[Important] Travel News for Expats: China travel is reopening! Travel with China Discovery and learn about where to visit & requirements for each destination! Read Details >
[Important] Travel News for Expats: China travel is reopening! Travel with China Discovery and learn about where to visit & requirements for each destination! Read Details >
Your Xian tour is not complete without Mount Huashan hiking!
You really should spare out one day to take a side trip to Mount Huashan during your travelling in Xian. This mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains of China as well as the most precipitous mountain is China having the world famous hiking trail – the Plank Walk. It is only about 1.5hrs’driving (or 40min’s bullet train ride) from Xian. So take our 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking to quiet down to soak leisurely in the wonderful history and culture of the ancient capital city Xian, which is reveal recklessly in the UNESCO heritage sites of Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, etc., and enjoy an adventure hike on Mount Huashan to challenge the world's most thrilling hiking trails, including the Plank Walk now!
Day 1 Xian Arrival
Airport / railway station pick up
Welcome to Xian! Your tour guide will meet you at Xian Xianyang International Airport (or railway station), then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.
Note: if you arrive at Xian in early and want to have some activities arranged for the rest time, please let us know in advance. There are many options available (with extra costs), including: 1) visit a local family and learn to cook Chinese dishes or making dumplings; 2) have an interesting class of Chinese calligraphy or painting in Tangbo Art Museum; 3) explore the bustling Zhonggulou Square where the beautiful Bell Towers and Drum Towers are located at.
Arrival Ideas: Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also get to Xian by high speed trains from Beijing(5.5hrs), Shanghai (6-7hrs), Guangzhou (8.5-9hrs), Hangzhou (6.5-7hrs), Pingyao (3hrs), Zhengzhou (2hrs), and so on.
Bell Tower
Day 2 Terracotta Warriors Visit & Leisure City Tour ( B, L )
Today's highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque
After breakfast, drive about 40 km 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. (Before the Terracotta Warriors Museum visit, you will have a rare opportunity to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.)
After lunch, return to Xian to 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. Leave the City Wall, then go to wander leisurely around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture. Don't miss the Great Mosque of Xian which is a fusion of Chinese culture and Islamic culture, a sacred religious site with huge ancient architectural complex, also a surprisingly quiet land away from the bustling Muslim streets. After the Great Mosque visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel. (If you want to stay more time at the Muslim Quarter for dinner and relaxing, or want to explore the nearby Bell & Drum Towers on your own, please let your tour guide know)
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.
Plan B: There is also a Plan B, especially recommended during peak season (May to October), which is to go to accommodate at the foot of Mount Huashan (about 2 hrs' driving from Xian) so that you will have more leisure time for tomorrow's Huangshan hiking.
Terracotta Warriors Pit One
Amazing Different Terra Cotta Warriors
Visitor Riding on Ancient City Wall
Great Mosque, a fusion of Chinese culture and Islamic culture
Day 3 Classic Mount Huashan Day Hiking ( B )
Classic Mount Huashan hiking: Cable Car - North Peak - Canglongling - East Peak - Plank Walk - South Peak - West Peak - Cable Car
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. Then you will be escorted to Mount Hua (Huashan) by car, which will take you two hours on the way.
After arrival, take a park bus from the tourist center to the foot of the North Peak of Mount Hua (about 20mins). To save energy and time, you will take cable car up to the North Peak directly (about 10mins). At North Peak, you can get the first views of other four peaks, and watch far away. And only the fourth side of North Peak is the entrance path to other peaks which is named “Ear Rubbing Cliff” for tourists have to climb further up only by pressing the ear close the cliff. Then you will hike about 2 hours to get to the East Peak. On route, you will visit the Heavenly Ladders, Riyue Cliff, Canglong Ling, Golden Lock Pass. Spend some time to view the breathtaking landscape on the East Peak. Continue hiking about 1hour to the South Peak. You will firstly get to Nantian Gate, then get to the famous Plank Road in the Sky which is seen as the most dangerous path in the world. Well, it is dependent on you to take this fearsome path or not. It is a more than 100 meters long, 0.3 meters wide plank road built along the surface of a vertical cliff, which usually takes about 30~45 minutes to walk through and back. Keep walking about 20mins from the Plank Road in the Sky, you will get to the South Peak which is the highest peak on Mount Hua. From South Peak, you can see other four lower peaks. Then take the last hiking about 40 minutes to the West Peak. The West Peak is also called Lotus Peak because of its unique shape. This peak is formed by a huge rock. Hence, it's very steep.
