Program Overview:

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Xi'an was once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road — the most important trading route in human history. Today, it remains one of China's most extraordinary cities, best known for one of archaeology's greatest discoveries: the Terracotta Army. For History and Ancient Studies students, this is a life-changing classroom.

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Key Experiences:

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• Step back in time in Xi’an by dressing in traditional Chinese costumes and makeups, tasting authentic ancient-style foods.

• Enjoy captivating performances inspired by ancient Chinese culture and experience the charm of history come to life.

• Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum: all three excavation pits, plus the on-site museum. Students receive a guided deep-dive, not a hurried visit.

• Xi'an Ancient City Wall: 14km of intact Ming Dynasty fortification — cycle the full circuit at sunrise for a stunning experience.

• Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque: explore the cultural legacy of Silk Road traders — outstanding street food including roujiamo (Chinese 'burger') and biangbiang noodles.

• Shaanxi History Museum: one of China's finest provincial museums — 370,000 artefacts spanning 1 million years of history.

• Huashan Mountain (optional full-day extension): one of China's Five Sacred Mountains — challenging, exhilarating, unforgettable.

• Cultural activities: Tang Dynasty dumpling banquet · Xylography (Chinese woodblock printing) workshop · Shadow puppet performance

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