Small group tour of qian tomb and cave dwellings from xi an

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!