Day 1 City Wall and local market

Your tour guide will greet you in Grand Noble Hotel at 8:00 a.m!

After a brief introduction to the tour, we will head to a crowded morning market filled with daily necessities. Like an open-aired grocery store, the shopping here is the central feature of the local’s daily life. It is the most active and lively part of the downtown shanty district. The crowds move through the middle of the street with vendors standing behind their booths, loudly selling their wares. It is bustling with people buying goods and at the same time bargaining vigorously. Immersed in this environment you may be forgiven for thinking you were in the centre of a bazaar in a Middle-eastern country. It’s the beating heart of a quiet and decrepit district nestled within the city wall.

Walking from the market to a public bus station, we will catch a bus for a short ride to the next stop - Xi’an City Wall. It is the biggest and one of the best preserved city walls in China and cycling on this 640 year old wall is always considered one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences in the city. You will see a large section of the city and also bump up your knowledge of this ancient city from our most devoted tour guide accompanying you on the cycle route.




Following the one hour bike ride you will be guided to a quaint cultural street exuding an aura of calm. Buildings are in an ancient Chinese architectural style and the vendors trade a variety of writing brushes, papers and stone seals. Traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy works can be browsed everywhere along the street. There are galleries and antique shops as well as many interesting workshops hidden down narrow alleyways. Strolling down the street will give you an authentic taste of the culture and history of the city. But more importantly our calligraphy master is waiting to impart his knowledge and guide our hands as we practice this ancient art. So, why not join us?