Tour Details

Small-Group Tour of Qian Tomb and Cave Dwellings from Xi’an

From: £160.72

Duration: 8 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

Step back in time and explore Xi’an’s heritage on a guided visit to ancient imperial tombs and farmer cave dwellings. As you walk around the Qian Tomb, your guide will share the story of the extraordinary reign of Empress Wu Zetian, the only female Chinese emperor. Enter the Tomb of Princess Yongtai and discover the antique artistry of the many murals and paintings. Then, see how farmers live in their cave dwellings – some even with modern facilities! Your full-day tour will include pickup and drop-off at your Xi’an hotel and a home-cooked meal at a local Chinese family’s house.

On this guided historical tour, discover firsthand some of Xi’an’s most impressive imperial tombs and explore real famers’ cave dwellings in Shaanxi. After pickup from your Xi’an hotel, enjoy a 1-hour drive by air-conditioned coach to the Qian Tomb, the joint resting place of the Tang Dynasty’s Emperor Gaozong and his wife Empress Wu Zetian - the only woman in Chinese history to rule as an emperor. Walk along the massive pathway toward the tomb and marvel at the ancient sculptures lining the path. See Empress Wu’s Wordless Stele, a blank tablet that symbolizes her absolute power, which she believed to be inexpressible in words.

Then, visit the Tomb of Princess Yongtai, renowned for ancient artifacts including ceramic and tri-color figures. See exquisite wall murals that depict the glories of the Tang Dynasty at its prime and marvel at the elegant painting of the 16 maids of honor, which features a young woman known as ‘the first Oriental beauty.’ After touring the tombs, stop by a local Chinese family’s home for a special home-cooked meal. Enjoy the hospitality of local Xi’an people and maybe even learn a few cooking tips along the way.

Continuing on the historical theme of your tour, visit the cave dwellings of farmers in Northern Shaanxi. These types of dwellings have existed for nearly 2,000 years and have been handed down by ancestors from the Neolithic age. They come in two forms: stone, which are carved out from the side of a cliff, and earth, dug into the ground. Learn from your guide about the life of the local farmer and discover how these houses operate; the natural insulation of the earth keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making them eco-friendly and energy efficient. You’ll be surprised how much these cave dwellings rival modern residences in terms of facilities and functions – some are even equipped with their own refrigerators and cable TVs!

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon