4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking
Xian Essential Highlights Plus Mount Hua Day Trip
Xian Essential Highlights Plus Mount Hua Day Trip
Your Xian tour is not complete without Mount Huashan hiking!
You really should spare out one day to take a side trip to Mount Huashan during your travelling in Xian. This mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains of China as well as the most precipitous mountain is China having the world famous hiking trail – the Plank Walk. It is only about 1.5hrs’driving (or 40min’s bullet train ride) from Xian. So take our 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking to quiet down to soak leisurely in the wonderful history and culture of the ancient capital city Xian, which is reveal recklessly in the UNESCO heritage sites of Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, etc., and enjoy an adventure hike on Mount Huashan to challenge the world's most thrilling hiking trails, including the Plank Walk now!
Day 1 Xian Arrival
Airport / railway station pick up
Welcome to Xian! Your tour guide will meet you at Xian Xianyang International Airport (or railway station), then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.
Note: if you arrive at Xian in early and want to have some activities arranged for the rest time, please let us know in advance. There are many options available (with extra costs), including: 1) visit a local family and learn to cook Chinese dishes or making dumplings; 2) have an interesting class of Chinese calligraphy or painting in Tangbo Art Museum; 3) explore the bustling Zhonggulou Square where the beautiful Bell Towers and Drum Towers are located at.
Arrival Ideas: Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also get to Xian by high speed trains from Beijing(5.5hrs), Shanghai (6-7hrs), Guangzhou (8.5-9hrs), Hangzhou (6.5-7hrs), Pingyao (3hrs), Zhengzhou (2hrs), and so on.
Bell Tower
Day 2 Terracotta Warriors Visit & Leisure City Tour (B, L)
Today's highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
After breakfast, drive about 40 km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. (Before the Terracotta Warriors Museum visit, you will have a rare opportunity to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.)
After lunch, return to Xian to visit Da Cien Temple, a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. (Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda) After (or before) visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you will be provided an interesting experience of trying on the Hanfu which is the solemn costume of the emperors and their families, the ministers and the noble in the ancient dynasties of China. Seize this rare opportunity to take some photos to record this unique memory!
This evening you will be offered an interesting visit to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City which is a great place to walk, enjoy amazing nightscape and recall the prosperity and glory of the mighty Tang Dynasty most importantly. Seeing this area at night is totally different than during the day as the lighting is marvelous yet tastefully done.
Optional activity: Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after (or without) a hearty dumpling dinner.
Plan B: There is also a Plan B, especially recommended during peak season (May to October), which is to go to accommodate at the foot of Mount Huashan (about 2 hrs' driving from Xian) so that you will have more leisure time for tomorrow's Huangshan hiking.
Day 3 Classic Mount Huashan Day Hiking (B)
Classic Mount Huashan hiking: Cable Car - North Peak - Canglongling - East Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - South Peak - West Peak - Cable Car
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. Then you will be escorted to Mount Hua (Huashan) by car, which will take you two hours on the way.
After arrival, take a park bus from the tourist center to the foot of the North Peak of Mount Hua (about 20mins). To save energy and time, you will take cable car up to the North Peak directly (about 10mins). At North Peak, you can get the first views of other four peaks, and watch far away. And only the fourth side of North Peak is the entrance path to other peaks which is named “Ear Rubbing Cliff” for tourists have to climb further up only by pressing the ear close the cliff. Then you will hike about 2 hours to get to the East Peak. On route, you will visit the Heavenly Ladders, Riyue Cliff, Canglong Ling, Golden Lock Pass. Spend some time to view the breathtaking landscape on the East Peak. Continue hiking about 1hour to the South Peak. You will firstly get to Nantian Gate, then get to the famous Plank Road in the Sky which is seen as the most dangerous path in the world. Well, it is dependent on you to take this fearsome path or not. It is a more than 100 meters long, 0.3 meters wide plank road built along the surface of a vertical cliff, which usually takes about 30~45 minutes to walk through and back. Keep walking about 20mins from the Plank Road in the Sky, you will get to the South Peak which is the highest peak on Mount Hua. From South Peak, you can see other four lower peaks. Then take the last hiking about 40 minutes to the West Peak. The West Peak is also called Lotus Peak because of its unique shape. This peak is formed by a huge rock. Hence, it's very steep.
