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.
Highlights
- Qian Tomb and cave dwellings small-group tour from Xi'an
- Learn about the impressive rule of Empress Wu Zetian on a guided tour of the Qian Tomb
- Admire the striking figures and frescoes inside the Tomb of Princess Yongtai
- Tour farmers' cave dwellings and discover their remarkable facilities
- Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in a local family's home
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle included
- Small-group tour ensures a more personalized experienced with your guide
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Small-Group Tour of Qian Tomb and Cave Dwellings from Xi’an
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Cave DwellingsGate of one of the houses in the villagePhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave DwellingsSide view of one of the houses.Photo by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave DwellingsA local farmer sitting in front of his housePhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave DwellingsInterior of one of the cave dwelling houses. Such a surprise how modern it looked!Photo by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave DwellingsThe cave dwelling villages had harvests like thesePhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave dwellingsFront gate of a cave housePhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Cave DwellingsCave dwelling housePhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Qian TombStone sculpture in front of the mausoleumPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Wordless MonumentThis was the wordless stele of Empress and Emperor WuzetianPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Stone SculpturesCivil official stone sculptures around the mausoleumPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Qian TombThere were other tour groups going to the mausoleumPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Qian TombGreat avenue leading up to the Qianling MausoleumPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Useful Information
Giant Lion at Qian Tomb
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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