This 1-day private Xi'an tour visits Maoling Mausoleum, the Zhangjiashan cave dwellings, and Yuanjia Village in a single west-bound loop. It suits history lovers and families who want Han dynasty heritage and real village life without an overnight stay.
The core sight is Maoling, the tomb of Emperor Wu of Han who reigned 141-87 BC and the largest of the Western Han imperial mausoleums, with Han stone art on site. Zhangjiashan shows traditional loess cave homes, while Yuanjia Village serves Shaanxi snacks in restored courtyards.
Routing runs Xi'an out to Xingping and Liquan and back the same day, about two hours each way, so the schedule stays light. It is an easy add-on to any Xi'an stay for travelers interested in imperial history and rural Guanzhong culture.
Maoling Mausoleum — The tomb of Emperor Wu of Han (reigned 141-87 BC), the largest Western Han imperial mausoleum covering about 54 sq km.
Huo Qubing Tomb — Within the Maoling museum, it holds the 'Horse Trampling Xiongnu' stone sculpture, a 2,000-year-old Han funerary masterpiece.
Zhangjiashan Cave Dwellings — Traditional loess yaodong homes carved into the plateau, still lived in by local families near Xi'an.
Yuanjia Village — A restored folk village in Liquan County, Xianyang, known for Shaanxi snacks and old courtyard houses.
Emperor Wu of Han exhibits — The on-site museum displays Han pottery, coins, and the emperor's monumental burial mound.
Loess Plateau scenery — The drive west of Xi'an crosses the Wei River plain into loess terraces typical of Guanzhong.
Shaanxi folk food — Yuanjia Village serves biangbiang noodles, roujiamo, and steamed buns made on site by village artisans.
Guanzhong plain drive — The route follows the Wei River past farmland and the tomb-studded Han dynasty burial belt west of Xi'an.
Morning — Maoling Mausoleum
Start your day at Maoling Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Wu of Han, who ruled China from 141 BC to 87 BC and whose reign saw the Han empire expand westward and the Silk Road trade routes open. Located in Xingping, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, the mausoleum is one of the largest and best-preserved imperial tombs of the Han Dynasty: it took some 53 years to build, covers an area of more than 50 square kilometers and is enclosed by a massive earthen wall. The burial mound rises like a flat-topped pyramid at the center, surrounded by satellite tombs that served as its guardians, and the nearby Maoling Museum displays many artifacts excavated from the site.
Afternoon — Zhangjiashan Cave Dwellings and Yuanjia Village
In the afternoon, head to Zhangjiashan Village, famous for its traditional cave dwellings carved into the loess hills. These homes stay cool and comfortable even in the heat of summer, and visitors can explore the village, meet local residents and learn about the traditional architecture and way of life of the region. Next, visit Yuanjia Village, a charming old settlement that has been carefully preserved and now welcomes visitors with traditional buildings, narrow alleyways and small shops. The village is known for its local foods prepared in the traditional way, and you can watch or take part in activities such as milling flour, weaving cloth and making tofu.
Evening — Flexible Evening
The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure after a full day in the countryside.
Meals — Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
All three meals are included on this day.
| Group Size | Adult(Age:8-80) Price/p.p | Child(Age:4-7) Price/p.p | Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p |
| 2 PAX | from $242 | / | / |
| 4 PAX | from $168 | / | / |
| 6 PAX | from $150 | / | / |
| 8 PAX | from $136 | / | / |
| 10 PAX | from $127 | / | / |
| 20 PAX | from $106 | / | / |
| 30 PAX | from $96 | / | / |
Most visitors need a Chinese visa to enter China; Xi'an qualifies for 240-hour visa-free transit if you hold an onward ticket to a third country, and Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, and the UK have short-term visa-free entry as noted.
Spring and autumn are best; summer is hot and winter cold on the Loess Plateau. The day is light with flat walking at Maoling and Yuanjia, so it suits children and seniors. Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes, carry cash for snacks, and book 1 week ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa for this Xi'an day tour?
A: Yes for most nationalities a Chinese visa is required, though Xi'an allows 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket and several countries have short-term visa-free entry.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, it is a light day of flat walking at Maoling and Yuanjia Village with cave-home visits, so it works well for families with kids.
Q: How far is Maoling from Xi'an?
A: Maoling sits in Xingping, about two hours west of Xi'an, with Yuanjia Village nearby, so the round trip is a relaxed single-day drive.