Xi'an Religions Tour
Description
Xi’an is a city with a history over 3,000 years and capital of 13 different dynasties. As the starting point of the world famous Silk Road, it’s also once the center of the world, both of culture and trade. People from east and west came to Xi’an with their goods, foods, culture and religions. Temples of various religions were dotted in Chang’an (today’s Xi’an), stories of persistent and dauntless monks and missionaries who traveled all the way to other parts of the world have been told for centuries. This tour will give you a chance to approach yourself to these temples and diverse religions, meanwhile to get some insight of today’s religious life.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Xi’an Great Mosque is one of the oldest and the best preserved mosque in China. It was first built in 742 AD in the Tang Dynasty, shortly after the introduction of Islam into China by Silk Road. It is situated in the middle of a very busy area with only narrow lanes and bazaars amongst shabby buildings. With a gorgeous blend of Chinese architecture style and Islamic culture, it’s a main religious sites for Chinese Muslims in the communities around and a great place worthy for a visit.
A famous Taoist temple with a history over 1,000 years. It’s a quaint temple of popular folk religion in Xi’an. Situated in the center of downtown Xi’an with the famous Muslim Quarter right behind it, this temple is quiet and atmospheric. To explore this hidden religious world after being to some popular and crowded sites, and to linger around the surrounding Muslim community nearby, you will get a chance to learn something about Taoism, to take nice pictures and to gain a great insight into the locals daily/community life.
A famous Taoist temple with a history over 1,000 years. It’s a quaint temple of popular folk religion in Xi’an. Situated in the middle of an old district near the ancient city wall, this temple is quiet yet more atmospheric. Open markets of antiques and foods nearby show the earthly life of locals, with some Taoist fortune-tellers selling their skills. To explore this hidden religious world after being to some popular and crowded sites, you will get a chance to learn something about Taoism, to take nice pictures and to gain a great insight into the locals daily/community life.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
It’s an eye opening tour for me, I’ve learned a lot from this tour, understanding the diversity in China which has come a long way and rich history from it’s diverse ethnic group and religion. How they have integrate and live harmoniously till today. My guide Jackie, is well versed in Chinese history in China and he is also very passionate about his work and love to preserve the heritage. He also will travel with you locally, taking public transport to reached your destination.
We had a wonderful Xi’an Religions Tour with Jackie! The tour was about five hours, and Jackie took us through non-touristic routes of the city, which gave us a much deeper and more authentic understanding of Xi’an. We visited a mosque and several temples, and Jackie shared an impressive amount of information about each site. In addition to that, he told us so much about the history of Xi’an and China in general. We truly enjoyed our time with Jackie and highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about the city and its rich cultural and religious history.
I've been on tours in my life, but this one is marvelous. Those 7-8 hours pass by too soon. You get to see the temples, the Pagoda and the mosque, you get detailed history, philosophy, anecdotes, and answers to every possible question about contemporary China. Mr Michael Chan was kind, patient and knowledgeable. We weren't "processed" and rushed through places, but really guided to discover. We traveled by bus, cabs and even an electric tuk-tuk between the sites. We also walked through non-touristy neighbourhoods and streets, made a stop to lunch at a local eatery with local prices (very tasty Xi'An dishes), bought teas at a real people's community market with our guide's help and so much more. That's as close and authentic as one can get to Xi'An as a tourist. (It's a pity we can't make it to the food tour as well.) It was a wonderful day.
