Welcome to Xi’an, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road!

With thousands of years of history, this city is often called a living history museum. Upon your arrival in Xi’an, a local guide will pick you up and escort you to your hotel safely. After checking in, you can take a short rest, and if time permits, explore the nearby night market to sample some street food.

After breakfast, drive about an hour to the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, where you’ll explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum. This site reveals three burial pits, each showcasing different types of terracotta figures—generals, soldiers, and charioteers—all with unique postures and expressions. The army stands in a powerful, orderly formation, evoking a sense of awe. Don’t miss the museum’s crown jewel, the bronze chariots. Their intricate details, from the adornments to the reins, vividly bring to life the charioteer guiding four horses from over two thousand years ago.

Return to the city and enjoy the dazzling Great Tang All Day Mall, where Tang Dynasty architecture blends with modern structures. Under brilliant lights, encounter actors in traditional costumes and marvel at live performances, including the enchanting never-falling performers.

In the morning, you will step onto the ancient City Wall, which has stood for over 600 years. Stroll along the wall, absorbing its rich history, or choose to cycle around it, taking in panoramic views of this city that once served as the capital for thirteen dynasties.

Next, visit a local home in Xi’an and join the host in preparing a sumptuous lunch. You can try making noodles, wrapping dumplings, or learning to cook authentic local dishes under the host’s guidance.

After a hearty meal and a brief rest, you’ll visit the Gao Family Courtyard to enjoy traditional shadow puppetry and experience the art of Chinese calligraphy. Then, take a leisurely walk at the Muslim Quarter, lined with hundreds of snack stalls. The lights of street vendors, the murmur of passers-by, the shouts of shopkeepers, and the sizzling sounds of stir-frying all blend, creating a lively and vibrant scene.

Today, embark on a four-hour drive to the Hukou Waterfall for an adventurous experience. Here, the mighty Yellow River, spanning hundreds of meters wide, suddenly narrows and plunges into a deep stone trough, creating a spectacular waterfall. In this kettle-shaped canyon, you’ll witness the roaring torrents up close, with splashing waves and mist filling the air, offering an intense and immersive encounter with the river’s power.

After lunch, you’ll leave Shaanxi Province and drive for about two hours to reach Shanxi Province, home to 27 filming locations featured in Black Myth: Wukong, and stay overnight in Linfen.

This morning, follow in Wukong’s footsteps and visit Guangsheng Temple. The Upper Temple features the multi-colored glazed pagoda, a majestic structure that has withstood wars and natural disasters. In the Down Temple, the Shui Shen Temple showcases murals depicting scenes from 700 years ago, illustrating the rituals of praying for rain, performing rain ceremonies, and offering thanks to the gods. Additionally, the temple houses the Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka, a Buddhist encyclopedia that has made a significant impact on the academic world.

Next, travel about 150 kilometers to Xi County to visit the Qianfo Nunnery, also known as Xiaoxitian. Here, the cliff carvings and painted statues of Buddhas are renowned for their small size, delicate craftsmanship, and unique charm, with the suspended sculptures representing the pinnacle of this artistic form. Around 2.5 hours later, you will arrive at Pingyao Old Town, where you can relax and rest, preparing for a leisurely journey tomorrow.

Strolling in the ancient town of Pingyao, you will first visit China’s first-ever bank, Rishengchang Draft Bank, to learn about the origins and operations of ancient finance while soaking in the bustling atmosphere that once filled this historic hub of commerce. Admire the well-preserved architecture along the Ming and Qing Street and experience the rich historical ambiance of local life. Try your hand at the traditional folk art of Pingyao paper cutting, where you’ll appreciate the delicate craftsmanship and create your paper-cut work. Then, ascend the well-preserved Pingyao Ancient City Wall for panoramic views of the town, where the interplay between history and modernity comes to life.

Later, head to the expansive Wang Family Courtyard to marvel at the intricate brick and wood carvings, as well as the unique architectural style that reflects the wealth and wisdom of the Shanxi merchants.

Before you leave Pingyao, make sure not to miss Shuanglin Temple. Spanning 15,000 square meters, the temple houses over 2,000 intricately detailed and lifelike painted sculptures. These sculptures depict a wide range of figures, including the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, bodhisattvas, arhats, and heavenly kings. The temple also features rich secular scenes, such as dancers, musicians, and performers, offering a vivid glimpse into both spiritual and worldly life. Afterward, a private transfer will take you to the high-speed train station for your onward journey to your next destination.