Visitors who extend their stay in Xi'an for half a day can experience all the history of the city itself? As the region's capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xi'an was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The renowned Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area's rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. In fact, Xi'an's city wall is the very next stop on the tour. It is the most complete and best preserved city wall in all of China, dating back some 600 years. More than a monument, the wall is still an active part of city life that bustles all around it./p>

You'll end your tour with a visit to the exquisite Drum Tower, the outside of which is ringed with enormous drums. Inside the tower you'll see the museum-quality collection of percussion instruments from all around the region.

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and was the fabled starting point for the famous Silk Road. It served as the provincial capital for 13 dynasties, spanning a period of 1,100 years.

Xi'an is unlike any major city in China, with an intact city wall, quaint local customs and a long history, even by Chinese standards. Xi'an is home of the world renowned Terracotta Army, an archeological site of unimaginable size and importance. The Terracotta Army was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb and to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 life-size Terracotta figures and horses buried here. The museum complex features extensive exhibits, artifacts and a movie of the rich history of the site, plus breathtaking examples of the countless treasures unearthed here.

After your museum visit and a delicious lunch, you'll also see two major attractions associated with the area. Huaqing Hot Springs, east of Xi'an and is located at the foot of the Lishan Mountains. For centuries, emperors came here for its scenic beauty and to bathe in the hot springs. It has been a popular destination since the time of the Tang Dynasty. Next you will travel to the top of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qing Shihuang, the largest known tomb in the world. It covers 56 square kilometers, which includes the Terracotta Army site. It has yet to be excavated, but a monument sits atop a hill above the emperor's tomb.

The final stop on your tour is a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the Tang Dynasty. Climb the stairs to get a birds-eye's view of Xi'an and learn more about the history and mystery of Buddhist practices in Shaanxi Province.