Your tour starts at Da Ci'en (The Temple of Great Maternal Grace) a sprawling complex of Buddhist temples and gardens surrounding Xi'an's signature attraction, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Chinese Buddhism's most important historical sites.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, completed in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, houses Buddhist scriptures brought to China from India by the famed monk Xuanzang. The translation of these scriptures into Chinese helped establish Buddhism as one of China's major belief systems, alongside Toaism and Confucianism. The seven-story square pagoda has towered over Xi'an for centuries, surviving wars and earthquakes.
Da Ci'en consists of a Drum and Bell Tower and a number of beautiful halls aligned on an axis with Big Goose Pagoda and houses a treasure trove of ancient statues, carvings and other artworks depicting Buddhist holy figures. Originally completed in 648 AD in memory of a beloved Tang Empress, Da Ci'en today consists of structures rebuilt and renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Visit the Xi'an ceramic and lacquer factory for a demonstration in pottery making, followed by time for souvenir shopping. Enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch at either the Lao Xi'an or Friendship restaurant (booking based on availability). The highlight of any Xi'an tour, the Terracotta Warriors Museum features over 8,000 life-size Qin Dynasty-era soldiers. Discovered in 1974, the Warriors are located to the east of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Tomb, where the man who first unified China lies.
Schedule:
- 9:15 a.m. Meet at the airport
- 10:40-11:20 a.m. Da Ci'en and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- 12:20-12:40 p.m. Xi'an Ceramic and Lacquer Factory
- 12:50-1:30 p.m. Lunch
- 2:00-4:20 p.m. Terracotta Warriors
- 4:30-6:00 p.m. Return to airport
Departure Time: 7:30
Departure Point: Meeting at airport
Duration: Approx. 15 hours