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Overview
Xi'an is an ancient imperial capital that today also functions as a routine industrial city, with both worlds often sharing the same street. Its history unfolds in layers, and this four-day itinerary moves through them in turn. On day two, we go underground to meet the Terracotta Warriors, built to serve one man in death. On day three, we climb the city wall, whose ancient rectangular perimeter still embraces the modern city inside. On day four, we return to street level: a morning at a pagoda courtyard, then the apothecary shelves and pulse-taking of traditional Chinese medicine. One city, three nights, one hotel, no station changes, no repacking. You will leave with a sense of scale you have not had before.
— LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Share your travel dates, connecting flights, and group size, and we will tailor this four-day itinerary around your specific details. Expect a first response within four hours and a clear quote within one business day. For this route, arrival time is our first point of focus: travelers typically reach Xi'an via connecting flights, and the entire plan is scheduled around your actual landing time.
Why you'll love this trip
- The capital, still in use. Pagoda courtyards, a herb cabinet, hand-pulled noodles and lit night streets, with an English-speaking guide throughout.
- 4 days from a buried army to a wall you can ride. See the first empire.
- The next morning, as you stand at the railing, you begin to distinguish the various roles within the ranks: generals, crossbowmen, infantry—each face distinct. Your entry and exclusive round-trip transfers to and from the city are all included in the price.
- On day three, ride atop the ancient city walls to take in the old town's silhouette from above: the entire rectangular district stretches out below, above the hum of traffic and beneath the eaves. Bicycle rentals are included in the price; walking the same route would cost exactly the same.
- As night falls and the daytime bustle fades, returning the city to those who dine, stroll through the brightly lit streets below the Bell and Drum Towers and the evening food streets, accompanied by your guide.
- Keep your final morning for the Tower Courtyard and medicine cabinets rather than spending three extra hours at the airport: the tour and guided introduction to the Tower Courtyard are already included in your price.
Things to do
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05
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Heritage
Meal
Cycling
City
Pagoda
WellnessHeritageMealCyclingCityPagodaWellnessHeritageMealCyclingCityPagodaWellnessItinerary
Arrivals
Xi'an · Day 1 - Day 4
· Land, and let it be evening
You arrive and nothing is scheduled. Xi'an starts underground tomorrow morning.
· Eight Thousand Faces
Spend the morning underground among the burial army, then have lunch in the wheat fields above it. Learn to read a face before you capture one.
· Up on the rectangle
By day on the walls, by night on the streets below—always at ground level in this city that has never moved. Yesterday you were beneath the city; today, you are on its skyline.
· Return to street level, then head to the airport
A pagoda courtyard and an hour of pulse and herbs before the flight. The last thing this city shows you is the part of it still in daily use.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Xian
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Xian
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an, overlooking the Bell Tower and Drum Square in Beilin, steps from Metro Line 2.
xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Xian
Jinjiang Hotels
Jinjiang Inn Xi'an, a trusted chain hotel on Jiefang Street, south of Xi'an Railway Station near Metro Line 2.
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Xian
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Xian
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an, overlooking the Bell Tower and Drum Square in Beilin, steps from Metro Line 2.
xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Xian
Jinjiang Hotels
Jinjiang Inn Xi'an, a trusted chain hotel on Jiefang Street, south of Xi'an Railway Station near Metro Line 2.
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Xian
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Xian
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an
Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an, overlooking the Bell Tower and Drum Square in Beilin, steps from Metro Line 2.
xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Xian
Jinjiang Hotels
Jinjiang Inn Xi'an, a trusted chain hotel on Jiefang Street, south of Xi'an Railway Station near Metro Line 2.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehicleAir-conditioned private vehicle for all listed touring on days two through four, including the Terracotta Warriors round trip; airport pickup on day one and drop-off on day four
- Intercity transportNone on this plan: it is one city, with no internal flights or trains, so no cabin class applies
- Hotel3 nights in Xi'an at your chosen level (four-star, five-star or quality boutique), breakfast included, named in your written confirmation
- GuideLicensed English-speaking guide on days two through four, including the day three evening at the Bell and Drum Towers and the night food streets
- Day two ticketsTerracotta Warriors entrance
- Day three ticketsXi'an City Wall entrance
- Day four ticketsGiant Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding cultural area
- Day three experienceCity Wall bicycle rental; on a wet day, or where you would rather not ride, a walking stretch on the same wall top replaces it at no change in price
- Day four experienceChinese medicine introduction: pulse reading, the herb cabinet and the seasonal-balance explanation, all in the base price
- Meals3 hotel breakfasts, on days two through four. One arranged lunch, the Shaanxi noodle lunch on day two: your written quote states whether it sits inside that order's base price, before any deposit is taken
- InsuranceTravel accident insurance
Not Included
- International flightsFlights into and out of Xi'an, including any connection legs through Beijing, Shanghai or another hub; those tickets stay on your own international booking
- VisasVisa fees and processing for guests who need a Chinese visa; the markets this route is sold to currently enter visa-free
- MealsBeyond the breakfasts and the one arranged lunch above: lunches and dinners are recommended and booked by your guide, on your account, and what you eat on the night streets on day three is on your account
- Tower ascentsAscent tickets at the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are not part of this plan
- Optional add-onsThe physical treatment at the Chinese medicine visit is the only optional item on this route: chosen by you on the spot and charged by the venue, never folded into the base plan
- PersonalGratuities, single or extra-room difference, personal spending
Special Notes
A few things on this route follow your flights, the calendar or the season. Here they are, told straight.
