Day 1
Xi’an / Tomb of the Terra Cotta Warriors

From Beijing, fly to the ancient Silk Road metropolis of Xi’an. Afternoon visit to the famed site of Xi’an’s terra cotta warriors, one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of all time. Built by Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of unified China, the site contains an astounding army of 8,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors and their steeds buried underground in full regalia and arranged in battle formation. While here, you will have a unique opportunity to tour the second platform of the tomb, a place most visitors aren’t allowed to go, for a closer look at the warriors. Optional visit to the Big Goose Pagoda, a reminder that Xi’an’s location at the eastern end of the Silk Road made it a flourishing center of Buddhist development in China.

Day 2
Stone Forest / Huxian Folk Paintings

Explore the Forest of Stone Tablets, which contains China’s finest collection of calligraphy by famous ancient masters. Continue to Huxian, where the painting arts thrive. The unique folk art paintings of Huxian portray all aspects of daily life, from children playing to ducks swimming, with bold designs and bright colors. Return to Xi’an to visit the Muslim quarter, where the way of life derives as much from the ancient cultures of Central Asia as from China. For over 1,300 years, Muslims have been an integral part of the colorful daily life of Xi’an.

Day 3
Beijing

Explore the Yangling mausoleum, which is the tomb of Liu Qi, the fourth Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) and his wife, the Empress Wang. Continue to the airport and fly to Beijing.

Extension Costs

Prices are for 2012
$975 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $220
Solo traveler: $1575
Internal airfare: $440 (subject to change)

All costs subject to change