Tracing Millennia of History: Xi'an - Luoyang - Zhengzhou - Kaifeng 6D5N

Welcome to the journey "Tracing Millennia of History: Touching the Sacred Soul of China", a special trip that takes you back in time to China's most splendid ancient capitals. This 6-day, 5-night tour explores four legendary cities: Xi'an, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Kaifeng, repositories of immense cultural heritage, history, and stories echoing through thousands of years. From the majestic Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang in Xi'an, the magnificent Buddhist statues of Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, to the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Kungfu at Shaolin Temple, each destination unfolds a vivid, captivating chapter of history.

Xi'an The Great Capital of 13 Dynasties

Xi'an, once the illustrious Chang'an, capital of 13 feudal dynasties, is one of China's most ancient and historically significant cities. It served as the starting point of the legendary Silk Road and was a cultural, political, and economic hub for millennia. Visitors to Xi'an will immerse themselves in a historical atmosphere, admire ancient architectural wonders, and discover tales of emperors, heroes, and beauties who shaped Chinese history.

Witness the Terracotta Army The Eighth Wonder of the World

One of the unmissable highlights in Xi'an is the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and its Terracotta Army a monumental archaeological wonder recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique facial expressions and postures, stand in battle formation, creating a majestic and awe inspiring spectacle. This site not only demonstrates the supreme power of Qin Shi Huang the first emperor to unify China but also serves as a living testament to the art of sculpture and military organization more than 2,000 years ago.

Tang Dynasty Cultural Imprint: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Everbright City

Continuing the exploration, visitors will discover the Big Wild Goose Pagoda a symbol of Shaanxi Province. This seven-story pagoda, built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, was designed to store Buddhist sutras and relics brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, famously associated with the legendary novel Journey to the West. Surrounding the pagoda is Grand Tang Everbright City, a modern pedestrian street recreating the ancient Chang'an atmosphere, radiant with lights and cultural performances at night. Here, you'll have the chance to experience wearing Tang Dynasty Hanfu, immersing yourself in the prosperity of China's most glorious dynasty.

Xi'an City Wall A Thousand Year Old Robust Shield

Xi'an also boasts the Xi'an City Wall, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient military defense systems in the world. This centuries old city wall is not merely a robust fortress but also a powerful testament to China's engineering techniques and military history during the feudal era. Walking or cycling along the wall offers panoramic views of the interplay between an ancient city and its modern counterpart.

Luoyang Cradle of Chinese Civilization and Buddhism

Leaving Xi'an, we journey to Luoyang city, one of China's "Four Great Ancient Capitals" and known as the hometown of peonies. Luoyang is not only the cradle of Chinese civilization but also an important Buddhist center, witnessing the flourishing development of this religion throughout history.

Longmen Grottoes A Masterpiece of Buddhist Sculpture

In Luoyang, the Longmen Grottoes are an unmissable destination. This vast complex of caves features thousands of exquisite Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs along both banks of the Yi River, stretching over a kilometer. With a history spanning more than 1,500 years, from the Northern Wei to the Song Dynasty, the Longmen Grottoes contain up to 97,000 Buddhist figures, ranging from a colossal 17-meter statue to tiny ones just 2 millimeters, showcasing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese Buddhist sculptural art and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Zhengzhou & Kaifeng Preserving Traditional Chinese Essence

The journey continues to Zhengzhou and Kaifeng, two cities imbued with profound cultural and historical significance. These sacred lands have given birth to invaluable legends and legacies of China.

Shaolin Temple The Origin of Kungfu and Chan Buddhism

The most prominent destination is the Shaolin Temple, a world renowned Buddhist temple, regarded as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism in China and the legendary art of Kungfu. Here, visitors will admire ancient architecture, learn about the temple's history and development, and enjoy an impressive Kungfu show performed by martial arts masters. Especially in autumn, travelers also have the opportunity to marvel at the vibrant beauty of a 1400 year old ginkgo tree, a symbol of longevity and sacredness.

Kaifeng Prefecture and Baogong Temple – Symbols of Justice

In Kaifeng, you will visit Kaifeng Prefecture and Baogong Temple. Kaifeng Prefecture is an ancient government complex, once the workplace of Bao Zheng – the most famous honest and upright official in Chinese history. Here, visitors will learn about "Bao Gong's" life and career, explore his offices and courtrooms, and see the famous "execution blades" like the Dog Head Tiger Head and Dragon Head, recreating a glimpse of the feudal court's atmosphere and renowned historical cases.

Unique Experiences Exclusively with BDATrip

BDATrip is committed to providing a fulfilling and comfortable journey for our guests. The tour utilizes 4-star local hotels, ensuring comfort and quality accommodation. Notably, the program features no designated shopping stops, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in exploration without interruption. A highlight includes a two-way high-speed train experience between Xi'an Luoyang and Zhengzhou  Xi'an, saving travel time and offering stunning scenic views. Additionally, guests will enjoy a complimentary hot pot meal, a Tang Dynasty costume experience for memorable photos, and a seasonal fruit picking experience (grapes or strawberries), providing relaxing moments and connection with nature. With our enthusiastic and experienced English-speaking local guides, BDATrip promises to deliver an unforgettable journey, full of meaning and emotion.

The "Tracing Millennia of History" tour is an excellent opportunity for you to explore the depth of Chinese culture and history, from ancient capitals to majestic world heritage sites. Let BDATrip accompany you on this special journey, where every step tells a story, and every stop is a new and fascinating discovery.