8-Day Private Tour: Xi’an and Zhangjiajie Highlights

Q: What destinations are included in this tour?

This itinerary includes Xi’an and Zhangjiajie, combining ancient Chinese history with extraordinary natural scenery.

Q: Is the Terracotta Warriors visit private?

Yes. You will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum with your private guide, who will provide detailed explanation and local insight.

Q: How do we travel from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie?

You will take a domestic flight from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie, allowing for a smooth connection between the two destinations.

Q: Is Zhangjiajie suitable for travelers who like scenery more than strenuous hiking?

Yes. Many scenic areas can be reached by cable car, shuttle bus, and the Bailong Elevator, although there will still be some walking involved.

Q: Is the Glass Bridge mandatory?

No. If you prefer not to walk on the Glass Bridge, alternative routes are available in the scenic area.

Q: What are the main highlights of Zhangjiajie on this trip?

Key highlights include Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave, and Tianmen Mountain.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

A Fascinating Journey from Ancient Xi’an to the Fantasy Landscapes of Zhangjiajie

This 8-day private tour combines the deep historical legacy of Xi’an with the breathtaking natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, creating a rich and memorable journey through two of China’s most distinctive destinations. From imperial tombs, Tang-era relics, city walls, and vibrant Muslim culture to soaring sandstone peaks, glass bridges, underground caves, and skywalks, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of history, culture, wildlife, and scenic adventure.

Your journey begins in Xi’an, one of China’s most historic capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Here, you will explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, uncover stories of Qin Shi Huang’s underground army, and even enjoy a hands-on restoration experience. Visits to Huaqing Palace, the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park, the Ancient City Wall, the Muslim Quarter, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi’an Museum provide deeper insight into Xi’an’s imperial, religious, and multicultural heritage.

The tour then continues by air to Zhangjiajie, where extraordinary mountain landscapes await. Highlights include Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountain, the thrilling Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the magical Yellow Dragon Cave, and the dramatic heights of Tianmen Mountain. With private guiding, comfortable transfers, and a well-balanced pace, this itinerary is ideal for travelers who wish to experience both China’s ancient civilization and some of its most spectacular natural scenery in one seamless trip.

Tour Highlights

Discover the Timeless Heritage of Xi’an

Begin in Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals, where imperial history, archaeological treasures, and vibrant local culture come together.

Explore the World-Famous Terracotta Warriors

Visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and learn how these remarkable figures were created, preserved, and restored.

Private guide at terracotta warriors and horses museum

Enjoy a Hands-On Cultural Experience

Go beyond standard sightseeing with a restoration-related activity in the conservation setting, offering a closer look at the work behind preserving ancient relics.

Private guide at restoration related activity

Visit Huaqing Palace and Tang Dynasty Legends

Explore the elegant Huaqing Palace, known for its hot springs, imperial history, and the legendary romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.

Meet Rare Wildlife in the Qinling Mountains

See the famous brown panda Qi Zai and other rare animals such as Crested Ibises, Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, and Takins at the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park.

Private guide at Qinling Four Treasures Science Park

Walk the Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter

Climb the Ancient City Wall for panoramic views of Xi’an and explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where local food, markets, and culture create a vibrant atmosphere.

Enter the Fantasy World of Zhangjiajie

Discover the iconic landscapes of Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, and Yuanjiajie, including the famous peaks that inspired the world of Avatar.

Experience Thrilling Natural Wonders

Walk across the Glass Bridge, explore the underground beauty of Yellow Dragon Cave, and ride the world-famous cableway to Tianmen Mountain.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Xi'an

Welcome to Xi'an! Your knowledgeable tour guide will greet you at the airport or train station, ready to start your journey.

You'll enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel in a private car. During the drive, your guide will share fascinating insights into Xi'an's rich history and vibrant culture.

Day 02 :

Xi'an | Discover the Terracotta Warriors

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Take a private ride with your guide to explore the incredible Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.

Enter the museum via tram and be captivated by the three impressive pits that reveal the hidden might of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's formidable army. Your guide will delve into details about their creation and conservation, highlighting the craftsmanship, durability, and once vivid colors of these ancient figures.

Examine the first restored Terracotta Warriors, learn their restoration tales, handle genuine Qin Dynasty artifacts, and participate in a hands-on restoration activity in the Conservation Laboratory.

Visit Huaqing Palace, a Tang Dynasty retreat renowned for its hot springs and the romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. You may opt to enjoy the celebrated ‘Everlasting Regret' performance.

Day 03 :

Xi'an | Meet ‘Qi Zai'

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Travel in comfort via private transfer to the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park with your guide.

Encounter ‘Qi Zai', the sole captive brown Giant Panda, alongside 11 other pandas ranging from mature individuals to playful cubs.

Discover endangered Crested Ibises, delightful Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, majestic Takins, as well as other intriguing species like Red Pandas and Asian Black Bears, all nestled against the picturesque Qinling Mountains.

Ascend the Ancient City Wall for panoramic views of Xi'an. This impressive fortification, equipped with walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers, stands as a testament to China's ancient military expertise.

Explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where tantalizing street food scents intermingle with the sounds of bustling markets. Stroll leisurely, enjoy flavorful local snacks, and immerse yourself in the area's rich cultural tapestry.

Day 04 :

Transition from Xi'an to Zhangjiajie

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 43-meter-high architectural gem from the Tang Dynasty, set within Jianfu Temple's serene surroundings.

Explore Xi'an's historical depth at the Xi'an Museum, displaying a rich variety of artifacts from numerous dynasties, including pottery, calligraphy, and paintings.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Zhangjiajie.

Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver for a seamless transfer to your hotel.

Day 05 :

Zhangjiajie | Discover Avatar's World

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Experience iconic landscapes at Tianzi Mountain, including Yubi Peak and Tianzi Pavilion, with access via cable car and shuttle bus. Relish the breathtaking views of countless peaks stretching into the distance.

Visit the scenic Golden Whip Stream, famed for its lush foliage and cascading waterfalls.

Ascend via the Bailong Lift, the world's tallest elevator, to reach the stunning Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in just two minutes.

Stand on the renowned ‘World's No.1 Bridge' and be mesmerized by Hallelujah Mountain (Nantian Yizhu), before returning to your hotel.

Day 06 :

Zhangjiajie | Explore the Grand Canyon

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Navigate through ‘A Strip of Sky', an incredibly narrow passage allowing only single-file passage.

Climb the ‘Sky Ladder', a wooden pathway and stair set carved into cliffs, offering sweeping and spectacular views.

Walk across the Glass Bridge, the longest and tallest glass-bottom bridge in the world, for a thrilling experience 300 meters above the canyon. Alternate routes are available for those reluctant to cross.

Visit Yellow Dragon Cave, admire towering stalagmites, and glide along the underground river, home to rare wildlife.

Day 07 :

Zhangjiajie | Experience Tianmen Mountain

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Take the longest cableway worldwide to ascend Tianmen Mountain. Relish the panoramic views through glass-bottom sections over the breathtaking landscape as you rise 1,400 meters to the summit.

Thrill in walking the 60-meter glass skywalk, suspended 1,430 meters above the stunning valley.

Enjoy escalator rides to explore the impressive Tianmen Cave, a grand natural spectacle demonstrating nature's raw power.

Day 08 :

Departure from Zhangjiajie

Meals: Breakfast

Make the most of any remaining free time before your guide arrives for your transfer to the airport or train station.

Expand all

What destinations are included in this tour?

This itinerary includes Xi’an and Zhangjiajie, combining ancient Chinese history with extraordinary natural scenery.

Is the Terracotta Warriors visit private?

Yes. You will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum with your private guide, who will provide detailed explanation and local insight.

What is special about the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park?

It offers the chance to see rare and protected wildlife, including the well-known brown panda Qi Zai, as well as several other unique species native to the Qinling Mountains.

How do we travel from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie?

You will take a domestic flight from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie, allowing for a smooth connection between the two destinations.

Is Zhangjiajie suitable for travelers who like scenery more than strenuous hiking?

Yes. Many scenic areas can be reached by cable car, shuttle bus, and the Bailong Elevator, although there will still be some walking involved.

Is the Glass Bridge mandatory?

No. If you prefer not to walk on the Glass Bridge, alternative routes are available in the scenic area.

What are the main highlights of Zhangjiajie on this trip?

Key highlights include Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yellow Dragon Cave, and Tianmen Mountain.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes. This itinerary works well for many families, especially those interested in combining history, wildlife, and natural scenery in one trip.

8-Day Private Tour: Xi’an and Zhangjiajie Highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

A Fascinating Journey from Ancient Xi’an to the Fantasy Landscapes of Zhangjiajie