Mortise and tenon joints are the nail-free, essential joints of ancient Chinese architecture. The protruding part is the “tenon,” and the recessed part is the “mortise.” When they fit together perfectly, they firmly unite the wood, a feat that has endured for millennia.
It is not merely a technique, but also an embodiment of Eastern philosophy: representing the power of yielding, balance, and restraint. From magnificent palaces to exquisite furniture, mortise and tenon joints offer silent support, using softness to overcome hardness, giving architecture a lifelike resilience.
Today, you will personally touch this ancient wisdom and experience the seamless dialogue between pieces of wood.
Route 1: Terracotta Warriors + Luban Lock Experience Half-Day Tour
7:30-8:00 Tour guide picks up tourists from the hotel
8:00-9:30 Depart for the Terracotta Warriors Scenic Area
9:30-12:30 Visit the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang (Pit 1/Pit 2/Pit 3)
12:30-14:00 Return to Xi'an and end at the Bell Tower
Complimentary Luban Lock package (one set per family (six locks))
Price includes:
- Hotel pick-up
- English-speaking tour guide service
- Terracotta Warriors entrance ticket
- Personal travel accident insurance
Price excludes:
Tour guide and driver gratuities (suggested $10 USD)
Meals not included
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Route 2: Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace + Luban Lock Experience One-Day Tour (15 people)
7:30-8:00 Tour guide picks up tourists from the hotel
8:00-9:30 Depart for the Terracotta Warriors Scenic Area
9:30-12:30 Visit the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang (Pit 1/Pit 2/Pit 3)
12:30-13:30 Special Lunch (Choose one: Biangbiang Noodles/Sanqin Set Meal/Dumplings)
13:30-16:30 Visit Huaqing Palace Scenic Area
16:30-18:00 Return to Xi'an, ending at the Bell Tower
Complimentary Luban Lock Set Meal (One set per family (six locks))
Price Includes:
- Hotel pick-up
- English-speaking tour guide service
- Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace entrance tickets
- Special lunch
- Personal travel accident insurance
Price Excludes:
Tour guide and driver gratuities (suggested $10 USD)
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Route Three: Terracotta Army + Luban Lock Workshop Experience Day Trip (Private Tour/Evening Departure)
10:00 Tour guide picks up tourists from the hotel
10:00-10:30 Depart for Luban Lock Workshop
10:30-12:00 Learn about the charm of Chinese mortise and tenon joints and experience making Luban locks.
12:00-13:00 Lunch (Shaanxi-style mutton stew)
13:00-14:00 Travel to the Terracotta Army
14:00-17:00 Visit the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang (Pit 1/Pit 2/Pit 3)
17:00-18:00 Return to Xi'an and visit the Tang Paradise.
Complimentary Luban lock set meal (one set per family (six locks))
Price includes:
- Hotel pick-up
- English-speaking tour guide service
- Terracotta Army + Luban lock workshop experience
- Lunch (Shaanxi-style mutton stew)
- Personal travel accident insurance
Price excludes:
Tips for tour guide and driver (suggested $10 USD)