One of the best-preserved ancient city fortifications in China — a continuous 13.7 km rampart of grey brick, watchtowers, gate towers, and a wide moat encircling the old city, built on Tang-dynasty foundations during the Ming era. Cycle or walk the wide wall-top path (mobility scooters available for those who prefer an easier pace), with sweeping views over both the historic inner city and the modern skyline beyond — a guide brings the wall's 600-year story to life along the way.

A century-old cultural institution turned living heritage street, home to shadow puppetry, Qinqiang opera, and Huayin Laoqiang — all recognized intangible cultural heritage art forms native to Shaanxi. Watch painted leather puppets flicker to life behind a lit screen in a 2,000-year-old storytelling tradition, then step into the workshop to try your own hand at shadow-puppet cutting, cloisonné enamel painting, or another hands-on craft to take home as a keepsake.

Daming Palace Royal Banquet and Tang Dynasty Show. An evening meal set against the grounds of the former Daming Palace — once the largest and most magnificent palace complex of the Tang Dynasty. Dinner with a sense of place, dining in the shadow of imperial history as the park lights come up for the evening.

One of China's premier museums, holding a collection that spans the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties — bronze ritual vessels, gilded Tang gold and silverware, and murals lifted from royal tombs. A guided walk through 3,000+ years of Chinese civilization that sets the historical stage for everything else you'll see this week, especially the Terracotta Army ahead.

The single greatest archaeological find of the 20th century — thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots standing in formation exactly as they were buried over 2,200 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, each warrior's face unique. A guide walks you through the excavation pits and the story of the farmers who discovered them in 1974, followed by a hands-on clay workshop where you'll sculpt and take home your own miniature warrior.

A recreated Tang-dynasty street brought to life by costumed performers, lantern light, and the old "twelve double-hour" system ancient Chang'an once used to mark its days. Wander among street snack stalls and in-character performers for an immersive taste of what a night in the Tang capital might have felt like.

The 7th-century brick pagoda built to house the Buddhist scriptures monk Xuanzang carried back from India — one of Xi'an's most iconic silhouettes.

Datang Everbright City, a sprawling Tang-themed pedestrian district. Catch the pagoda lit up at night, take in the district's music-and-light fountain show, and watch for the "living statue" performers who startle passersby by suddenly moving.

Dami Buddha Temple (Visit / Calligraphy Experience) A quiet Buddhist temple setting, away from the pace of the city. Experience a guided calligraphy session — brush, ink, and rice paper — learning the meditative rhythm behind Chinese characters in a setting built for reflection.

Buckwheat Flower Sea: Rolling countryside hillsides blanketed in small white-and-pink buckwheat blossoms as far as the eye can see. A golden-hour photography session set up by a professional photographer, so guests can simply enjoy the view while getting portraits worth framing.

Introduction Ceremony, Coffee, Drinks & Snacks in Sumland Coffee Shop, located in White Deer Plain, inside Cherry Valley. An elegant retreat space set up to welcome the group. A relaxed welcome gathering over coffee, drinks, and snacks — a chance to settle in, meet fellow travelers, and ease into the resort side of the trip.

The excavated remains of a 6,000-year-old Neolithic matriarchal village — house foundations, kilns, burial sites, and early pottery — are preserved under China's first museum built directly over an archaeological dig. Walk above the actual dig site with a guide unpacking daily life in one of China's earliest known settled communities, long before the dynasties that follow later in the trip.

Qingyukou (Picnic, Tea Tasting, Thangka Making, Games — By the Mountain Cascade) A scenic mountain setting centered on a cascading stream, framed by greenery and open air. An unhurried afternoon by the water — a picnic lunch, Chinese tea tasting, a Thangka painting workshop (the intricate Tibetan Buddhist art form), and group games, all set to the sound of the cascade.

A glimpse into everyday rural Shaanxi life, away from the tourist track. Guests will wander through a local market, selecting fresh, raw ingredients alongside the villagers themselves, before joining a local aunt who will prepare Shaanxi's famous Biang Biang noodles right infront your eyes.

Jingyu Valley (Bamboo Hiking / Boating) A lush valley carpeted in dense bamboo forest, laced with quiet waterways and gentle trails. A choice of a bamboo-forest hike or a leisurely boat ride along the valley's waterways — a calm, green close to the adventure portion of the trip.

Sumland (Farewell Ceremony, Dinner, Gifts) The same welcoming retreat space from Day 3, now set for a send-off. A farewell ceremony and dinner marking the end of the journey, with parting gifts to send guests home with a lasting memory of the trip.