Guests are warmly welcomed by an English-speaking guide at one of the city’s downtown hotels before the exploration of Xi’an commences. A myriad of streets and alleys, all capturing the essence of happening China, your driver for the day navigates with ease towards our morning stop. Located in the heart of the city, Muslim Quarter draws explorers from around the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the area that has become known for its street food and restaurants that include kebabs, dumplings and one of Xi’an’s most famous dishes, paomo – steamed bread in a lamb or beef stew – while also gaining a deeper understanding into local Islamic culture.

Within the old quarter, the Grand Mosque takes centre stage. As the largest place for Islamic worship in the whole of China, it is hard not to be awestruck by the Great Mosque of Xi’an. Originating from 742, the complex was significantly expanded during subsequent dynasties and now comprises more than twenty buildings spread across four courtyards. As well as being historically and architecturally impressive, the mosque still serves the spiritual needs of those who live in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and can accommodate more than 1,000 worshippers at any given time.

As one of two important pagodas in Xi’an, Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built during the Tang dynasty in 652 to pay homage to Emperor Zhongzong. Almost hidden in the surrounding parkland, learn about the structure’s fascinating history and how at one point it stood at 45 metres tall but after the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake, it now stands at 43 metres. Also discover its cultural importance in the area; it was one of the main centres in Chang’an that translated Buddhist texts. It is time to head back to your hotel at the end of this fabulous tour through hectic Xi’an.