Ancient Capitals & Cultural Heartland: 17-Day Xi’an & Henan Journey

Ancient Civilizations Exploration

• Morning: Comprehensive tour of Henan Museum with focus on Bronze Age artifacts (c. 2000–771 BC).

• Afternoon: Traditional pottery workshop - recreate Neolithic Yangshao culture pottery(c. 5000–3000 BC).

Must-See:

The museum’s Jiahu bone flutes, dating to approximately 7000–5700 BC, are recognized as the oldest playable musical instruments ever discovered.

Experience:

Enjoy an exclusive ancient music performance featuring reproductions of the Jiahu bone flute—hearing the same tones that resonated 9,000 years ago—accompanied by the elegant sounds of the guqin (seven-string zither) and the majestic harmonies of bronze bells (bianzhong), offering a unique auditory journey through China's musical evolution.

Bronze Age (c. 1250 BC -1046 BC) Capital Discovery 

• Morning: High-speed rail experience to Anyang (1 hour). Experience China's cutting-edge bullet train technology

• Afternoon: Yinxu UNESCO World Heritage Site - Shang Dynasty royal tombs and oracle bone inscriptions. See the earliest complete written language system from the Bronze Age  (c. 1250-1046 BC).

• Evening: Return to Zhengzhou, night market food crawl

Journey to Martial Arts Origin (c. 495 AD)

• Morning: Scenic drive to Songshan Mountain region (2 hours)  to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple - the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Chinese martial arts. 

• Afternoon:Discover the Pagoda Forest -a UNESCO site featuring 240+ stone pagodas from the Tang through Qing dynasties (7th-19th centuries).  Elite Kung Fu performance by Shaolin masters.

• Evening: Temple stay check-in, Buddhist vegetarian dinner with monks. Buddhist vegetarian cuisine mimics meat dishes using creative ingredients

Accommodation:

Unique overnight experience in temple guest quarters

Photo Op:

Performance includes incredible feats like breaking metal rods on heads

Kung Fu Culture Deep Dive

• Morning: Morning chanting ceremony observation (optional). Join the monks for Baduanjin (Eight-Section Brocade) - an ancient Qigong practice consisting of eight flowing movements designed to promote vitality and inner balance.

• Afternoon:

  • Participate in Traditional Incense Crafting, blending precious herbs according to ancient recipes

  • Experience Zen Tea Ceremony, learning the meditative art of tea preparation and serving

  • Discover Zen Medicine principles, understanding traditional mind-body balance techniques

  • Practice Chinese Calligraphy Scripture Transcription using brush and ink on rice paper

Training Tip:

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity

Sacred Mountain hiking

• Morning: Cable car ascent of Mount Song, Songyang Academy visit

• Afternoon: Hiking through scenic trails, visit Zhongyue Temple

• Evening: Transfer to Luoyang, check-in at peony-themed hotel

Hiking Note:

Trails vary from easy walks to challenging climbs - choose your level

Seasonal Highlight:

April visitors enjoy peony blooms everywhere

Buddhist Art Masterpiece

• Morning: Longmen Grottoes - UNESCO site, comprehensive tour with expert guide. The grottoes feature over 100,000 Buddha statues.

• Afternoon: River cruise for alternative viewing angles of the statues

• Evening: Peony Festival activities (seasonal) or ancient city wall walk

Viewing Tip: The river cruise offers unique photographic perspectives

Geological Wonder Exploration

• Full Day: Yuntai Mountain UNESCO Geopark with waterfalls and canyons. The red rock canyons and waterfalls create stunning scenery

• Evening: Local farmer's home visit for traditional dinner. Learn to make local dumplings with host family

High-Speed Rail to Ancient Capital

• Morning: High-speed rail to Xi'an (2 hours)

• Afternoon: Muslim Quarter introduction and food sampling

• Late Afternoon:Visit the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (UNESCO site, built 652 AD). Climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an city.

• Night: Tang Dynasty music and dance show. The spectacular performance recreates imperial palace entertainment with exquisite costumes, traditional instruments, and stunning multi-dimensional lighting effects that bring the golden age of the Tang Dynasty to life.

Travel Note:

The high-speed rail offers comfortable business class seating

Food Tip:

Try persimmon cakes and rose jing in the Muslim Quarter

Eighth Wonder of the World

• Morning: Terracotta Army comprehensive visit with archaeologist briefing. The site was discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974

• Afternoon: On-site workshop - create your own miniature terracotta warrior. Huaqing Palace hot springs and historical site.

• Evening: "Song of Eternal Sorrow" outdoor spectacular performance. The show uses the actual mountain as backdrop to dramatize the legendary love story of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan (Imperial Consort).

Hands-On: The workshop teaches ancient pottery techniques

Ancient Capital Full Experience

• Morning: City wall cycling (14 km complete circuit)

• Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum with treasure highlights tour

Cycling Tip:

Rent electric bikes for easier riding on the ancient walls.

Tang Dynasty Imperial Complex Tomb (618-907 AD)

• Morning: Drive to Qianling Mausoleum (1.5 hours),  the unique joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, who is also the first and only female king in China. Explore the unique tomb complex featuring magnificent stone statues, underground chambers, and the only Tang Dynasty imperial burial site that remains unlooted.

• Evening: Visit the Bell and Drum Towers in Xi'an city center. As night falls, the ancient structures are beautifully illuminated, creating a stunning contrast between historical architecture and modern lighting design.

Travel Tip: 

The best time to photograph the illuminated towers is during blue hour, about 30 minutes after sunset, when the sky creates a perfect backdrop for the glowing structures.

Loess Plateau Culture

• Morning: Cave dwelling visit and local family interaction

• Afternoon: Hukou Waterfall - Yellow River's most spectacular section

• Evening: Waist drum performance learning session. Learn basic waist drum techniques from local expert

Unique Accommodation:

Experience cave hotel stay with modern amenities

Geological Marvel Discovery

• Morning: Wave Valley rock formations photography and hiking. The sandstone formations resemble frozen waves.

• Afternoon: Local farmer's art workshop - paper cutting and embroidery. Learn traditional northern Shaanxi paper cutting techniques.

• Evening: Bonfire dinner with folk music performance

Ming Dynasty Frontier Fortress

• Morning: Zhenbeitai Great Wall - largest Ming beacon tower. This section protected the northern frontier from Mongol invasions

• Afternoon: Red Stone Gorge ancient inscriptions exploration

• Evening: Yulin old street night market and souvenir shopping

Shopping Tips:

Local dates and millet wine make excellent gifts

Traditional Arts Mastery

• Morning: Calligraphy masterclass with renowned artist. Create your own calligraphy artwork to take home.

• Afternoon: Yongxingfang cultural street for intangible heritage experiences, like Shaanxi Shadow Puppetry, Qinqiang Opera, etc.

• Evening: Farewell imperial banquet with Tang Dynasty entertainment

Cultural Performance:

Traditional music using reproduced ancient instruments

Last Memories & Safe Travels

• Morning: Sajinqiao morning market for final souvenir shopping

• Afternoon: Transfer to Xi'an Airport for departure

• Optional: Transfer to next city in China

Shopping Tip:

Replica terracotta warriors and calligraphy sets are popular souvenirs