Grand Tang Dynasty Private Day Tour

Greet your personal guide in your Xian hotel lobby at 08.30am for the short drive to Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) by private, air-conditioned vehicle.

A holy place in Chinese Buddhism, this was first built during the Tang Dynasty, when it stood 177 feet (54 meters) tall, and once housed a myriad statues of the Buddha. After damage and rebuilding, today's tower now reaches 210 feet (64 meters) high above the city. Your guide will explain highlights of the temple complex around this serene building, and show you the spectacular fountain on North Square, nearby.

It's under a mile by car to the Shaanxi History Museum with its significant display of treasures of the Grand Tang Dynasty, representing the remarkable Shaanxi history and culture. After the museum, relax over an included Chinese lunch at a local restaurant with Chinese dishes served. 

Hop back in the vehicle for the 20-minute drive to Xian City Wall. Built over 600 years ago, during the Ming Dynasty, these are probably the best preserved city walls in all of China, and a classic example of a Ming-era fortified city. They stand 39 feet (12 meters) high, and extend 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) around the city, replete with watchtowers, gate towers, and parapet walls. Your guide will escort you to the top of the walls, which offer excellent views across Xian: it’s possible to walk the entire circuit in four hours.

Xian was a starting point for the Silk Road as far back as the Han Dynasty, and no historic tour of Xian would be complete without visiting the Muslim Quarter, just a short drive from the City Wall. Your guide will show you the highlights of this area and explain the food culture to you as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this multicultural district.

Finally, you'll drive back to your Xi'an hotel.