Lastly, walk about 20mins from West Peak to the West Peak Cableway station to take a cable car to descend the mountain. Hanging over 900 meters above the valley, West Peak Cable Car offers breathtaking view of the peaks and valleys of Mount Huashan, which is a highlight you can't miss out.
Transfer back to your hotel in Xian.
Tips: 1) you can pack some favorite foods and drinks with you because there is not much food you can buy on the mountain; 2) it usually needs to queue up (possibly up to hours during crowded days) to enter the Huashan Plank Walk, so it's very important to depart from Xian early and control well your hiking pace on the mountain.
Mount Hua in misty days - view from North Peak
Huashan Landscape - Chess Pavilion
The thrilling Plank Road in the Sky on Mount Hua
Day 4 Xian Half Day Sightseeing & Departure ( B )
Today's highlights: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum
After a little bit rest and fresh up, 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 brought 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!
Following is an educational visiting to Shaanxi History Museum. Ramble in the modern exhibition halls to appreciate relics, such as porcelains, paintings, currencies from Zhou to the Tang periods (1100 BC 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.)
The rest of the day is free for you until be escorted to catch the flight/train to leave Xian. Tour ends.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
3. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.95. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Hi Jack,
My trip with China discovery was outstanding! It was the first time I have ever used a travel agency and I would definitely use them again. Very easy to organise the trip with lots of flexibility. Everything that they promised to do was done. The tour guides were excellent - very knowledgeable and again willing to adapt based on personal interests. I went to Guilin and Zhangjiajie - both destinations were stunning - lots of variety packed into the both parts of the trip. I had an amazing trip and would recommend to anyone who likes the outdoors!
Dear Wonder,
How are you? Hope you are well. You organised a very nice trip for me to Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou way back in 2014.
You requested a review from me but I loaded to the wrong website. I came across the review today unexpectedly in my computer system and I would like to send it to you, to be used by your website. This is because I was very pleased by the trip that you organised for me. I was a lone female traveler but I still remember the lovely tour guides you found for me, especially the one at Chengdu.
I truly had a wonderful holiday and great memories.
I am now back in the UK. I certainly will use your tour service again if I ever travel to China the next time.
Take care in the pandemic.
Best wishes
Siang
( Dr Yih Siang CHEN)
6 Days/ 5 nights Chengdu/ Jiuzhai Valley Tour
I went on a 6 days / 5 nights private tour to Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou in
October 2014.I spent 2 days in Chengdu and the rest in Jiuzhaigou valley.
Since it was my first trip to China and I was a single female traveller,
understandably, I was initially apprehensive before the tour. However, all my
initial reservations disappeared once my tour began. I have decided to go on a
private tour because I could not find a group tour which can come up with the
itinery that I wanted.
From the onset, it was a pleasure to deal with Wonder. He made me a detailed
itinery, specific to my wishes , down to the hotels that I preferred. I must
say that he has honoured and stuck to our contract throughout my tour. He also
phoned my tour guides on a daily basis just to make sure the itinery went on as
planned and to make sure that I was ok.He was contactable at all times and any
problems were sorted out very quickly and efficiently. He was also very
accommodating and was willing to make changes in my itinery at very short
notice whenever possible.I have found him to be reliable and trustworthy.
The tour guides were all very professional and knowledgeable. I was very happy
with them.They spoke fluent English and were very knowledgeable about the
places that we visited. They took care of everything, from meeting me at the
airport, check- in into hotels, arranging for meals, transport, tickets for
shows and checking in for my return flights. I was impressed that they would go
out of their way to make my tour comfortable, hassle free and really tried to
give me a memorable hoilday. They were prepared to work till late evenings. As
a matter of fact, they would wait for me while I watched some shows in the
evenings and one of them was even so kind to buy me an adaptor which I had lost
in a hotel.
In Chengdu, I visited the Panda Research Centre, Jinli Street,Sichuan Museum
and a silk factory at my request. i was not obliged to visit any factories
throughout my tour.
