Xian Private Day Trip to Famen Temple, Qianling Mausoleum & Tomb of Princess Yongtai

Tour Highlights
• Visit Famen Temple where the veritable finger bone of the Gautama Buddha (Sakyamuni) was discovered.
• Visit Qianling Mausoleum where China's only empress regnant, Wu Zetian was buried with her husband Gaozong.
• Experienced English speaking tour guide.
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments.

About This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Xian.
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Xian
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour. However, your guide can suggest local food options. We recommend having a substantial breakfast and bringing snacks to tide you over during sightseeing. 

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Xian
• Drive to Famen Temple (less than 2 hours)
• Visit Famen Temple (2 hours)
• Drive to Qianling Mausoleum (about 1 hour)
• Visit Qianling Mausoleum (1 hour)
• Visit the Tomb of Princess Yongtai (30 minutes)
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Xian

Tailor This Itinerary to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxes

Price Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GGC private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GGC tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GGC offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

Know Before You Go
• Keep your passport on you constantly. It might be needed to buy entrance tickets.
• Add us on WeChat (+86-18309280878) or WhatsApp (+86-18309280878) to reach GGC service staff at anytime.
• Pick-up time, guide's name & contact information will be confirmed by WhatsApp, WeChat or email.
• Your guide will hold GoGrandChina welcome sign with your name, waiting at the appointed meeting place.
• Meals are not included; please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
• Please note that if you book accommodation on Airbnb, you may not be picked up and dropped off at the door.
• During pickup, we allow a maximum wait time of 20 minutes. If you fail to show up and cannot be contacted, the tour will be cancelled without a refund.

Hotel Pick-up & Transfer to Famen Temple
Your private guide will be holding GoGrandChina pick-up sign and waiting for you in your hotel lobby (or other appointed meeting place) at the appointed time. You will be transferred to Famen Temple by a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle. The ride is about two hours.

Visit Famen Temple
Famen Temple was originally built in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty to enshrine relics of Buddha presented to China by India’s King Ashoka. These relics include a white finger bone - the real sarira of Sakyamuni. The temple was originally called King Ashoka Temple. During the Tang dynasty (618–907), the temple entered its halcyon days and was renamed Famen Temple, meaning the initial approach to becoming a Buddhist believer. In 1981, after torrential rains weakened the temple pagoda’s ancient brick structure, its entire western side collapsed. During its restoration in 1987, a sensational discovery was made: below the pagoda in a sealed crypt were 2,499 ornaments, scepters, mystic color ceramics, colored glaze, silk fabrics contributed by Tang emperors and empresses and vessels of silver and gold of exquisite craftsmanship. The finger bone of Shakyamuni Buddha together with three “shadow bone” relics discovered in the crypt are the only existing finger bone relics of Sakyamuni Buddha in today’s world and are considered the most sacred relics for Buddhism.

Transfer to Qianling Mausoleum
It will take about one to drive from Famen Temple to Qianling Mausoleum

Transfer to Qianling Mausoleum
Qianling Mausoleum is best known for its colossal stone sculptures of exquisite detail. Two Tang emperors were buried here, Gaozong and the Empress Regnant Wu Zetian, Gaozong's wife who crowned herself in 695 AD. Their imperial tombs set the standard for all funerary Sacred Ways that followed. The Sacred Way of Qianling is lined on both sides with a succession of stone statues: two ornamental columns, two winged horses, two ostriches, 10 saddled horses and 20 officials. A 25' tall "Uncharactered Stele" commemorates Wu Zetian, and 61 headless stone statues honored foreign ambassadors present at Emperor Gaozong’s funeral. The tomb chamber of Qinaling is located deep within Mount Liangshan, the entrance not discovered until 1958. Field study suggests that the chamber still remains sealed and untouched.

Visit the Tomb of Princess Yongtai
Princess Yongtai's tomb was excavated in 1964. It had been robbed in history, and items made of precious materials had been taken. However, the thieves did not bother with the over 800 pottery tomb figures, and the extensive frescoes were untouched. The tomb had a flattened pyramid rising 12 meters above ground, and a long sloping entrance tunnel lined with frescoes, leading to an ante-chamber and the tomb chamber itself, 12 meters below ground level with a high domed roof. 

Transfer Back to Your Hotel
After visiting the Tomb of Princess Yongtai, your private guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel.