THE CHARM OF XI’AN ANCIENT CITY

Begin at the Xi’an City Wall, the largest and best-preserved in China. Continue to Yongxingfang Food and Culture Street to enjoy local Guanzhong snacks. Visit the Xi’an Museum (with audio guide) to learn about Shaanxi’s heritage as the capital of thirteen dynasties. Then explore Jianfu Temple and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Conclude at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, a key site of Esoteric Buddhism during the Sui and Tang eras.

Stay at local 5-star Titan Central Park Hotel or equivalent property.

Head to the Mount Hua Scenic Area (including round-trip North Peak shuttle bus and cable car). Take the renowned “Asia’s No. 1 Cableway” to North Peak for sightseeing, with the option to explore other peaks at your own pace. After lunch, drive to Hancheng Ancient City, famed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Stroll through historic streets lined with traditional buildings and Siheyuan, making it one of China’s six best-preserved Ming–Qing ancient cities.

Stay at local 4-star Hancheng Grand Skylight Hotel or equivalent property.

After breakfast, visit the Three Temples of Hancheng—the Confucian Temple, Dongying Temple, and Chenghuang Temple—showcasing architecture from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. After lunch, continue to Hukou Waterfall (electric shuttle at own expense), the second-largest waterfall in China and the world’s largest yellow waterfall, where the Yellow River thunders through a narrow gorge. After the visit, drive to Yan’an and check in at the hotel.

Stay at local 4-star Xinmeihao Hotel or equivalent property.

After breakfast, drive to Ganquan to visit the Ganquan Grand Canyon (including electric shuttle). This natural wonder features several scenic spots—Huashu Valley, Leopard Valley, Longba Valley, Peony Valley, and Yixiantian (One-Line Sky)—with Huashu Valley being the most spectacular. Formed millions of years ago by seismic activity and shaped by centuries of rain erosion, the canyon’s surreal rock formations have earned it the nickname “China’s Antelope Canyon,” drawing photographers and nature lovers alike.

Stay at local 5-star Tongchuan Building or equivalent property.

Visit the Tongchuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum or Huayuehui Street to experience traditional crafts, including paper-cutting and making an Ai grass hammer used in meridian therapy. Then enjoy a seasonal fruit-picking experience in Tongchuan—options may include strawberries, cherries, apples, grapes, or cherry tomatoes. Return to Xi’an to explore Bell and Drum Tower Square, an iconic landmark of the city, and continue to Muslim Street (Hui Min Jie), Xi’an’s famous food haven.

Stay at local 5-star Titan Central Park Hotel or equivalent property.