Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an by High Speed Train

Day 5 Xi'an

New Exhibition of the Terracotta Army Museum

This whole morning will be spent visiting the Terracotta Army Museum, a huge underground army stationed in the burial pits of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 BC- 210 BC)'s mausoleum. Thousands of terracotta warriors await your examination, all vividly sculpted during the emperor’s reign of the Qin Empire. According to statistics, the shortest of these unearthed terracotta figures is 173 cm (5 feet 8 in), while the tallest reaches a staggering 196 cm (6 feet 5 in) - a curious find because it makes us wonder: are ancient Chinese really so tall? Actually, it may be that only those tall enough could be selected as the emperor’s honor guards; the hair buns and the base under their feet also contribute to their great heights. Apart from visitng the burial pits, our guide will also take you to explore the lately-opened exhibition hall for the most precious archaeological excavations from the mausoleum, some having never been put on a display. Bronze waterfowls, little gold and silver sculptures, a stone dice, and especially the coloring on potteries are all among the wonders, more than two hundreds in total. They are divided into eight themes to tell you about the Qin-era art, society, philosophies, as well as Qin Shi Huang’s life - the most mysterious would be the one that allows you to imagine the emperor’s grand underground palace, which remains some thirty meters below untouched.

Today’s lunch is by your own arrangement, but the guide will recommend restaurants around the site according to your preference.

★ Privileges of Our Guests:
1. Visit the Home of Terracotta Army’s Discoverer
After lunch, we will uniquely arrange a visit to the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, who discovered the terracotta army when digging a well in 1974. It will be a precious chance to learn the legendary discovery of this manmade wonder from him and take a picture with him. At the home, you can also see the replica of the first discovered terracotta warrior and the hoe used to dig the statue out.
2. Interesting DIY of a Mini Terracotta Warrior
For a visit to the Terracotta Army, there is no better souvenir than a self-made terracotta figure. In a local workshop, you can opt to make a mini terracotta general, soldier, or others measuring about 10 cm (4 in) high. Don’t worry. An artisan will teach you how to make it step by step and there is also a mold to assist you. You can carve your name or special logo on your artwork, just like the Qin Dynasty artisans did on their warriors.

Later, get back to the city and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) for Monk Xuan Zang to store and translate Buddhism scripts brought back from India. Then, follow the guide all the way south to Great Tang All Day Mall, a replica of a prosperous block of the Tang Dynasty. At last, the guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel. If you prefer to appreciate the night views and interesting performances in the Great Tang All Day Mall, you may stay longer and the guide will kindly tell you how to go back to hotel on your own.

Terracotta Army, Xi'an

Make a Mini Terracotta Figure

► Dinner Suggestion:
If you are searching for a place to try authentic local specialties, don’t miss the brand Zi Wu Lu Zhang Ji Rou Jia Mo, translated as Zhangji Chinese Hamburger on Ziwu Road. It arguably enjoys the greatest popularity among its kind, just as how Quanjude Roast Duck dwarfs all other rivals in Beijing. There are numerous Rou Jia Mo providers in Xi’an, but what makes Zhangji stand out is its unique mouthfeel. You will bite into crispy baked bun to discover gravy-heavy chopped pork inside, flavorful and succulent. The point is, it never gets greasy, which is a standard to set apart good from mediocre. 30 yuan/4 bucks with Liang Pi (cold noodles) to be the icing on the cake is enough to have yourself satiated. While waiting to be served, you can also take a look at how Rou Jia Mo is made. You can find a branch restaurant on Cuihua Road, just 10-minute drive from your hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an

This morning, we will first visit the City Wall Park, a gathering place for the locals, especially elders to do morning exercises and have fun. You will find the life of the elderly in China is rich and colorful: dancing, singing, playing Tai Chi, playing Chinese yo-yo, cracking a whip... If you want, you can join in them to practice Tai Chi or other recreational activities.

Then follow the guide to ascend the time-honored City Wall, which was used to defend the city from attacks. Standing on the wall, you will see two different Xi’an: the ancient one full of historical architecture inside the wall and the modern one boasting high buildings outside. Cycling on the City Wall is a very popular activity. Sightseeing car is also an option. If interested, inform the guide your preference and pay the rental fee on the spot to have fun.

Next, visit the Great Mosque, a remarkable Islamic cultural relic, which perfectly combines Chinese traditional and Islamic architectural styles. Around the mosque is the lively Muslim Quarter, boasting of delicious snacks and featured handicrafts.

► Indulge Yourself in Many Varieties of Xi’an Snacks
Xi’an is famous for not only abundant historical remains, but also various snacks. For every tourist to the city, it will be a pity not to taste them. Today, we will serve you authentic local snacks at a featured restaurant in Muslim Quarter, a paradise for foodies. You may choose whatever you like, including hot oil noodles, Xi’an Sandwich (Rou Jia Mo), fried dumplings, crumbled flatbread in mutton stew (Yangrou Paomo), glutinous rice with jujube (Zeng Gao) and even see how they will be made through the visible glass window.

Afterwards, you will be taken to the airport for flight to Shanghai. Our local guide and driver will greet you upon your landing and accompany you to check in at the hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, featured Xi’an snacks for lunch

     

Day 7 Shanghai

In the morning, our guide will escort you to visit Shanghai Museum and scenic Yu Garden. The Shanghai Museum is one of the four most famous museums in China, holding a rich and high-quality collection of ancient precious works of art. Yu Garden is a famous classic garden in south China. The beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere make it rare in the bustling city. After, wander through the lively bazaar just outside the garden.

At noon, you will enjoy an a la carte farewell lunch (valued at CNY150 per person and included in our price) at a fancy and famous local restaurant, mainly serving true Shanghai and Cantonese cuisines.

After lunch, the guide will escort you to enjoy a one-hour cruise on Huangpu River to appreciate the two representative profiles of the city on both banks. It helps you understand the past, see the present and look into the future of this modern city. Then, explore the Bund and see the cluster of western style buildings at a close range. Free time will be left for you there to have a leisurely stroll and take nice photos. The last stop today is an old block named Tianzifang, where is full of senses of culture and art.

► Dinner Suggestion:
Go for a 20 minutes’ taxi ride to Xiao Yang Sheng Jian restaurant (Dapuqiao Riyueguang Branch) to try their flagship dish, Sheng Jian Bao, or pan-fried pork buns. Dating back 30 years, Sheng Jian Bao is the most quintessential snack of Shanghai that embodies local culinary traditions, and the restaurant we recommend is where you can find the best. Here, the buns offered have thinner wrappers to give space for more filling, which is rich in gravy. Try the originally-flavored, and bite while they are still warm for richer textures. Soups and other side dishes are also offered and the prices are all wallet-friendly!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch

     

Day 8 Departure from Shanghai

According to your international flight schedule, our private guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport on time. We wish you a pleasant journey home and thank you for traveling with us.

If your flight is later in the day, our travel consultants will be glad to offer you some advice to further explore this metropolis. If you plan to spend a few more days in Shanghai, then the nearby charming water towns, the elegant garden city of Suzhou, and Hangzhou - the home to Taobao-Alibaba Group as well as a scenic city, are all worth visiting. Please feel free to contact us and it will be our great honor to tailor make an itinerary for you.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

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Inclusions：

Domestic airfares & train fares
Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
A la carte lunches as itinerary specifies
Private English-speaking guides
Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fees to tourist sites

Exclusions：

International airfares
Entry Visa fees
Personal expenses
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers