Jade Rivers, Warrior Dreams
This tour crafts a memorable passage through Xi'an and Zhangjiajie, weaving together historical discovery, natural beauty, and rare wildlife encounters. Begin your exploration with the legendary Terracotta Warriors, journey through the Xi'an Museum's historical depths, and wander along the storied Ancient City Wall. Continue to the peaceful Qinling Mountains to encounter the gentle brown Giant Panda, 'Qi Zai.' Culminate your experience by ascending the ethereal Tianmen Mountain to witness the awe-inspiring Heaven's Gate, feeling the thrill of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and embracing the lively culture of the Tujia people.
This itinerary can be entirely personalized to suit your specific desires and interests. Our team is available to give you customized help.
Suggested Xi'an and Zhangjiajie Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-4 Xi’an |
Terracotta Warriors, Qin Relics Handling, Huaqing Palace, Brown Giant Panda, Ancient City Wall, Xi’an Museum |
| 5-8 Zhangjiajie |
The Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Peak, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Witness the Floating Mountains
Hike through the iconic Hallelujah Mountains, walk along the glass skywalk, and ascend Tianmen Mountain. Capture stunning photos and experience the unique Tujia culture.
Encounter the Terracotta Army
Gain insight into the staggering scale of the Terracotta Army, a monumental display of ancient China's remarkable artistic and military achievements.
Challenge Yourself on the Glass Bridge
Experience the Glass Bridge in the Grand Canyon, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, offering a thrilling 300-meter-high walk.
See the World's Only Brown Panda
Encounter 'Qi Zai', the world's only captive brown Giant Panda, alongside 11 other black and white pandas (adults & cubs).
Deepen Your Connection with Qin Dynasty Relics
View the first restored Terracotta Warriors and their restoration, then handle authentic Qin Dynasty relics in the Conservation Laboratory.
Venture into the Yellow Dragon Cave
Explore the Yellow Dragon Cave, which features a stunning array of formations including towering columns, delicate curtains, and crystal-clear pools.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Outstanding Tour of Xi’an with Crystal, The Best Guide!
We loved our tour of Xi’an with Crystal. She is a top-notch guide and we are so happy and grateful she was our guide. She speaks excellent English and she taught us to say phrases in Mandarin. She is so knowledgeable about the city of Xi’an and all its historic and cultural places. Crystal taught us all about the city of Xi’an, its history, and the important dynasties here. We loved seeing the Terracotta Army, it was incredible. We will always remember riding bikes on the city walls. Crystal brought us to the most delicious restaurants and we ate very delicious food! We are vegetarians and Crystal ordered for us and made sure all the dishes aligned with our dietary needs. The Dumpling Banquet was so tasty! She also bought us local fruit to taste as well as sweets and treats wherever we went. Crystal took great care of us and really taught us a lot about China. We loved our time with her. Crystal is a remarkable guide because she is friendly, warm, flexible and helpful. The best thing about her is she has a sense of humor and loves to make sure her guests are having fun. Thank you, Crystal! more
Mar 2025, TeamDufortio Connecticut
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2 great days in Xi’an
We spent two days in Xi’an with China Highlights. Our guide Lin was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgeable about her city and its history and very helpful and kind. Her dining suggestions were excellent and enabled us to try many delicious foods. We also enjoyed her company! more
Mar 2025, Sara M
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Xi’an with Jennie
Jennie was a terrific guide. Her knowledge of China is extensive and delivered with excellent English. We really liked how friendly she was and how she took such good care of us. We enjoyed the restaurants and especially liked the evening performance she recommended. We’ve traveled to 45 different countries and she is definitely one of the best guides we’ve experienced more
Mar 2025, susangendron60
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
Xi'an welcomes you! Your tour guide, full of local knowledge, will be there to greet you at the airport or train station, ready to begin your tour.
Enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel in a private car. During the ride, your guide will offer an insightful overview of Xi'an's fascinating past and present.
Enjoy a private ride with your guide to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.
Enter the Terracotta Warriors Museum via tram, and witness three captivating pits that display the concealed power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's extensive military force. Your guide will provide insights into their fabrication and safeguarding, emphasizing the precise workmanship, lasting strength, and the former colorful brilliance of these historical sentinels.
Get an up-close view of the first restored Terracotta Warriors, learn their restoration story, handle authentic Qin Dynasty relics, and participate in a hands-on restoration experience in the Conservation Laboratory.
Explore the Huaqing Palace, a Tang Dynasty retreat famous for its hot springs and the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, and optionally, enjoy the popular 'Everlasting Regret' show.
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer with your guide to the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park.
Encounter 'Qi Zai', the world's only captive brown Giant Panda, a truly exceptional and treasured sight, along with 11 other black and white pandas of various ages, from adults to cubs.
Discover the endangered Crested Ibises, the captivating Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, the majestic Takins, and other rare species such as Red Pandas and Asian Black Bears, all thriving against the breathtaking backdrop of the Qinling Mountains.
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Xi'an from the Ancient City Wall. This impressive defensive structure, boasting towering walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers, is a testament to China's well-preserved ancient military engineering.
Wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the tantalizing aromas of street food mingle with the bustling sounds of local markets. Leisurely explore, savor delectable local snacks, and immerse yourself in the community's rich culture.
Discover the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 43-meter-tall architectural marvel built during the Tang Dynasty, and explore its intricate design within the Jianfu Temple complex.
Explore the breadth of Xi'an's history at the Xi'an Museum, where a rich assortment of artifacts from multiple dynasties is displayed, including pottery, calligraphy and paintings.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll be transferred to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Zhangjiajie.
Our guide and driver will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to your hotel.
Discover Tianzi Mountain's iconic sceneries such as Yubi Peak and Tianzi Pavilion with cable car & shuttle bus rides. Enjoy an impressive view of thousands of peaks spread out beneath you from the summit.
Explore the scenic Golden Whip Stream, known for its lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.
Take the world's highest elevator, the Bailong Lift, and ascend to the breathtaking Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in just 2 minutes.
Marvel at the world-renowned 'World's No.1 Bridge' and stand in awe of the otherworldly Hallelujah Mountain(Nantian Yizhu), before returning to your hotel.
Venture through 'A Strip of Sky', a pathway so narrow that it accommodates only one person.
Ascend the 'Sky Ladder', a wooden walkway and steps carved into cliffs, for breathtaking panoramic views.
Experience the Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, offering a thrilling 300-meter-high walk. If you'd rather not cross the bridge, other paths are available.
Explore Yellow Dragon Cave, admire towering stalagmites, and cruise through the underground river (home to rare creatures).
Ascend Tianmen Mountain on the world's longest cableway. Enjoy panoramic views through the glass-bottomed sections as you travel 1,400 meters to the peak.
Thrill yourself as you walk the 60-meter glass skywalk, suspended 1,430 meters above the breathtaking valley.
Enjoy the scenic escalator rides to visit the breathtaking Tianmen Cave, a towering natural wonder that showcases the immense power of nature.
Maximize your remaining free time with a last exploration before your guide arrives to take you to the airport or train station.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
We recommend internationally recognized hotels for your seamless travel experience.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned car with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guides
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Economy-class seat on the flight between Xi’an and Zhangjiajie
- A 24/7 helpline is available throughout your trip
Tour Code: cht-xa-1