Xi'an & Piangyao
A very popular side-trip from Beijing is a visit to Xi'an, the famous Terracotta Army and the ancient city of Pingyao. Please find below some ideas and suggestions.
Xi'an
Xi'an is the largest city in north-west China. It served as the nation's capital for more than 1000 years. Xi'an is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the greatest archaeological found of the last century. It also has one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army and Horses, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The figures vary in height (183-195 cm), according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits. Many archeologists believe that there are many pits still waiting to be discovered.
 |
 |
|
| Terracotta Army | Terracotta Army |
Wild Goose Pagoda & City Wall
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda, built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveller Xuanzang.
The fortifications of Xi'an represent one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. The wall measures 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15-18 m in thickness at the base.
 |
 |
|
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Xi'an City Wall |
Possible Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing - Xi'an
- Pick-up from Beijing accommodation around 19:30 h and transfer to Beijing West Station.
- I will show you to your train carriage and help you with boarding.
- The overnight train Z19 leaves Beijing at 21:24 h. The Z class train is a direct service between Beijing and Xi'an; there are no stops. The trains are very clean and tidy.
- I can book soft-sleeper (4 bed cabin) or deluxe-soft-sleeper cabin (2 bed cabin, private bathroom). You can find more information on trains here.
Day 2: Terracotta Army & City Wall
- The train arrives in Xi'an at 8:25 h in the morning. I can arrange a private taxi driver to meet you at the train station and take you to your accommodation.
- After breakfast, the driver will take you to see the Terracotta Army. Spend about 3 hours exploring the exhibition.
- Drive back to Xi'an city, have lunch, and visit the ancient City Wall.
Day 3: Wild Goose Pagoda & other sights
- Explore the various other sights of Xi'an (e.g. Wild Goose Pagoda, Musical Fountain, etc.)
- Catch a late afternoon / early evening flight back to Beijing or board the overnight train at 20:16 h (arriving in Beijing at 7:17 h the next morning).
Flight Option
- Another good option is to fly from Beijing to Xi'an, and then be driven from Xianyang airport directly to the Terracotta Army (close by). This saves both time and money. After 3 hours of exploring the Warriors, get a ride into Xian city to check into your accommodation.
- Flight or train both ways or a combination of train & flight can easily be arranged.
Pingyao
On the way back to Beijing, the ancient city of Pingyao, the former financial center of China, is worth a stop. Instead of taking the overnight train to Beijing, consider a scenic day train. Pingyao is now renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 |
 |
|
| Pingyao City Wall | Pingyao |
Xi'an & Pingyao Photos
If you have any questions, need help with booking tickets and/or accommodation, or would like me to create a tailor-made itinerary, please contact me.
 |
 |
|
| Pingyao Court House Hotel | Pingyao Court House Hotel |