- The day two lunch — the Shaanxi noodle lunch is arranged for you either way. How it is priced is still being settled with our ground partners, so your written quote states in plain words whether that lunch sits inside your base price or goes on your own account. You see that before you pay anything.
- Group — Groups can be formed with as few as one person. The group format and maximum capacity are currently being finalized. Until confirmed, the written quote for each order must specify the group format and maximum capacity; orders without this specification will not be accepted.
- National holiday week — October 1-7 is National Day week, when the Terracotta Army experiences its highest annual visitor volumes. We are currently reviewing whether departures will be available for this route during that week; the quotation for those dates will be provided in writing, explicitly noting the expected crowd levels, before you make your decision.
- Riding the wall — the bicycle is in your price and so is the alternative. On a wet day, or if you would rather walk, you take a stretch of the same wall top on foot and the price does not move.
- The medicine visit — the introduction session is in your price. The physical treatment offered afterwards is yours to take or leave and is charged by the venue if you take it. Taking part in the visit never requires a treatment, and no product purchase is part of it.
- Departure morning — The one-hour visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and a session of Traditional Chinese Medicine is scheduled just before the airport transfer on Day 4. When quoting, verify these two items against your departure flight. If the flight is too early to accommodate both, specify in writing on the quotation which item will be removed, price accordingly, and only collect the deposit after that.
- Getting to Xi'an — nonstop long-haul service into Xi'an is thin, and most guests connect through Beijing or Shanghai on their own international ticket. Tell us the connection you are holding and the four days are built around the arrival time it gives you.
- Season — October to December in Xi'an is dry, clear and increasingly cold. The wall ride sits in the afternoon light rather than the early morning, and both the warriors' halls and the medicine room are indoors.
- Hotels — The guest's legal name will be explicitly listed on the written confirmation. The term “or equivalent” always means the same category and comparable location; it never implies a downgrade.
Is Four Days Your Length?
Three days instead of four? Or more?
Three days instead of four? Or more?
Each day stands on its own, so we trim days, not content: removing the final morning still leaves the Terracotta Warriors and city wall intact. For extra time, add days at the start or end, then plan everything together once flights are confirmed.
Good to Know
- Group
- A single traveler can form a group. The group format and maximum headcount are still being finalized; until then, both must be stated in writing on the quotation, and any order without these written terms will not be accepted.
- In & Out
- Xi'an in, Xi'an out; airport pickup on day one and drop-off on day four are both included. Long-haul nonstop service into Xi'an is thin, so most guests connect through Beijing or Shanghai on their own international ticket
- Visas
- Passport-holders from markets where this itinerary is sold are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days: UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Nordic and Central European countries, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Please verify that these four days, plus any additional days spent in China, fit within this window before finalizing payment. Current policy is valid through December 31, 2026: itineraries departing on or before December 28 fall entirely within the window; quotes for later dates will follow any renewal announcement. This itinerary is not sold as a standalone trip to guests departing from the US or Canada.
- Language
- Licensed English-speaking guide on days two through four, including the day three evening
- Fitness
- The Terracotta Warriors is a morning walking tour; the city wall cycling tour is on flat terrain, with a walking alternative available at the same price; no intercity transfers on this day.
- Payment
- A 10% deposit (minimum $399) locks your dates; the balance is due 14 days before departure
- Flexibility
- Days stand alone and can be added or dropped; the confirmation deadline and the change and refund conditions for your dates are listed in writing with your quote, and no order is taken without them
- Season
- October to December: dry, clear and cold in Xi'an, with the one outdoor stretch kept to the afternoon
Your Private Concierge
Jenessa
Private China Route Concierge
“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”
Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.
20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
Jan 2026
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving.
Do this before you fly
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Your concierge sets this up on Day 1
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
We handle the paperwork
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Our responsibility, always
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
Four days is what it takes to stop treating Xi'an as one museum stop. The warriors get a whole morning and their own round trip. The wall gets an afternoon on top of it. The last morning goes to a pagoda courtyard and an hour of pulse and herbs. In between, two half-days are left open on purpose, and you sleep in the same room for three nights with no stations in your week.
It is a busy site and we do not pretend otherwise: it is one of the most visited sites in Shaanxi and the pits are indoor halls with fixed viewing rails. What we do is give it the morning rather than the middle of the day, keep nothing else on the schedule beside it, and let your guide work the pits in the order that thins out first. What we cannot promise is a quiet hall on a peak date. October 1 to 7 is the national holiday week, and for those dates your quote states the crowd situation in writing before you decide. Even on a full day, the rail is long and the ranks are readable: you will get your faces.
No. The wall top is flat, paved and wide enough to ride two abreast, with no traffic on it. You set the pace and stop where you like. If you would rather not ride at all, or the day is wet, you walk a stretch of the same wall top instead and the price is identical. Nobody has to get on a bicycle to get the view.
No, and it is written into the plan that way. The hour is an introduction: your pulse is read, the drawers of the herb cabinet are opened and named, and you get the seasonal logic behind a prescription. That session is in your price. A physical treatment is offered afterwards, which you take or leave on the spot and pay the venue for only if you take it. No product purchase is part of the visit, and taking part never requires a treatment.
Almost everyone connects. Xi'an has few nonstop long-haul flights, so most guests fly into Beijing or Shanghai and take a domestic leg on their own international ticket. Send us the connection you are holding and we build the four days around the hour you land. On visas: every market this route is sold to enters China visa-free for days, and the full list sits under Good to Know. We confirm your whole stay in China fits that window before you pay. Flying from the United States or Canada? There is no nonstop service from North America, so we do not sell these four days on their own; we plan Xi'an into a longer China trip instead and tell you so rather than selling around it.
