For the Introduction to the Best of China in Ten Days Route
For Days 1 of the Best of China in Ten Days Route
For Day 2 and 3 of the Best of China in Ten Days Route

Day 4:

Xi’an西安，Shaanxi Province
Xian brings with it the obvious images of the Terracotta warriors in Emperor Huang Di’s 2200-year-old tomb. Amazingly enough, the site was accidentally stumbled upon by some peasants trying to dig a well. The warriors themselves are exact replicas of real soldiers in Huang Di’s army in every way. Part of the marvel of seeing the soldiers is that, like the Great Wall, you have seen and read about them for years so seeing them in real life is quite impressive. Bring a good zoom lens though because you can’t actually get very close to them. Be warned that in some areas you are strictly not allowed to take photos at all so if you don’t want your camera confiscated mind the guards. There are certain encasings of well intact soldiers, but for the most part, it’s as if you are looking down upon a football field. The city itself has other interesting sites but for the most part, go see the Terracotta warriors and get yourself to the next city. There will be more temples later on in the trip. You really don’t need a lot of time here in this city because you need to get to Guilin.

Photo: Nomo

In your hostel, you have the option of getting a tour which includes transportation, this can be easy when you don't have a lot of time but can be annoying because you are with a group and lack the freedom to make your own itinerary.

In the morning, if you plan to venture around on your own, wake up in Xian and grab breakfast before heading over to see the Terracotta warriors, the exhibit opens at 8:30 am, plan on enough time to get there, it takes around 45 minutes, then plan on at least 2-3 hours running around because there are several different vaults. There are around 700 intact soldiers and warhorses on display.

After getting your fill of the Terracotta army, head over to the holy Buddhist temple Big Goose Pagoda, which is home to over 600 sets of Buddhist scripture brought to China from India by a famous monk, Xuan Zang. Built in AD 652, the pagoda was initially used to house sutras and figurines and has been rebuilt after numerous earthquakes and disasters.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

In the late afternoon before 6pm closing time, go walk around the city a bit and over to the spectacular Bell Tower, originally built in 1582. It marks the intersection and ancient geographical center of China’s original capital, which at the time was Xian itself.

For more information and for a slightly varied 16-hour day in Xian, check our alternate itinerary.

From the Bell Tower, check out Dong Dajie, which has tons of stalls of street food with a myriad of noodles, kebabs, and steamed buns typical to Xian. Grab a street beer and wander around grazing the food stands with delicious lamb kebabs. Use your common sense when deciding where to eat, if you think it looks sketchy and unclean then stay clear.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

If you are looking for activities and nightlife while you are there check our City In Pulse Guides.
Head back to the hostel and get ready to take off in the morning for Guilin airport.

Day 5:

Yangshuo 阳朔, Guangxi Province
Get up and get yourself to the Xian airport and get ready to see some of the most spectacular scenery you have ever imagined. This area is specifically characterized by Karst landforms caused usually by acidic water on softer rock like limestone that forms amazing shapes both above and below the ground. The foliage is lush and filled with every green fathomable, painting its rice paddies and meadows and moss covered karsts. On the fertile banks of the Li River, Yangshuo is an outdoor lovers paradise and will also provide for a bit of rest from the big city. This is one of the most beautiful areas in China, and while it is a bit touristy, it’s a beautiful village that every traveler will rave about for years to come. It provides the perfect retreat from the big city and will be greatly appreciated after Beijing and Xian. From the airport in Guilin, take the shuttle to the train station and take the bus to Yangshuo. Yangshuo is not that big so make sure to make reservations in advance. Lodging in Yangshuo is not that expensive but varies greatly in quality. The wonderful aspect of this city is its array of outdoor activities.

When you arrive, trudge around the main street and find yourself some lunch. At this point, you may be appreciative of the numerous cafes boasting cheap Western breakfasts like omelettes and French toasts. At this point, you may even appreciate a decent cup of coffee. The tourists in Yangshuo are unique as well, they range from the resident American or Canadian English teacher residing in China and currently on holiday, to the older French hippy who came 10 years ago and refused to leave. Still, you may find small groups of Japanese students or German families on holiday. Either way, Yangshuo tourists are distinct and much more relaxed from Beijing or Shanghai’s typical tourist crowd.

When you arrive in the afternoon, wander around a bit and head down to the river, where for about 60-75 Kuai for 4 people, you can float down the river on a bamboo raft with a driver steering for an hour. This is one of the best activities to do in the summer because you literally feel like you are in some jungle in middle- of- nowhere- Asia doing something you have only seen in movies. You can watch the water buffalo bathe on the banks of the river or watch the fisherman on the side in the marsh. The landscape is something reminiscent of a movie of Vietnam, except that it’s China.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

After your boat ride, rent a bike from your hostel or from most hotels on the main street. Head out of town into the fantastically green landscape. You can stick to the highway or take to the smaller paths, which will lead you to the small villages where curious Chinese families may come out to greet you if you stop at the small shops to buy a drink.

In the evening, if you feel like Western food, check out Xi jie (西接), meaning West Street which has cheeseburgers and pool tables and many backpacker bars. If you want something more local, check out Die Cui Lu, which has assortments of Chinese food. Check out one of the local pubs to share stories, especially Monkey Jane’s, a must-visit for any first timer to Yangshuo.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

***

Expat Corner >Train Travel in China- funny stories
China Explorer> East Lake, Wuhan, Stopover before the Yangze
Expat Corner> The Family is the Country of the Heart Part 1

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.