Trace the Echoes of Empire: A Poetic 4-Day Xian Luoyang Tour Through China’s Ancient Heart from Shanghai

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Xian by Flight: Muslim Quarter, Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet
Day 2 Xian-Luoyang by train: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 3 Luoyang: Longmen Grotto, Luoyang Museum, White Horse Temple
Day 4 Xian Departure: Shaolin Temple and Kung fu show, Xian Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Xian

In the morning, your private driver in Shanghai will meet you directly at your hotel lobby at the pre-arranged time, assist with your luggage, and escort you comfortably to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport for your early flight to Xi’an. Upon landing in Xi’an, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local guide, easily identifiable by a “Your Way Holiday” sign at the airport arrival hall. With a friendly smile and attentive service, your guide will assist you with your luggage, help you settle into the vehicle, and provide a brief introduction to the city and the day’s itinerary—ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition into your Xi’an adventure.

To begin your day, you’ll dive into the lively atmosphere of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a vibrant enclave that has been home to the Hui Muslim community for centuries. This historic neighborhood buzzes with energy, where narrow lanes brim with traditional wooden storefronts, colorful signage, and the elegant silhouette of the Great Mosque—a harmonious blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. As you stroll alongside your guide, the air fills with the irresistible aromas of sizzling lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, crispy Roujiamo, and sweet pastries infused with sesame and rose. More than just a food lover’s paradise, the quarter offers a rich cultural experience—your guide will share stories that bring to life the neighborhood’s deep-rooted traditions, its spiritual legacy, and its role as a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road. This immersive walk is a flavorful and enlightening start to your day in Xi’an.

Before the day concludes, you’ll immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural evening with the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, paired with Xi’an’s iconic Dumpling Banquet. This experience blends elegant artistry with rich culinary tradition, offering a true taste of the city’s golden past. Your evening begins with a beautifully presented dumpling banquet, where each handcrafted dumpling features unique shapes, fillings, and symbolic meanings. With your guide providing cultural context and personal favorites, the meal becomes an engaging introduction to local customs. As the lights dim, you’ll be swept into the splendor of the Tang Dynasty—brought to life through graceful dance, traditional music, and exquisite costumes, culminating in the stunning performance of The Empress of the Great Tang. With your guide offering historical insights throughout, this evening promises to be more than just entertainment—it’s a rich and memorable journey into the heart of ancient Xi’an.

After then, your guide and driver will ensure a seamless transition back to your hotel. Your guide will be on hand to offer any last-minute advice or recommendations, making sure you have all the information you need for the remainder of your stay. Meanwhile, your driver will handle the route with care, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Day 2 Xian-Luoyang

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and lead you on a journey into the heart of China’s ancient past. Your day begins with a visit to the legendary Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Created over 2,000 years ago to guard the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang—the first ruler to unify China—this silent army of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots stretches out in breathtaking formation. Each warrior bears unique facial features and intricate armor, reflecting the remarkable craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. As you explore the vast excavation pits, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the emperor’s ambition, the burial site's construction, and the symbolism hidden in each figure. Far beyond a simple monument, this site reveals the profound vision and legacy of a civilization that shaped the course of Chinese history.

After lunch, your exploration continues at the impressive Ancient City Wall, a towering symbol of Xi’an’s strength and historical legacy. Built in the 14th century during the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, the wall was constructed atop the foundations of the original Tang-era fortifications, showcasing centuries of evolution in urban defense. As one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, its sheer scale and architectural precision are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you choose to walk or cycle along its broad ramparts, your guide will enrich the experience with vivid stories of military strategy, city planning, and the role this wall played in protecting the ancient capital. With sweeping views over the old city and its modern skyline, the Ancient City Wall offers not just a scenic perspective—but a powerful connection to Xi’an’s enduring spirit and historic heart.

Then, your journey continues to the graceful Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Xi’an’s spiritual heritage and architectural elegance. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, this seven-story brick pagoda was commissioned to safeguard sacred Buddhist scriptures and relics brought back from India by the renowned monk Xuanzang—whose epic pilgrimage inspired the classic novel Journey to the West. With its balanced design and serene presence, the pagoda reflects the deep cultural and religious exchanges between East and West. As you explore the site, your guide will share captivating stories of Xuanzang’s travels, the pagoda’s construction, and its lasting impact on Buddhist architecture across Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is more than a historical monument—it’s a timeless symbol of devotion, knowledge, and cultural connection.