Then, I flew on to Jiuzhai Valley and had another 3 days of private tours; 1
day in Huanglong Park and 2 full days in Jiuzhai National Park.I was glad that
I flew return to the valley because the roads up there are really winding and
being prone to travel sickness , it would have been a disaster for me to be
sick.
I was met by another tour guide there. I am really glad that I took a private
tour because I had my personal tour guide who walked with me at my pace
throughout the Jiuzhai National park. She knew all the scenic spots and
pathways by heart and made sure that I did not miss any important spots.Because
she knew all the places so well, we could cover most of the scenic spots on
foot in detail.She would walk with me and explain every lake, waterfall and
other spots. She explained in detail all about the history, myths, customs and
religion of the tribes there. It was an eye opener for me.I am sure I would not
be getting all these explanation if I had gone in a group tour.Most group tours
tend to be rushed but I was not rushed at all. I had ample time to take all the
photos that I wanted , time to have meals and some shopping for souveniers and
even short rests at beautiful spots where I could linger and just soak up the
magnificent natural beauty.
Jiuzhai Valley is an extraordinary , beautiful park. It is my personal opinion
that 2 full days are required to do the park justice. It is difficult to rush
through the scenic spots in a day especially when there are massive crowds and
queues everywhere.It was worth it to pay the hefty entrance fee for 2 days.
Because I had 2 full days, I could do a hike with my guide who accompanied me
throughout the trails to the 3 major valleys. I came away feeling satisfied and
had lots of marvellous photos to show.
I was especially pleased that on one occasion, my tour guide took me through a
small path , away from the tourist crowds. We walked at our pace and saw some
smaller lovely waterfalls and lakes. I did not have to jostle with the typical
crowds and could take my time to take some truly picturesque photos and videos.
I am convinced that if I had joined a group tour , I would not have been able
to see and explore the national park as much as I did.
My advice to travellers is to go on some fitness training before the tour. You
have to be prepared to do a lot of walking for this is the best way to see the
best views. Taking the bus to just the best scenic spots would be cheating and
would not do the park justice.The only downside of the trip was the crowds. Be
prepared for massive crowds, they can get unruly at times, especially when it
rains, so do bring a raincoat or umbrella.Also be prepared for the less than
ideal toilet facilities. Bring lots of tissues as handwash and tissues are not
provided.
Due to my excellent and friendly tour guides and Wonder's meticulous planning, I
had a fabulous holiday and a great time in China. I would highly recommend
Wonder Wang and his tour agency to all my friends and family. If I return to
China, I would certainly go through Wonder and his agency again. So, a big
thank you to Wonder and all my lovely tour guides for making my holiday a truly
memorable one!
Dr YS CHEN-PELFRENE
London, UK
Hello Wonder!
Thank you so much for reaching out again! And I was just about to write . As of yesterday afternoon, Mark and I finally received final confirmation that we will be allowed to take our leave, so now we can finally book our trip from 17 - 24 October!! As soon as I send this email, I will look into the flights. I will let you know if/when they are booked.
Also, we were wondering: would it be possible to pay via our American Credit Card this time? I know we normally do we-chat, but due to the amount this time (bigger/longer trip), it is easier for us to use credit-card. We understand that there is a credit card fee. . .could you provide us with the final amount (including the fee)?
Also, I think Mark and I would really enjoy the boutique hotels you chose for us. Could we verify that those hotels are still available for our trip?
And of course: I have really enjoyed working with you. You provide excellent customer service and we believe the quality of the trips are wonderful. My colleagues loved the trip to Zhangjiajie and I have told many of my colleagues about you/your company.
Last question: would you recommend anywhere over the Christmas holiday to New Years (01 January)?
Thank you, Wonder!
Look forward to hearing from you,
Keena
Hi Jack,
We really enjoyed our trip. Thanks!
Fresh air, beautiful mountains….
We were very out of breath in Shangrila, though, so next time, we will get the oxygen.
Our tour guides were very good.
Leeway struggled a little with his English, but we did fine.
Alice had excellent English, and so did Peter.
We are probably tough people to tour around, since we have already been to a lot of temples, so we already have heard a lot of the things that they want to tell us.
So, we tried to ask questions about other things.
We are not standard travelers, but much more experienced.
I think that because we can speak some Mandarin, we are a little bit more independent than other people that they have had to help.
We loved the Indigo Hotel on Lake Erhai.