Lastly, walk about 20mins from West Peak to the West Peak Cableway station to take a cable car to descend the mountain. Hanging over 900 meters above the valley, West Peak Cable Car offers breathtaking view of the peaks and valleys of Mount Huashan, which is a highlight you can't miss out.
Transfer back to your hotel in Xian.
Important to Know: 1) you can pack some food and drink with you because the supply on the mountain is quite basic; 2) The Plank Road in the Sky may be closed temporarily because of maintainance or extreme weather, and it usually needs to queue up (possibly up to hours during peak season) to enter the Plank Road. If you are interested in experiencing the Plank Road in the Sky, usually you need to depart from Xian early, control well your hiking pace on the mountain and sometimes need to change your visiting route. Please tell your travel consultant or tour guide in advance.
Day 4 Xian Half Day Sightseeing & Departure (B)
Today's highlights: Ancient City Wall, Xian Museum
After breakfast, go to spend a leisure time on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Just like the merchants and envoys on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, you will enter the interior of the city walls through the Hanguang Gate. There you will visit a mini museum to see the real Tang Dynasty city wall ruins from over 1400 years ago, including gateways, cross-sections of the wall, and the remains of water channels. After the museum visit, get up to the city wall to enjoy a leisure stroll and pleasant panoramic views of modern Xian. Rent a bike (extra cost: 45RMB) to enjoy a relaxing cycling on the Wall is strongly recommended. The cycling routes and duration are flexible. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide.
Next is an educational visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum to learn a lot about the history and culture about the ancient city of Xi’an. They are together located in a clean and beautiful park. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is rather smaller and 55 years younger than its “sister” - the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during 707 to 709 AD, the pagoda is 43.4 meters tall with 13 tiers (originally 15 tiers), looking like a very tall rectangular pyramid. An interesting fact about the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is that the pagoda has survived nearly 70 earthquakes, and now still standing firm and sturdy. You can walk around to appreciate the beautiful design and take photos of the pagoda. Then you will go to visit Xi’an Museum which is only several minutes’ walking from the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This museum has more than 130,000 pieces of jade relics, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings and many other precious relics.
The rest of the day is free for you until be escorted to catch the flight/train to leave Xian. Tour ends.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2024 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Jack,
My wife and I returned from our China trip yesterday. The crowds at most sites were overwhelming and something that we are not used to. However, I want to let you know that we had a wonderful time mostly due to China Discovery's wonderful tour guides!
Each guide enriched our experience with both their knowledge of the cities, sites, cultures, people, and foods. They were all prompt, patient, and engaging. They were very helpful in navigating the complexities of visiting China. My wife and I enjoyed their company and conversation greatly. I don't believe we would have had the same experience in China if we had traveled there by ourselves.
All the drivers were also very courteous, on-time, and helpful!
Unfortunately, my wife caught a respiratory illness on the Yangtze River Cruise and was quite sick at ZJJ. Our guide Tim, however, was there to assist at night and brought her to the hospital to see a doctor. Tim helped us navigate the Chinese health system, stayed with us throughout the hospital visit, and brought us back to the hotel late at night! We are very grateful to Tim's extraordinary assistance!
Although we provided a paper review at the end of each location, if China Discovery has an overall review of our trip that needs to be completed, please let me know!
Again, thank you for your assistance in all the planning prior to the trip and your quick responses to my questions during the trip. Knowing you were there to assist us throughout our journey was a great source of comfort!
Regards,
Alex
Hi Wonder,
Yes, you responded swiftly and clear. Both drivers pick up and drop off were good. Our guide, Gavin was a very good guide, and driver, he's attentive, knows history well, kind and well organized. We're very happy with him. Hotels Holiday Inn Express were OK, they served good breakfast. Location might be a bit stranded but perhaps chosen because most our trips are outskirts and not inner city.
