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3 Days Historical Xian Photography Tour from $262

Ancient Heart of China

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Xian, served as the capital through 13 dynasties and the eastern end of ancient silk road, is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and home to Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Photographers could explore and take photographs of the historical and cultural wonders, such as the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall in this photography tour. When keep a record of this ancient city, you feel as you are tracing back a history book of China.

This Xian photography tour can be customized depending on which sites you want to visit, and on the weather condition when you go. Feel free to tell your interests and ideas to your personal travel consultants!

Basic Photography Info

Travel Route: Xian

Travel Length: 3 Days

Tour Code: CD-PTXT-03

Tour Type: Customizable Private Tour

Departure: You Choose (you may plan it according to the best season and time.)

Itinerary Details Day by Day

Day 1 Xian Arrival

Welcome to Xian! Your tour guide will meet you at the Xian Xianyang Airport. Then be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is yours to explore the ancient heart of China on your own.

Day 2 Xian (B, L)

After breakfast, drive about 40km 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.

After lunch, return back to Xian take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activities: 1) Take a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall; 2) Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after a hearty dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.

Terra-Cotta WarriorsVisitor Riding on Ancient City Wall
Day 3 Xian Departure (B)

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple, a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Big 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 a free 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!

Next is an educational visit to the Shaanxi History Museum where you can ramble in the modern exhibition halls to appreciate historic relics such as porcelains, paintings, and currencies dating from the Zhou to the Tang dynastic periods (1100BC to 907 AD). (Note: Shaanxi History Museum may be replaced with other activity or attraction because of crowding tourists during July ~ early September and China’s National Day during Oct.1-Oct.7. You may check details with your travel consultant.)

After the tour, be escorted to Xian city and rest by yourself until your departure flight.

Big wild goose pagoda

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Xian Photography Guide

Terracotta Warriors Terracotta Warriors Terracotta Warriors

Comparing with towering modern city, Xian still keeps its ancient frame. Whether you go to remarkable Terracotta Warriors, or awe-inspiring Ancient City Wall...all wake up this city’s hallowed history spontaneously.

Best Sites for Photography

Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors, regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the world, is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District of Xian. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. Besides the warriors, the figures also include chariots and horses.

There are three pits kept the Terracotta Warriors and Horses with more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Photographers could either get close to the Terracotta Warriors to shoot the details or capture panoramic view of the whole pits. In Pit One, photographers could catch about 6,000 figures. In Pit Two, photographers could shoot the cavalry and infantry units as well as war chariots. In Pit Three, photographers could shoot command post with high-ranking officers and chariots. Besides the figures, if you are interested in, you could also shoot the weaponry like swords, spears, battle-axes, shields, crossbows, scimitars, etc.

To shoot more Terracotta Army, photographers could head to Shaanxi Historical Museum. This museum has over 370,000 items including soldiers from the Terracotta Army.

Ancient City Wall

Xian Ancient City Wall

Xian Ancient City Wall As the rarely survived ancient wall in China, Xian Ancient City Wall is most complete preserved with different ramparts and four gates spreading to four directions of east, west, south and north. The east gate is Changle Gate, the west gate is Yongding Gate, the north gate is Anyuan Gate and the south one is Yongning Gate. Strolling on the spacious and solid ancient city wall, photographers can have a panoramic view of whole Xian city. Also, photographers could also shoot tunnels, water towers, battlements, etc.

Best Season for Photography

Xian has a pleasant weather during all year round. It features in a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons and opportune rainfall. Also, Xian is an ancient city and the top attractions you are going to shoot are historical and cultural sites. It is good to visit all the year round.

Tips from Our Experts

1. Terracotta Warriors

You are allowed to take pictures of the terracotta warriors but not to touch them.

2. Ancient City Wall

It is good to shoot in the morning or in the late afternoon. It is hot in summer, so you’d better visit in the morning.

3. Bike Experience

If you are interested, you could ride a bicycle on the Ancient City Wall. And you will have an enjoyable and interesting experience.

4. Performance

Every day, there are some performance offered in Xian Ancient City. At 09:00, you could enjoy the opening ceremony. Some other performance are performed after that.

For more photography advice in Xian, you can feel free to contact us and we are here ready to help!

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