Explore the ancient city of Xi’an with Cathay Holidays

Xi’an is a city of treasures. The capital of central-western Shaanxi Province is now a modern cosmopolis, yet it was once the epicentre of Chinese civilisation and remains home to many of the Chinese Mainland’s most prized historical artefacts and natural wonders. A Xi’an private tour is a wonderful way to explore the ancient past and dynamic present. 

Fancy a getaway? Cathay Holidays is offering a five-day, four-night guided tour of this mesmerising city and its surroundings, taking you from the famed terracotta army to the legendary mountain of Huashan, with a multitude of sights, sounds and tastes to be discovered in between. And with every aspect of your journey taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Xi’an.

See Qin Shihuang’s tomb, terracotta warriors and Huashan

A journey to Xi’an should begin at the beginning – the resting place of Emperor Qin Shihuang, China’s first and most formidable ruler, surrounded by legions of terracotta warriors. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the site’s history as you survey the ranks of these extraordinary troops. You can even try your hand at modelling a clay warrior of your own in a terracotta workshop, and bring home a unique souvenir. 

Also in this area is Huaqing Palace, an ancient complex of imperial gardens and hot springs. According to legend, this is the scene of the most famous doomed romance in China’s history, where 8th-century emperor Xuanzong first fell in love with his consort Yang Guifei.

A little further east is Huashan, one of China’s five great mountains and another unmissable sight in the Xi’an area. This granite behemoth has long been a religious landmark and was held sacred by the Tang royal dynasty. A scenic cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the bare vastness of Huashan’s west peak, as well as the elegant pines, conifers, temples and pavilions that decorate the various jagged summits. 

Trace ancient heritage in Xi’an city

For centuries, Xi’an’s central square has been dominated by the grand Ming-dynasty Bell and Drum towers, making this a great jumping-off point to explore the city. From here, you can dive straight into the intriguing maze of alleys that make up the city’s Muslim Quarter. This unique district is renowned for its fantastic halal street food, rich Silk Road history and striking Chinese-Islamic architecture. Wandering through the gate of the Gao Family Mansion, you’ll discover the well-preserved house of a prominent Ming and Qing-era family – where you can enjoy a traditional shadow puppet performance. 

A guided visit to the Shaanxi History Museum (or alternatively, the equally fascinating Xi’an Museum) gives you a full sense of Xi’an’s past. Built in the style of a grand Tang-dynasty courtyard, this museum is also home to one of the world’s finest collections of Tang pottery, including the dynasty’s signature yellow and green glazed horses. 

The impressive Daming Palace, where emperors once conducted affairs of state and hosted grand ceremonies, epitomises the scale of Tang-dynasty architecture, while another true marvel beyond the ancient city wall is the picturesque Small Wild Goose Pagoda – damaged by an earthquake but still standing after more than 13 centuries.

Next door, the Anrenfang Heritage Museum preserves the excavations of Tang noble mansions alongside exhibits and light installations. 

A little further south is Shuyuanmen Antique Cultural Street, a restored pedestrian road where you can browse traditional calligraphy, antiques and other enchanting artefacts. Nearby is the Ci’en Temple compound, including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. 

Eat, drink and be merry, with every detail taken care of

Besides this city’s extraordinary history, there’s also plenty of food and culture to experience. At the Chang’an Twelve Hours Theme Block, you can step into Tang Dynasty nightlife amid immersive staging, actors in costume, authentic food and vibrant cultural recreations. You can even dress the part of a Tang noble by trying on traditional hanfu garments at Datang Everbright City. 

There are endless opportunities across the city to sample Xi’an’s flavours of the past and present. Among the most famous Shaanxi dishes is biangbiang noodles (“belt noodles”), a delicious bowl brimming with the heartiness of northwestern Chinese cuisine. And at well-known local restaurant Chang’an Dapaidang, you can savour signature dishes such as gourd chicken (crispy whole fried chicken), three-flavour stew (deep-fried pork skin and quail eggs), and sweet shelled peanuts. 

You can look forward to a smooth journey from start to finish, with every detail thoughtfully arranged – from flights and hotels to private guided visits, transport and even bottled water. Guests will be treated to a luxurious stay at the centrally located five-star Jinhui Pullman Hotel Xi’an (or a hotel of similar standard), and most meals will be catered in advance, while also leaving you ample opportunity to venture out and discover local cuisine at your own pace. Throughout your trip, enjoy air-conditioned transport between locations and your own dedicated Mandarin-speaking chauffeur. This is your ticket to experience the magic of Xi’an without any legwork, in one all-inclusive package.