Pictures, of course, don't do justice to the famed Qin Dynasty terra-cotta soldiers. So get pedaling and experience for yourself Xian's Ming Dynasty tombs—funereal monuments to the Western Han and Tang Dynasties. At the terminus of the ancient Silk Road, Xian was China's capital for 1,100 years. Today it is an enormous necropolis that adventurous souls not intimidated by tourist buses can explore by bicycle.

Grab a bike and spend the day ruin hopping as you explore Emporer Qin's unearthed terra-cotta armies and the Tang Emporer's Wild Goose Pagoda. When the city buzz gets too loud, escape to Hua Shan (two hours to the west), the most beautiful peak of China's Five Sacred Mountains.

Walk with the emporer's army.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Easy
When to go: September to November