Do you want to see the impressive Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, China? If so, you’ll be excited to learn that United Airlines will be the first U.S. carrier to offer a trans-Pacific route flying directly to the city. Starting on May 8, 2016, flights will leave three times a week from United’s San Francisco hub. The seasonal route will run until October 27, 2016.
The flights will depart from San Francisco International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:25 p.m., and then land at 5:30 p.m. in China. Return flights will leave Xi’an’s Xianyang International Airport on the same days at 10:30 a.m., and return to San Francisco at 7:35 a.m.
It’s a Dream on the Dreamliner
United will fly its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this route, offering passengers a lot of bells and whistles. If you hate feeling jet-lagged, then you’ll appreciate the aircraft’s new air circulation system that’s designed to reduce dehydration. It also features tech that creates a smoother ride, making the flight much more comfortable.
In addition to being constructed from light weight materials, the Dreamliner has redesigned engines and a new aerodynamic design. All of that works together to make them faster, which is great for long-haul flights. Inside the aircraft, passengers will have more room and more overhead storage, along with dynamic mood lightening and large bay windows.
When in Xi’an…
Xi’an is known for its Terracotta Army. The exhibit at the Terracotta Warriors Museum includes over 8,000 excavated sculptures of warriors made out of terracotta. They were handcrafted for an emperor’s burial over 2,000 years ago. The soldiers were first unearthed by farmers, and more warriors are being discovered all the time.
Once you’ve maxed out on the warriors, there’s plenty of other activities to occupy your time in Xi’an. You can visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is seven-stories high and about 1,300 years old. If you make it to the top of the pagoda you get a rather majestic view of the surrounding area. You can also ride your bike along the City Wall, which is just about 600 years old. It’s one of best preserved fortifications in China.
Adventurous day trippers may want to check out Mount Huashan, which is one of the most impressive mountains in China. The hike can be dangerous, with steep slopes and narrow paths, but it’s become a favorite for those looking for some thrills and chills. The Muslim Quarter in the city offers small shops with local wares and restaurants offering a fusion of Middle Eastern and Chinese cooking.