As interest in traveling to China grows, British travel agents eagerly explore new market highlights and seek fresh itinerary ideas. From October 18th to 21st, A delegation of 16 British Travel Agents, organized by the China National Tourist Office London visited Shaanxi, experiencing Xi’an’s history and culture within 48 hours, with strong support from Air China. This journey was more than just a travel experience; it was a cultural exchange bridging East and West. Let’s take a look back at their packed itinerary and the valuable insights they gained!

01 First Impressions of Xi’an: A Dive into History

Morning Tour: Xi’an Mosque and Cultural Diversity
On the morning of the 19th, the delegation of British Travel Agents visited Xi’an’s renowned mosque, witnessing the rich coexistence of diverse cultures in this ancient city. The solemn, historic architecture and the warm hospitality of the locals offered the group a deep sense of Xi’an’s unique cultural atmosphere.

Cultural Exchange Forum: UK-China Dialogue on Tourism Potential
After the morning tour, the British Travel Agents attended a cultural exchange forum hosted by the Xi’an Tourism Bureau. Bringing together experts from Xi’an’s tourism industry, the event facilitated in-depth discussions between British travel agents and several international tour operators, including Wendy Wu Tours to discuss how Shaanxi’s unique offerings could attract more British visitors.

Exploring Culinary Delights and History: Muslim Quarter, Xi’an Museum, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda
In the afternoon, the delegation of British Travel Agents explored the lively Muslim Quarter, Xi’an Museum, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda, discovering Xi’an’s history and unique stories.

Evening Performance: “Dream Back to Chang’an”
As night fell, the British Travel Agents attended the grand live performance “Dream Back to Chang’an.” With magnificent scenes and captivating storytelling, the show transported viewers back to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. The dynamic interplay of lights, shadows, and dramatic narratives gave British travel agents a renewed appreciation for the depth and richness of Shaanxi’s cultural heritage.

02 Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace: A Revival of Legend and Heritage

Awe-Inspiring Encounter: Up Close with the World Wonder – The Terracotta Warriors
On the morning of the 20th, the delegation of British Travel Agents visited the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. Standing before thousands of meticulously aligned clay soldiers, they were deeply moved and expressed admiration, noting, “You truly have to see it in person to grasp its grandeur.” The group also took part in a hands-on workshop, learning the craft behind the warriors, which deepened their appreciation for this thousand-year-old cultural masterpiece.

Romance and History: A Visit to Huaqing Palace and the “Song of Everlasting Regret” Performance
In the afternoon, the delegation of British Travel Agents travelled to Huaqing Palace, a historic site steeped in the romantic tale of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and natural hot springs, they experienced the location’s charm. By evening, the group attended the celebrated “Song of Everlasting Regret” performance, where the masterful storytelling brought to life the poignant love story, leaving the audience with a vivid understanding of this legendary romance.

03 “A Thousand-Year Promise” Sparks New Hopes: Takeaways and Advice from British Travel Agents

Shaanxi’s Appeal in the UK Market: Rich and Captivating

Sarah from Trailfinders remarked that Shaanxi, known for its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, already enjoys high popularity among British travelers. She highlighted that China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has fueled a surge of interest in travel to China, leading to a sharp rise in inquiries at travel agencies. This recent visit deepened her understanding of Shaanxi’s cultural richness and human stories, reinforcing her confidence in future collaborative opportunities.

Increasing Promotion and International Presence

Andrew, a representative from Wendy Wu Tours, believes that Shaanxi should increase its promotional efforts at international tourism exhibitions and on social media platforms to raise awareness of Xi’an’s historical narratives. He emphasized the importance of sharing engaging cultural backgrounds to enhance Shaanxi’s appeal in the global market. Additionally, he noted that the region’s rich cultural diversity and abundant tourism resources represent a significant advantage.

04 Immersive Cultural Experiences: Attracting Young Travelers

Travel writer Elizabeth suggested that Shaanxi could meet the demands of modern tourists by offering more “immersive” cultural experiences, particularly for those eager to delve into local culture and daily life. By developing non-traditional tourism products, such as ancient city explorations, craft workshops, and authentic culinary tours, Shaanxi can draw in a younger audience seeking personalized and distinctive travel experiences.

05 Route Optimization: Facilitating Direct Access to Shaanxi

Zhang Bin, a representative from Air China UK Office, shared the latest updates on flight optimization. She noted that demand for travel to China has rapidly rebounded this year, prompting airlines to enhance route integration and actively promote destinations like Shaanxi in the international market. This initiative aims to provide British travelers with more convenient and efficient access to Shaanxi, supporting the return of international visitors to the region.

06 Looking Ahead: Shaanxi’s Growing International Appeal

This exploration not only further showcased Shaanxi’s cultural and historical allure among British travel agents but also paved new avenues for future UK-China tourism collaboration. As the tour concluded, the delegation of British Travel Agents returned with 48 hours of rich memories and deep affection for the region. Looking forward, Shaanxi is poised to captivate even more attention from around the world with its unique culture and diverse travel experiences.