Best of Xi’an, Mount Huashan & Luoyang — 3-City Small Group

Trip Overview

A 4-day tour of China's ancient capitals — the Terracotta Army and city wall of Xi'an, the granite peaks of Mount Huashan, and the grottoes of Luoyang.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 · Xi'an

• Arrive Xi'an; the walled old city.
• Scenic spots: Xi'an City Wall (cycling), Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Local food: roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, yangrou paomo.
• Transport: private car airport transfer.

Day 2 · Xi'an

• The Eighth Wonder of the World.
• Scenic spots: Terracotta Army & Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Huaqing Palace.
• Transport: private car (~1h).

Day 3 · Xi'an → Mount Huashan

• Rail to the foothills; cable car up the sacred peak.
• Scenic spots: Mount Huashan south summit, plank walk.
• Transport: high-speed rail (~30min) + cable car.

Day 4 · Huashan → Luoyang

• Rail to Luoyang's cave temples.
• Scenic spots: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple.
• Transport: high-speed rail (~1.5h).

Highlights

• Facing the ranks of the Terracotta Army.
• Cycling the top of Xi'an's 600-year city wall.
• The thousands of Buddha carvings at Longmen.

Practical Tips

• Best season: April–May, September–October.
• Terracotta Army and Longmen need advance tickets.
• Mount Huashan's plank walk is exposed — skip if afraid of heights.
• Luoyang peonies bloom in April.

Estimated Cost (per person)

• Lodging (3 nights, comfort): ~$240
• Transport (rail + car + cable): ~$160
• Tickets: ~$140
• Meals: ~$90
• Guide share: ~$70
• Total (Comfort): ~$700 per person
• Budget variant: ~$500 · Comfort variant: ~$700 · Premium variant: ~$1,050