Private transfer from the airport to your hotel. As you drive into the city you will pass numerous pyramidal hills dotting the flat farmland -- these are the man-made burial mounds of dozens of Chinese rulers, undisturbed and no doubt containing unimaginable wonders awaiting archeologists. If you arrive early in the day, consider adding our half-day Xian City Walk side trip (described below) to explore some of the less-touristy temples, neighborhoods, and pleasure garden parks. Otherwise, you are free to explore on your own for the remainder of the day.

At 8am your local guide and car will take you 35km east of the city to the world-famous Army of Terracotta Warriors, 6000 imposing life-size figures of soldiers (each bearing a unique face and hairstyle), chariots and horses in full battle array. Archeologists believe that these discoveries are only a fraction of a larger army buried in the third century BC surrounding the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of unified China, who sought in this way to ensure his immortality. On your way back to the city, you will pay a quick visit to the Huaqing Hot Springs, the pleasure palace of the emperors and their concubines and catamites. Arrive for lunch at Xian's charming Muslim Quarter, where we recommend you sample succulent roasted lamb and other traditional dishes in a cacophonous but spotlessly clean local eatery. Then, walk off your lunch by exchanging banter with the giggling vendors along the colorful shopping bazaar leading to the Great Mosque, one of Asia's first (though the original buildings are long g one) and a gorgeous mixture of Chinese and Islamic design. This picturesque temple, with its human-scale gardens and architecture, is one of China's most beautiful. Finish your day with a visit to the Forest of Steles, over 2000 engraved stone tablets which serve as library and repository of China's most famous calligraphic styles. Outside is the Alley of Calligraphers and a row of traditional craft shops (be sure to bargain!).

If you have time before your onward flight, explore the city at your own pace or add on a half-day Xian City Walk (described below) with our guide. Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau, or Thailand.

PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE:

Superior 16 November 07 through March 08 Double 194 149 99 6,697 Single 339 260 172 11,728 Deluxe 16 November 07 through March 08 Double 246 188 125 8,547 Single 443 339 225 15,472 VIP June through August 07 Double 388 296 197 13,632 Single 730 556 370 25,687 September through 15 November 07 Double 415 316 211 14,590 Single 784 597 397 27,602 16 November 07 through March 08 Double 352 269 179 12,356 Single 658 502 334 23,134

choose from these XIAN HOTELS Superior: Belltower Hotel Deluxe: Hyatt Regecy VIP: Hyatt Regency Where We Shine: Purple Dragon save our guests' precious time by designing packages that maximize your holiday experience. Your sightseeing is private and you have the undivided attention of our local guides. You'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Our guests often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our guides and their unique insights into local culture. Club Sanook Members who use our packages in China can use a Club Sanook mobile phone free during your trip if you make arrangements with me in advance. We will give you the number before you depart so you can leave it with friends and family. There are a few rules, of course, but we will send you details before your trip. Please make your arrangements in advance.

Important notice: All prices are based on exchange rates in effect on 15 February 2007 and are subject to change without notice.

Aside from Xian's ancient world wonders, city life presents fascinating glimpses into modern China and surviving traditions that most tourists skip completely. Don't miss a chance to encounter daily life, worship, and leisure on our intriguing XIAN CITY WALK.

This half-day tour can easily fit into most Xian visits. The itinerary is free-plan and you can customize it as you like. We suggest that you visit at least a few of the following places according to your special interests.

The Shaanxi History Museum, with a vast collection of bronzes and fine ceramics, is one of the best and most modern museums in all of China. Exhibitions range from pre-historic and early-dynastic periods, fabulous cast bronzes, funereal objects, weapons, ceramics, and artifacts from the Sui, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals was difficult to locate, and almost completely overlooked by tourist guidebooks and maps, nevertheless we persisted and recommend it highly for both its bustling flea market and its rich and fascinating temple compound. Inside, Taoist priests in traditional costume perform all sorts of mysterious rituals. Devotees burn incense and "hell money" to appease ancestors and try their hand at attracting good luck by getting coins to stick to a stone calligraphic wall. Beautiful bronzes and architecture are lovingly tended.

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are imposing structures that now sit in the midst of city traffic. You will probably see them as you drive around Xian, and that is probably about as much time as you'd like to spend on them unless you have a particular interest in traditional architecture.

The Big Goose Pagoda was built to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by China's Marco Polo, the wandering monk Xuan Zang. The Little Goose Pagoda is from the same Tang dynasty period. These two temples are somewhat unprepossessing, but if you have a special interest in Buddhism, they will probably interest you.

Xian has a number of beautiful city parks, some on the grounds of former royal pleasure gardens and still sporting splendid traditional palace structures, pagodas, and follies. Why not take a stroll and see how city residents spend their leisure time? Xian is home to a large number of universities and trade schools, and students are always curious to meet and chat with foreigners.

Day Tour price: US$74 for one or two guests
 
 

INCLUDES
private airport transportation
accommodation
personal guide, car and driver

Includes
private airport transportation, accommodation with tax and service, one day personal guide,gay tourguide,gay tour guide, car and driver. Not included: airfare, local transportation, admissions (about US$20 per guest), meals or beverages, gratuities, features not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, or items of a purely personal nature. Please buy lunch for your day guide and soft drinks for your night guide and clubs you visit.