Traveling to Xi’an and Luoyang with three best friends was supposed to be fun—but guides Autumn (Xi’an) and Andy (Luoyang) and the travel company’s planning turned it into the kind of trip we’ll joke about for years.

Autumn met us at Xi’an Airport with a smile that matched our excitement, and she immediately clicked with our group. On Day 1, she didn’t just lead us through the Muslim Quarter—she joined in our laughter when we argued over who got the last lamb bun, and even suggested a photo spot with the lanterns where we could all fit. During the Tang Dynasty Show, she leaned over to whisper funny tidbits about the imperial court’s “drama” (her words), making us snicker through the performance instead of sitting stiffly. Day 2 was even better: at the Terracotta Warriors, she let us wander in pairs but checked in occasionally to share cool facts, and when my friend wanted to race up the Ancient City Wall, Autumn cheered us on while waiting.

The company’s cross-city stuff was totally stress-free—they booked train seats together and Andy was at Luoyang Station waving, like he’d known us forever. He got our vibe right away: on Day 3, he turned the Longmen Grottoes into a “spot the coolest Buddha” game, and at White Horse Temple, he let us take silly photos with the statues without rushing. Day 4’s Shaolin Temple trip, Andy saved us a row of seats for the kung fu show so we could high-five when the monks did flips, and he even recommended a street food spot nearby where we could grab snacks afterward.

What made it perfect was how Autumn and Andy balanced fun with focus—they never made us feel like we were “missing” history, but they also let us be ourselves. The itinerary had just enough flexibility for our group’s random detours, and the company’s logistics meant we never argued over tickets or directions. Traveling with friends is all about good vibes, and this trip had them in spades.

Reviewed to: Trace the Echoes of Empire: A Poetic 4-Day Xian Luoyang Tour from Shanghai