Vivi
Hi Wonder,
Yes! The suzhou & hangzhou tour are fantastic. I will prepare the review soon when I return to Singapore tomorrow.
Shirley
Hi Wonder,
Very lucky whole journey no rain at all...The weather was good...So we can enjoy amazing view.
Stevany
Hi Reya,
Loved the entire trip planning and journey. Ms Lily our tour guide was remarkable and very informative. We had a great journey throughout the trip.
You were very responsive and what can I say, our guide Lily made the trip enriched with her hospitality. Beijing is indeed memorable.
Tqvm. This is really so kind of a 7-seat private car and thoughtful of your agency. Transportation in Beijing is so convenient and your upgrade did help. Tq again.
It was indeed a great trip! Loved every moment of it.
Thank you and your agency have made this trip memorable. Tq China Discovery!
Dan
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
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Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
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Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
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In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Welcome to Xian - Bell Tower
Terracotta Warriors-202310-Victoria from South Africa-CD-HA-107570
Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum-20230806-Armando from Italy-CD-Wi-107319
Dazzling Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City at Night
Big Wild Goose Pagoda-Wilfred from Nederlandse-2018-CD-Tx-57837
Cliffy Mount Hua - view from East Peak
Huashan Landscape - Chess Pavilion
The thrilling Plank Road in the Sky on Mount Hua
Our guests biking on the Ancient City Wall
Xian Ancient City Wall-2017-Sergio Santoyo-CD-Wendy
Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Our private Xian tour packages let you decide where to go, when to go, where to stay and touring paces on your own. The itinerary, hotels, food, cultural programs are customized to match your requirements. Before the tour, our knowledgeable Xian experts will give reliable suggestions and propose ideal tour package for you. During the tour, our private tour guide will help you learn deep about the history and culture of Xian, and make sure everything work well throughout the tour at the same time.
Xian applies to the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Visitor from 53 foreign countries who hold valid travel document & connecting flights to a third country/region can enter Xian from Xian Xianyang Airport, and stay in Xian up to 144 hours without a Chinese Visa. But since Xi’an has not many international flights, and the city is usually a middle stop of a China tour, we advise you to apply for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) before coming to China so that you can travel in a more secure and flexible way. China Discovery can provide you the invitation letter so that you can obtain the visa with bigger chance while least time.
Both Xi'an and Huashan have a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons – warm spring, hot and rainy summer, cool and comfortable autumn, cold and dry winter. The average annual temperature of Xi'an is around 13°C / 55°F while Huashan is cooler. Because the mountain is steep and tall, the temperature drops 0.44℃ - 0.5℃ for every 100 meters’ elevation. For the low mountain area (＜1000m above sea level), the annual average temperature is 9 - 14℃ (48.2 – 57.2 ℉). In high mountain area (＞1000m above sea level), the average temperature is less than 8℃ (46.4℉).
The best hiking periods of Mount Huashan is April to June and September to Middle November. It’s windy and snowy during December to March of next year, which make it dangerous to walk the stairs. July and August are rainy season as well as the summer school holiday, not good time to hike Mount Huashan. Wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes, comfortable clothes for hiking, gloves for hold on to the chains, rain gears.
Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also take international flights to Xian from more than 50 countries and regions, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Sydney, Kuala, Bangkok, etc. Xian is connected by high-speed rails widely. You can get from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Pingyao, etc. to Xian by bullet trains within 6 hours. Recommended gateways to Xian include: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Hong Kong.
Bell & Drum Towers Area - strongly recommended for first-timers, easy access to Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and popular restaurants. Hotel rates are higher than other areas, but you have a lot of choices of different standards. Xincheng District - not very far from the city center as well as Xian’s main attractions, recommended for families as there are shopping center and parks to enjoy a stroll. Yanta Distict – Yanta District is on the south of the city center, also near main attractions, including Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, History Museum, etc. It has many hotels of budget class.
China Discovery only uses those hotels with convenient amenities, fine services and great reputations. Most of them are 5-star and 4-star hotels located near the Muslim Quarter (food street), Bell Tower, Ancient City Wall, where you can also get easy accesses to subway, shopping malls, banks, etc.
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