After your Xi’an tour concludes, your guide and driver will escort you to the Xi’an Train Station, assisting with your luggage and making sure you board your high-speed train to Luoyang smoothly. Enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride as you travel through the heart of central China. Upon arrival in Luoyang, you’ll be warmly greeted at the station exit by your local guide, easily recognized by the “Your Way Holiday” welcome sign. With thoughtful service, your guide will assist you with your belongings and provide a brief introduction to the city as you're transferred to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your travel day.

Day 3 Luoyang

Today, your tour begins with the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important showcases of Chinese Buddhist art. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, this sprawling site spans over a kilometer and features more than 2,300 caves, nearly 100,000 statues, over 2,500 inscriptions, and 60+ ancient pagodas. These works—ranging from delicate inch-tall figures to colossal 17-meter Buddhas—reflect the height of artistic, religious, and political expression during the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. As you walk along the cliffside paths, your expert guide will provide rich historical context, explaining how the site reflects Emperor Xiaowen’s reforms, the evolution of Buddhist iconography, and the profound cultural exchange along the Silk Road. With detailed interpretation and thoughtful insights, your visit becomes more than just sightseeing—it’s a deep dive into the spiritual and artistic legacy of imperial China.

Next, you’ll visit the Luoyang Museum, a premier cultural institution nestled in the fertile Yellow River valley. This museum showcases the profound historical and cultural heritage of Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals that served as the political and cultural center for over a dozen dynasties, including the Xia and Eastern Zhou. The museum’s carefully curated exhibits feature remarkable artifacts such as exquisite Han Dynasty bronze mirrors, delicate Tang Dynasty ceramics, and ancient jade burial suits—each reflecting the craftsmanship and beliefs of their eras. Your expert guide will bring these relics to life with detailed stories about their origins, uses, and symbolic meanings, illustrating Luoyang’s pivotal role in shaping Chinese civilization. Through this immersive experience, you’ll gain a richer appreciation for the city’s lasting influence on art, politics, and culture throughout millennia.

To end the day, you’ll visit the historic White Horse Temple, widely recognized as the first Buddhist temple established in China. Founded in 68 AD under the patronage of Emperor Ming during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this sacred site lies just outside the ancient city walls of Luoyang, nestled east of the city in Henan Province. Known as “the cradle of Chinese Buddhism,” the temple marks the official introduction of Buddhism to China, following the arrival of Buddhist scriptures and monks from India via the Silk Road. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Manghan Mountain to the south and the flowing Lucoche River, the temple complex showcases classic Han Dynasty architectural features, including traditional wooden pavilions, elegant courtyards, and intricately carved stone statues. Your guide will share the fascinating story of how White Horse Temple became a vital center for Buddhist learning and cultural exchange, influencing religious practices and temple design throughout China for centuries to come.

After your visit to the White Horse Temple, your guide will warmly escort you back to your hotel in Luoyang. Along the way, they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the day’s experiences or offer insights into local culture and history, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed end to your day of exploration. Once at the hotel, your guide will assist with check-in or any other needs you may have, making sure you settle in smoothly and comfortably.

Day 4 Luoyang Departure

After breakfast, continue your journey to the legendary Shaolin Temple, located at the foot of Mount Song in Dengfeng County near Luoyang. Founded over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shaolin Temple is widely regarded as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. As you wander through its ancient halls, peaceful courtyards, and the iconic Pagoda Forest—an awe-inspiring cemetery of over 240 intricately carved stone pagodas—you'll sense the deep spiritual and historical weight of the temple. Blending traditional Chinese architecture with its role as a martial arts training ground, Shaolin is not just a religious sanctuary but also a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. A highlight of your visit is the live Kung Fu show, where disciplined warrior monks demonstrate centuries-old techniques such as staff combat, animal forms, and inner strength practices like Qi Gong. With explosive movements, incredible control, and philosophical depth, this performance brings the soul of Chinese martial arts vividly to life and offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique fusion of physical mastery and spiritual cultivation that defines Shaolin.

After your tour concludes, your driver will escort you from your hotel to Luoyang Airport in a comfortable vehicle, assisting with your luggage along the way. You’ll then board your flight back to Shanghai, enjoying a smooth and relaxing journey home or onward. Our service ends here, but we hope your experience has been unforgettable and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure.

Price Per Person in US Dollars