Private Day Tour to Famen Temple and Qian Mausoleum from Xian

Xian , China

Private Day Tour to Famen Temple and Qian Mausoleum from Xian

Active

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Qian Mausoleum and Famen Temple are very popular attractions recent years. This private day trip offers you opportunity to explore the mausoleum for Lizhi and Wuzetian Emperors in Tang Dynasty, which was built in 7th century. Moreover, you will view the Famen Buddhism temple with your local guide. It is wonderful to learn the high Tang culture and Chinese Buddhism during the tour.

Available options

Tour

Tour package<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Bottled water

Private tour

Lunch

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

At 7:30 am, your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby in Xian, then you will take 1.5-hour ride to Qian Mausoleum.
Qianlin Mausoleum was built for a couple, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wuzetian in Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). But they were buried into 2 separate tombs respectively, and there is Sacred Road in between these two tombs with sculptures standing on both sides of the road.
Your guide will take you to visit the Sacred Road, the famous stele, and view the big tombs. Afterwards you will visit the Tomb of Princess Yongtai who was buried nearby. In this tomb, there are well-preserved 40 pieces of tomb paintings about the daily life of the royal family including the hunting, fighting, ritual, maids etc. From these tomb paintings, you will know the high standard of art during Tang Dynasty.

Afterwards you will continue driving 1.5 hours to Famen Temple. The history of Famen Temple can be traced back to Northern Zhou Dynasty(6th Century AD), but it was named Famen in 618AD in Tang Dynasty. In1987, four relics were found under the Relic Pagoda. Two of these were made of white jade. The third relic was from a famous monk. These three are called duplicate relics. The true relic, a finger bone of the Sakyamuni Buddha, is yellow-colored, with bone-like secretory granules. Thereafter, Famen Temple became a Buddhist place of pilgrimage. You will visit Treasure Hall, Grand Hall, Relic Pagoda and Namaste Dagoba, the Dagoba was designed to not only be a place of worship but to house the relics unearthed from the Famen pagoda. However, the True Relic will only be exhibited on 1st, 15th of each month for Chinese calendar, Saturday, Sunday and Chinese holidays.
Afterwards you will take 2.5-hour ride back to your hotel in Xian where the trip concludes.

What's not included

Drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Xian

Xian is one of the oldest cities in China, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the famous Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and as the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Top Attractions

Terracotta Army

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Historical 2-3 hours 150 RMB (including museum)

Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the old city and offers a unique perspective of Xian's history and urban landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours 54 RMB (including bike rental)

Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is a bustling area known for its vibrant street food scene, historic mosques, and unique Islamic architecture. It offers a glimpse into the multicultural history of Xian.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (food and shopping costs extra)

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xian. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Historical 1-2 hours 50 RMB (including museum)

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most important museums in China, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi region. It houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (but requires a reservation)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Roujiamo

Also known as the Chinese burger, it consists of braised pork belly stuffed in a crispy flatbread.

Snack Contains pork

Liangpi

Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy sauce and various toppings.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Yangrou Paomo

Lamb soup with bread pieces, a staple dish in Xian.

Dish Contains lamb

Biangbiang Noodles

Wide, hand-pulled noodles with a thick, chewy texture, often served with a spicy sauce.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lishan Mountain Biking along the Ancient City Wall Visiting Huaqing Palace hot springs Tea tasting in local teahouses Exploring the Terracotta Army Visiting the Shaanxi History Museum Walking the Ancient City Wall at sunset Trying local street food in the Muslim Quarter

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Xian as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Xian is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Xian Xianyang International Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

Xian Railway Station, Xian North Railway Station

By bus

Xian Long-distance Bus Station, Xian North Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Xian Metro is efficient and covers most major attractions. It's the fastest way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Yanta District Beilin District Muslim Quarter Qujiang New District

Day trips

Huaqing Palace

15 km from city center • Half day

Huaqing Palace is a complex of hot springs and palaces known for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. It was a favorite retreat for emperors and is associated with the Tang Dynasty.

Lishan Mountain

20 km from city center • Full day

Lishan Mountain is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and historical sites. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Famen Temple

120 km from city center • Full day

Famen Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, known for housing the relics of the Buddha. It is a significant pilgrimage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

Festivals

Chinese New Year • January or February (varies) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month Qinling Mountain Marathon • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Try local street food, but choose busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and food safety.
Use the metro or bike-sharing services to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Book tickets for popular attractions like the Terracotta Army in advance to avoid long queues.