Welcome to Xi’an, glorious ancient Chang’an, the revered Western Capital. Your private guide and driver will meet you for a seamless transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, settle in at your own pace.

In the evening, explore local lanes and soak up the lively old-city atmosphere by yourself. Xi’an Muslim Quarter Nestled within the ancient city wall, this historic ethnic quarter reflects centuries of cultural fusion between Han and Hui communities. Lined with wooden storefronts, traditional courtyards and bustling food alleys, it functions as a living cultural hub. Browse handicraft shops, sip tea in old teahouses, and sample iconic street snacks that carry the timeless flavors of Chang’an.

Head east from downtown Xi’an to explore two iconic relics of the Qin and Tang dynasties. Witness the astonishing underground army built for China’s first emperor, then visit the imperial hot spring resort beloved by Tang royalty.

Terracotta Army Museum (UNESCO) Known widely as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, this legendary archaeological complex guards the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, who first unified China. Unearthed in 1974, the site holds thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, generals, archers and chariots. Each warrior bears unique facial features and armor details, showcasing extraordinary Qin craftsmanship, rigid military hierarchy, and the overwhelming imperial might sealed underground for more than 2,000 years.

Huaqing Palace Tucked at the foot of Lishan Mountain, this imperial retreat has thrived for over 3,000 years. It reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty as the favored hot spring palace for Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved Npble Consort Yang. The complex boasts natural thermal springs, graceful pavilions, layered gardens and preserved royal bathing pools. It carries  tales of imperial romance, dynastic prosperity and pivotal modern history.

Discover the urban heritage of ancient Chang’an before boarding the high-speed train east toward Luoyang, the Eastern Capital, the counterpart to Xi’an across Chinese dynastic history.

Xi’an Ancient City Wall is China’s largest and most intact ancient city rampart, this 13.7-kilometer wall encircles Xi’an’s old town. Built in the Ming Dynasty upon Tang foundations, it features grand gate towers, sturdy battlements and wide walkways. Cycling or walking on the top of the wall offers sweeping panoramic views, revealing Chang’an’s symmetrical imperial city design and blending old courtyard neighborhoods with modern cityscapes.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Temple Complex is the symbol of Tang Buddhism in Chang’an, this pagoda was erected in 652 AD to house sacred scriptures monk Xuanzang brought back from India. Peaceful courtyards, grand Buddha halls and classical Tang architecture fill the temple grounds. It marks the golden age of cultural exchange between China and India, and stands as the most important Buddhist landmark of ancient Western Capital.

Venture into Luoyang’s extraordinary Buddhist legacy. Admire peerless cliffside Buddha sculptures along the Yi River, then visit China’s earliest official Buddhist temple, the cradle of Chinese Buddhism.

Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO) is  one of China’s three great Buddhist grotto sites, carved along the Yi River valley over 400 years from Northern Wei through the Tang Dynasty. The cliffs hold more than 2,300 niches and over 100,000 Buddha statues. The monumental Vairocana Buddha embodies the pinnacle of Tang artistic aesthetics, with serene facial features and masterful carving techniques. It stands as the artistic treasure of ancient Eastern Capital.

White Horse Temple Famous as “China’s First Buddhist Temple”, founded in 68 AD during Eastern Han. When Buddhism formally entered China, this temple became the original home for scripture translation and early Chinese Buddhist rituals. Quiet courtyards, ancient stone steles and weathered pagodas preserve the roots of Chinese Buddhism, a cornerstone of Luoyang’s Eastern Capital civilization.

Today explore the heart of Sui-Tang Luoyang. Tour Luoyang Museum to view precious relics spanning millennia, then visit the imperial palace complex: Mingtang and Yingtianmen, the magnificent core of the Divine Capital.

Luoyang Museum As Luoyang’s premier comprehensive museum, its collections span relics from Xia, Shang, Zhou, Han through Sui and Tang dynasties. Artifacts including bronze ritual vessels, ancient jade, pottery and stone carvings vividly recount the rise and fall of this Eastern Capital. Exhibits tell the full story of how Luoyang served alongside Chang’an to shape Chinese civilization across ages.

Mingtang Once the grand imperial hall of Wu Zetian’s Luoyang palace. A monumental multi-story ceremonial building, where emperors held court, performed rituals and issued imperial edicts. The reconstructed structure restores the scale and grandeur of the Sui-Tang royal architecture, showcasing the supreme power and magnificent culture of the Divine Capital.

Yingtianmen The majestic main gate of the Sui-Tang Luoyang imperial palace. Built with a grand multi-tower layout, it hosted imperial ceremonies, diplomatic receptions and grand royal banquets. This imposing gate complex symbolizes the glory of Luoyang as the Eastern Capital, with dramatic lighting after sunset that brings the ancient imperial splendor alive.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning exploring Luoyang’s traditional old town atmosphere, shopping for local cultural souvenirs and experiencing ancient capital folk customs before your private transfer for departure.

Luoyang Ancient Old Town Restored in classic Ming and Qing architectural style, this ancient street features towering gate towers, grey brick walls and elegant wooden eaves. Wander handicraft workshops, painting studios, specialty shops and traditional teahouses. It revives the bustling street life of ancient Luoyang and delivers authentic local folk encounters.

What’s Included

Professional private English-speaking tour guide and exclusive private vehicle throughout the journey

5 nights carefully selected high-standard accommodation with daily breakfast

 All entrance tickets for the core scenic spots listed in the itinerary

High-speed railway tickets between Xi’an and Luoyang

Private pick-up and drop-off service for arrival and departure

Complimentary bottled water during daily sightseeing

What’s Not Included

International or domestic flights and long-distance train tickets - Lunches, dinners, and personal dining expenses - Optional upgraded experiences and exclusive add-on activities - Travel insurance, personal shopping fees, souvenirs, and private consumption - Guide and driver tipping (customary but optional)