China featuring T ibet & Hong Kong

Insight to Xian
Xian
Xian is China’s oldest city; in its imperial heyday it was considered, along with Rome and Constantinople, one of the most culturally important cities
in the world. Serving as the imperial capital for over a thousand years, and an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, today Xian remains a melting pot
of cultures and rich in sights including the Ming City Walls, the lively Muslim Quarter and the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors.
Xian City Stay
4 days/3 nights. Departing Xian. daily
Grading: Easy
From $ 427 pp
Discover the highights of Xian on this 4-day City Stay, as well as a number of hidden gems.
From the wonder of the Army of Terracotta Warriors to delicious regional cuisine, your stay
here will be a memorable one.
After arriving in Xian, the rest of the day is free to explore. The next day begins with a walk
along the top of the Old City Walls. You may choose to take a short cycle along the walls
before continuing on to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in 652, this beautiful temple was
designed to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Explore the heart of the
lively Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and
traditional Chinese architectural styles and visit the fascinating Shaanxi History Museum –
one of the best in China. The following day you’ll visit the Army of Terracotta Warriors – one
of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Afterwards take a stroll
down atmospheric Calligraphy Lane. You stay ends with an airport transfer on day 4.
Inclusions 3 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport
• entrance fees • arrival and departure transfers • local English-speaking guide
Standard, Superior and Deluxe options twin
per person
available.
01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $427
Xian Day Tours
Departing Xian. daily
From $ 108
Per person twin
Xian. Full-Day City Tour. from $ 108 pp.
Begin with a visit to the Old Ming City Walls and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Explore the Great
Mosque, an interesting fusion of architectural styles and an important place of worship, then
visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before ending the day with a stroll down Calligraphy Street.
Terracotta Warriors. Full-Day Tour. from $ 113 pp.
The remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors is one of the most important archaeological
discoveries of the 20th century. Your guide will lead you into three unearthed excavation
pits, and take you to the 360-degree circle vision cinema that portrays the reign of the
Qin Emperor and the creation of the warriors.
Tombs & Warriors. Full-Day Tour. from $ 171 pp.
Visit Banpo Village, where excavations have revealed items that date back to the Neolithic
era (6,000 years ago). Head to the famous Terracotta Warriors site then visit the Han
Yangling Tombs, which offer an insight into the art and culture of the Han Dynasty.
Hua Shan. Full-Day Tour. from $ 198 pp.
Hua Shan, or ‘Flower Mountain,’ is located 120 kilometres from Xian and is so-named
because, from afar, its five peaks look like five flower petals. Take a cable car to the north
peak for a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the peaks and forests. Expect a fair
amount of walking.
All day tours are private. All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11
Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin
3 days/2 nights. Departing Xian. daily
Grading: Easy
From $ 503 pp
A captivating journey which takes you to the Longmen Grottoes, renowned for their Buddhist
rock carvings constructed over a period of 400 years, plus the intriguing Shaolin Temple,
home to a famous order of fighting monks.
Your tour begins on arrival in Louyang, when you will be met at the station and transferred
to your hotel. The next day visit the largest and most impressive of the Longmen Grottoes,
the Ancestor Worshipping Temple. Spend time exploring some of the area’s 2,000 caves and
after lunch head to White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China, dating back to
68AD. Spend time discovering its vast system of hallways then relax in the peaceful temple
grounds. The next day visit Shaolin Temple and nearby ‘Pagoda Forest’ – a cemetery of 246
pagodas commemorating renowned Shaolin monks – and see a short Kung Fu show. In the
afternoon, transfer to Zhengzhou airport or to your hotel.
Logistics Trains to Luoyang operate daily from Xian (approximately 5 hours)
Inclusions 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport
• entrance fees • arrival and departure transfers • local English-speaking guide
Superior and Deluxe options available. twin
per person
01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $503
DISCOVER THE SILK ROAD
Xian was both the start and termination point of the legendary Silk Road.
Delve into the fascinating cultures and religions and the ever-changing landscapes
along this ancient trade route on our ‘Legendary Silk Road’.
See page 40 for details.
16 I CHINA featuring TIBET AND HONG KONG