All Xian Highlights & Famous Mount Huashan Hiking
If it's your first time visiting the ancient capital of Xi'an and you want to experience all of its highlights, including hiking Mount Huashan, then this 3-day Xian tour is the ideal tour for you. It's designed with a comfortable pace and amazing activities, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.
Xi'an, the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, is a must-visit destination in China. Travelers of all types will find something to marvel at in Xi'an, with its ancient wonders, brilliant museums, interesting shows, and famous mountain. From the fascinating Terracotta Army to the Ancient City Wall, there's a captivating story from every historical era in Xi'an. And don't forget to treat your taste buds while strolling along the famous Muslim Quarter, where Chinese and Islamic influences blend together to create a unique atmosphere. Transport yourself back in time by trying on Hanfu at the ancient Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. You can experience a glimpse of what life was like in ancient China and feel a connection to Xian’s rich cultural heritage. What an amazing experience it will be!
In this morning, drive about 40km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses: an army of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this “underground military museum”, you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. The second shock is that the faces of thousands of Terracotta Warriors are still vivid, despite the passage of more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, with distinct postures, hairstyles, and armor, making them seem to come back to life in the next moment.
During your visit, an knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three and provide valued explanations and insights that you might not get from simply observing the sculptures on your own. Afterward, you will have a rare opportunity to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. This will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques of the Qin Dynasty as well as gain a deeper understanding of how terracotta warriors were made.
After lunch, drive back downtown to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is one of Xi’an’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci’en Temple, is one of China’s best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. While at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), and capture memorable moments in Hanfu.
As evening falls, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City which showcases the life and times of the Tang Dynasty. The light show is decorated with structures, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that transports you back to the times of the Tang Dynasty, providing a magical experience of walking through time.
After enjoying breakfast, your local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a memorable trip to Mount Huashan, located 118km away and about 1.5-2 hours’ drive. Mount Huashan, also known as Huashan Mountain, one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism and is famous for its steep and narrow paths, as well as its stunning natural scenery. It is home to five peaks and has long been considered the most precipitous mountain in China, with its sheer granite rock face, rugged cliffs, and deep valleys. Upon arrival, you will explore Mount Hua via the Cable Car – West Peak – South Peak – Plank Road in the Sky – East Peak – Middle Peak – West Peak – Cable Car route (4-5 hours, the leisure hiking route).
First, you will take a park bus from the tourist center to the foot of the West Peak of Mount Hua, which takes approximately 40 minutes. And then, take the cable car up to the West Peak (about 20 minutes) and it offers a breathtaking journey through the misty clouds and grand peaks. This place is the best spot with the most gorgeous scenery. Visit to see Cuiyun Palace and Fupi Stone, and listen to the legendary story about Chenxiang, the main character in the movie Lotus Lantern, who ripped Mount Huashan to save his mother, the Heavenly Goddess San Sheng Mu.
Later, hike another 30 minutes to the South Peak, which is the highest peak of Mount Huashan (2154.9 meters). It is a good spot to take photos with breathtaking scenery. And, the most thrilling and challenging activity of the hike is yet to come – the “Plank Road in the Sky”. This section of the trail is considered the world’s most dangerous hiking trail due to its knife-blade ridges, precipitous crags, and steep and narrow paths. (Note: It’s important to note that walking through the Changkong Plank Road and completing the round trip takes about 0.5-1 hour. However, it’s an optional activity, and it’s not recommended for those who are not experienced hikers or are afraid of heights.)
Afterwards, hike for about 40 minutes to reach the East Peak, the best spot for watching the sunrise. You can also have another thrilling experience (optional) at Sparrow Hawk Turning Over (鹞子翻身). The trek is so named because at some points, climbers must turn their bodies when climbing down, in the manner of flying sparrow hawks. Hold onto the iron chain and descend step by step very carefully, and reach the historical site of Chess Playing Pavilion to admire spectacular gorges and mountain views from the mountain top.
Afterwards, walk back to the West Peak cableway station via the Middle Peak, and visit some sites along the way. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to take as many photos as possible, and then descend by cable car. After the Mount Hua tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Xian.
Important Travel & Hiking Tips:
1) It is recommended to bring your own food and drinks while hiking as the supply on the mountain is limited.
2) Optional experience about Plank Road in the Sky: Visitors over 55 years old and those who are less than 150cm tall are not allowed to visit the Plank Road in the Sky. It may be temporarily closed due to maintenance or extreme weather conditions. Visitors may have to queue up for hours during peak season to enter the Plank Road.
3) Optional experience about Sparrow Hawk Turning Over: It is a particularly challenging section of the trek due to the overhanging upper part of the cliff and the indented lower part, which makes it impossible to see the footholds – grooves chiseled into the slippery rock face – below. The only safety measure is a single iron chain. Climbers must concentrate all their attention on finding handholds and footholds as they make their careful descent down the path.
After breakfast, head to visit the Ancient City Wall. Xi’an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls, form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi’an’s former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling (optional) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city – a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi’an’s historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you’ve delved into the city’s historical narrative, don’t forget to indulge in the delicious food and experience the vivid local life. The Muslim Quarter is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture, and you can surely taste the most authentic local food there. Don’t miss the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles.
The rest of the day is free for you until being escorted to catch the flight/train to leave Xi’an.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
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