Xi’an, the 3,100-year-old ancient capital city of China’s Shaanxi province known for its Terracotta Warriors and Horses, launched its Night Tour Program (“the scheme”) this week, creating a new highlight for tourists in the city. The program will introduce 30 nighttime tour routes throughout the city by 2020 and is expected to raise retail sales revenue by more than CNY 50 billion.

Kang Lifeng, deputy director of the Xi’an Department of Culture and Tourism, noted: “The newly-offered night tour scheme has covered every aspect of city tourism to enable an all-in-one experience from sightseeing at night to performances, catering, and shopping. We hope the new program will encourage visitors and our residents to share the vitality of our city.”

The City Wall, together with the Stele Forest, a themed museum focusing on displays of stone steles, epigraphs, and stone sculptures from past dynasties, will extend their opening hours. The sites forming part of the Ming dynasty fortifications of Xi’an will also be integrated into the new route, bringing a unique experience to visitors and restoring the vitality of the ancient and prosperous city.

Apart from signature modern song and dance performances such as the South Gate Welcoming Ceremony, Everlasting Regret Performance, and Tang Style Dancing, the city will also introduce local operatic Qin Cavity performances, shadow puppetry, and ancient-style concerts. Cultural experiences will also differ between seasons, as the performance will blend modern developments with local culture and tradition across the seasons.

The city will also invite visitors to take part in various cultural experience projects, including nearly 100-night markets, by the end of 2020 as part of its nightlife route. Decorated lighting on avenues will provide access to major nighttime activities, including local hawker stalls, gift shops, and night markets.

The city will also increase and improve transportation in the metropolis by increasing evening bus services, extending operation times based on capacity and passenger flow, introducing online taxi services, and training taxi drivers. The government will also step up plans to enhance outdoor hiking trails, slow lanes, and public fitness areas for residents and visitors.

“The night tour scheme echoes the city’s ‘Pan-Travel’ strategy, which aims to expand the tourism industry chain in Xi’an and increase economic returns,”

added Kang Lifeng. Terracotta Warriors

For more information, please visit http://cbe.xa.gov.cn/default.htm

The Terracotta Army: An Unmissable Wonder of Xian

The Terracotta Army is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring historical sites in the world, and it’s located just outside of Xian, China. This incredible collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, and was created to protect him in his afterlife.

What to Expect

• Thousands of warriors and horses: The pits where the army is housed contain thousands of life-sized terracotta figures, each with unique facial features and expressions.
• Impressive scale: The sheer size and scope of the Terracotta Army is truly breathtaking.
• Detailed craftsmanship: The level of detail in the sculptures is astonishing, from the intricate armor to the horses’ harnesses.
• Ongoing excavations: As the site is still being excavated, you might have the chance to witness new discoveries.

Planning Your Visit

• Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather.
• How to get there: The Terracotta Army is about 30 kilometers east of Xian. You can easily reach it by bus, taxi, or organized tour.
• Time needed: Allow at least half a day to explore the site.
• Tips:
  • • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
    • Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved.
    • Bring a camera to capture this incredible sight.