Opening the curtains in our room every morning and being able to look out at the lake was fabulous!
They also had a very good breakfast.
And, we enjoyed walking by the lake, down to the bridge and hiking up the mountain behind the hotel.
We had no air conditioning in the Songstam Hotel in LiJiang, and at the Shangrila Hotel, and so our rooms were very hot!
So, we had some trouble sleeping.
I think if you are there in the Winter time, it is probably fine, but the weather for us was warm outside, so we struggled with the temperature in the room.
We might ask for some help to get a fan for our rooms next time.
All of the Ancient Cities.
We probably would have like a little more time to explore those.
The BaXi and NiXi Ancient towns were beautiful, and it was wonderful to walk the streets there, and the learn about the 3000 year old pottery in NiXi.
We also loved seeing traditional Tibetan houses and trying the butter tea and cakes.
Our driver, Mr. Gu, was very nice and funny.
Thanks for a lovely vacation.
Kind regards,
Robin
Hi Tracy,
The Upper Yubeng village hotel was a little rough. Beds were hard as a rock. Maybe provide options at different cost points for that next time. Otherwise no other considerations. Was great.
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Welcome to Xian - Bell Tower
Terracotta Warriors Pit One
Amazing Different Terra Cotta Warriors
Visitor Riding on Ancient City Wall
Great Mosque Xian
Mount Hua in misty days - view from North Peak
Huashan Landscape - Chess Pavilion
The thrilling Plank Road in the Sky on Mount Hua
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Shaanxi History Museum
Our private Xian tour packages let you decide where to go, when to go, where to stay and touring paces on your own. The itinerary, hotels, food, cultural programs are customized to match your requirements. Before the tour, our knowledgeable Xian experts will give reliable suggestions and propose ideal tour package for you. During the tour, our private tour guide will help you learn deep about the history and culture of Xian, and make sure everything work well throughout the tour at the same time.
Xian applies to the 72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Visitor from 53 foreign countries who hold valid travel document & connecting flights to a third country/region can enter Xian from Xian Xianyang Airport, and stay in Xian up to 72 hours without a Chinese Visa. But since Xi’an has not many international flights, and the city is usually a middle stop of a China tour, we advise you to apply for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) before coming to China so that you can travel in a more secure and flexible way. China Discovery can provide you the invitation letter so that you can obtain the visa with bigger chance while least time.
Both Xi'an and Huashan have a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons – warm spring, hot and rainy summer, cool and comfortable autumn, cold and dry winter. The average annual temperature of Xi'an is around 13°C / 55°F while Huashan is cooler. Because the mountain is steep and tall, the temperature drops 0.44℃ - 0.5℃ for every 100 meters’ elevation. For the low mountain area (＜1000m above sea level), the annual average temperature is 9 - 14℃ (48.2 – 57.2 ℉). In high mountain area (＞1000m above sea level), the average temperature is less than 8℃ (46.4℉).
The best hiking periods of Mount Huashan is April to June and September to Middle November. It’s windy and snowy during December to March of next year, which make it dangerous to walk the stairs. July and August are rainy season as well as the summer school holiday, not good time to hike Mount Huashan. Wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes, comfortable clothes for hiking, gloves for hold on to the chains, rain gears.
Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also take international flights to Xian from more than 50 countries and regions, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Sydney, Kuala, Bangkok, etc. Xian is connected by high-speed rails widely. You can get from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Pingyao, etc. to Xian by bullet trains within 6 hours. Recommended gateways to Xian include: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Hong Kong.
Bell & Drum Towers Area - strongly recommended for first-timers, easy access to Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and popular restaurants. Hotel rates are higher than other areas, but you have a lot of choices of different standards. Xincheng District - not very far from the city center as well as Xian’s main attractions, recommended for families as there are shopping center and parks to enjoy a stroll. Yanta Distict – Yanta District is on the south of the city center, also near main attractions, including Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, History Museum, etc. It has many hotels of budget class.
China Discovery only uses those hotels with convenient amenities, fine services and great reputations. Most of them are 5-star and 4-star hotels located near the Muslim Quarter (food street), Bell Tower, Ancient City Wall, where you can also get easy accesses to subway, shopping malls, banks, etc.
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[Important] Travel News for Expats: China travel is reopening now! Travel with China Discovery and learn about where to visit & requirements for each destination! Read Details >
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