity of the real-life soldiers they were modeled after.
Exploring the Ancient City Wall: Cycling with a View
The ancient City Wall of Xi’an is one of the best-preserved city walls in China and offers a fantastic way to explore the city. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the wall stretches over 13 kilometers (8 miles) and provides panoramic views of both the ancient and modern parts of Xi’an.
Day Tour Option:
- City Wall Cycling Tour: Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride along the top of the City Wall. The tour typically starts at the South Gate, where you can rent a bike and cycle around the entire wall in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The experience offers stunning views of the city, with various watchtowers and gates to explore along the way.
Fun Fact: The City Wall is wide enough to accommodate five cars driving side by side, making it one of the widest ancient city walls in the world.
The Muslim Quarter: A Culinary and Cultural Adventure
Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood known for its bustling markets, rich cultural heritage, and, most importantly, its incredible street food. The area is home to a large Muslim community whose ancestors came to Xi’an via the Silk Road.
Day Tour Option:
- Muslim Quarter Food Tour: Embark on a guided food tour through the Muslim Quarter, where you’ll sample local delicacies such as lamb kebabs, roujiamo (Chinese-style burger), biangbiang noodles, and various sweets. The tour also includes visits to the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China, showcasing a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.
Fun Fact: The Muslim Quarter is famous for its “Eight Treasures,” a collection of eight traditional snacks that represent the culinary diversity of the area.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A Spiritual Landmark
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a towering structure that has stood as a symbol of Xi’an for over 1,300 years. Originally built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was constructed to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.
Day Tour Option:
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da Ci’en Temple Tour: This tour takes you to the Da Ci’en Temple complex, where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located. You’ll learn about the history of Buddhism in China and the life of Xuanzang, whose journey inspired the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” The tour often includes a visit to the nearby Tang Paradise, a theme park that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
Fun Fact: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built with five stories, but it was later expanded to seven stories, reaching a height of 64 meters (210 feet).
Huaqing Palace and Mount Li: History and Hot Springs
Huaqing Palace, located at the foot of Mount Li, is a site famous for its beautiful hot springs and historical significance. The palace served as a winter resort for Chinese emperors and is closely associated with the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei.
Day Tour Option:
- Huaqing Palace and Mount Li Tour: This full-day tour combines a visit to Huaqing Palace with a hike up Mount Li, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The tour includes a visit to the famous Nine-Dragon Lake, the Lotus Pavilion, and the imperial bathing pools. You’ll also learn about the Xi’an Incident, a pivotal moment in Chinese history that took place at Huaqing Palace.
Fun Fact: The hot springs at Huaqing Palace have been used for over 3,000 years, making them some of the oldest in China.
The Shaanxi History Museum: A Journey Through Time
The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most prestigious museums in China, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s rich history. The museum’s vast collection includes artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, showcasing the cultural and historical significance of Xi’an as a former capital of China.
Day Tour Option:
- Shaanxi History Museum Tour: A guided tour of the museum will take you through its various exhibits, including ancient pottery, bronzes, murals, and jade artifacts. The tour provides deep insights into the history of Xi’an and its role in shaping Chinese civilization.
Fun Fact: The museum’s collection includes over 370,000 cultural relics, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive in China.
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Guardians of the City
The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks, standing in the heart of the city. These ancient structures were used to signal the time and alert the city of impending dangers.
Day Tour Option:
- Bell Tower and Drum Tower Tour: This tour allows you to explore both towers, where you can learn about their history and significance. The tour often includes a visit to the nearby Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, where you can shop for traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings.
Fun Fact: The Bell Tower is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, while the Drum Tower houses a collection of ancient drums, some of which date back to the Ming Dynasty.
Mount Huashan: A Thrilling Adventure
For adventure seekers, a trip to Mount Huashan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is a must. Known for its steep and narrow paths, Mount Huashan offers some of the most breathtaking and thrilling hikes in the world.
Day Tour Option:
- Mount Huashan Hiking Tour: This full-day tour takes you to the mountain, where you can choose from several hiking routes, each offering different levels of difficulty. The most famous is the Plank Walk in the Sky, a narrow wooden walkway attached to the side of a cliff, offering heart-pounding views of the surrounding landscape.
Fun Fact: Mount Huashan is known as the “Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven” due to its steep cliffs and challenging trails.
Tang Dynasty Show: A Cultural Extravaganza
Experience the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty through a mesmerizing performance of music, dance, and costumes. The Tang Dynasty Show is a cultural highlight in Xi’an, bringing to life the opulence and artistic achievements of one of China’s most prosperous eras.
Day Tour Option:
- Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Banquet: Enjoy an evening of entertainment with a traditional Tang Dynasty Show, accompanied by a delicious dumpling banquet. The show features elaborate costumes, traditional music, and dance performances that depict the cultural richness of the Tang Dynasty.
Fun Fact: The dumpling banquet served during the show includes a variety of dumplings with different fillings, each shaped to represent different aspects of Chinese culture.
Qujiang New District: A Modern Twist
While Xi’an is famous for its ancient sites, the Qujiang New District offers a glimpse into the city’s modern side. This area is home to various attractions, including shopping malls, theme parks, and cultural venues, making it a great place to explore contemporary Xi’an.
Day Tour Option:
- Qujiang New District Tour: This tour takes you to some of the district’s top attractions, including the Qujiang Ocean World, where you can see a variety of marine life, and the Xi’an Qujiang Polar Ocean Park, which features polar animals and themed performances. The tour also includes a visit to the Datang Everbright City, a cultural and entertainment complex that recreates the glory of the Tang Dynasty with light shows, performances, and themed streets.
Fun Fact: The Qujiang New District is known for its innovative urban planning, combining modern architecture with elements of traditional Chinese design.
