Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace & Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Discover the captivating history and cultural richness of Xi’an, China’s ancient capital, on this private day tour. Explore the legendary Terracotta Army, a remarkable archaeological treasure. Then, learn about the exquisite Huaqing Palace and its enchanting romance. As the day winds down, witness the spellbinding performance of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. This journey promises to unveil the timeless allure of China’s remarkable heritage.

Key Points

• This private day tour offers visits to the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and the evening performance of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow in Xi’an.
• The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological discovery featuring over 7,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots commissioned by Qin Shi Huang.
• Huaqing Palace was a royal summer retreat during the Tang Dynasty, showcasing stunning architecture, gardens, and stories of Emperor Xuanzong’s love affair.
• The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is an outdoor drama performance based on a legendary poem, featuring a large cast and traditional dance against the Lishan mountain backdrop.
• The tour includes entrance fees, central seating for the show, and gratuities, with optional hotel pickup from downtown Xi’an hotels.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private day tour of Xi’an includes visits to the renowned Terracotta Army, the historical Huaqing Palace, and the captivating outdoor drama The Song of Everlasting Sorrow.

Priced from $99 per person, the tour lasts 2-10 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Optional hotel pickup is available for downtown Xi’an hotels.

Guests will explore the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors, tour Huaqing Palace, and enjoy the 70-minute performance of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow.

The tour includes entrance fees, central seating for the show, and gratuities for the guide and driver.

Terracotta Army Museum

The Terracotta Army Museum houses the renowned UNESCO-listed collection of over 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots commissioned by the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive scale and attention to detail of these ancient sculptures. The museum features three major excavation pits, allowing visitors to see the warriors in their original formation.

Guided tours provide insights into the historical and archaeological significance of this remarkable site, considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Huaqing Palace

As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore Huaqing Palace, a historical site that served as a royal summer retreat for Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.

The palace features:

Stunning architecture and gardens that showcase the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, thermal pools and hot springs for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Stunning architecture and gardens that showcase the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty

• Thermal pools and hot springs that were used for relaxation and rejuvenation

• Fascinating stories of the emperor’s love affair with his concubine Yang Guifei, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Tang Dynasty

• Insights into the daily life and leisure activities of the imperial court

• Breathtaking views of the surrounding Lishan mountain range.

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Everlasting Sorrow, an outdoor drama performed in the evening, captivates visitors with its stunning costumes, traditional dance, and classical Chinese music.

This 70-minute show is based on the legendary poem and features a large cast against the backdrop of Lishan mountain.

While highly popular, the performance is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or other force majeure events.

Visitors must book the show at least 10 days in advance due to high demand.

Central seats for the show can be included in the tour package.

Guests are responsible for their own meals and other personal expenses not specified in the inclusions.

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Itinerary Highlights

After being picked up from downtown hotels (for those within the 3rd Ring Road), visitors embark on a journey to the renowned Terracotta Army Museum, located an hour’s drive away.

The 3-hour guided tour explores the UNESCO-listed 7,000+ strong Terracotta Warriors, a remarkable archaeological discovery.

Next, the tour visits Huaqing Palace, a 20-minute drive away. This historical site served as a royal summer retreat for Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, offering a 2-hour guided exploration of its significance.

• The tour may also include:

• An evening performance of "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"

• Convenient 36 drop-off locations in Xi’an

• Passport information required for Terracotta Army Museum ticket booking

• Potential changes to the itinerary’s main stops

Inclusions

The package includes downtown hotel pickup and drop-off for those staying within the 3rd Ring Road, as well as an English-speaking tour guide, if selected.

Entrance fees to the Terracotta Army Museum, Huaqing Palace, and central seats for the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance are also included.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are covered, but meals and other personal expenses are not.

Passport numbers and names are required for Terracotta Army Museum ticket booking.

The itinerary is subject to change, with 36 drop-off locations available for convenience across major Xi’an hotels.

Important Information

What important things should visitors know?

Passport numbers and names are required when booking Terracotta Army Museum tickets.

The itinerary is subject to change, so the main stops serve as a reference only.

Conveniently, there are 36 drop-off locations available, including major hotels in Xi’an.

The tour may be canceled due to force majeure events, such as bad weather.

Additionally:

• Passport numbers and names required for Terracotta Army Museum ticket booking.

• Itinerary subject to change; main stops for reference only.

• 36 drop-off locations available, including major hotels in Xi’an.

• Subject to cancellation due to force majeure events (e.g., bad weather).

• The Song of Everlasting Sorrow must be booked 10 days in advance.

Booking and Pricing

This tour provides a convenient booking process and affordable pricing options. Priced from $99 per person, this private day tour explores the highlights of Xi’an, including the legendary Terracotta Army, the imperial Huaqing Palace, and the captivating outdoor drama "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow".

Guests can reserve the tour and pay later, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. With pickup from downtown hotels, an English-speaking guide, and central seats for the evening performance, this tour offers a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.

Advance booking is recommended, especially for the in-demand evening show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The private day tour offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the attractions visited and the duration of your experience to suit your interests and needs.

Do You Provide Transportation From the Airport to the Hotel?

The tour provider offers optional downtown hotel pickup, but does not provide transportation from the airport to the hotel. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airport transfers or getting to the designated downtown pickup location.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price of $99 per person is fixed, with no special pricing available. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options.

How Accessible Are the Sites for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour offers some accommodations for travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible transportation and sightseeing. However, the historical sites may have limited accessibility due to their age and design. It’s best to inquire about specific needs when booking.

What Is the Dress Code for the Evening Performance?

The evening performance of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow has no strict dress code. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as the show takes place outdoors and may require some walking.

The Sum Up

This private day tour offers an enriching exploration of China’s historical and cultural heritage. Visitors will be amazed by the Terracotta Army, captivated by the beauty of Huaqing Palace, and enchanted by the outdoor drama, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. It’s an unforgettable experience that provides a deep dive into the wonders of ancient Chinese civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: