The first contacts between adherents of Buddhism and the Chinese people took place along the Silk and Fur roads during the Eastern Han dynasty (8-220AD). Over subsequent centuries these central caravan routes, with Chang'an (near Xi'an) at their eastern terminus continued to serve as the principle avenue by which Buddhism entered China. So significant did this Indian religion become to Chang'an's development that by the eight century the city boasted sixty-four monasteries and twenty-seven nunneries,  » Read more »

Day One  Depending on what time you arrrive in Xi'an, you might want to take a stroll around the city to get yourself acquainted with this bustling metropolis. Most impressive are the well-preserved city wall and the Bell Tower, the latter being the central-most point of Xi'an. Just south of the Bell Tower is Shuyuanmen, a traditional street full of antique and craft shops. This evening you will be treated to a private dumpling and noodle-making lesson.  » Read more »

The Terracotta Warriors represent only a small portion of the eight thousand strong underground army buried in front of the Emperor Qinshihuang’s tomb (r. 221-207 BC) to defend him in the afterlife. The craftsmanship attested by each of the statues is as stupendous as the scale of the project. So who was the Emperor Qinshihuang to merit such magnificence? One of the most important rulers in Chinese history, this Emperor leaves a legacy as morally complicated as that of Peter the Great.  » Read more »

Xi'an and its surrounding area is at the very heart of China's history. This city served as the capital seat of twelve dynasties for more than 1100 years, and its Wei valley is the legendary birthplace of Chinese civilization. It was here that the mythical Yellow Emperor (third millennium BC) conquered the other warring tribes to give birth to the Chinese nation. Over the centuries successive capitals have changed their names and locations,  » Read more »

An enviable combination of scenic beauty, fascinating heritage, exotic cuisine and unforgettable up close and personal cultural and luxury experiences make this elite itinerary for China a must-try. Travel along our specially designed Silk Road, which takes you in Imperial style from Beijing to Xi’an to Guilin, to Hangzhou, to Shanghai and beyond. 1. Beijing Arrival Arrive in Beijing and meet your China Host who’ll whisk you to the Park Hyatt Beijing,  » Read more »