3-day Xian-Terra Cotta Warriors Tour
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Itinerary

Day 1: Xi’an—- Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses --- Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor -- Huaqing Pool. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults.

Afternoon visit Huaqing Spring Pool. Huaqing Pool is situated about 35 kilometres east of the city of Xi’an. Historically, the Western Zhou dynasty saw the construction of the Li Palace on the spot. In the Qin dynasty a pool was built with stones, and was given the name Lishan Tang (the Lishan Hot Spring). The site was extended into a palace in the Han dynasty, and renamed the Li Palace (the Resort Palace). In the Tang dynasty, Li Shimin (Emperor Tai Zong) ordered to construct the Hot Spring Palace, and Emperor Xuan Zong had a walled palace built around Lishan Mountain in the year of 747. It was known as the Huaqing Palace. It also had the name Huaqing Pool on account of its location on the hot springs.

Huaqing Pool is located at the foot of the Lishan Mountain, a branch range of the Qinling Ranges, and stands 1,256 metres high. It is covered with pines and cypresses, looking very much like a like a dark green galloping horse from a long distance. So it has the name of the Lishan Mountain (Li means a black horse).

Day 2: Xi’an-Qianling-Tomb of Yongtai Princess -Famensi TempleStay: Xi’anLi Xianhui, the Princess Yongtai was the seventh daughter of Emperor Zhong Zong and grand daughter of Gao Zong and the Empress Wu Zetian. This maiden was considered so beautiful that it was said that even the plum blossom lost its brilliance in her presence. Adored by her imperial father for her beauty and wisdom she was married to Wu Yanji in 700 AD. Her newly wed husband's father was a nephew of the Empress but her family ties gave her no protection from her grandmother. A year after her marriage and only seventeen years of age the princess was put to death in the same fashion as her brother Li Chongrun, the Crown Prince Yide. The young, ill-fated bride was recognized posthumously as Princess Yongtai in 706.

This tomb is situated 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) south east of the Qian Mausoleum and was built to the same specifications as those of an empress' tomb. Once again, this tomb is renowned for the quality of the many items found in it as well as the extremely fine wall paintings. Although the paintings depict famous buildings and towers, the rich trappings of courtly life and magnificent ceremonial parades, it is the painting of sixteen maids of honor that catch the attention of visitors. One of these elegant young women is known as the 'First Oriental Beauty'. Her round face with her well shaped eyebrows, enticing lips and graceful figure has evoked admiration from all who have looked upon her. These images are a wonderful reflection of the glories of the Tang court in its heyday. Despite the intrigue and perils that surrounded members of the aristocracy the court enjoyed wealth, culture and a degree of elegance that made it a source of wonder

Day 3: Xi’an city tourCity Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. This Wall was built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.

Forest of Stone Steles Museum: A fascinating collection of inscribed stone tablets (steles), from very ancient to quite modern (Han-Qing Dynasties, 206BC-1911). All kinds of calligraphies and scripts tell stories, poems, classics, reports from around the Empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and objects from Imperial tombs. This was once a Confucian temple, and the architecture and grounds are well worth a visit on their own account.

Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.  

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