Xi'an in One Day: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall Day Trip from Chengdu by Air

Make your own way to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for a short morning flight to Xi’an. In a little over an hour, your plane lands at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, where your guide meets you in a private vehicle to set off for your first point of interest: the UNESCO World Heritage site of the terracotta warriors.

On the 1- to 1.5-hour drive to this world-renowned museum, you’ll learn about the significance of its vast display of life-size clay figures that were buried during the 3rd century BC to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, in the afterlife.

When you arrive, step inside the underground chambers of Emperor Qin's mausoleum, which features the terracotta army. Your guide and the onsite exhibits reveal the ruler’s elaborate plan for the nearly 250,000-square-foot underground tomb, guarded by more than 7,000 life-sized clay figures and horses.

After your museum tour, drive back to Xi’an and continue your sightseeing at Xi’an’s Wall. If you’d like, climb the steps from the south gate until you reach the top of the ancient wall, where you can stroll along the walkway with your guide. Admire views of the city below, and marvel at the incredible architecture of the gates and towers on each side of the fortification.

Then walk to the Muslim Quarter to discover evidence of Islamic influences in the architecture of surrounding buildings, such as the Drum Tower, and in the dishes served at nearby food stalls. Amble past neighborhood alleys and the bustling market, and stop at a restaurant to enjoy a lunch of local specialties, including yang rou pao mo (crumbled fried pancake soaked in mutton stew), cold rice noodles and jiaozi (dumplings).

If there’s time you can visit the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most renowned mosques, founded in 742 AD. Learn about its Chinese architectural style and the Hui people who brought Islam to China centuries ago.

In the evening, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to the Xi’an airport for you return flight to Chengdu, finding your own way back to your hotel from there.