China Heritage Tour: Xi'an – Longmen Grottoes – Yungang Grottoes – Shanxi

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Xi’an – The Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Xi’an, the ancient capital of more than 13 dynasties, marks the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. The city preserves China’s most magnificent historical legacies. Visitors can explore the Xi’an City Wall – a massive 600-year-old fortress – and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist symbol from the Tang Dynasty that houses scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.
A must-see is the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang with the Terracotta Army, often hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” where thousands of life-sized clay warriors stand guard, representing the might of China’s first unified dynasty.

Luoyang – The Birthplace of Chinese Buddhism

From Xi’an, the journey continues to Luoyang, one of China’s four great ancient capitals. The highlight here is the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing over 100,000 Buddhist statues meticulously carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Each figure is a masterpiece reflecting deep religious devotion and exceptional ancient artistry.

Zhengzhou – The Heart of Shaolin Martial Arts

In Zhengzhou, travelers visit the sacred Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu – the essence of discipline and Zen philosophy. The itinerary also includes Kaifeng Prefecture, the grand capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, where ancient relics and historical imprints remain preserved through centuries.

Datong – Shanxi – Marvels of Buddhist Architecture and Nature

Next, the group visits the Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) – an architectural wonder built more than 1,500 years ago, clinging to the cliffside of Mount Heng. Slender wooden beams hold the entire structure aloft, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Nearby, the Yungang Grottoes rank among China’s three largest Buddhist cave complexes, featuring over 50,000 exquisite statues carved in the 5th century, illustrating the cultural exchange between ancient China and India.
Travelers also explore the Bingning Ice Cave, a rare natural phenomenon where eternal ice never melts, even in summer.

Xi’an – Daming Palace and the 1,400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree

Returning to Xi’an, visitors will discover Daming Palace, the grand imperial complex of the Tang Dynasty, 4.5 times larger than the Forbidden City. Once the political heart of ancient China, it served as the seat of 17 Tang emperors for over 200 years.
The tour concludes with a visit to Guanyin Temple, home to a 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang. Every autumn, the golden leaves transform the temple grounds into a dreamlike scene.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY

• Visit Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum and the Terracotta Army
• Explore Xi’an’s top attractions: Bell Tower, Drum Tower, City Wall, Daming Palace
• Two of China’s largest and most beautiful grottoes: Longmen and Yungang
• Discover Kaifeng Prefecture and the legendary Shaolin Temple
• Marvel at the 1,500-year-old Hanging Temple perched on a cliff
• Explore the ancient Ice Cave, where ice never melts year-round
• Visit Guanyin Temple with its 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree
• Experience three high-speed train rides across China

INCLUDED SERVICES

• 4-star hotels (double/twin occupancy). Single travelers may share rooms; if not possible, a single supplement applies. In rare cases, triple occupancy (extra bed) may be arranged depending on hotel availability.
• Round-trip flights (2 sectors) with China Eastern Airlines, including 1 carry-on (8kg) and 1 checked bag (23kg).
• Three high-speed train rides: Xi’an – Luoyang, Zhengzhou – Taiyuan, Taiyuan – Xi’an.
• Group visa for entry into China.
• Full-board meals as per itinerary (approx. 40 RMB per meal). Each main meal includes 8 dishes + 1 soup, based on 10 guests per table.
• Entrance tickets to attractions listed in the program.
• Modern coach transportation throughout the tour in China.
• Experienced bilingual tour guides (Vietnamese and local Chinese guides).
• Travel insurance up to 200,000,000 VND per case (accident only; excludes chronic and pre-existing conditions). Passengers over 65 are insured up to 50%.
• 1 bottle of water per person per day on the bus.
• Complimentary travel hat.

EXCLUSIONS

• Personal expenses, passport fees, beverages, phone calls, laundry, VAT (if invoice required).
• Single room supplement.
• Re-entry visa for overseas Vietnamese or foreign passport holders.
• Tips for driver and guide: USD 10 per person/day × 8 days = USD 80/person.
• Entrance tickets for optional attractions not listed.
• Tickets for the “Revisiting Dunhuang” performance.

NOTES

• The company is not responsible for denied entry/exit due to personal reasons (unclear passport photos, expired documents, etc.). The guide will assist, but all additional costs will be borne by the traveler.
• Travelers with facial cosmetic surgery must renew their passports; failure to do so may result in denied entry, with cancellation fees borne by the traveler.
• Train schedules and itineraries may vary depending on actual departure dates and railway arrangements.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date.
• The order of visits may change based on actual conditions but all attractions will be covered.
• Guests must stay with the group throughout the journey. If accompanied by relatives in China, please inform the company beforehand.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. Original passport valid for at least 6 months after the tour ends.
2. Digital photo (4×6 cm, white background; no jewelry, forehead and ears visible, no glasses).
3. For children: Provide an original birth certificate for verification. If traveling with only one parent, an authorization letter from the other parent is required. In case of divorced parents, submit a copy of the divorce certificate for verification.

Note: Tour procedures and visa policies apply to guests with household registration and place of birth in Northern Vietnam.