Great Wall Marathon

18 May 2024

The Terracotta Army

Xi'an – home to one of the largest burial monuments of the world; the Terracotta Army. This bustling city is the oldest of the “Four Great Ancient Capitals” of China, having witnessed several of the great Chinese dynasties including the Qin, Han and Tang.
20-22 May | 3 days | 900 USD

Today Xi'an offers a great mix of old and new. Despite it’s more than 8 million inhabitants the city is much more tranquil than Beijing, yet its streets brim with life, reminiscent of its ancient glory.

  • 20 May: Beijing - Xi'an

    We begin our journey from Beijing to Xi'an on the famous Bullet Train, a sleek and long airplane-shaped high-speed train, which travels up to 300 km per hour.

    The inside of the train offers wide windows, comfortable seats and attendants. 5-seat rows are available in the train. Upon arrival, we will check in to the Grand Dynasty Hotel, located right at the edge of the distinctive Muslim Quarter, a haven for snack lovers. The tour leader will take us on an evening stroll through this bustling part of the city.

    The Muslim Quarter, known for its peculiar architecture, has structures designed with the styles of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but has been inhabited by Muslims for many generations, providing a rich combination of cultures to this area and the sight of over ten mosques. In its market, run by the locals, you will find all sorts of dried fruits, breads and cakes, many restaurants, and stalls of exotic food and snacks.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 21 May: Terracotta Army

    2,200 years ago, the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di commissioned the creation of an estimated 8000 clay warriors, an army that would protect him in the afterlife. These clay statues, together with terracotta acrobats and bronze figures of swans and other birds, are unlike anything discovered before. During our second day, we will visit this location; learn about the intricate process of restoration, involving unprecedented modern medical technologies.

    In the afternoon, we will take a bike ride on the city wall, a National Historical and Cultural site, created by the Ming Dynasty to fortify Xian, and which has impressive moats, watchtowers, corner towers and covers a total of 14km.

    In the evening we visit the Tang Dynasty dancing show, one of the main attractions of Xi'an and a proud representative of Chinese entertainment; a vibrant and colorful performance which is accompanied by great Cantonese delicacies.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Tang Dynasty dancing show.

  • 22 May: Return to Beijing

    Our visit to Xi'an is now over, so we will have a morning transfer to the train station, and from there, take a bullet train once again heading towards Beijing, where we will arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of our tour. Once there, transfer to the airport is not included, but taxis are plentiful. Alternatively you can book the departure transfer. We recommend you book your flight after 19:00 (7:00 pm), to ensure you have enough time to get from the train station to the airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price information

    Shared double room: 900 USD
    Single room supplement: 170 USD

  • Inclusions

    Second class tickets with bullet train Beijing-Xi'an-Beijing
    2 nights’ accommodation at Grand Dynasty Hotel – 3 star
    Terracotta Army sightseeing incl. entrance fee and transportation
    Tang Dynasty dancing show
    Meals according to itinerary
    Albatros tour leader

  • Exclusions

    Beverages
    Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    Personal expenses
    Travel and health insurance
    Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

  • Post-night

    It is possible to book an extra night in Xian if you wish to spend more time exploring the city. Transfer to the train station will still be arranged just as the return train ticket will be extended with a day.

    Price pr. person in shared double room: USD 140
    Single room supplement: USD 85
    Price incl. breakfast.

  • First Class ticket

    It is possible to request a first class train ticket. Please email us if you wish to travel first class and we will confirm if available.

    Price to upgrade to First Class for both train rides: USD 150